Dear Dave,
I acquired my first tattoo in 1955 when I was sixteen years old. Since then I have collected ca. 15 pieces in various styles and met many outstanding artists, plus I have visited dozens of shops throughout the United States and abroad. On 7 December 2006 I drove down to Hampton VA to consult with Dave Heydn at I Am Tattoos about some cover work. Upon entering the studio, I felt welcome: the house artists/staff are professional, courteous and friendly. Moreover, the shop is well lighted, spacious, antiseptic, and fully equipped. [I could do with less rock 'n' roll at high decibels, however.]
As for the quality of Dave's tattooing, I am nearly at a loss to describe his superb draftsmanship, command of shading/color, and meticulous attention to detail. My latest tattoo is superb, a peerless example of body art. Indeed, I am sceptical of Platonic perfection, but this tattoo qualifies like no other.
From this point, Dave Heydn is my artist of choice. I am now a bit concerned that, in a few years, I will look like Rod Steiger in the film based on Bradbury's canonical short story, "The Illustrated Man."
Best,
Dr. Cliff H
Just a quick note from "Eagle Cover-up" to say I read your message and agree fully with what you have written. You have been forgiven by God and now we can only pray that those who stand in judgment against you will show mercy and understand why you did what you did. I was so sorry to hear of your recent legal issues and continue to pray for the best possible outcome from all of this. Hopefully one day those family members closest to you will understand, forgive, and remember who you really are and the love you have always shown.
Thank you for deciding to use my particular tat for your gallery! When I saw it tonight I flipped. Now, thanks to your web site, I have worldwide exposure for my arm and your excellent skills!! Thanks again, I'll continue to send folks your way for their art work.
Yours in Christ,
B.
Dave,
After reading your letter to your family and the community I think there is nothing to forgive. I really don't think you did any thing wrong. It's our government thats wrong-
Marijuana is illegal but alcohol is legal???????? My thoughts and prayers are with you. You hang in there.
Much Love and Support,
Kathy
Just wanted to tell David thanks for the great job he did on the GOLLUM piece on my Lord of the Rings leg, at the Tattoo fest in Tampa. Hope to see him for some more work next year. Keep looking on your web site to see if he will post the ink he did on me.
Thanks for the GREAT job.
Michael
David, Juliette, and Pu…
I just wanted to drop a note to you all to acknowledge the quality work you all did with my leg piece. It was my first tattoo, and I drove 6 hours round trip to get there and if I remember correctly was there 8 times until it was finished… it was worth it. I’ve gotten nothing but props on it and I’ll be back if it ever turns into a sleeve.
Keep up the good work.
Matt
C-ville, VA
Dear David and staff,
I just wanted to thank you again on the wonderful job that you did on my bald eagle tattoo. It has finished healing up and looks absolutely wonderful. Everyone over here loves it and thinks it looks great (and I would have to agree whole-heartedly). I am glad that I came to you to get it done as I can say you all truly concern yourself with making sure that what anyone gets is exactly what they want and is perfect. I would also like to thank everyone for thier prefessionalism while I was in your shop as I was quite nervous since this was my first tattoo. Having a professional staff made me feel more at ease with my decision. Again, many thanks for everything, and should I decide to get another tattoo, I know where I will go without a doubt in my mind.
Respectfully,
Glenn
Afghanistan Now
Anti Terrorist Team
Kabul, Afghanistan
Dear David, Sean, Pu, and Juliette,
I have got to say it man.........What an awesome job y'all did to raise money to help the victims of that horrible tragedy! Sending the money, not only to the Red Cross but also the SPCA.......I mean, how cool is that??
David, thanks again my brother for immortalizing my children's names on that very cool tat. And then to touch up my memorial to my late father touched my heart deeply. You made it stand out!!! You are, and will always be "The Michelangelo of Inkdom"!! I also appreciate your being cool with me getting a tat by Sean. He is a quality artist and such a great compliment to your studio. I can't wait to get back in the chair and finish this piece. Add Pu, and top it off with my dear friend Juliette and you have the very best. What more could one say?
Thank you again for my "works of art" and setting the bar in excellence. Keep on inking!
Robert
Just sending you a note to let you know that you are by far “simply the best!!” you recently performed magic on a ‘that’s pitiful’ tattoo---your artistic ability exceeds the highest quality anywhere, your tattoo studio alone projects class-professionalism-upon entering you feel an air of sophistication----and of course—cleanliness is next to godliness—your sterilization techniques would be easily approved by any surgeon questioned. Your staff are first rate---esp.your body piercer. My experience could not have been any finer. Thanks for making the most out of a ordinary image—you gave my tattoo life—as well as enriching my own.
Always,
vab
Hey, I just wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you and pay homage to Dave and his studio. Its a friendly, clean, and upbeat environment that should have you in good spirits while getting tattooed. As far as Dave's art goes, he pushes the boundaries and redefines whats known as "good work". All kidding aside, there should be a reality television show on his shop. I've enjoyed every bit of work I've received so far and look forward to much more. His knowledge on all subjects is deep rooted an universal, so its always a pleasure to be there.
Seans work is awesome as well and is a top notch artist.
The shop, the artists, and the attitude is all geared to towards good tattooing.
I wrote this because its just a little of what I can give back compared to what he has gave me.
Peace!
Billy
Amazing, you are truly amazing. You put everyone I know to shame. I wish now I didn't
have the tattoo's that I have. You have a very impressive studio which looks so professional.
Something I never experienced.
Roganne aka Buzzzz
Hi David and Staff,
I have attached a picture of one of the sharks we experienced on our Bahama trip. - We saw 12 of these beauties on our first dive and 4 on our fourth. My shark tattoo is healing nicely and everyone is just amazed at the detail.
Thanks David for your great artwork and I hope to see you again in the near future for another.
Kim
VA Beach
I can't say enough about the experience I'm having while David works on my half-sleeve. While being tattooed rocks and getting tattooed can suck, the artistry, professionalism and attention to detail that are David's trademark more than make it worth it. From the initial consultation, the clean, hygienic studio and the developing masterpiece on my arm, this is without a doubt the best tattoo experience I've ever had. I've been getting tats for 25 years now, so I know a thing or two about the art. Or at least, I thought I did until I met David. My eyes have been opened to an entirely new form of the art and I am one fully satisfied customer! 9 hours down, 5 or 6 to go! On this tat, anyway!
Sincerely,
Michael
THANK YOU!!!!
I’m not sure which was better - my tattoos, David or the great staff and friendly atmosphere. I just wanted to let you know how awesome my experiences were. Can you please email me the “before” and “after” pictures of my leg and shoulder? I need a memento of the crap I had on my body before vice the artwork there now.
Thank you;
George
Hi
I just had to write to say how much I loved your art – truly truly amazing.I wish you were here in Australia – I would drive across the country to have you create art like that on my skin.
An inspired Aussie,
Karen
I just want to Thank You for allowing me to view your art I was truly amazed you are VERY talented !
Lin
Vancouver Canada
Hey this is Jana, Just thought I would write you to say you really have some wicked tattoos!!
WOW, I STUMBLED UPON UR PAGE, U HAVE SOME REAL FRIGGEN TALENT........
