I did a lot of research going into this, because the last thing anyone wants is some creeper stabbing you with needles as they leave you with some shitty art you will be cursed with for all eternity (tribals tats, sweet!). In the end, however, I chose this place because it's close to my house and the panther on their logo resembles my cat (a truly majestic being).
That being said, I couldn't be happier with my choice. In fact, I knew I had made the right decision when I arrived and a shirtless hipster with tattoos covering every inch of his flesh was outside smoking cigs (American Spirits, most likely). You can always trust the discerning taste of a hipster wearing jorts.
Mykil hooked me up with "Memento Mori" in pike lettering under my arm. He was quick, professional and also hilarious. He didn't even mind when I got up from the table and had sweat all over the place because it was hot and dangit, underarm tattoos don't feel great. The price was extremely reasonable as well.
I'll definitely be going back to Mykil for future work - maybe a portrait of my cat on my forehead, who knows? Perhaps, some day, I will be the tattooed hipster chain smoking outside. A girl can dream.
I Wanted a spur of the moment tattoo and was recommended here by a good friend. Called and walked in and every employee here was friendly, welcoming and very patient with us. Aidan was my artist for the day and he was very nice. Me and my significant other we're so indecisive about placement of our tattoos, nerves and anxiety got the best of us but he was very patient and kind with us and I am grateful for him. The shop is very professional and such good people work here. any artist is a good choice and I will return to flying panther for more work in the future.
Review Source:I recently got a rib tattoo with flowers and it turned out really beautiful. My tattoo artist was Mykil and he was very friendly and did a great job. The place was very clean and everyone else working there was nice too. I would totally recommend this place to anyone interested in a well design tattoo.
Review Source:I never write reviews on yelp, but I had to create an account just to boast about the tattoo Sue Kidder did for me. I gave Sue several images of what I wanted to incorporate in my design, and Sue came up with something even better than what I imagined. Her work is so clean and delicate & I'm constantly asked where I got my tattoo. She's also very professional and really chill. The shop itself isn't pretentious like other places I visited. Can't wait to go back!
Review Source:As my first experience getting a tattoo, these guys made it very hassle free. Not only were they easy to talk to and very open to questions, they didn't try to push me to make a choice. Nico is a fantastic artist. He took my design and cleaned it up beautifully. I had a great experience here and would definitely come back for more work.
Review Source:People always ask where I got my forearm tattoo done and I always refer them back to Micah at Flying Panther. The details were amazing, and I knew that I had just permanently placed a work of art on my body. I loved Micah's work so much that I came back 3 years later to do another arm piece. Which I'm in love with as well. I've had other work done by inferior artists and have regretted it. I just don't trust anyone else. I will definitely be back for more!
Review Source:I did a few months of research on shops and artists in SD before making the decision to go visit Dominic Vasquez at Flying Panther. Â Once I decided to pull the trigger on the tattoo itself, I emailed Dominic and he answered all my questions and was extremely helpful. Â I gave him a few ideas of what I wanted as far as design and colors and I trusted the rest to his expertise. Â
Once Dominic got the initial drawing finished, he texted me pictures of what he had mocked up for my tattoo. Â I couldn't imagine the finished product yet, but I was very happy with what I saw so far. Â We set an appointment to get all the outline work done first. Â Dominic's professionalism coupled with his artistic ability had me sold. Â After the outline work was finished, I was even more excited to get all the shading and color done so that it would tie everything together. Â
The coloring on my koi and the chrysanthemum on the under side of my arm is perfect. Â The colors all contrast and complement each other very well. Â The artwork is truly amazing. Â
I could not be happier with the end result.  Dominic's level of professionalism was exceptional.  He has been extremely helpful since my very first email.  The fact that he takes time to explain things and answer questions speaks volumes about his customer service.  The artwork that now resides on my arm, well, it speaks for itself.  I could not be happier with my decision to get this tattoo and with choosing Dominic to do it.  I look forward to getting more work done in the future and  I'd gladly recommend Dominic to anyone looking to get work done as well.
My first tattoo.
