2 Spirit Tattoo

I recently lost my mother to cancer, and this past year has been a tough road to travel. Soon after she passed, I decided that I wanted to honor her memory with a tattoo. I had an idea in my mind of what I wanted, so I set about finding the right studio and tattoo artist to capture my vision. I came across 2 Spirit's website and was attracted by the clean design and cool insect pictures (I write a lot about insects in my job; they are endlessly fascinating to me, so I took this as a good sign). I started going through the portfolios and was impressed by the caliber of talent that existed under one roof. Roxx, Matt, Michael, and Ben: each portfolio was striking, unique, and professional, and each showcased mad skills and mind-blowing talent. Both Matt's and Michael's work resonated with me. I finally decided on Matt because the website noted that he incorporated "flora and fauna" into his work, and I wanted to incorporate elements of nature into my tattoo.

I contacted Matt by email and he got back to me quickly and we set up a consultation appointment. When I went in, I felt immediately put at ease by his calm and kind demeanor. I was also impressed with the gorgeous shop: clean, impeccably designed (someone on Yelp mentioned that it feels more like an art gallery than a tattoo shop; I echo this sentiment) and the people who worked there (everyone was friendly, professional, and down-to-earth). We sat down and went through my ideas--a rose in the style of an engraving coupled with my mother's handwriting--and talked it out. Matt was very knowledgeable and I appreciated that he was upfront about what would and would not work. He said that he was concerned not only with how the tattoo would look today or a year from now, but six or ten years down the road. It was an emotional process for me because I had an exact idea in my mind of how I wanted the tattoo to look, and it was a great relief when we started talking and Matt immediately seemed to "get it."

A couple of weeks later, we met for the second consultation. I was overcome with emotion when I saw Matt's sketch because it perfectly captured my vision and was such a perfect tribute to my mother's memory. We made a couple of adjustments and then, two weeks later, I came back to get it done!

The process took about 2 hours, during which time Matt carefully and meticulously replicated his beautiful sketch on my calf. He checked in with me to make sure I was comfortable during the process, and I was able to take breaks when I needed them.

The tattoo is beautiful. I have already received so many compliments. But most importantly, I am able look at it every day and be reminded of my mom and her beautiful spirit. I am indebted to Matt and 2 Spirit Tattoo for playing an integral role in this process that is grief and healing.

About 2 weeks ago, I went into 2 Spirit tattoo for my first piece. I had 2 consultations prior to the actual session where the work met my skin. Since I've been thinking about a tattoo for a very long period of time, I wanted to make sure everything was right and would be comfortable with the experience from the beginning. I got that feeling when walking into the space, but especially in working with Matt Matik.

Let me also say the space was amazing. It was open, clean, great light and reminiscent of an art gallery (with better people). When I went into the space for the first time, every artist was friendly. This made the experience less intimidating for a first timer.

Matt Matik was great in my first interactions over email, but then even better in person. I was upfront that this would be my first piece, but pretty vague about the style. From the get go, Matt explained the process from consultation to post ink work.

As I said, I was a bit vague in my design requirements, but Matt was spot on after listening to the junk that was coming out of my mouth.  I knew what I wanted in my head, but had difficulty explaining in full detail and wanted Matt to come up with something. He definitely hit the target after being patient. I knew the experience was going to be great because Matt was excited to do the design and the work. This set me at ease and I know everything was going to be great.

The day came for the ink work. Once again, Matt explained what was going to happen and during the work he always made sure I was alright and comfortable. 2 hours later the work was complete. The tattoo was exactly what I wanted and where I wanted. Placement was perfect.

In the end, I was very happy and my friends family loved the work as well, saying the design was meticulous.  I am definitely planning on going back to 2 Spirit Tattoo again for more work and I would recommend anyone go here as well.

2Spirit is aTattoo Salon of the highest caliber, where you will be offered your choice of tea and will meet with San Francisco's premier blackwork tattooists.

This is a classy place, with hardwood floors and only the finest custom blackwork tattoos.