I called in with the intentions of surprising my wife and getting her a tattoo she's been talking about. They were closing in about an hour or so and said if I could get down in the next 30 minutes they'd take care of it. They did that and more. Very polite, super clean shop, and friendly people. The best part is that the tattoo turned out better than we expected. I'm not sure what I'm looking for just yet to fill out my sleeve, but these guys will be my go to when the time comes. Thank you again. Next time I step in, I'll have some extra thanks for all your hard work. You guys rock.
Review Source:When I first walked into the shop I could not help but notice how clean and tidy the shop was. Â There is a ton of cool art all over the shop which is cool to look at. Â If you find yourself waiting, there is lots of material to occupy your time while you wait. Â The folks working there were super nice and helpful too! Â Â
A good man that goes by the name of Lefty did some exceptional work on my arm. Â He was easy to bounce ideas around with and really knows how to work some artistic magic. Â His line work is sharp and he has a light hand. Â I have already got two pieces of work done by him and I will definitely be going back.
New tattoo = New Review!! My sister and I went in to get matching tattoos for her birthday...I met Shaun Edwards a few weeks prior to get an idea of price and things like that. We were his first clients on a Saturday... Uhm the guy was awesome! My sister went first and of course barely flinched! We got a simple design so it was quick and easy for him. I'm more of a sissy  la la.. Shaun was super cool. Very soft with his hand, I didnt feel like he was digging into my foot. He talked to me to keep me distracted and reminded me to breathe haha I highly recommend him for any work! Price was reasonable and his work was great! I'm happy with my tattoo and how he was as an artist. Five stars from me!!
Review Source:I was referred to Ric Cardenas by a very good friend and I am so happy she did. I saw Ric yesterday and he did amazing work. Worked well with me and told me up front what to expect (first tattoo for me). I had emailed Ric my drawing and he was able to reproduce it perfectly. I am so impressed with the shop - EVERYONE was professional, the shop is amazing - more of an art gallery feel. I definatly recommend both Ric and the shop and I will be back for more!!!
Review Source:When moving here from Houston, Tx. I didn't really think I'd ever get a tattoo again. I loved my artist back in Houston and his art. When I got the itch to get something new I set off to find a place where you were welcomed as a person, not just potential profit. The guys in the shop are all really nice and class people. They are all really talented with their art.
My favorite artist in the shop is Shawn Edwards. He's been doing my tattoos for almost a year I think. I've gotten 3 good sized pieces from him and I can vouch that he's fast, light handed, and very detail oriented. His colors are bold and his lines are straight. Not much more you can ask. The price is what you would expect here, you get what you pay for, and no one should skimp when they get something permanent on their body.
Each artist will work with you on what you want to get and give you their opinion. Listen to them, they're the experts. I'm going to keep going here for as long as I'm living in the area. Even if I move I'll probably drive back here for some more work! Thanks for the great job guys. I hope you decide to get a tattoo here as well.
Last thing, they're very clean here. You don't have to worry that you're going to get a disease or something from the needles. You get to watch them take them out of the packages.
So this is a rebuttal to a comment about being ripped off at 12 Monkeys.. A first timer claims they got ripped off on a tattoo because they spent $80 for a tattoo, where other tattoo shops stated they would do it for $20, well of course they would say they'd do it cheaper to discredit the artist and shop when in fact every shop have a $50 to $60 minimum so to say they'd do it for $20 is unheard of.
12 Monkeys is by far the friendliest and most proffessional shop I've visited and I'm not a first timer so I've seen them all. You get great tattoos and an awesome vibe from every artist there. From what I've seen, the owner John highland would direct you to an artist that would best suit your tattoo needs because of your style.. They have five artist so one would ferser do what you want.
I can't and wont believe they'd be rude and over pricing tattoos.
