Elevate Tattoo Studio

Fantastic experience. Justus is phenomenal at his craft and very friendly to talk with. Whole experience was smooth and easy. The shop is clean and sleek as well. You do have to book in advance.

Super nice studio, very friendly and cool people work here. Cleanliness is top notch, got my tattoo from Kathryn, very happy with it. but seen Justus work being done while I was there and he did phenomenal work as well. You have to book in advance

Saw Katie for a tattoo yesterday and she was wonderful. So sweet and a very talented young lady. I totally recommend her for tattoos for anyone!

I went in for a tattoo in memory of my father. Justus went above and beyond, giving me a perfect tattoo. He is super talented. I cannot recommend him highly enough!

When you walk in to the Elevate Tattoo Studio, you begin to notice the real difference. It feels very laid back and almost like a spa instead of a traditional “Tattoo Parlor”. That is because it is anything but traditional. It is on a completely different level.

I’m that guy who always talked about getting real work done but was too picky or too scared to actually pull the trigger and make it happen. When I finally did, I searched for the top realism artists in the Midwest. I read article after article and finally sent out a couple of emails to which Justus responded and we set everything up by chatting in Instagram (Insta: Tattoos by Justus). One major difference for me, was that there generally isn’t a sketch provided beforehand by tattoo artists of Justus’ caliber. It isn’t a question as to whether or not they can do it, if they can’t do what you are asking, they just tell you up front. Too many other folks lined up to do the stuff that they will crush.

On the day of my appt, I drove 4 hours to his studio, great communication leading up to it. He gave me all the confidence I could ask for that this was the right decision. We recapped what we had discussed leading up to the appt and he began pulling the piece together right in front of me. He would adjust the size, positioning, etc until he and I agreed on where it would stay on my arm. Another note: everyone’s body is different. Someone just handing you a sketch and that’s what it is going to be isn’t in it for you…not like they should be. Justus waits to make it unique to you and he’s not going to break skin until it is right. It took me a minute to get over this fact in the few months leading up to the appointment and I began to get nervous. I want everyone to know, you are dealing with a future legend in his field....Trust the process.

Back to the shop…I am about as selective as one can be when it comes to major decisions. I will research, review, and 2nd guess decisions that I haven’t even made yet. So, when I tell you that I was at complete ease 30 minutes into a 16+ hour tattoo, know that this type of comfort is very foreign to me. Further, I almost always doubt everyone’s true intentions. However, Justus’ vibe and the overall vibe of Elevate is one that carries no arrogance but instead makes you feel like the star through humility and respect. My respect for him has done nothing but grow since we first interacted. He is incredibly authentic and genuine.

Since coming home with my new sleeve, I have been stopped countless times by folks wanting to know where in the world I was able to get such a stunning piece of art. When I tell them that I drove 4 hours to get it, their response is the same EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. – WORTH IT!! I couldn't agree more.

Other questions I have received:
How far out did I book? 5 months (this ink is forever – do it right)
How far did I drive? 4 hours, 8 hours round trip (this ink is forever – do it right)
How were the rates? On par with other artists half as talented and cheaper than others trying to do what he does
Would you recommend to your family? My wife is already booked for her birthday, my father is looking to get time in his schedule, our niece is looking to come in from N. Dakota for a piece….so ABSOLUTELY!

Final thoughts: If you have been searching for the right person to do your tattoo and you aren’t looking for a full color piece – Justus Schulte is unequivocally the right person. Stop looking, set a date, and Elevate!

Justus rocks. His shop is sleek and modern. He truly enjoys his craft. Watching him work is awesome. He can pack the black without damaging the skin. He is my go too from now on.

Justus is absolutely amazing he did such an amazing job he's so nice an caring an makes sure your comfortable the whole time I highly recommend him I will definitely be coming back

This dude is awesome, plain and simple. Easy top choice for black/gray realism pieces. New shop is dope, clean af and easy to find.

Absolutely adore this place!!