New Republic Tattoo, Foo!

Have you ever walked into a tattoo and/or piercing shop and thought, 'Did I just walk through a hole in the wall and end up in a dumpster?' Then all the artists stop what they're doing to look up at you and make you feel extremely uncomfortable and out of place. There almost seems to be a glint of crazy in their eyes, as you feel the floor start to open. That’s NOT what you’re going to find at Donny Manco’s New Republic Tattoo.

The tale of this beautiful friendship began only a couple years ago.  I was searching the world’s wide web to shed some light on the whole “tattoo” thing, which I knew nothing about. I was extremely timid about the idea of having goo-gone resistant ink on my arm. As I explored my Google searches with much trepidation, among the shops found I discovered New Republic Tattoo. They not only had no counts against their shop for cleanliness issues, they have also been awarded with the Fort Wayne Reader’s Choice Best of Tattoo Shops for three consecutive years, claiming the title for 2011. This intrigued me to say the least. I knew with the plethora of tattoo shops sprouting up all over Fort Wayne that I had to approach the experience of my first tattoo with some thoughtful consideration.

I called their shop for general information and to set up an appointment - they were super nice. I decided it was time to visit the shop to allow the artist to get a better idea of what I was wanting. As I walked inside I was greeted right away and didn't feel as out of place as I was expecting to feel. I sat down with Donny, the owner, and talked with him about my tattoo ideas. He not only took note of what I said but made suggestions that I didn't even think about. To this day I still get compliments on my wolf tattoo. Since then I have returned to their shop for three more tattoos: a cupcake, a half-sleeve Marvel tattoo, and an Underoath symbol done by Zeke. All of which I LOVE and constantly have admirers for. Donny Manco's New Republic Tattoo is my first, no, make that only place to get tattoos. In fact, I have quite a few additional tattoos planned out, it's just finding the time and money.

Now this post isn't to say that any of the other tattoo shops are mediocre, I just wouldn't go anywhere else to get more work done. I love going into New Republic Tattoo and getting some permanent ink put on my skin, and having fun just hanging out in the mean time. All the guys there are great and I'm a long term customer, and friend to their shop. So, if you're in the area and looking for a great tattoo shop, check it out!!