49 Who Is A Good/Bad Tattoo Artist Near Me? California
Description
This article is from the Tattoo FAQ, by Stan Schwarz with numerous contributions by others.
49 Who Is A Good/Bad Tattoo Artist Near Me? California
California law states professional tattoo artists are not allowed to tattoo
minors who are under the age of 18. Otherwise unregulated.
Shannon O'Sullivan
Altadena, 91001 Ph: 626-794-3731
cash and checks from established clients
Reviewed 10/2003 by Stan Schwarz <stan [at] cosmo.pasadena.ca.us>
Shop Review: Shannon's shop is also her home, and it's like stepping into
a big fantastic art project. The actual tattoo area is in the front, next
to a big picture window with a view of the mountains. She works by
appointment only, and she's usually booked up at least a month or two in
advance.
Artist Review--Shannon: Shannon is very pleasant to work with. She is a
good artist, and can do lots of different styles. She also has very good
technical skills, and she's fast. She can do a piece in half the time of
some other artists, and the end result still looks great. You can see the
backpiece she did for me at http://cosmo.pasadena.ca.us/stan/tattoos/back
Electric Dragon
21503 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, 91303 Ph: none
Reviewed 08/2003 by Elizabeth <beth [at] thefreehold.com>
Shop Review: The studio is immaculately clean.
Artist Review--Big Payaso: Payaso is funny and really puts you at ease,
needles opened in front of me, autoclave, beautiful custom work, has been
in the business 15+ years.
Eternal Art
18438 Sierra Hwy #5, Canyon Country, 91351 Ph: 661-298-0897
Reviewed 04/2002 by Desiree Sargent <violetscream [at] hotmail.com>
Shop Review: At first, it seems a bit weird, because its on the corner of a
dirty-looking street, and up these steep little stairs, above a pager shop,
but inside it is very clean and comfortable.
Artist Review--Shaun: Shaun is very helpful and congenial. He has done some
very intricate work for me, and it has turned out awesome. (Better than I
described or even IMAGINED) He pays special attention to detail, which is
why I love him. He makes easy conversation while working on you, and has a
bookcase full of all different things for you to look at. I've brought my
sister to him twice, and I refer everyone I know to him. After seeing my
tats, they all want to go to him anyway. =) He warned me about posting my
tat pic on any sites, or even contributing it to magazines, because he
fears someone may copy the art that belongs to me. (Who wants someone
walking around with the same exact thing on their body forever as they
have? What kind of self-expression is that?) I really appreciate the fact
that he cares more about me than about making his name well known in
magazines and whatnot. He is very nice, funny, and extremely talented.
Alpha Omega
1121 North Texas Street, Fairfield, 94533 Ph: 707-428-6519
http://www.kissmytattoo.com/
Cash, Credit Card
Reviewed 10/2000 by Karine Perttula <teddy [at] wonderland.com>
Shop Review: The shop is very clean, the people are friendly. The artist
has her own curtained off area which can be made to feel extremely private
or open to the world depening on the work being done, and the person it is
being done on.
Artist Review--Lin Elliott: Lin's creation of my tattoo felt very much like
a collabrative process. What I was interested in and wanted was always
taken into consideration, if I didn't specify exacts and she came up with
something she thought was needed she let me know her thoughts on the
matter, but didn't push too have it done her way.
L.A. Tattoo
6547 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, 90028 Ph: 323-463-3919
cash and credit cards
Reviewed 09/2003 by Stacy J Lecour <meanjeangirl [at] hotmail.com>
Shop Review: In the heart of hollywood, a big space with 4 artists that I
saw. VERY clean, inviting, mellow enviroment. I didn't feel as though I
was being judged when walking through the door. They were all very
professional, perfectionists.
Artist Review--Case: His name is Case, his eyes are beautiful, his touch
was gentle,
his work is awesome, people can't stop staring at it, and neither can I.
I'd love to be in love with this cat. I almost kissed him when he was done.
I think I should have. I'll be back for more.
Skintagious Tattoo
Los Angeles Ph: 818-321-7029
http://skintagious.biz
$75/hr cash, checks
Reviewed 03/2004 by Raven Allread <dramabird [at] msn.com>
Shop Review: All was clean and in good shape. Frank opened all needles in
front of me. He even brought his own chairs and scrubed them with something
that made it smell like a hospital. I could not be happier with the work he
did, and I never had to leave my house.
