I got my helix and earlobes pierced a second time here with Will. He was absolutely amazing. Very professional, down-to-earth, knowledgeable, and highly skilled. He really pays attention to you and never makes you feel rushed. I am so happy with how it turned out. Highly recommend this place!

Will is a fantastic piercer and I really wouldnt want to go anywhere else in Madison for a piercing. He did my Medusa and spent a good amount of time getting the placement JUST right before even getting the needle out. The shop is cozy but super well-decorated, clean, and orderly. Im considering coming in for my next tattoo after the experience I had here.

I went in to see Will for a philtrum piercing, after he was recommended by several people. He was super nice and professional! Very explanatory on how to properly care for it and what the healing process looks like. I’m super happy with my new piercing, will definitely go back for any other piercings, and highly recommend Will to others!

Theyre all so friendly and helpful, definitely recommend them for your 1st tattoo or any tattoo

I got my second lobe piercings and my cartilage pierced by Will and I had a great experience. He was super friendly and very through one his explanations of the choices he made and what to expect with the piercings. Everything was clean and I was not at all worried about his expertise. 100% would return.

I got some piercings from Will and he was awesome!! They turned out great!

Walked in yesterday afternoon after having to have my eyebrow piercings removed for medical procedures. Thought my newly done work had closed up including a industrial. (All from a different shop) Will took the time to taper each piercing (all three!) and put back both eyebrows with the need to re-pierce. Extremely professional, the shop has a very clean and inviting atmosphere. Took the time to discuss options AND proper procedures involved for my industrial. I’ve had tons of tattoo work and this is by far one of the best shops I’ve been to nationwide...and that’s a statement! Really made an effort to educate, facilitate and perform! This will be my return shop for ages to come. Barely felt the tapering and it turned out clean..not even any puffy-ness today which is a hallmark of delicate and trained hands! Thank you guys for everything!

Lovely group of artists! The shop is super clean and very inviting I will definitely be back because my new piece is absolutely beautiful! Thank you Hailey!

Went in today to browse and speak with an artist because I had heard great things from a few people. There were a few people walk in before us and one of the three artists was tattooing someone. The other artists sat and ignored their costumers and ate their lunch. No one came over and even bothered to say hello. Waited 15 mins before leaving, wont be going back.

Tim took me in as a walk-in. I had a picture of what I wanted. He was very helpful explaining care and hygiene. The price was very reasonable considering his skill and the amount of time it took to apply. Everyone very pleasant and accommodating. Would go back and will be recommending them to others. Thank you Tim for a great experience!

After leaving work, my co worker & I planned to get piercings.. Upon arrival we was greeted by an tattoo artist who stated the piercer was busy doing a client. Well, about an HOUR later & a headache from the heavy metal, rock music WE LEFT. Absolute poor customer service. The piercer never came to greet or acknowledge us as we waited. Its too many shops & artists to EVER waste my time or money where I dont feel welcomed.

Recently got tattoo here by Hailey and couldnt be happier. We initially did a consultation and I shared what I was thinking of. She then booked my appointment, very easy to work with. On the day of the tattoo I was greeted by everyone in the shop and felt at ease. Hailey does amazing work and she drew exactly what I wanted only a thousand times better. This shop was cozy and good vibes during the whole process. Would definitely recommend Hailey as well as the shop.

Hailey is great! I am in love with my tattoo! The whole staff was so friendly. Great place and will definitely be back for another tattoo soon!

Clean. Great staff and artists. Madison has a lot of tattoo shops but there are only a few that are worth it. Great Whale is definitely one of them.

Walked in the shop after talking with Will Strickland through their shop page for a little bit. He was friendly, patient, and very accommodating. I left without having any unanswered questions and knew that if something came up, theyd be more than happy to help. All over great experience!

Got my industrial done here by Will, he was very clean and thoughtful with the placement, definitely recommend this place.

Ive only been in for piercings, but Will is an amazing guy! Ive taken 2 other people here because of my very positive experience with him. He doesnt keep a ton of stock for jewelry because its a small place, but is very willing to order specific pieces for you. The place is really clean, he opens new sterile equipment right in front of you, and cleans his station before you leave. He also had a great demeanor- super chill, methodical in his work, and really calming to be around. Hes the person I will continue going to for more pieces and I highly recommend him to anyone needing piercings or related things.

