Client Testimonials

Louis is a true artist and a master of his craft. He was able to take my idea and translate it more beautifully than I could’ve imagined. As I shared my initial concept (Shia LaBeouf own leg tattoos inspired) he shared with me that he was a huge fan of all the artists I chose! We were able to both connect thru the same music and from there led to just good vibes throughout the entire session. About 6 hours of just sharing our interests and life stories, this was by far the best tattoo experience I’ve had. Louis is a dope artist that can truly connect with people. He Is humble, patient, and a great person. I’m already planning my next tattoo and for sure will be headed back to his studio. Thanks again my dude!

- Chris Z.

Louis is a national treasure and a master of his craft. When I approached him with my idea, I couldn’t have imagined how incredible it would turn out. He creates a great atmosphere in his studio, focuses on the comfort of his clients, takes care to make sure his clients fully understand tattoo care, and most importantly, he makes a badass, unbelievably detailed finished product. I can’t recommend him enough!

- Cam M.

The experience I had with Louis was one of a kind...from the initial consultation to my first appointment, followed by a second appointment the week after, the experience couldn't have been better. The atmosphere vibe, the final result, everything from start to finish was amazing. I did a lot of research in the area and I couldn't have been happier with him. He's such a down to earth guy and knows how to connect extremely well with each of his clients. The final result couldn't have been better either. Thank you for one heck of an experience. I highly recommend anyone looking in the area to visit Barak Studios. 10/10 recommend.

- Michael P.

I believe there is magic in art, and Louis’ work is proof of that. I never had any tattoos, and I never planned on getting one. But that all changed a few months ago when I lost my soul dog, my best friend—much to my surprise, getting a tattoo is the only thing that felt right. Louis was able to take my grief and turn it into a celebration of life—if that’s not proof of the magic, I don’t know what is. I would highly and enthusiastically recommend Louis to anyone looking for some fresh ink or a custom piece of art—because if you want to see your vision come to life and you want it done right, Louis is your guy. Hands down. From our first consultation to the finished product, he made the experience perfect in every way—it was personal, meaningful, and truly unforgettable. Louis went from being a complete stranger one day to becoming one of the most significant parts of my healing journey the next—only a good person with unrivaled talent can do that. Words can’t express how much I love my tattoo—it turned out better than anything I could have ever imagined, and I am so thankful to Louis for making it such an unforgettable and perfect experience to celebrate my boy!

-CJ

The first time tattooed, Louis B. covered my wrist. I'm super happy with the results as well as the healing process. I was scared about having permanent ink on me for the rest of my life. I have zero regrets and could not be happier with the finished product. Would highly recommend…getting bombarded with positive feedback. It's flattering.

-Michael

Louis is an extraordinary artist and person. From the consultation, to the tattoo designs and the way he took some lyrics and turned them into something more beautiful than I ever could have imagined, to the cleanliness and comfort of the space, to the conversation and music while I was getting tattooed, to the aftercare information he provided-everything was perfect. And he is so incredibly talented! His design elements and colors are unique, his line work is precise and delicate, and his color work is mind-blowing. So many layers and so much depth in each of the pieces he created. He is professional in how he works, but also so laidback and easy to talk to. I would have given him 20 stars if I could have.

-Joanna Z.

Great artist who made me feel very welcomed and took the concept I gave and enhanced upon it. One of the only artists I know that can do color on darker skin so well and still have it heal great. 10/10!

-Jedidiah E.

I contacted over a dozen artists when searching for the right match to recreate this tattoo that has held so much meaning to me. Many artists of which replied that my tattoo would not be able to be done where I wanted it because of its delicacy, detail and the size of my tiny wrists. Others quoted me over $700 more than I ended up paying at Barak Studios. My experience at Barak Studios was beyond what I could have imagined for my first time working with a private artist. The studio was clean, inviting and overall, a beautiful space to be in. The artist, Louis; a passionate, talented and attentive professional who shared moving conversations with me about our passions and life itself. Not only did I leave with the tattoo in the place I wanted it - Louis brought my dream to life better than I could have imagined, it was practically identical! My experience at Barak Studios was unlike any other I’ve had with any artists I’ve worked with before. I can’t wait for my next piece with Louis!

-Victoria R.