Where shall I begin? As a life long Tracy resident, to hear the exciting news as a 18 year old, that the first tattoo shop wad coming to town and opening soon..you could only imagine the joy a teenage girl comes across in search of her first tattoo! Not to mention the tattoo shop was going to be opened by a reputable tattoo artist that was featured in numerous tattoo magazines (I always do my research!) Jon Highland..out of Livermore. Â Research done...check! From the first year of 12 monkeys opening to this very day...Shawn Edwards and Jon highland are the only tattoo artists that I will allow to tattoo me. When Shawn joined the team he was not too thrilled with me for the fact that I went beyond my better judgement and on a whim got a tattoo from a new shop. Needless to say I learned from my mistake and once Shawn fixed my horrible tattoo from someone else he has now tattooed the majority of my ink. Sometimes its a pain in the ass to get in for an apt but schedule it in advance and patiently await that time slot...no.disappointment with the monkeys!
Review Source:Shawn is great! He's very helpful for those coming into the shop, as well as helpful with whoever wants to get work done. Got a baby phoenix and finally added color recently. The way he placed the lotus flower as well as the flames to go with it really flowed nicely. Best color tattoos I've seen in person are from this shop. I give it 5 stars for having a clean shop, easy parking in the back, and really friendly.
Also tremendous zombie paintings by the owner in the front. :)
My review is for Sean. He is amazing. I've had all of my tattoos done at 12 Monkeys, and all of them have been done by Sean. I got my first tattoo (on my wrist) when I was 18. Since then I have gotten 2 others (large piece on back, medium-sized bicep piece) and they are just as beautiful. The tattoo on my bicep is the only one I have in color so far, and is the only one that is starting to need a little bit of touch-up. My first tattoo which is going on 3 years old has honestly not really faded at all.
Sean is great to work with. Each time I have gone in with a vision of what I have wanted, and he has been able to help me form it and make my vision a reality. He is friendly and fun, and makes the work nearly painless. As far as the shop goes, the new place is great! The old place was cool too - but the new shop is clean and comfortable to hang out in if you have to wait.
Also, I love how they give you a set price when they draw up your piece rather than having to pay by hour or session or anything like that. I've always gotten amazing prices for the work that's done. Honestly, some friends show me their tattoos and tell me how much they pay and I urge them to go to 12 Monkeys. Why pay more for lesser quality. Here, you will get quality work done and still have money for a good tip - they deserve it.
I would never go anywhere else for my art. Thanks Sean, hope to see you soon!
If you are even thinking of getting a tattoo visit 12 Monkeys. I've been getting tattooed for 15years and this is hands down the coolest, cleanest shop ever. Haven't been by in a bit? Well, they moved next door, and remodeled. The place looks amazing. Go see it. Jon Highland has done several pieces/sessions for me and I have never been disappointed. Ever. His attention to detail, use of colors and imagination are almost beyond belief. Jon is easy to be around, an awesome artist -never creepy. (know what I'm sayin gals?) Â Â Shawn Edwards also does fantastic work, several friends have been tattooed by him and the work is clean and beautiful. He's a super nice guy and most likely the person you'll see when you walk in.
Overall the place is good juju with a variety of talented artists.
Please do your homework people. Look at the art (tattoos, paintings, drawings) that a person does before you pay them to put ink in your skin that's going to be there forever. "A good tattoo isn't cheap and a cheap tattoo isn't good" Â That said, I think their prices are very fair, and all the work I've gotten is worth every penny. -Including tips.
***Update*** Jon now does take credit cards!
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2F12monkeysonline.com&s=2b6de4c6abea2bac123467b82ce7416e38f03b43c0ec23b5edd222867683de7b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://12monkeysonline.c…</a>
Got a tattoo from Andrew and I love his work. After a few months it looks great and I am pleased with how it turned out. The colors are vibrant and it turned out exactly how I expected it to! Â I always get compliments on my tat! Thank you Andrew, I'll be back for another from you!
Place is very sanitary and spotless! Exactly how a tattoo shop should be! The other artists are all friendly and are willing to help you out.
All the artists have their portfolio out where you can take a look at some of their work.
Prices are reasonable!!