Let me tell you - amazing. Â First of all, everyone in the shop is incredibly friendly, great vibe (as a North Parkian - I have particular vibe tastes) make you feel extremely comfortable, intelligent people, good music going in the background. Â Seriously, when you're gritting through a little pain, Bob Dylan goes a long way. Â
Sue - Susan - did an impeccable job on my tattoo. Â Needless to say I will be going back to her for a full, beautiful back piece. Â I had a quote, all script, something I would consider very difficult. Â Everything is straight, lettering is beautiful, and everyone that has seen it thus far thinks it's incredible. Â She was also friendly, kind, and just made you feel perfectly at ease given the fact that you are bent over a chair, shirt off, getting your skin pulverized :)
Hands down, I am ecstatic that I made the choice to get a tattoo, and "endeavored" to do so with such a phenomenal group of people.
These people are a class act. Such excellent/supreme care that was put into my Mom's first tattoo today, by Mykil Zep. I have many other friends who've been more than satisfied by their work, which was done there. When I get the funds, I will most definitely be getting some ink done there!
Review Source:Micah Caudle is my artist at this shop. Â I received my very first tattoo from him about 5 years ago at another shop. Â When it came time to get my second one, there was no question I would have Micah do it for me, wherever he was.
This shop is clean, spacious, and fun to look at. Â The artists all seem really happy to be there and the day I was there they took some walk-ins as well as their appointments for the day but no customer had to wait around unnecessarily. Â
Micah is fantastic for first-timers or veterans. Â He's attentive without being intimidating, detail oriented, professional, and he will talk you through what is going on if you want him to do that. Â He's very easy to talk to. Â Both times I have given him the main components of my pieces and let him arrange a design he thought would best compliment the location and the subject matter. Â I have been thrilled with both finished products. Â Both took a little more than 2 hours each to do.
My skin is incredibly sensitive. Â I hive out at many mundane things, so I discussed this concern with Micah before I got my first tattoo. Â We took all of the precautions we thought were necessary to keep things happy and good. Â And it continues to be fantastic five years later. Â The healing process on both pieces has been exceptionally good compared to some other people's experiences, if they were telling me the truth. Â If I even had scabbing on this second tattoo, it was not anywhere or at any time that I saw or felt it. Â Light skin flaking started about day 4 and the piece has been beautiful and itch free ever since. Â Part of that is due to the aftercare, but part is due to the artist knowing his work and being able to tell you how best to care for it.
Because we traveled from Orange County, we were unexpectedly late when a 3 car pile up on the freeway shut down any forward movement. Â We called the shop to let them know and even though we were late they never missed a beat with us or anyone else and we never felt rushed even a little bit. Â
The only reason this isn't getting 5 stars is that I don't have a ton of tattoo shop experience, so I can't call this place the best - not knowing what the best is. Â I can only call it the best experience I've had getting a tattoo.
When I decided I wanted to get a tattoo for my 28th birthday this year, I wasn't sure who to go to. My friend who had done most of my other tattoos had moved to the Midwest and any time I looked on yelp at reviews the use of the phrases "sweet tatts" and "sick ink" turned me off.
Anyway, I asked my friend Katie who she recommended and she told me I had to see Myk Zep at Flying Panther tattoo. I met with him about a week later. I explained what I wanted (a tattoo of an ice cream sundae  and some gladiolus with a banner that read "Everyday is Like") and he took an outline of where I wanted it done. I left a deposit and we set up the day and everything was good to go.
When I came in a week later to get it done I was so surprised by how much I liked what he drew up. It was better than what I had thought up in my head. Not to be super cheeseball, but it was everything I wanted and more! I was stoked.
Now, Zep as a tattoo artist is amazing, too. He's super super super super super fast and not heavy handed at all.Getting tattooed by him was nothing less of a rad experience. He made me feel comfortable, never once made me feel silly for wanting a ice cream sundae-Morrissey related tattoo. In fact, while I was getting tattooed the music of choice for the occasion was Moz and The Smiths. Needless to say everyone at Flying Panther won me over.
I already have an idea for my next tattoos, and of course I will be going to see Zep for them. I can't imagine how awesome those will turn out. I'm excited. Yiiiiiiii.
Great place, great artist, and great location! I got my very first tattoo here so I was a bit nervous. I did not know what to expect. Mike was my guy. He did an AMAZING job. My tat looks phenomenal. He was extremely cool and made me feel comfortable.
