I came here today to get my very first tattoo, and the experience was AWESOME! Drew was my artist, and from a few examples I provided he came up with a beautiful tattoo. Even though the tat hit a couple sensitive areas it only felt like a scratch. Thanks Drew!!! I'll be back for a second one.
Review Source:Came here because I saw a friend get her tattoo here on Instagram. After looking through their books, I figured Joe was the best artist for the style I was going for, and I was definitely right.
I had a tattoo already at the top of my left arm, and I wanted to build on that to make a half-sleeve. Once I told Joe what I wanted he told me he instantly knew how to start. Three sessions later and seven hours later, my half sleeve is done, and it's pretty rad. All I had to do was show Joe a few pictures I had for inspiration, and let him do the rest. They have a TV there that can keep your attention away from the actual tattooing. The overall vibe is chill, and it's easy to get comfortable here.
I wish there was a ten star rating on yelp, cuz that's what I would have given Black Talon. Â
I've had tats by other artists but I will never go to anyone other than Drew ever again. Â He did a Chinese phoenix on my side from armpit to hip, a Chinese symbol with WuFu bats on my back, and a half sleeve on my arm. Â Each time I go, I am more and more impressed. Â Especially with my half sleeve. Â I gave Drew the three elements that I wanted and a few opinions on what I didn't want and he took it from there. Â The end result was better than i could have hoped for and better than anything I could have imagined which is the sign of a true artist. Â The tat on my back is something a bit different than what I originally wanted, but Drew was honest in letting me know that my original idea would not have come out nicely and in time would have faded into a mess. Â This showed me that he's not all about making the sale and doing a crappy job just because that's what the customer asks for. Â It proves he really does care about his clients and takes pride in his work. Â You can't really find that kind of honesty everywhere. Â
The shop itself is very clean and everyone there is super nice. Â It has a welcoming and comforting atmosphere where you don't feel like you're "going in for an appointment" you feel like you're hanging out and getting a bad ass tat at the same time. Â
If you want highly talented artists who are honest and basically KICK ASS, go to Black Talon! Â I can't wait til my next session....or should I say sessionS cuz I'm definitely going back!
Yelp should really make an option where you can give higher rating stars for special circumstances because I'm pretty damn sure a lot of people, and myself included, would be rating Black Talon Tattoo waaaaaaay higher if we could. Seriously.
So I was finally able to finish my back piece with the amazing Jay Miyagi @ Black Talon.
Have I said how amazing he is? Well, I need to say it again. Because that is how amazing he seriously is. Aaaammzzinnnngggg...!!!!
As stated in my previous review, I had looked around for an artist to cover up a botched tattoo I had on my back. I had seen Jay's work and knew he'd be the guy.
Well, yesterday, I finally finished up my last session with Jay and my back is so damn beautiful. Seriously-- if I was less of a prude and if it wasn't illegal for indecent exposure, I'd be walking around half- naked just so I could show off my back!
Anyhoot, Jay was able to finish my back and in 5 long twitch-filled hours, my back transformed into a new work of art. No joke.
In all honesty, Jay is not only just an amazing tattoo artist, but he also has an impeccable creative vision that I feel is really unmatched. Whether it is a new piece you want or need a cover up, he will transform your body into a work of art.
Once I can figure out what part of my body I want ink'd next, Jay will be the guy I go to!
And in case you're wondering, the entire shop is clean and very friendly! I don't exactly know who is who as I've only been there twice for my back sessions, but every time I go in, the other artists that work there are very friendly and polite. There is something about the vibe of Black Talon that also makes you feel welcome.
I came here for my second tattoo. The first one I got was at a different shop, and wasn't a very great experience. However I had an awesome experience at Black Talon.
First of all, my artist Aaron knew exactly how to interpret the artwork I was vaguely describing. He also had great advice for the placement, style, etc... The impression I got was that he was insightful and experienced and definitely trustworthy. Sure enough, my tattoo came out great. I get compliments on it all the time and I'm happy with everything about it each time I see it.
The shop is small and cozy, kept really clean and overall it was a pretty professional environment.
I'll definitely be sending friends and family to Black Talon to get their tattoos and piercings done. I give 5 stars without hesitation.
I had my first tattoo done here last week by Aaron - he did a great job, was super supportive and helped me through the 1st time experience. Â I'm really happy with how it came out and if I decide to get more work done or if I have a friend who is looking for a shop I would not hesitate to send someone here.
Most importantly, the shop is clean, completely legit - it doesn't feel shady at all. Â The rest of the guys in the shop were cool, checking out each other's work as it was being done and helping and supporting each other when they needed something they couldn't reach or find or a second eye to look at something or whatever. Â That was good to see.