Louis, plain and simple, has incredible craft. I’m super fortunate to have found him as a tattoo artist. You can see all of his work on the site, which speaks for itself, but what I appreciate is the time and effort he took to understand the story I was trying to capture in the work. He’s also super versatile. He’s done lettering for me, a cover-up and a full back piece. All of which I couldn’t be happier with. I just feel lucky to work with him while I can get on his books!

- Chris B.

I’m more than satisfied with the whole process of working on my tattoo with Mr. Barak: the efficient email communication, the thoughtful crafting and design of what I wanted, how smooth and with minimal pain the procedure went. I would definitely come back for all my tattoos—I loved the end result and the subtle yet stunning incorporation of colors and shades.

- Liorimar M.

I got my first tattoo at Barak Studios and it was an amazing experience. Louis helped me keep calm. He did an outstanding job with the tattoo. I sent him a picture of what I was envisioning, and the outcome was out of this world. Absolutely love my tattoo. I will definitely be scheduling my second tattoo soon.

- Sandy O.

Getting tattooed by Louis was an awesome experience and a great environment, he does everything he can to make you comfortable, there's plenty of great art around you to look at, and he makes great conversation! Not to mention the quality of the tattoos is fantastic! I will certainly be coming back.

- Creepz

Beautiful artist, amazing work! I have gotten my past two tattoos with Louis Barak, one in 2018 the other just a month ago. Both tattoos have healed perfectly. He really helps you understand the best way to care for your tattoo during the healing process. Louis is an incredibly detailed and caring tattoo artist. The entire experience is unmatched from other artists I've gone to. I've greatly appreciated the meetings before getting tattooed where Louis listens not just to your idea of what you want, but the story behind it. He put as much care and creativity into my tattoos as I could hope for, and it shows in his work. A picture can barely capture it, they look even better in person! I love my tattoos, can't wait to get another one here!

- Nancy B.

Louis is phenomenal. Not only is he a great artist, but he’s also super personable and makes the experience easy and comfortable. His work is amazing and he’s extremely detailed. He has done 2 tattoos for me and I travel to Chicago for him. I’m excited to see how his creative mind connects the rest of my arm art. I highly recommend.

- Dominique S.

Barak Studios is an incredible experience for getting tattooed. It is a private studio so you can feel at ease and receive personalized attention from the artist. It is extremely clean and professional. Lou is very detailed in taking exact measurements and creating unique artwork. There are nearby sport hero parking spots that make the location accessible for those who drive. Lou’s artwork is different than I’ve seen any other artist produce- which is exactly what most people are looking for when looking for an artist. Lou is incredibly friendly, flexible, and professional. He goes out of his way to make sure his clients are taken care of and feel comfortable. 100% recommend!

- Chelsea B.

Louis is a very talented artist with years of experience under his belt. I had 2 sleeves done by Louis and I have been enjoying his artwork every day. No matter how complicated your project is, Louis will take his time to understand what you want and create a unique design that will literally blow your mind. Last time I was getting a tattoo, I drove from Colorado to Chicago to have it done by Louis simply because I love the incredible quality of his work. He will also give you a lot of useful tips on how to make your artwork heal properly, so that you can enjoy it for years to come.

- Roman S.

Had an idea for a tattoo & Louis Barak brought it to life. He showed me the design prior, made a few changes, & went to work. His attention to detail is above & beyond. His shop was clean & he taught me how to take proper care of my tat during the healing process. One of my favorite things about working with him is it's one on one. It's not a multi-chair shop with people walking in and out or looking at you while you're getting your tat. It's just you and the artist. I’d give him 6 stars if that was an option!

- Matthew M.

Louis is amazing I remember meeting him a few years back and he first did my love supreme (John Coltrane) piece and I’m on #8 of his magnificent work. He is best of best when it comes down being a professional and artist and operating at a high-level. You can talk to him about anything from food, family, music and etc. You can see and hear his passion in his work. And he truly truly cares about each and every person that sits in his chair. I highly recommend that if you want the best. Definitely See Louis!!!!

- Troy S.

Louis is one of the best tattoo artists in Chicago! And he is a true artist. He loves to make art and push his skills to the next level at every opportunity, and it shows! He's done both of my sleeves and I get compliments on them all the time. If you want a tattoo that you'll be happy with for years to come, see Louis. He'll hook you up with the best work money can buy!

- Jeremy K.

I can't say enough good things about Louis as a tattoo artist and general great human. Can't recommend him enough for black and gray realism but clearly, his style knows no bounds. Not only is he off the charts talented, but makes you feel super comfortable from the moment you sit in the chair to the time you're wrapped up and ready to go -- and that's certainly not always the case, especially for women! Can't wait to book with him at his new studio!