Why only 4 stars and not 5 then??????
Before anything, you must sign a waiver and consent sheet in which they photo copy your I.D. When the girl handed me the clipboard to fill out the paperwork, underneath was a huge stack of prior clients with obviously ALL their information and photo copy I.D. So I was able to read everyone's personal information. I do not like knowing anyone has access to detailed information like that. That's a big no-no!!! So hopefully they can establish a better method of data keeping because that's not safe for both the client and company.
I recently got an amazing tattoo from Nico and I can't say enough good things. Â I will only be going back to him for future work and have already recommended him to friends that go to other shops. Â He is an amazing artist! In the first 2 days with my new artwork, I received many many compliments. Â He is truly gifted with detail and color. Â He was also very patient and gentle when he could be. Â
As for the shop, it's very clean and has a good vibe to it. I'll be back soon!
I will never go anywhere else for a tattoo again...unless Rob Benavides opens a new shop. This place is super clean, the artists are chill, they aren't pretentious and douchey like so many shops I've been to. The work is always flawless and Rob fixed and finished a cover up on my back and did an amazing job....best shop I've ever been to.
Review Source:I read the reviews of the shops in the San Diego area. Â I was mortified by some of the horror stories. Â Flying Panther had some bad reviews, but if you read them, they aren't about the torture people endured, being ripped off, or even crappy work being done. Â The negative reviews for this place were really "My artist was late, my artist was flakey, my artist kept changing my time." Â Flakey Tattoo artists? Â OMG NOOOO! Â SO I went with them. Â
When I walked into the shop I immediately noticed how clean it was. Â Someone was getting work done on a table and another artist was "minding the front". Â He spoke with me, got my details, asking me a million questions to make sure his idea and my idea were in alignment, and I laid down a deposit for a time. Â I had exchanged emails with a Micah (busy with the guy on the table) but my art was simple and really anyone could have helped.
I made my appointment with Mykil. Â He was super nice, professional, and very informative. Â I came back at my designated time and he get started. Â He was very precise about the placement, making sure it was exact, looked good when I was standing naturally, ect. Â He went to work. Â
He was gentle and talked with me throughout the process. Â The front desk girl was super nice and the 3 would exchange jokes without being exclusive. Â
All in all, I am SUPER happy with my art, the service I received, the  level of professionalism, and above all, the quality of the work.  Mykil was amazing and I would recommend him to anyone.
On a side note, he had asked what made me choose this shop, I told him my spiel about their reviews and he informed me that the shop owner reads the reviews on yelp and not 3 months prior had let go the artists that were the repeat offenders. Â
Mykil Zep aka the "Albino Predator" (ginger dreads) was a fantastic artist, I recommend him and the shop to everyone.
This place is amazing.I am in the process of getting both sleeves and chest done by Dominic Vasquez. His Japanese artwork and style are amazing. I drive an hour and a half both ways every session just to get work done by him.
They're always welcoming and never pretentious to their clients unlike other places that I've visited. I can easily recommend this place to all my friends and family. Thanks for reading!
-S.Chu
I was helped right when I walked in, Zep (Mykil) came over and talked to me about what I wanted, worked on the drawing, and had me on the table within 20min. Tattoo took an hour and it was great. The guys were nice. The shop was cool. The price was reasonable. I was referred here by a friend and I'd definitely go back here
Review Source:Rob Benavides is an artist. Â That's all that I can say about him.
I came to him with a concept, and through conversations he came up with the most amazing piece of work that represented exactly what I wanted.
The shop is clean, the people are laid back, and Rob is truly committed to his work. Â He "gets it" and maybe it comes from the shared cultural background, maybe we just clicked, or maybe the Universe made it so.
Day of the Dead was when I got my work done, and Rob made it come to life. Â Forever a client of Rob...
I can't speak for the other artists that work there, as I have not had anything done by them, but show up, bring your concept and make it so.
I've only gotten a little stupid $5 tattoo here, but I know TONS of people who get tattooed at this shop.
Jackie is AWESOME. She does some seriously amazing work. In fact, pretty much all the artists here are amazing. Everyone is really nice and the shop is very clean and easily accessible.
Check it out!