Surprisingly there are a few tattoo shops within this small little section of Baldwin Ave, but I'm happy I stopped in to this one.
(I forgot my password so I'm writing this review under my husband's account. I'm Judy) My husband wanted a unique design so he thought of it put it into paper and brought it to Drew. Â It came out perfect...exactly as how my husband likes it! The first session was so awesome when my husband came back for the 2nd, I had one done too. Â My daughter had her 1st tattoo done also. Â Drew is the man! He's super awesome! :)
Review Source:I went here with two of my friends on a Wednesday afternoon and was first in line with Joe. Since I'm a picky person, he sat there and listened to everything and every detail I criticized and complimented on. He was super patient and gave great feedback on the fonts I couldn't decide on and took the time to Photoshop the tattoo fonts onto a picture of my back. After several minutes, the tattooing process began. It only took about an hour or so and I love the outcome. The detail was pin- point perfect and its super clean. I highly recommend this tattoo shop to anybody and everybody. The staff is great and friendly and they all have a great sense of humor.
Review Source:Another review from <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.PinkyArcade.com&s=357cab427ff9ca99b397d60c08ff9d2f56ada1f572c121fe168e3b94d6cecac5" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.PinkyArcade.c…</a> , where you Play Free Online Games.
This place is a great place around LA to get a tattoo. The location is on the busy Baldwin street, next to Asian dining places. Before making an appointment here, I was pointed towards this direction from a guy I met at the gym. The guy I met had a very nice back tattoo and he told me that Jay Miyagi from Black Talon Tattoo did it. This is when I decided to choose this spot after reading some of the reviews.
Pros: Great rates, great atmosphere, private rooms with flat screens
Cons: None except the shop's sign is very small, so I had to walk down the street to find the place
I came to this place to get a chest tattoo, but I wasn't too sure what to get. Jay consulted me and suggested a few different ideas and I ended up getting a opera style monkey king. He either charges by hour, half-day, or full days. I chose half a day and he even told me beforehand that he works VERY fast. He completed one side of my chest in 4 hours and it looks spectacular!
I love Jay's work so much that I went back to get my other chest done with a rabbit. Since the rabbit doesn't require much detail, it only took a bit over 2 hours for the image and background.
If you can't handle the pain, you can let Jay know. He asked me a few times throughout the session if I was feeling ok. He's very light handed compared to the other places I've been to and it didn't hurt too much. I also didn't bleed much either.
Walking into tattoo shops do always make me feel uneasy because of the place filled with big guys with tattoos, but after getting to know the people here, they're all very nice. Jay is a great person to talk to too. He's very experienced in his art and designs so I'm sure if you choose him as your artist, you won't be disappointed.
p.s. I'm coming back in Feb '12 to get my whole back touched and filled up :)
Expect to have a few weeks to a month wait time for Jay, so go in...get consulted...make your deposit...and set your appt date asap. Good luck!
LLLLOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEEEEE these guys!! I sent a friend of mine that wanted a tattoo there a few weeks ago and she was amazed at his talents. This was the first time I had been to the new shop and I was greatly impressed. The shop is nice and clean and unlike other creepy tattoo places, not intimidating (especially to some of us women). The prices are completely affordable and their work is efficiently quick. Jay has become my "family tattoo artist" and I always recommend him to all of my friends... ALWAYS... I had my first "Jay Masterpiece", as I call them, done a few years ago when he was in a different shop in Pasadena and to this day I am still getting complements on it. Jay also works on a few of my cousins and has transformed my brother into a walking piece of art. I have already forewarned my kids that if they ever want to get a tattoo, they have to go see Jay at Black Talon...
Review Source:My bf  made me an appt here to get my recent tat done. He's gone here for all his tats and the work on him is pretty nice.
All I have to say is I LOVE my tattoo. It has to be my favorite one so far. I'm sure there are a lot of good artist's out there, I've gotten one from Mike at Ink fiend, Khang at Ink face, Joann at Hollywood tattoo but I'm sure that from here on out, if I decide on more.. it will be from Jay at Black Talon.
I can't wait to go back for my appt next month to complete the portrait of my parents.
Jay is a great artist. I don't know if it's him or his machine, but the pain was very tolerable and gentle.
I first got inked at the old shop in Pasadena Drew, Jay and Nobu used to work at. I went there on a limb and got a piece done by Nobu. He is definitely a little talented Japanese boy come to my surprise. (Unfortunately, Mr. Nobu has gone back to his homeland and no longer works there) Â After that I was hooked and I refused to go elsewhere.