Artist Review--Frank <plabnoid [at] comcast.net>: Frank made me feel as if
I were an old friend.Put me at ease throughout the session. His work was
the most compelling i've seen in Quite awhile. A true artist
Temple Tattoo
384-17th Street, Oakland, 94612 Ph: 510-451-6423
$100/hr Cash only
Reviewed 06/2000 by Bob Fickling <rbf [at] tsoft.com>
Shop Review: The shop is located in one of the better downtown areas of
Oakland. Lots of metered and lot parking. The shop is clean, well lighted
and large. The artists are nice and friendly. Plus they do great work!
Artist Review--Freddy Corbin: Fred Corbin's nickname is "Mr. Nice Guy" what
else can I say? He started tattooing over ten years ago at Erno's in San
Francisco and later worked at Ed Hardy's shop. He has tattooed all around
the world and is know worldwide for excellent work.
Incognito Tattoo
750 E. Colorado Blvd. Suite #6, Pasadena, 91101 Ph: 626-584-9448
http://www.incognitotattoo.com
$120/hr Cash
Reviewed 02/2004 by Orlando Delgado <fifi91504 [at] yahoo.com>
Shop Review: The shop is like walking into an operating room as far as
sanitation. The staff and fellow artist were all very friendly and
courteous. They had some great music playing (Not too loud) the whole time
and the location in Downtown Pasadena is incredibly safe.
Artist Review--Jason Schroder <jason [at] incognitotattoo.com>: Jason was
the first artist that I approached about doing this custom piece that did
not hesitate taking it on. I gave him very little to work with and he had
the artwork ready for me the day he promised. The next day I had the
appointment for the tattoo and he was ready for me when I arrived. Jason
was very friendly and polite and made sure I was comfortable the whole
time. Jason owns the shop and is an incredible artist. The compliments I
receive from strangers on his piece astounds me.
Primitive Basic Tattooing and Piercing
112 N. Bradford Ave., Placentia, 92870 Ph: 714-579-7765
$100/hr Cash, credit cards
Reviewed 03/2003 by Tim <tkinley2 [at] excite.com>
Shop Review: They are very good. they are sanitary, and the shop is clean.
They are very friendly, and professional. they only use needles once. They
always use a new needle when applying a tattoo.
Artist Review--Sherry: Sherry is very good. friendly, and has tattooed for
over seven years. she has a light touch, and is very safe. she makes you
feel very comfortable. I definietly recommend this shop for a tattoo.
Homeward Bound Tattoo
2853 El Camino Real, Redwood City, State: Ph: 650-474-1100
http://www.homewardboundtattoo.bizland.com
$120/hr cash/credit card
Reviewed 08/2003 by Michelle <michelle_mouse76 [at] hotmail.com>
Shop Review: Homeward Bound is a cool shop, with 2 artists, Craig and Todd.
The walls are absolutely covered with all different kinds of flash. While
the shop is rather small, it is very clean and both Craig and Todd are
friendly and helpful.
Artist Review--Craig: Craig is a super friendly guy who put out some great
work. I have been to him for 3 different pieces and I love them all. He
puts a lot into his work and does some beautiful color work. He is also
very friendly and puts you at ease, while cracking you up at the same time!
Some joke that he is a bit heavy handed, but I have had pretty sensitive
places done by him (wrist, chest and feet) and have not had any problems. I
would and do recommend him to anyone looking for a bright, colorful tattoo.
Liberty Tattoo
4544 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, 95814 Ph: 916-977-3977
$120/hr cash
Reviewed 02/1999 by Pam Mann <pammy91836 [at] aol.com>
Shop Review:
Artist Review--Bill Liberty: Bill not only does outstanding work,
hischairside manner can't be beat. I gave him a computer-generatedpicture
which he drew up and improved upon. My friend and I both gotthe same tat.
This man is truly an artist - I have many other tatsfrom different artists,
but I'll never go to anyone other than Billfor future work.
Tattoo Infinity
1601 Fulton, Sacramento, 95815 Ph: 916-215-2169
http://www.tattooinfinity.com
$120/hr Cash
Reviewed 10/2003 by Tom Terry <tom [at] tomterry.com>
Shop Review: Private Studio - consultation and tattoos by appointment only,
no walk-ins. Studio is clean, very private and easy to get to.
Artist Review--Eric Ross <ericross76 [at] yahoo.com>: Eric\u2019s work is just
as good as the Big Dog Legends of San Francisco, very detailed oriented. A
nice guy with a different approach and philosophy who produces results that
are both priceless & timeless.