- Lauren T.

Lou has been doing custom work for me the past six months and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. He's super personable, extremely passionate about his work, and cares about his clients. Every time I walk into his studio (which is dope and unlike any other I've ever been to) he treats me like a friend, not just another client, which I know he prides himself on doing with everyone he works with. He did a challenging coverup on my shoulder and is currently working on a custom sleeve for me. In both cases, Lou asked me what my ideas were, then asked me a few questions about my background and interests which turned into conversations about my life. He took all the information gathered and created something that not only incorporated what was important to me but also included elements of my life that he interpreted in his own artistic style. Bottom line, if you're looking for a truly custom piece of art that is different than virtually all tattoos out there today, done by an artist who really listens to what you want and what's important to you, and you give him the creative freedom to design that piece of art in his unique style, then you've found your guy.

- David A.

Louis is undoubtedly one of the best tattoo artists in Chicago. He has taken my ideas of what I would like and turned them into something special. I have been going to Louis for over two years now and wouldn't want anyone else to tattoo me. He is truly amazing when it comes to his work as well as his professionalism from beginning to end. 10/10 Recommend!

- Austin C.

Lou did some excellent color work on a back piece for me awhile back. I recently visited his new studio for a new tattoo. Not only is Lou an incredible artist, but he is also professional, kind, patient and passionate about his craft. The new studio is a great space, sleek and modern with some of Lou’s artwork displayed on the walls. I highly recommend Lou at Barack Studios for your next tat!

- Samantha

Louis is amazing. He was very open to my ideas and was able to manifest my imagination into art. He was extremely professional and took care of me every step of the way. He also displayed patience with me when I had to reschedule an appointment. I trusted Louis with my first tattoo, and I couldn't be happier with my experience.

- Kevin D.

Louis Barak is a mad genius. He listened deeply to the idea I had for my tattoo and went above and beyond my expectations. His style is unique, daring, the juxtaposition of classical art school technique with his own street art aesthetic. His clean, comfortable, private studio is the perfect place to realize your next tattoo.

- Ryan J.

I honestly do not know why Louis isn't famous already. First off, a great artist, and secondly a masterful tattooer. He is incredibly professional as well as a perfectionist! Anyone that goes to him with an idea will receive full attention and come out with a great result! I highly recommend anyone go to him!

- Daniel C.

Barak is an amazing artist! He's patient, knowledgeable, and a true professional in the tattoo world. The studio is clean and inviting. If you're not ready to take the leap for a tattoo, definitely check out his artwork, personalized bags and t-shirts. Can't say enough positive things about this place!

- Peter S.

Louis is super talented and professional. I am happy to work with him and support him and love his new shop! He's truly passionate about creating works of art that you will love. His style is unique and original which makes him someone to seek after If you're a collector of tattoos and/or art. Definitely get any type of artwork you can from Louis! He’s the bomb and his style is totally unique! His new shop is the coolest art studio around.

- Twylla J.

I had an idea for a tattoo that I had been mulling around in my head for more than a few years. It wasn't going to be just any ink job--this was going to be a half-sleeve that represented basically everything in my life that mattered to me at the time (and still does). The art needed to be how I imagined it, but I also needed some direction on the composition.

After finding Louis Barak in an online article, I looked up his Instagram and found that his style was the perfect blend of abstract colors and realistic rendering for my piece. I brought him my idea, of a cottage nestled under a starry sky and a large evergreen tree reaching into the universal abyss. I had an exact idea of how the cottage and tree should look, but I let him run with the universe-scape. I was not disappointed.

The piece he showed me on paper was better than anything I could have thought up, let alone drawn myself. The sessions themselves were anything but boring--Louis let me play old-school hip-hop in his new studio and I think I got more out of our time together than any money I've spent on a therapist.

Louis Barak is not only an incredible artist with the needle, but he is also a stand-up gentleman; a family man, a conscientious citizen, and a progressive thinker. As long as I live in Chicago, I won't be going to anyone else.

- Kyle F.

Louis is doing some of the most original and cleanest work in the city. I've only gone to him for the past 2 years for all of my work. He started freshening up some of my older pieces and then went on to put some Louis originals on my arms. Super friendly, laid-back and fun to talk to. If you're looking for some real art, Louis is the guy. Highly recommended!!!

- David W.

- Austin C.