I am glad that Jay and Drew opened up their own shop in Arcadia which is now called Black Talon. It's about time that they ran their own shop. These guys are amazing. Their shop is extremely clean. You'll see LCD tv in every room and a nice comfortable couch in their little front lounge area.
One downfall, if you're a smoker you have to walk several feet away from the rear of their shop. That's the city of Arcadia and their rules for you.
I have recommended my friends and acquaintances to them and after one tattoo they wont be going anywhere else, I assure you.
These guys are not only very good at their job but are also very professional and super friendly.
And oh, if you go in there and want a tattoo that wont look good on you or is just plain stupid they wont hesitate to decline. They will however recommend something else by not making you feel stupid. Although, if I'm in the shop I'll tell you myself that it's a stupid tattoo. haha
Anyway, Happy Birthday My dearest Drew!!!
I will see you again for my next appointment.
You probably won't find a tattoo shop better than this one anywhere else! Starting with the obvious, the artists (especially Drew and Jay, the young charismatic owners of this new shop) are extremely talented and professional. The shop is clean and comfortable with friendly yet professional environment. I always felt that tattoo shops are a little intimidating (even just to walk in) but not this one! Ladies (and gents too, of course!), if you want to get a tattoo or two, this is THE place to go!!! Thanks to my artist Drew, he's so great! Not did he only do an amazing work on me but also explained thoroughly about the aftercare. This is definitely the shop for me:)
Review Source:Jay has been my artist for about 5 years now ever since he was working out of another shop... not only just my artist but now pretty much a buddy of mine... He has done amazing work to my arms and the front of my upper body... cant wait to see what he has planned out for my back piece... Along with Jay, Drew and the rest of the guys do amazing work.. They deserve a 10 star rating.. keep up the dope work fellaz.
Review Source:Was referred to Jay by a friend, had my doubts but once I met Jay he laid all my doubts at ease. The shop is clean and very professional I was surprised by the hospitality that not only Jay but his employees provided.
Jay had to fix some cover ups as well as finish my sleeve, so far words can't express my awe of his work, I've found my forever tatoo shop and artist. thanks alot Jay !
~B
First of all, the ARTISTS here are very talented...5 stars! I've brought a few people to Drew & they all walked out very satisfied. As a matter of fact, they can't wait to go back. The place is clean and they're always looking for ways to improve it. That's a good sign :) The modern decor a flat screen TV's makes the time fly by..5 stars
Drew, Jay, Nobu & Joe are all down to earth. They make you feel like you've known them for a while, so hospitality, a definite 5 stars! Though they take their work very serious, they like to have fun, so come with a sense of humor :)
The prices are very reasonable..5 stars
Would I go back? It's the only place I'd go. Drew is the only person that I allow to tattoo my designs. We've had people from Florida fly to Cali just to have my designs tattoo'd by Drew.
ok Drew, goal is to have my sleeve done before Aug. 27th..let's getr dun!!
I recommend those near or far to stop by and check them out!
I've been to quite a few different types of tattoo spots in both east and the west coast areas and I have never been to a place like Black Talon Tattoo. This place has by far impressed me from their modern decor to the most talented young staff. They're not the stereotypical tattoo artists that the society has embedded in our heads, which are long overdue.
The dynamics of the four: Drew, Jay, Nobu and Joe are the innovators for the next generation of body art. They're all educated and well experienced in the profession with styles so exquisite that you can walk in with a vision and walk out wearing something beyond what you had imagined. Â Each one of them is very charismatic in their own unique ways and their confidence ensures you that you're in the friendliest environment surrounded by state-of-the-art equipment, including entertainment systems to keep you preoccupied under their delicate needles.
They're located on Baldwin Ave in Arcadia just a few blocks away from the Santa Anita mall and right across the street from LA fitness. Your friends probably already know Drew not only from the masterpiece he's placed on every walking canvas at each turn of your head, but also from his musical performances in the Day Above Ground band. Â If you only believe in the most vibrant and detailed perfection, Drew is the go-to person with his healing hands. I kid you not, most tattoos take up to 2 weeks but expect no more than a few days depending on the size. Â He's the owner of the shop so he won't let you down!
This is the brand new shop of Jay and Drew. Â I met Jay 4 years ago at a tattoo convention and he has now done a full leg piece on me and a full sleeve on my wife. Â Jay does some of the best Japanese work I have ever seen. Â The shop is clean and new. Â Each room has a plasma TV so you can relax and watch a movie while you wait for your tattoo or while you are getting one. Â Jay has traveled the world and is very interesting to talk to. Â All in all i recommend this as one of the best tattoo shops around.
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