Pain & Wonder Tattoo and Piercing Studio

I love getting to book appointments and basically being the only one there when I go because it makes me feel safer with all the variants going around.

Bato did my rook and conch piercings, which turned out perfectly and healed up very well! He has since helped me change out a few earrings and even fixed one with a bent stem. Besides his skill (which is top notch), I thoroughly appreciate his calm and friendly demeanor. He is a professional who clearly knows what is best, but he doesn't have an ego about him when he tells you what you need to hear, and he treats you like a human being, which is something I believe to be essential for anyone doing body art. He's also pretty soft-spoken and gentle, which always helps me feel less spooked over the needles.

Now that I'm done glowing over Bato, I will also add that Pain & Wonder is *always* clean, with ample jewelry selection at lots of different price points. Parking can be a little difficult because it dwindles when you get to the end of Washington, so I'd recommend getting an appointment between 1:00-4:00 pm on a weekday when there are less people downtown.

James is hands down one of the best tattoo artists in Athens. Always professional and clean. I highly recommend him to anyone. He’s always down to do whatever design I throw at him even if it’s super simple and even helps give it his own cool twist. I’ve always left super happy with everything he’s done for me! Really can’t wait to go back.

I've done 4 tattoos over the last 20 years in Athens and I have always gone to Pain & Wonder. You know you're going to get top notch work in a clean and safe environment. The staff and management are professional and help guide you to the artist that will best achieve your vision. I got this RTJ tattoo yesterday with Joe Rackley and he really knocked it out of the park. This was my first color piece and I can't imagine it turning out any better. Thanks Joe, keep up the great work!

Thank you, Qulock for doing a great job I'm happy with my Tattoo adding on the vine to the butterfly was a great idea.

Very clean and friendly! James did my tattoo and did an amazing job!!! He helped bring what I wanted to life without being too jumbled together! Would most definitely recommend to everyone I know!!!

JAMES is the man! I’ve been working with him for the past 4 years on my tattoos. Started seeing him at another shop and followed him when his career journey took him to Pain and Wonder. He’s quick, smooth and knows how to keep your mind off things under the needle. He’s professional but also polite and easy to work with. He loves adding his own artistic flair to his work and will really work with you to make sure he understands exactly what you want.

I got my septum pierced by Randy. My experience was simply amazing! This was the 18th piercing in my lifetime and I’ve never had a piercing be so quick and painless! He also has an AMAZING bedside manner that kept me calm and made me feel welcome and comfortable. Simply the best!

I got a few tattoos from Christian many years ago when he worked here and loved the environment and hospitality. I got my first big pieces here and was always offered a soda or a chance to go get fresh air. Recently, my dad got his first tattoo from Jack and he was incredibly patient with reworking the design and making my dad comfortable. I also got a little piece from him and he did a great job!

I went in yesterday for Bato to pierce my earlobes and I had a great time. He was very informative the entire time and kept my nerves at a minimum just by being himself. I’ve seriously not met many other people as friendly as Bato was! The studio was very clean and sterile. All around a great experience and I will go back here for any other piercings I decide to get! I’m very happy and they look great 😊

Amazing! From our first tattoo 22 years ago here, to bringing our son to get matching father -son tats, Jacob and Q are amazing artists! From the sticks and proud of it!