Rob did a memorial piece for me 2 weeks after my son passed away. He did an amazing job, most detail I've ever gotten in a tattoo. I'll definitely be a returning customer.
Matt O’Mite
Jul 2025
EXCELLENT place to get a tattoo done. Joe was a great artist and totally made my tattoo more than I expected. He’s a really great artist with a great attitude. He took my idea and made it a true work of art. Joe was helpful and offered many different options for coloration, size, etc but I never felt like I wasn’t part of the discussion or decision. It was nice to see a professional of the trade not do what he wanted to do for himself but to guide me with information and choices.
The place is very relaxed and doesn’t give off bad vibes or make you feel intimidated. Lots of 80’s and 90’s movie themed memorabilia. The owner really has done a great job of making clients feel welcome and comfortable. The entire facility is clean and the stations are nice. As a new customer and new to tattoos the biggest thing for me was the fact the owner set this up so it didn’t give off typical tattoo place feeling. If you have been to some of the other local tattoo businesses you will know what I’m conveying here.
If you are new to tattoos or just want a great place with great artists (especially Joe) this is the place for you! You won’t be disappointed.
If the owner is reading this PLEASE don’t ever change what you have with this place!!! The small setting, the attitude, direction, theme, etc are perfect. You have a great welcoming place that far exceeds the other “competitors” around the Livonia area. Keep the arcade games too. Very cool touch.
Nancy DiGiacomo
Jul 2025
Edit to add: I love coming into this place. The staff is amazing and they make you feel like you are one of them. The conversations had are the absolute best for sure!! Rob is AMAZING. His talent is beyond this world. I was referred by a co worker and I could not be more happy. He was so friendly and so professional. I knew right away I was in good hands when he showed me what he had with the tattoo. He knows what he is doing and makes sure you are comfortable with what is going on the whole time. The end result was more that I could ever dreamed of too. He went above and beyond. Thank you Rob!!!
Jessica Barber
May 2025
I got this tattoo done by Nick Whateley here a few weeks ago. Before he was even finished, I knew it was my absolute favorite work of art on my body (and I have a lot of tattoos). His shading technique is seriously amazing, I couldn't be more impressed with how it came out! The blood splatter is so realistic that someone thought it was actual blood from getting it done. 🤣 It's been a couple weeks now and I still can't stop staring at it. 😍 Easily my new artist for all work going forward and I'll be recommending him to anyone looking. He's genuinely the best!
Michael Slack
May 2025
First time customer here. I previously used a well known name establishment in the area. I now have 5 tattoos and want a couple more. In the future I will use Rob Hunter at Box 5 tattoo. Phenomenal experience and great atmosphere. Rob is the hook that will get me to return. He is very grounded, listens to possible suggestions and a GREAT artist. I told him what I wanted and he designed and composed the image. Great work
jason bernal
Apr 2025
So I came here to get a tattoo by Nick Whately. I’ve known him for many years as a friend. I told him I was looking to get a tattoo done to show off my love for Japan and the trip I took there and how I saw an idea online that I wanted done. I sent him the photo of what I wanted done. At first I was super nervous to get it done by him. Yes I know. I have been friends with him for over 20 years, but I wanted to make sure this tattoo was getting done how I had it pictured in my head. After he sent me a drawing of what he came up with, I was pleased with it and booked the appointment. When I booked, I was trying to get an earlier slot since I’m more of a morning person. He was willing to work with me on that and even came to the shop an hour before they opened to work with my schedule. He had three different sizes of the same tattoo for me to pick from to go on my arm and let me decide where I wanted it and how big I wanted it. I settled on this one because I didn’t want to wrap completely around my arm and for the details to be shown in one single shot. The tattoo took roughly a little over two hours to do and I have never been more pleased in my life with his work. I’m so thankful that he made the vision in my head come to life on my arm and that I can always look back and remember the good times I had going to visit Japan. Thank you again Nick for making this happen and doing amazing work! I definitely recommend this tattoo shop to all my friends and working with Nick because he does amazing work and is a very patient man when it comes to someone who is nervous about their forever tattoo.
Joe Mcrobb
Apr 2025
Great staff and atmosphere. Got my first tattoo here and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Rob did a phenomenal job!
Astoncros Flores
Jan 2025
Heather is a highly talented apprentice tattoo artist who truly goes above and beyond for her clients. She took the time to perfect my stencil and made sure I was completely comfortable before starting. Her line work was precise, and she executed my design flawlessly. It’s clear she has a genuine passion for what she does, prioritizing quality and client experience over profit. The environment she created was welcoming and professional, making the entire process smooth and enjoyable. Her pricing was also very reasonable for the level of care and detail she provided. I would highly recommend her and will definitely be returning for future work!
Jason R Knapp
Jan 2025
Finding an exceptional and or unique tattoo parlor amongst the plethora out there can be a difficult task.
Look no further than Box 5. The whole shop is decorated in a way that takes you inside the mind of Saint Karlos, the most gifted and professional tattoo artist I’ve ever worked with. The shop is squeaky clean, whimsically decorated like an old movie rental shop, comfortable and welcoming. The staff is as professional as it gets, warm, inviting, patient, and best of all, capable and creative.
If you’ve found Box 5 and you’re on the fence, let this review be the nudge you need to walk in the door, have a chat with Karlos, and get a great piece of art permanently inked into your flesh.