I LOVE Flying Panther, and especially Jackie Dunn Smith!! I've got three tattoos from her now and will for sure only be coming back here, even after I move away from San Diego. They're all so laid-back and make you feel welcome. You definitely won't regret going to any of the artists here.
Review Source:I went by this shop the other day and was NOT informed that Brian Walker, the tattoo artist who I prefer to go through, is now working at 454 Tattoo up in Encinitas. In fact, the front counter woman was extremely rude when I asked where he is now, -- she wouldn't give me any way to get ahold of Brian. Once I mentioned I only wanted him to tattoo me, she seemed like she was too busy texting to hear that and told me to talk to another artist. Is it wrong to be particular about lifelong art on my body? She didn't get it. I will NEVER go back into that shop again. Apparently they only care about money. That sucks.
Review Source:I absolutely love this shop. Its clean, professional, comfortable and most importantly the quality of work is amazing! I had my left side is tattooed here and I cant tell you how much I love them. Not only do I enjoy them every day but I get countless complements on the work and the color. Its been several years since I had the work done and it looks like it was done yesterday. I wouldn't hesitate to send anyone to this amazing tattoo shop!
Review Source:Went to Flying Panther in 2008 on a recommendation from a friend and met with Rob. Saw his work online and in his portfolios and was super impressed. Met with him for a consultation and Rob drew out my design (peacock feathers) to make sure that I liked it on my skin as well as the paper and that the placement was ok. When I came back for the appointment, Rob was super cool and all about making me comfortable. The tattoo turned out amazing and I get so many compliments on it. I also healed more quckly than had on any other tattoos. I will definitely go back there and highly highly recommend Rob to others.
Review Source:Had a partial cover-up done by Micah a couple years back and was SUPER impressed with the professionalism, cleanliness, and friendliness of everyone at this shop! Micah listened to what I wanted and worked to make my vision a reality. Â His work is very detailed and top notch! Â My hubby is getting his next tattoo from Micah next week...they are awesome! Â Highly recommend :)
Review Source:I cannot even explain to you how much i love this shop. I was tattooed by brian walker and it was entirely a great experience. When I got my forearm tattooed, I was not feeling my best. I had been working alot and generally not feeling up to par. going back, I more than likely should have waited until another day to get my tattoo, but seeing the sketch he had beautifully drawn up from our collaborative conversation earlier that day I simply couldn`t hold up any longer. Brian was sweet and attentive, acknowledging his slightly heavier hand while assuring I was doing ok. At one point when I felt a bit lightheaded he went out and bought me some peanut butter m&ms and water. I cannot wait to come back for the shading. Overall beautiful shop with extreamly talented artists.
Review Source:La Pantera Volador. El mas chignon.
Basically a sick tattoo shop in a quaint little part of SD. Some of the baddest ink slinging artists around. They sometime throw art shows with live music there, but my first time was the 5th Anniversary party which was very cool. A mix of local hipsters and the sort of underground car club, diamond dogs, fellow tattoo artists and long time friends attended. Super cool owners, people of the shop and vibe in general. They are pretty  big just because of their outreach and influence in SD, unlike other shops that don't advertise, don't do booth's and are word of mouth. Ben Grillo, their latest addition brings with him a good client base to an already good shop. I can't truthfully yelp on the entirety, but if my boy Ben says it's good, I am a believer. The man makes the word truth.
Nothing but love for the Flying Panther. Â Been tattooed by Brian Walker twice now, and the guy rules. Â Super sick style, works pretty quick and is funny as hell. Â The whole shop has a really welcoming vibe to it. Â I've been recommended this place to everybody and I can't wait to come back again.
Review Source:I'm on day 3 after getting tattooed by Jackie Dunn Smith and I just can't get over how easy and virtually painless the whole experience was. Â
I got my belly tattooed and honestly when I first walked in, I almost chickened out but Jackie just had a really good energy that made me so comfortable. Â She was really receptive to my tattoo and my ideas while reminding me what works in my head doesn't always resonate in a tattoo ;) Â Not just that but she tattoos hella fast!! Â anyways she's great, I'll definitely go back to her
the shop itself is real chill and super clean. Â They had a great playlist playing and the other artists were super sweet about me running around the shop topless ;)
I can't wait to go back!!