Bigrandz Tattoo & Body Piercing
3251 Adams Ave, San Diego, 92116 Ph: 619-283-5007
http://www.bigrandztattoo.com
$80/hr cash,mastercard,visa ,dicover,atm
Reviewed 03/2004 by bobby lane <randztattoo [at] sbcglobal.net>
Shop Review: Shop is very clean well organized,very friendly staff,is
located
in old San Diego CA, on historic Adams Ave
Artist Review--Randy Faber <bigrand [at] bigrandztattoo.com>: Randys a
great guy who was brought up in the old school way of tattoing. Been
tattooing since 1987. Very friendly and atentive to his clients needs, easy
to get along with, vand very talented.
222 Tattoo
222 Eighth Street, San Francisco, 94103 Ph: 415-255-8222
Cash, credit cards
Reviewed 11/2000 by Art Richards <sidha91 [at] hotmail.com (include RAB in subj line to escape filters)>
Shop Review: UPDATE Same as my 1997 review. Might want to list other
artists: Scott Sylvia, Jeff Rassier, Jesse Tuesday, Juan Puente
Artist Review--Eddy Deutsche: A consumate custom artist. Has customers
from all around the world. Very fast, wonderful colorist, easy manner.
His backpiece won me Best Oriental Tattoo at 1999 Anaheim Tattoo Tour, the
combo of back and arms won me Second Best Overall Male.
Tattoo City
700 Lombard St, San Francisco, 94133 Ph: 415-345-9437
http://www.tattoocitysf.com
$150/hr Cash, credit cards
Reviewed 11/2000 by Art Richards <sidha91 [at] hotmail.com (include RAB in subj line to escape filter)>
Shop Review: Tattoo City moved about two blocks down the street about a
year ago into bigger quarters at the corner of Lombard and Columbus.
Private booths for each artist. Clean, bright, and spacious. Good
transportation.
Artist Review--Jef Whitehead: Young artist, going up like a rocket. I
don't take red ink easily, but his work on me did not fall out and is still
as bright as it was 2 years ago.
Reviewed 11/2000 by Art Richards <sidha91 [at] hotmail.com (include RAB in subj line to escape filters)>
Shop Review: SEE MY EARLIER REVIEW ON JEF WHITEHEAD, SAME SHOP.
Artist Review--Don Ed Hardy: What can you say about Ed Hardy? The man is a
legend. Still doing superb work after 32 years in the business. Very
fast, he outlined and did the body color on my deity (about a foot high)in
about 2 hours, finished the fine detail work in another appointment of 1
1/2 hours. Charges a premium rate, but worth every penny. Only works two
days a week now. Took me about 2 months to get a consultation, another
month for first appt.
Reviewed 11/2000 by Art Richards <sidha91 [at] hotmail.com (include RAB in subj line to escape filter)>
Shop Review: SEE PREVIOUS REVIEW ON JEF WHITEHEAD, SAME SHOP. Update:
Nalla Smith is no longer there. Current artists include Colin Stevens, Jef
Whitehead, Tim Lehi -- and Hardy a couple of days a week
Artist Review--Tim Lehi: Gentle, quiet, almost shy, very pleasant young
man. A terrific artist, I am always knocked out by his beautiful taped to
the walls of his booth. The Fudo has exquisite detail and beautiful
coloring. I plan on getting him to fill in the rest of the thigh.
Reviewed 10/2003 by Rick Rutledge <rickrsf [at] pacbell.net>
Shop Review: The shop is clean, well lit (lots of windows), and inviting.
Music varies (artists take turns choosing), and everyone I've interacted
with there has been very friendly.
Artist Review--Tim Lehi: Tim's work is increasingly well-known, and my
piece has been mistaken for the work of Horiyoshi III at conventions; one
fellow from Australia asked "Horiyoshi, or Tim Lehi?" Tim is booked months
in advance now, and does mostly large pieces. Tim's art in various media
ranges from gruesome to sublime. I chose very traditional Japanese, and it
was beautifully executed. I'm VERY happy with the work and the experience,
and I intend to go back
for more. You can see pictures at http://www.inkbear.com
Art Work Rebels
1755 Market St., San Francisco, 94118 Ph: 415-552-4297
http://www.grimemonster.com
$150/hr cash
Reviewed 11/2002 by Mercury Ellis <Heavymeddlekid [at] aol.com>
Shop Review: A spacious new shop, very clean with amazing art by people
like
Ed hardy and a huge awesome dragon mural by the Grime. They have
folding screens for privacy and both Jason Kundell and the Grime
are "really nice guys." The shop is easily accessible by subway
and bus. Upper Market/outer Mission district..
