Spellbound Tattoo Studio

Karen is a truly gifted artist and her studio is an amazing place. Friendly, quiet and spiritual, she made my ideas real and beautiful. I recommend Karen to anyone who wants only the best ink done, but I highly recommend her to women. I wouldn't trust my skin to anyone else. There's a reason she's been voted the Best in Austin for so many years in a row! more

Long story short got a tatoo by someone that's been here n atx a long time (bad job) karen covered it and now waiting on my 4th secction for my sleave. Bad ass chick. Thanks more

Went to Spellbound on a recommendation from a friend. I was informed of Karen being voted Best Tattoo Artist in Austin for 5 years running, so I felt comfortable going with her after further reviewing her website and some examples of her work. It was so worth it. I fully expected this tattoo to be somewhat painful based on the location; however, it truly was not. Karen provided a very clean, relaxing atmosphere along with good conversation. Thanks for the experience Karen! You did a wonderful job, and I'm very pleased with my new tattoo! Pros: Very professional and excellent vibe! Cons: Zero more

I was looking for my first tattoos (yes, plural). Karen along with a few other artists were recommended to me by a friend who has ties to Austin's tattoo community. I'm extremely pleased I decided on Karen (call it a gut feeling) as I don't think I could have had a better first experience. Karen?s work is extremely intricate and detailed; she truly has a passion for art. Whether her medium is canvas or skin you can tell by looking at her work that she truly is passionate about what she does and takes a lot of pride in her work. When I asked another tattoo shop for assistance in designing my tattoo they told me to find what I was looking for on the internet. Needless to say that was not the answer I was hoping for. For one of my tattoos I gave Karen a concept and she embraced it coming up with a one of a kind design that is exactly what I was looking for. Accolades to her for listening to me and asking the right questions so she was able conceive what I had in my mind?s eye but just couldn?t draw or design myself. Her work absolutely fantastic. Given her passion, credentials, and pride in her work I would recommend her to anyone. Pros: Detailed and able to do custom work more

Let me begin by saying that Karen Slafter is an artistic genius. I was lucky enough to know someone that knows her, and now I can?t see myself going to anyone else for ink. Her fantastic color work, intuition, and respect for the client and their ideas are a few of the things that strike me most about this lovely lady. I was more than thrilled to learn that Karen has opened her own shop. You can find Spellbound Studios off South Lamar, although it?s so quiet around her shop, you?d never know it. The whole feel of her new space is serene and inviting. The shop itself is beautiful, with private chairs and good lighting. There is nothing lacking in Spellbound except the Holier-than-thou attitude that pervades so many tattoo shops in Austin. You will not find that kind of vibe at Spellbound, and you certainly won?t get that from Karen. She is kind and understanding, and she works extremely hard for her clients. You could not ask for a better artist, or a better shop, to go to for tattoo. Pros: Incredible work, wonderful atmosphere Cons: Not one single thing more

Listen-I am no artist, but I know what I like. I like what has been transmitted from my mind to my body by Karen's hand. I like showing off her work to others, and being proud that I have gotten it from a professional businesswoman who now has her own shop! I like people saying ""WOW!!!"" when I show what Karen can do. I like how Karen treats everyone she comes in contact with in a very nice manner. Pros: Your tat is gonna look awesome Cons: I am not gonna lie, sometimes tattoos hurt...NO PAIN NO GAIN more

Karen is an amazing artist on both skin and canvas. I'm so excited that she is in her own shop and will have free license to create an amazing environment filled with great energy and uber talented artists. As for Karen, artistic genius aside, several things about her stand out in my mind. She has the most amazing talent for all things botanical. Her use of color and texture is nothing if not phenomenal. Most amazing of all she seems empathic in her abilities to intuit exactly what her human canvas wants and needs, even when based on a vague idea or concept. I can't think of anyone else I'd trust so completely and I can't wait to get back in her chair! Pros: Amazing art work, great energy, superior style. more

I was lucky enough to have a friend recommend Karen Slafter for my first tattoo five years ago, when I was, I thought, just passing through Austin. The work is ""in there"" still: red is still new-vibrant after all this time. Since I moved here, there was no question I would always return to her for more work. She has an uncanny ability to understand the meaning behind a vision. From a lousy sketch and some brainstorming, she came up with a back piece that is something I will be honored to live with all my life. Aside from having talent and technique for days, Karen is forthright, caring, meticulous, and ethical. You couldn't ask for a better artist to trust with your skin. Pros: gorgeous work, terrific art, clean, professional, great ink more

I have 3 tattoos from Karen, and each one is amazing and beautiful. She is a warm engaging person with a talent for tattooing second to none! Pros: Clean, comfortable, wonderful colors and big talent more