Very clean and good staff. Prices were very much in line or slightly lower.

Professional and talented artists. Tim did my tattoo, had great communication and worked up the design the day of the tattoo. Super happy.

My husband and I came here to get our first tattoos. The staff was nice and explained everything, and it was reasonably priced. I love my tattoo. Thank you!

Great Whale provides top notch artwork and personal, professional service. Tim worked with me through multiple ideas and drawings to be sure my back piece was absolutely perfect. His artwork is stunning and his patient, courteous, and understanding service is outstanding. He really cares about every client and will do everything possible to be sure each piece is better than you could have ever imagined. Ill definitely be back for more!!

Great experience with my nose piercing! They were clean, professional, fast and thoroughly explained each step and aftercare. The option to change out my nose jewelry while healing was especially pleasing. Five stars!

Awesome shop! All the artists are great and super friendly! Prices are really fair. Hard to notice from the street and parking can be a bit of a pain but its definitely worth it.

Great whale tattoo did an amazing job!!! Jon was very nice and quickly made my fears about tattoos go away. He told me everything he was about to do and kept checking on me to make sure I was okay. He did some beautiful work and Im so glad I went to Great whale for my first tattoo!

I recently got tattooed at Great Whale by Jon. Hes an absolutely wonderful artist and also just a great guy. Could not recommend their work here enough. Whether you know exactly what you want or you just have an idea, the artists here will get it done perfectly!

Got a Personalized Tattoo from a Guest Appearance tattooist name Freak,

Awesome. Some real good skin art work.Will is a great piecer.Tim and Joe and John do great tattoos.

Tim is the best. I have two large pieces done by him, and each has been executed with incredible professionalism, talent, and skill. I had never had a tattoo before coming to TIm, and he was patient with me as I brainstormed out my idea, and in the end took it and ran with it to make something I never could have imagined but could not be more happy with. A year later, I flew back to Madison from Washington DC to have my second piece done. Tim is that good. Could not recommend the guy more!

Great place to get a first piercing

A friend called in about getting some jewelry changed and within 30 mins we were at the shop getting it done. Super friendly and was willing to make some time for us! Will come back for some piercings

I got my first tattoo done here a day ago and it looks amazing. the atmosphere was super cool and my artist, Tim, put me at ease and made sure I was comfortable and happy with throughout the whole process. If I could give this place more stars I would.

True quality experience here. Will did a fantastic job piercing my nose tonight. He really took his time and explained everything in depth. The shop is awesome and extremely warm and inviting! Highly, highly recommend this shop!

Will is such a kind dude that does just... such good work in this realm and is great to be around. We recommend all of our clients to go to Will (piercingsbywills on ig) for any piercings, stretching. Recommend Joe for dark, saturated tats (tatgunjoe on ig).

Got my first tattoo here. They helped me design and get inked all in one visit. Polite and fun staff, the facilities appeared excellent!

Do fantastic work. A little pricey but worth it I guess. Also very clean

Great people. Very professional and new what they were doing.

This is my 2nd piercing, and the quality here was top notch! It was clean, great music, great staff, they took the time to clean off the markings so my piercing was pretty from the first time I saw it. I also love that I had the option to go for a stud on my nostril instead of the cork screw monstrosity I got the first time I was pierced.

They are all just amazing. Best place to get tattooed or pierced in Madison, hands down. ️

Tim is amazing!! Got 4 girls in for tattoos during the crossfit games. He did a great job. Very professional!!

Great work and friendly artists

Awesome ink and piercings from awesome people. Rad tunes and service with a smile.

Tim (the owner) is the man. I drive 4hrs from st.paul to procure his excellent services.

They did really bad job on my arm, the bands doesnt have the same spaces, really unprofessional

Amazing service, very clean and professional staff.

Clean, informative shop!

Great experience as usual

Kind of dingy and slow.

Great artist with unique styles!!!