Gary Gary
Rob did a great job on my tattoo spot on
Angie Blaskay
Rob did a memorial piece for me 2 weeks after my son passed away. He did an amazing job, most detail I've ever gotten in a tattoo. I'll definitely be a returning customer.
Matt O’Mite
EXCELLENT place to get a tattoo done. Joe was a great artist and totally made my tattoo more than I expected. He’s a really great artist with a great attitude. He took my idea and made it a true work of art. Joe was helpful and offered many different options for coloration, size, etc but I never felt like I wasn’t part of the discussion or decision. It was nice to see a professional of the trade not do what he wanted to do for himself but to guide me with information and choices.
The place is very relaxed and doesn’t give off bad vibes or make you feel intimidated. Lots of 80’s and 90’s movie themed memorabilia. The owner really has done a great job of making clients feel welcome and comfortable. The entire facility is clean and the stations are nice. As a new customer and new to tattoos the biggest thing for me was the fact the owner set this up so it didn’t give off typical tattoo place feeling. If you have been to some of the other local tattoo businesses you will know what I’m conveying here.
If you are new to tattoos or just want a great place with great artists (especially Joe) this is the place for you! You won’t be disappointed.
If the owner is reading this PLEASE don’t ever change what you have with this place!!! The small setting, the attitude, direction, theme, etc are perfect. You have a great welcoming place that far exceeds the other “competitors” around the Livonia area. Keep the arcade games too. Very cool touch.
Nancy DiGiacomo
Edit to add: I love coming into this place. The staff is amazing and they make you feel like you are one of them. The conversations had are the absolute best for sure!! Rob is AMAZING. His talent is beyond this world. I was referred by a co worker and I could not be more happy. He was so friendly and so professional. I knew right away I was in good hands when he showed me what he had with the tattoo. He knows what he is doing and makes sure you are comfortable with what is going on the whole time. The end result was more that I could ever dreamed of too. He went above and beyond. Thank you Rob!!!
Jessica Barber
I got this tattoo done by Nick Whateley here a few weeks ago. Before he was even finished, I knew it was my absolute favorite work of art on my body (and I have a lot of tattoos). His shading technique is seriously amazing, I couldn't be more impressed with how it came out! The blood splatter is so realistic that someone thought it was actual blood from getting it done. 🤣
It's been a couple weeks now and I still can't stop staring at it. 😍
Easily my new artist for all work going forward and I'll be recommending him to anyone looking. He's genuinely the best!
Michael Slack
First time customer here. I previously used a well known name establishment in the area. I now have 5 tattoos and want a couple more. In the future I will use Rob Hunter at Box 5 tattoo. Phenomenal experience and great atmosphere. Rob is the hook that will get me to return. He is very grounded, listens to possible suggestions and a GREAT artist. I told him what I wanted and he designed and composed the image. Great work
jason bernal
So I came here to get a tattoo by Nick Whately. I’ve known him for many years as a friend. I told him I was looking to get a tattoo done to show off my love for Japan and the trip I took there and how I saw an idea online that I wanted done. I sent him the photo of what I wanted done. At first I was super nervous to get it done by him. Yes I know. I have been friends with him for over 20 years, but I wanted to make sure this tattoo was getting done how I had it pictured in my head. After he sent me a drawing of what he came up with, I was pleased with it and booked the appointment. When I booked, I was trying to get an earlier slot since I’m more of a morning person. He was willing to work with me on that and even came to the shop an hour before they opened to work with my schedule. He had three different sizes of the same tattoo for me to pick from to go on my arm and let me decide where I wanted it and how big I wanted it. I settled on this one because I didn’t want to wrap completely around my arm and for the details to be shown in one single shot. The tattoo took roughly a little over two hours to do and I have never been more pleased in my life with his work. I’m so thankful that he made the vision in my head come to life on my arm and that I can always look back and remember the good times I had going to visit Japan. Thank you again Nick for making this happen and doing amazing work! I definitely recommend this tattoo shop to all my friends and working with Nick because he does amazing work and is a very patient man when it comes to someone who is nervous about their forever tattoo.
Joe Mcrobb
Great staff and atmosphere. Got my first tattoo here and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Rob did a phenomenal job!
Astoncros Flores
Heather is a highly talented apprentice tattoo artist who truly goes above and beyond for her clients. She took the time to perfect my stencil and made sure I was completely comfortable before starting. Her line work was precise, and she executed my design flawlessly. It’s clear she has a genuine passion for what she does, prioritizing quality and client experience over profit. The environment she created was welcoming and professional, making the entire process smooth and enjoyable. Her pricing was also very reasonable for the level of care and detail she provided. I would highly recommend her and will definitely be returning for future work!
Jason R Knapp
Finding an exceptional and or unique tattoo parlor amongst the plethora out there can be a difficult task.
Look no further than Box 5. The whole shop is decorated in a way that takes you inside the mind of Saint Karlos, the most gifted and professional tattoo artist I’ve ever worked with. The shop is squeaky clean, whimsically decorated like an old movie rental shop, comfortable and welcoming. The staff is as professional as it gets, warm, inviting, patient, and best of all, capable and creative.
If you’ve found Box 5 and you’re on the fence, let this review be the nudge you need to walk in the door, have a chat with Karlos, and get a great piece of art permanently inked into your flesh.
10/10 would come here just to hang out.