I got my first tattoo (finally!) here by Andrew. He was very patient while I showed him what I had in mind, and he took my idea and put his touch on it. He took his time and did great work. The lines are clean and the colors (he and my husband picked out) are beautiful! I will definitely go back to 12 Monkeys and Andrew!
Review Source:Jon Highland (the owner) is an utterly amazing artist and tattooist. After moving to the area and searching for the right artist to do a large back piece for me, I found Jon. His work is damn near perfect and he works fast. His shop is very clean, modern, and welcoming. Definitely one of my favorite places to get ink!
Review Source:Went to this place cause they told me that john does good work but when i got there i was attack by different tattoo artist. I felt like a piece of meat and vultures had surrounded me trying to get me to have my tattoo done by them..
Seems like the guy was to busy to help me out and i got past to a different tattoo artist that did a sketch for me that i really wasn't impress with..
absolutely love this place!! i doubt i will ever go anywhere else ever again. i have many tattoos, all done in different places. 12 Monkeys is the best, hands down. they are all very nice guys (which is VERY hard to find in a tattoo shop) and they make sure you are completely satisfied with placement before tattooing. sometimes i can get a little indecisive and my adrenaline will kick in making me super nervous, but they are always very patient with me and don't start until i'm ready. Lefty is my favorite, but he says he's moving soon. if he's still there, book with him while you can!
Review Source:After months of talking about wanting to go to 12 Monkeys... I WENT! I woke up Saturday morning and thought... TODAY IS THE DAY! Â
From the moment I walked into the shop, I felt completely comfortable and confident that I would be in good hands. The guys were very professional and super friendly. I went in knowing precisely what I wanted... and I got the exact tattoo I wanted. My guy "Salt Rock"... extremely talented. After being told what I envisioned, was able to draw out exactly what I pictured in my mind.
I would HIGHLY recommend this place to everyone, whether it's your 1st tattoo... or (in my case) another addition to your growing collection. Great experience.
I have to say this is by far the best shop I have ever been too. Â It is very clean and all the artist are extremely proffesional. Â Jon Highland, Salt, Lefty, and Shawn are all amazing artist. Â I would highly recommend any of these artist to anyone out there! Â if you are looking for quality work in a proffesional, clean and friendly enviroment than look no more. Â This is the place!!!
Review Source:4 years ago on my 18th birthday  my bestfriend took me to 12 monkeys and payed for my tattoo as a birthday gift.
I GOT MY FIRST TATTOO HERE. Salt Rock was the tattoo artist that took care of me. He walked me through it step-by-step. I came in already having my design in hand that i drew before of Filipino Alibata Characters to represent my Filipino Pride. He also gave me advice on what would look right and of course i took it since he's done soo many tattoos on different age groups.
I dont know if Salt Rock is still working there but if your thinking of getting somthing done he's someone to go and make an appointment with. On different appointments ive seen his work on my bestfriend and other people as well so he has SKILLS.
Price is fair but of course it always depends on what design you want.
Jon highland is so talented and his art is amazing! It doesn't hurt that he's a cool dude! The other guys in the shop all have their good points too! My husband won't go anywhere else to get a tattoo and has been tattood by just about all the guys there... He's already referred a friend who has gotten their tatto by jon and loves it as well! We are so happy to have the monkey crew in the area.
The only things that suck is u gotta bring cash and no kids allowed! Other then that this is a gem!
I got my first tattoo from Shawn a year ago after doing a lot of research online to find the right place to get my first ink. Â Shawn really made me feel comfortable and was very friendly. Â so friendly that I sent my husband there about 9 months later to get his first tattoo - to which i decided I wanted another one (luckily Shawn had a cancellation that I took over WOOT!). Â I am planning my next tattoo and I will FOR SURE be making an appointment with Shawn.
As a side note, the shop does not allow children at all inside. Â My husband and I brought our 3 year old son with us when we went both times. Â Luckily the shop is located downtown so we were able to get some food and walk around with him while we waited. Â Also, they only take cash so come with that in hand!