I was extremely pleased with my experience at Flying Panther Tattoo. It was Christmas eve and with no appointment, Rob was able to complete almost 4 hours on my newest piece. I have had my fair share of time in tattoo shops both on the west coast as well as in the south where I'm from originally and I must admit the atmosphere of this shop was very comfortable. Rob did a fantastic job on my piece and his table side manner was amazing as well which makes laying on a table with a complete stranger much more enjoyable! I can't recommend this parlor any more highly! the artists are top notch, the shop is clean and comfortable and the prices are very reasonable. I plan on making this shop and Rob my go-to shop for all my future tattoos.
Review Source:If you're looking for a great Tattoo artist, Dominic is your man!!!!!!! You can go to him with an idea of what you want and he will amaze you with what he can do with it. If your looking for someone that is good with Japanese tats I wouldn't go anywhere else but to Dominic or else I can say I told you so after you get one from someone else. I've had people look at my leg and compare my Koi to ones they've seen and they couldn't believe how clean he does his. I've just finished my second leg with him and I can't wait to start more. They say Tattoo's are addicting but Dominic's Tats are more then that they are a must!!!!!!! Hit him up, what are you waiting for???????
Review Source:Dominic is the best Tattoo Artist I have ever worked with. Since he completed both of my Japanese Sleeves I have started on my back piece and will allow no other artist work on me. He is always willing to work with you on the image and will draw up the work before hand for approval not many do this any more. He always puts alittle bit of himself in the work for the best experience in town go see Dominic.
Review Source:My wife and I just got dog paws on the bottom of our feet by Dominic Vasquez. Perfect!!! I love the shop, super clean, very well lit and a great vibe. I checked out every shop before deciding on this place, and this is by far the most comfortable shop I have been in. His tattoos heal quickly and cleanly and his lines are as sharp as a razor. I'm very happy with the work.
Dominic is a great artist and I strongly suggest him to anyone looking for great work!
This review is for Brian Walker, I've had 2 separate pieces done by him in the last couple of weeks and what amazing artistry. Â I can't believe how fluid his lines are and his amazing attention to detail. Â His art is just what I wanted, and they have both healed nicely. Â Thank you Brian. Â Everyone at Flying Panther is amazing! xoxo
Review Source:I NEVER EVER write reviews, but I'll do one for this place and I'll keep it short.
Bottom line, everyone who sees my tattoo says it is "incredible", "unreal", "amazing", "best piece i've seen by far". I worked with Mr. Micah Clauden, a really professional artist who knew what the hell he's doing. I gave him an idea and he turned it into something nothing short of "incredible". My tattoo was a sleeve on my left arm which led all the way to my chest. It is 2 pillars and a snake going around them and all the way to my chest. A big piece at a great price. Can't say enough good things about this place! GO HERE IF YOU WANT SOMETHING NICE!!!!
As of late, I've been on this tattoo kick. Always fascinated, ever intimated, I've admired and ogled this particular form of self-expression from afar. But always short of cash and courage, I never could commit...til now. After months of extensive research on local parlors and artists in San Diego, I've finally settled on Rob Benavides  at Flying Panther Studios  in Golden Hills.
Rob is a tattoo artist and self-taught painter from San Antonio, Texas. His distinct style and wonderful eye for color (I think) separate him from other tattoo artists in the area, and most definitely caught my attention from the get-go. His online portfolio was very impressive. But, being the cautious kitten, I held off, researching tattoo parlor after tattoo parlor. A few things I look for when researching a tattoo artist/parlor:
*Website or online portfolio with samples of work. Hello, it's the 21st century and technology is tantamount to the success of any artist/business/etc. You might be a great artist, but if you don't have an up to date portfolio that uses current technology (ergo an understanding of the importance of trends when marketing your business), you're not gonna impress me. In fact, I'd think you to be a bit lazy. Not good.
*Cleanliness- do I really need to explain this one?
*A style/aesthetic that reflects your own personal taste- Very important. Every tattoo artist will interpret your idea differently. This is permanent, so finding someone who can take that idea out of your head and and translate it into something you love is crucial.
