Honestly, finding a shop that doesn't feel like a sterile dentist's office or a sketchy basement is harder than it should be. You've probably seen the name Planet X Tattoo and Supply pop up if you're anywhere near the Aurora or Denver area. It’s one of those spots that has managed to stick around while others fade out, mostly because they aren't just slinging ink—they’re a "one-stop shop" that actually caters to the artists as much as the clients.
Founded back in 2012 by Seth Iniguez, this place has some deep roots in the local scene. Seth isn't just a shop owner; the guy has been involved in Denver live theater for years with Planet X Productions. That theatrical flair kinda bleeds into the shop's vibe. It’s not just a place to get a butterfly on your ankle. It’s a hub for custom design, piercing (though you should always check their current piercer availability before heading over), and actual professional-grade supplies.
What Actually Happens at Planet X Tattoo and Supply?
Most people walk in thinking they'll just browse a book of flash. You can do that, sure. But the real meat of what they do is custom work. If you have a weird idea—like a Victorian-era astronaut riding a koi fish—they’re the ones who’ll sit down and draw it from scratch.
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The Hybrid Model
The "Supply" part of the name isn't just for show. They sell tattoo and piercing equipment, jewelry, and even offer autoclave services. This is huge because it means the shop is constantly vetted by other professionals who buy their gear there. If the local pros trust their needles and ink, you probably can too.
But here is the catch: to buy professional supplies, you usually need to show a shop card and a valid ID. They don't just sell high-end coils and rotaries to random kids off the street. It keeps the industry standard high, which is something Seth has been vocal about for a long time.
Breaking Down the Costs and Sessions
Let's talk money. Tattoos are expensive. Good tattoos are very expensive.
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At Planet X, the shop minimum typically hovers around $100. If you want something on your hands, feet, neck, or face? Expect that minimum to jump to $150. That’s pretty standard for Colorado, honestly. It covers the setup, the sterile breakdown, and the artist's time for a small piece.
- Hourly Rates: Usually around $140.
- Half-Day Sessions: Around 4 hours for $560.
- Full-Day Sessions: This is where you save. A 7-hour day is often a flat rate—somewhere near $900—which is a decent discount if you’re doing a back piece or a sleeve.
They also use AfterPay. That's a bit of a game-changer for younger collectors who can't drop a grand in one sitting but really want that custom Americana sleeve. Just remember that card payments usually come with those annoying extra taxes and fees. Cash is still king in the tattoo world.
The Good, The Bad, and The Sketchy
If you spend enough time on Reddit or local forums, you’ll see some drama. There was a whole mess a while back involving unauthorized charges at various Colorado shops—not specifically Planet X alone, but the whole scene got hit with payment platform issues. Some people blamed the shop owners, others blamed the software.
The reality? Most of these shops are small businesses. When a payment processor like Stripe or Square glitches, it looks "shady" to the customer, but it's usually just a tech nightmare for the owner. Seth and his team have generally maintained a 5.0-star vibe on booking platforms, but like any shop that’s been open for over a decade, they've had their share of "that dude sucks" comments in the depths of a Denver subreddit thread.
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Why People Keep Going Back
- The Privacy: Unlike shops where you're tattooed in a row like a factory, Planet X tries to keep things a bit more private.
- The Range: They do everything from traditional and old school to "Americana" and tribal.
- The Safety: They are obsessive about cleanliness. Autoclave services are literally part of their business model.
Planning Your Visit (The "Don't Be That Guy" List)
If you're going to hit up Planet X Tattoo and Supply, don't just roll in at 2 PM on a Saturday and expect a 4-hour session.
First, book a consultation. They are free. It’s literally a conversation where you tell them your budget and they tell you if it’s realistic. If you have $200 and want a full-color dragon on your ribs, they’ll politely tell you you're dreaming—or they'll suggest breaking it into sessions.
Second, have your deposit ready. Usually $50 to $100. It’s non-refundable. If you ghost them, they keep the money. That’s how they pay for the time they spent drawing your "unique" idea the night before.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Their Portfolio: Don't just trust a review. Look at the actual linework. Is it crisp? Do the colors hold?
- Message First: Use their official site or Booksy to see who is currently in the chair. Artists move around a lot in the Denver/Aurora area.
- Prepare Your Skin: Moisturize for a week before. Don't show up with a sunburn. Don't show up drunk. Seriously.
- Verify Supply Requirements: If you're a professional looking for gear, call ahead to make sure they have your specific needle groupings or ink brands in stock.
Tattooing is a permanent decision, and shops like Planet X thrive because they treat it that way. Whether you're there for the supplies or the skin art, just do your homework first.