My daughter and I went here for her 18th and my 42nd bday to get tattoos. Â Our tattoos were done by Jon Highland and he was absolutely awesome. Â The place is super clean and is very impressive. Â Jon is quite an artist and did such a great job on both of our "tatts". Â
He has about a 2 month waiting list for an appointment, but they drop ins on Saturdays. Â You may have to wait. Â He is worth it! Â
Jon recommended Sean for tribal pieces as they take a lot of patience and concentration. Â If you plan to get a tattoo, check this place out. Â I have heard nothing but great things about 12 Monkeys.
OK, so when you review a tattoo shop, i think there needs to be two parts to the review. first off for the shop and second for the artist.
the shop-
i hadn't been tattooed here in a few years and was really impressed on how nice the shop was. its unlike any other shop I've been in. most shops I've been to all have a similar  feel; blasting loud metal music, naked explicit paintings of chicks on the wall, the walls covered in nothing but tattoo flash, the guys yelling at each other over the sound of tattoo guns and music and stickers...stickers everywhere! don't get me wrong, i love this about traditional tattoo shops but it was a nice change. i guess this is what happens when there's a tattoo shop in suburbia.
i think women should feel very comfortable here. its not intimidating or vulgar. i did kinda miss all the naked woman artwork, lol. this shop looks like its been decorated by a person with taste and style, very modern and edgy. i love that they have their beautiful paintings hanging up in nice frames through out the shop. its like a Lil miny art gallery. its something nice to look at while waiting. there's is also a plasma TV hanging above the door. the music was eclectic, most likely an ipod mix, highly enjoyable from what I'm used to. i love metal music but sometimes when in the chair trying to do yoga breaths to get through a real painful spot that takes your breath away, can be difficult with someone screaming over the radio. I'm not trying to say this is a new age shop, it's nothing like that. just very modern. also the table/chair i seat on was very comfortable and modern, compared to my first time here. that time i laid on a folding table w/ a pad on it and had my back hurting for a few days after wards.
this shop has come so far and has really set it's self aside from the others. it has frequent art exhibits featuring there artwork along with other local artist, it also participates in the towns local downtown events, like the Tracy wine troll. i also heard that they were on the TLC show "Tattoo Wars".
the few draw back i think are-
the location. yes it is in downtown in a cool area w/ lots of coffee shops, it's just so far from the freeway and sometimes parking can suck and there's heavy street traffic in the area.
cash only. yes most shops are cash only but after going to one w/ a credit machine has made me spoiled. i hate carrying a lot of cash on me and you never know how much it's gonna cost you. at night time when leaving there was also a lot of odd people hanging out in the neighborhood. i held my purse tight while walking back to my car at night.
now the artist-
i received my tattoo by the owner of the shop, Jon highland. he is an awesome artist, he doesn't do just renderings of what you bring in. he is a true artist that creates you an authentic piece from scratch. i didn't even need to bring in reference for my tattoo to be drawn. he was sweet, friendly, easy to talk too, cute and very gentle. not heavy handed or rough, he didn't press on me to hard, had even consistency through out the tattoo. i never once felt like he had "bear paws".
my tattoo has so much detail to it. it is a different style of tattoo for me because i have stuck with American traditional and i cannot believe all the different colors and dimensions to my tattoo. parts of it seem to jump out at you. Jon took so much time and attention to detail w/ it. (attention to detail is how you score points with me).
my experience at the shop has been awesome. thank you so much Jon! i would make an appointment and avoid the walk in Saturday madness.
I haven't personally recieved a tattoo from here yet, but my boyfriend and I have been here quite a few times since January of this year.
Every tattoo they gave him was really good in quality. They keep everything sterile, their inks are bright and bold, and their artists have real talent.
I also like their interior design. Separate cubbies for each tattoo artist, great hand painted artwork hanging from their walls, and a wide room with good space to work in. Just try your best to get an appointment, they get booked for up to weeks at a time due to their popularity.
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