.
Artist Review--The Grime <grime [at] grimemonster.com>: The Grime is
amazingly fast, creative, smart, and funny, is a
snappy dresser and has excellent taste in music. Oh yeah, his
tattoos slay me. His reputation precedes him of course, but if
you don't know then check out his website above. He has worked
with Marcus Pacheco and Ed Hardy himself, and has paid his dues.
Has self-published a really cool book. Another consummate artist
who
can take the most trite, played out image and make it fresh,
and also is able to take a unique idea and make it
work as a tattoo. He has a very light touch and a great eye
for color. Did I mention he was fast?
Godspeed Tattoo
620 S. Norfolk St, San Mateo, 94401 Ph: 650-558-1922
http://godspeedtattoo.com
No checks
Reviewed 07/2001 by Ozzy <burlfire295 [at] yahoo.com>
Shop Review: Godspeed is the nicest shop I have ever seen. It is clean and
spacious and is very welcoming. Walls are covered with big paintings and
custom art. Booths are private and large.
Artist Review--Kevin Marr <owner [at] godspeedtattoo.hpwebhost.com>: Kevin
has been tattooing for about 3 years. Turtle from Gene's Body Art in Long
Branch NJ taught him. He said he always liked to draw with a passion and
focus on tattoo designs.
Spider Murphy's
939 Tamalphis Street, San Rafael, 94901 Ph: 415-460-6979
Cash or credit cards
Reviewed 07/2000 by Bob Fickling <rbf [at] tsoft.com>
Shop Review: A small, clean shop in a good neighborhood with easy to find
metered parking.
Artist Review--Theo Mindell: Theo Mindell does great tattoos, enjoys
tattooing and has good manners. Another "nice guy".
Reviewed 02/2003 by Lynnette Frary <lynnettemfrary [at] aol.com>
Shop Review: The shop is funky, relaxed, comfy, the sanitation is good to
my
knowledge, no privacy there is only one chair. The neighborhood is good,
difficult to find parking.
Artist Review--Theo: Theo is a wonderful person he is a great artist,
friendly and charming. However, his new staff can be abrasive and
disrespectful to possible clients. I've recently had three people tell me
that they were treated poorly upon arriving. Sad to see that happening
when Theo was alone, I think things were better.
Tattoo Santa Barbara
318 State St, Santa Barbara, 93101 Ph: 805-962-7552
http://www.luckyfishart.com
Cash, Visa/MC, AMEX, ATM cards
Reviewed 04/1996 by Sean Corfield <sean [at] ocsltd.com>
Shop Review: Excellent sterile conditions despite a wonderfully cluttered
shop with great guard dog. Plenty of things hanging from the ceiling to
keep the eyes occupied while being worked on. Lots of soothing music,
celtic, new age whatever. Work area only separated from walk-in area by a
counter but still reasonably private.
Artist Review--Pat Fish <patfish [at] luckyfish.com>: Pat is a fiercely
independent, outspoken woman who doesn't suffer fools gladly. Taught
initially by Cliff Raven, she has built up over 10 years of experience
running her own shop. She takes great pride in her work and is very patient
while dealing with placement and customisation of the design. Her knowledge
of Celtic art and culture is extensive and she has a real passion for it.
Staircase Tattoo
628 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, 95060 Ph: 831-425-7644
http://www.staircasetattoo.com
Reviewed 02/2002 by Elena Bridges <elenathered [at] msn.com>
Shop Review: the entire experience was very nice and exceptionally clean. i
wasn't tressed with a bunch of other people around just tim and myself. he
was exceptionally cool which was very important because he also did my
first tattoo.
Artist Review--Tim Bonagario: he apprenticed with a guy named phil who's
pretty well known- works in Fla. now. Tim is really cool and patient when
you need to take breaks. His work is fantastic- the colors are amazing and
the tattoos look just like the pictures. Tim is amazing i don't know any
more about his training as he was referrred by a friend whom i trust.
Reviewed 12/1999 by Barry Blanchard <barry [at] anatometal.com>
Shop Review: There are two male tattooists, 4 female. One of the
cleanest shops I have ever seen. All the tattooists have won awards
for various work at tattoo conventions. The studio has also won "Best
Tattoo Shop in Santa Cruz" every year in the local paper. The have
four autoclaves, a clean room, a bio-hazard room, and sinks at every
station. James McDermott has the only studio in this town that
conforms to all areas of our new tattoo and body piercing sterility
laws. I would not go anywhere else.
Artist Review--:
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