*Professional Demeanor: Don't be a douche. As tattooing becomes more mainstream, an even broader range of folks will be wandering in. These people will potentially be paying your bills and helping your business grow. That 'cooler than thou' attitude is complete shite.
Things I don't take into consideration:
Cost: Folks, please don't look for a cheap artist. You get what you pay for- and remember, it's permanent.
*Reputation: Something to be considered, but upon my research, I came across dozens of folks who swore by their own artists. Most of the time, I simply didn't like the style of the artist. Everyone's taste is different, so to go to an artist because someone else likes their work isn't enough. If you're as picky as I am, do the footwork. Â
All things considered, I kept coming back to this particular artist. My instincts were pretty solid, so today, I went in for a consultation.
I walked in and was immediately greeted by pleasant incense wafting in the air. It's a small studio, but well lit, with high ceilings and a very pleasant decor. I was immediately pleased with the cleanliness of the place. I was greeted warmly, by a fellow working on a patron. I informed him of my appointment and he directed me to Rob. Rob was working on a fellow, but asked to take a 5 min. break to speak with me about my design. Awesome.
We chatted about styles, what I was looking for, brass tacks. I showed him my inspiration board. I felt completely at ease with Rob. He liked my idea and agreed that his style would complement the aesthetic I was looking for. So, I put down a deposit and booked an appointment .
Appointment day: Greeted with smiles, a warm handshake and Steely Dan- THIS is SOO a good sign. The big moment arrives when he shows me my tattoo. OK, so I cried. Whatever. It was BEAUTIFUL and so exceeded my expectations (which mind you, are very high). I'm obviously pleased. Â He sets up, places the tattoo on me and away we go.
Tattoos hurt, btw, but not as much as I expected. The entire time was filled with easy conversation about music and old TV shows (Welcome Back Kotter, What's happenin'). Rob's a very personable guy, even when he's tattooing and that made time go by quickly.
My outline was complete and damn it looked good.
My bestie was there with me (my bestie is a chicken with a low threshold for pain). She was so impressed by the whole experience that she booked her first "big girl" tattoo. Needless to say when we went back, we had the same really great experience.
Flying Panther Studios: MVP in San Diego's tattoo industry. Period.
Best shop in town. Period.
Rob Benavides is possibly the funniest man I've ever met. He has a gift of gab that just won't quit. Seriously, his stories and jokes are enough to make me crack up laughing even when he's putting down heavy black outlines less than a half an inch away from my sciatic nerve.
And Micah's touch is so light, you barely even feel anything.
There isn't an artist working out of this shop that doesn't amaze me. But then, that's what they are...artists. Rob, Micah, Jackie...these folks have original pieces hanging in galleries, fer Pete's sake. And for a fist full of dollars (or a swipe of a credit or check card), you can walk away with your own insanely beautiful piece of art that you get to keep for the rest of your life. How sweet is that?
The tattoos you get here are the ones that people stop you in the street to ask you about...everywhere you travel. Â And the sensitivity, attention to detail and professionalism the crew has is amazing. The place has such a warm and happy vibe, it helps keep you centered through a thigh-sized outline.
They specialize in Americana and Asian, but can pretty much do anything you want. Seriously. I've seen Micah do an amazing tattoo on my boyfriend using just a picture on his G1 for reference.
One thing, though: if you give these guys some freedom (and want something other than "some sweet Kanji"), you're in for an amazing tattoo that you will be loving yourself for getting. These guys (including new artist Brian Walker) know their craft and how to put together the best combination of colors and textures. Give them just a little and they come back with so much.
My brother and I wanted to get our family crest done before he was deployed to Iraq. Somebody recommended Micah Caudle and Rob Benavides. I went in a couple of days before Christmas and showed Micah what we wanted, but told him I'd like something in the traditional styles to match my other pieces. Two days later, Micah drew up exactly what we wanted, and a couple days after he scratched it onto both of us. The work was quick, clean, and exactly what we wanted. Tight lines, great use of color, great grasp of traditional work. I will definitely come back for more. I'll also have to get something done by Rob and J Dunn Smith (can't remember if it's Jamie of Jackie) as both their portfolios and art for sale is awesome! Thanks Micah. Oh yeah, saw a picture of rob wearing a cock spatter shirt - made me feel right at home... Boots and braces.
Review Source:I had my first tattoo done with Rob Benevides. Before I get to the important part (the tattoo related stuff) I wanted to say I dig the decore of the place. It just feels cool to be in there and classy at the same time. Anyways moving on..
I brought in a sample for my tattoo and scheduled my appointment, service and information was great. Came in with some friends and Rob showed me his stencil of the design... spot on! Rob is a great guy, someone who you don't mind stabbing you with a needle. We talked about Mexican food across the country and in the neighborhood for a good 15 minutes. The work itself was exactly what I wanted and and he helped well with placement and proportions. I couldn't have asked for anything more from this place. I'll come back, I'll recommend anybody for any tattoo work to get done. Heck i'll make the drive from Long Beach since I moved to get work done by him!
Absolutely LOVE the tattoo Rob did yesterday!!! His color work is amazing, and he tied in the colors to my existing tat (new tat is upper back, prev is lower back).
Prices are reasonable and due to a cancellation he got me in sooner than expected. Everyone in the shop is awesome!
Love love LOVE Flying Panther. Took me a while to find a local parlor, but I'm glad I found Rob!
Definitely, San Diego's BEST tattoo parlor!
We had some friends in town from Hong Kong and they wanted to get some ink done. They asked where they should go and we insisted on Flying Panther.
My buddy scheduled a time on Tuesday late in the evening.
To make a long story short I ended up with a sick Pirate on my leg done by Micah. Thanks Micah for this piece.
Dropped in to talk with Micah about getting a touch up on a fairly large tattoo that really needed it. Â After a consult he said he could take my tattoo to the level I wanted and we made an appt for the next week. After about 2hrs I stood up a little tired, in a little pain and yelled "It's alive! It's alive!" He brought my tattoo to life. It looks wonderful, like it was supposed to in the first place. He even adopted my tattoo and said he would take care of it from now on. Sniff! Thanks Micah!
Review Source:just got more work done by rob today & couldn't dream of going anywhere else. everyone who works there is amazing. Rob especially makes you feel comfortable and relaxed and has the best stories :] Im always laughing and wanting more (tattoos that is) Would recommend this shop to anybody who's down for flawless artwork.
Review Source:Really disappointed. Feel weird being the only bad review for this joint, but I need to share, because what happened to me just ain't right.
So spoke to Micah last week about touching up my tattoo, and we talked and he told me he needed a deposit. But later said, not to worry about the deposit that he would pencil me in, since they needed deposit in cash, and I didn't have that much cash on me.
so I went in today to get it touched up and he had someone on his table. so I waited 5 minutes, and their scheduler came out and told me that he is booked for the rest of the evening. WTF!
Micah said, you didn't leave a deposit, and this client came in and he was going out of town, blah, blah, blah; I DON'T GIVE A F! you penciled me in though, and didn't call me to let me know?! Yeah I was going to get a low costing tat, and someone came in dropping $500 or whatever, but that was a totally dick maneuver. He didn't even apologize, gave me attitude, and said "you didn't leave a deposit, so I couldn't guarantee the spot. Don't mean to dog ya'". Well you know what, you did!
Was totally excited about getting my tat touched up, and basically got told to take a hike because someone who was paying more money wanted to get there shit done before they left town.
F'd up.
T
Micah is the BEST!! My hubby has been getting his work done from Micah for a couple of years now. We first met him at the shop in Oceanside and since then, Micah has done work on his arm and leg. Micah takes pride in his work and it really shows in the finished product. So keep in mind, if you want him to work on you, be prepared to book a couple of weeks in advance :)
Flying Panther Tattoo is a great shop. The location is easy to find and the staff is friendly and down-to-earth.
Rob Benavides you are a god-send, and it's time someone commends you on your cover-up work.
Like many a young lad back when Clinton was president and Seattle ruled the airwaves, I unwisely decided to place a bad, mid-90s tribal on my arm that was just awful. It was drawn by some girl I'd not known well, who may or may have not been operating on one or more hallucinogens at the time and was supplanted onto my body by a dingy biker in the middle of the desert. It had no rhyme or reason, and was rumored to contain every letter of my name somewhere in its pillowy abyss. The best part? It was all purple. What a douche!
Flash forward a decade later, literally more than 10 years since my last ink-laden mistake, and I fall for an alabaster-skinned Polish/Welsh bird covered in Rob's classic thick-lined, old school work. I couldn't go on boasting the hideous aforementioned purple badge of the wicked, so we went and talked to rob about my options. After talking we traced the outline of my arm and booked a date. When I returned he had custom drawn a beautiful Koi in the classic Japanese style like I wanted and we went for it. Over the next few months we completed my work and I couldn't be happier. You sir are truly a gift from the lord ;-) I posted a before/after shot on this yelp page if you are curious, try to find the cover up.
Rob is awesome, very clean lines, sick color and shading work, and he is one knowledgeable SOB on just about every subject I had to talk about. Great sense of humor, and he clearly loves food, ha! Now I just need to cover my other arm to balance me out. Go see Rob if that is your style, and try to hit up his annual Dia de los Muertos party as well. Good times.
I love this place.
We had been eyeing it for a little while in our search for a tattoo shop to call home in SD, and finally decided to incorporate them into our anti-Valentine's 'My Bloody Valentine Day.' So glad we did.
We called on Friday the 13th of February (which we have declared MBV Day) to see if they had time to ink our 'Love Kills Slowly' tattoos on us that night. Jackie was super excited to help us, so we made the trek down from O'side.
It's one of those shops that when you walk in you feel comfortable immediately. Very nicely designed, cool art on the walls, not too much flash. Bonus points for the art gallery in the back. I really appreciate the layout and the accessibility of the artists, but there is also privacy if necessary.
Jackie was awesome. She was super stoked to work with the classic Americana design we chose. Very helpful and vocal about ideas for placement, size, and color choice. In short, she was very professional, a cool chick, and a talented artist. Not only that, but we found out after we arrived that she had stayed open late just to help us out.
All the artists at this shop are phenomenal. You can find their portfolios online if you need proof, but just trust me. We may shop around again for other artists / shops eventually, but for now I think we're set on where we'll be getting ink for a bit.
Thanks, Jackie!
Micah took my idea of a tattoo with my sons name on it and made it original and freaking beautiful. Â He is an artist! Â He is friendly without talking your ear off which I love. He will definately have our return business. Â
We live right down the street so I am not sure why it took me so long to come in but I am glad I did. The vibe in the shop felt like everything else in Golden Hill. Â NICE. Â No enquires as to how much a butterfly would cost on the small of there back.
Top notch tattoo work here.. Â
Its all about Rob Benavides..
Rob has an awesome twist on traditional American work, so if you want some traditional work done that stands out, Robs your man. Â
Rob is also really heavy into the day of the dead stuff he does a shit load of work that deals with day of the dead which is always bitchin.
I got a calf piece by Rob and I never stop getting compliments on it.
Robs a really laid back easy to talk to just all around friendly guy. Â
Moral of the story - go here ask for Rob and walk out with a fine piece of art on your body. Â Nuff said
I had the pleasure of getting my first tattoo from Micah Caudle at Flying Panther. Â I am nothing short of impressed. Micah is a true artist, you will not be disappointed if you decide to go to him. Â I must also say that Flying Panther and the employees I met are all down to earth and the vibe in the shop is great. Give Flying Panther your business, they deserve it!
Review Source:I love this place. Bill Canales and Rob Benavides (not to forget Jackie and Michelle!) are such amazing tattoo artist.
Its small place, with only two chairs, so the majority of the work is by appointment only, be ready with $40 cash to reserve your day (which goes back into the tattoo session, so your not getting ripped, but rather protecting your day).
Really when it comes down to it, alot of people's tattoo artist get their ink done here at the Flying Panther!
The Panther hosts great events/parties for their themed artwork galleries. Â The last one I attended was Women and the History of Tattooing, which was fun. Â They have DJs spinning nostalgic records and there's always cheap wine and Luigi's pizza to be had.
My artist is Rob Benavides, and goes some amazing traditional work, especially in the Dia de Los Muertos category. Â He's a funny guy, but if you want to see the sketch of your work a few days before you actually get, you're going to have to be persistent about it. Â I trust Rob now, so I usually don't see my work till the day of.
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