What a fun and talented group of artists!!! Â My best friend and I came here on a whim after not seeing one another for five years. Â We came in with only half an idea for matching tattoos and John and Rob worked with us to come up with a beautiful image and took a lot of time making sure the size and alignment were perfect. Â During the tattoo process, they were funny and really made sure that we were comfortable. the whole experience was a blast!
The tattoos are beautiful! We are both thrilled. It was her first time getting ink and we could not have asked for more. Â I highly recommend this place.
My other half was tattooed here by Jon. He did a fantastic job. The line work was awesome, the colour bright and the design was killer. Jon, and all the people we met in the shop, are very professional and all around awesome dudes. I am definitely going to start coming out from Vegas to get my work done here.
Review Source:As good as it gets, honestly!
Let's just put it this way...I waited two years to get the tattoo I wanted just so I could get it done by Rob Merrill. Â He's professional, friendly, and an excellent artist.
The location in SF is small but comfortable and the staff is down to earth and friendly. Â
The price point is fair and well, if you're going to get a tattoo....just go here, you'll have a wonderful experience and get the work done right!
I was in SF for just the night and been thinking about getting a 4th tattoo. I'm so glad  I stopped into Goldfield's. It's a small, intimate shop with a few chairs. The staff in there was attentive and friendly the moment I walked through the door. Really made me feel comfortable, especially since I was from out of town. Rob was super patient in hearing what I wanted to get done and offered great suggestions and drew it up better than I could ever imagine. Once the stencil was done, I wanted to re-position 3 or 4 times and Rob didn't mind the least bit. I got an anchor done on my forearm, which took about 2.5 hours and Rob was super cool to talk to and it was just an overall really relaxed, comfortable experience. The detail, the patience, the passion that goes into his work does not go unnoticed and from the other 3 tattoos I've gotten, it is unmatched. I've gotten so many comments and praises on the anchor tattoo, especially the rope the flows down the middle with incredible detail. SO glad I stopped in, most memorable part of my trip.
Review Source:Rob Merrill is a scientist. I handed him a line design that got me blackballed from my last tattoo place. "Razor Rob" didn't even flinch. Seriously one blow-out and this whole thing was shot. He nailed it. Positively smashed it out of the park. No one (in multiple countries) can freaking believe how skilled it looks.
If this is the only tattoo place you have ever been - you are lucky.
I got my first two tattoo's at goldfield's from the legendary Greg Iron's, that was in 1983 now fast forward to 2012. My daughter just turned 18 and wanted to get a tattoo so i took her here. We were met by john and we discussed what she wanted he said give him an hour and he'd be able to accomodate us. He was very professional and did an excellant job. Rob was also very friendly we all talked and joked around. All in all it was a great expierience for my daughter and me. She went back to Arizona and all her friends are so impressed with her tattoo that they are planning a road trip to Goldfields.
Thanks again John for making my daughters expierience a memorable one.
If you knowyour tattoohistory this is the place for you est in 1977 its one of twoof the oldest shops in the city , HENRY Â GOLDFIELD , ROB MERRIL , and some other newer guys ... can't go wrong with razor rob :) his lines are so clean and sharp i cut the room with mine ! Amazing art work and history all in one place
Review Source:I got tattooed at Goldfield's back in August 2011 and not only did the final product end up looking awesome, but the experience was great, too. I felt very comfortable, which is extremely important and not a lot of shops seem to really care about. Courtney was professional and friendly and creative; I could not have asked for more. It was a lot of fun. A few days later I came back with a friend and Courtney gave her her first tattoo. My friend left her phone charger there and I'm pretty sure she even got a call about it. I can't wait to come back and get more ink.
Review Source:ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!
The girlfriend and I had a little San Francisco getaway this past weekend and decided that we'd get tattooed together...we ended up at Goldfield's randomly.
It was around 10pm Friday night...and they were just finishing up, but Courtney greeted us with a big smile and offered us to come back tomorrow (Saturday). Â We were bummed that we couldn't do it that night, but in the end, it was way better for us.
We gave her an idea of what my girlfriend wanted and she sketched it over night...we came back the next morning and it was time to go!!!
It was my girl's FIRST TATTOO, so she was a little nervous, but Courtney made us feel super comfortable and kept her (girlfriend's) mind off the pain.
The tattoo came out better than expected and we couldn't be happier.
It was then my turn and i had no idea what to get...we were kind of on a schedule for the day and didn't have much time...but it was my first time coming to San Francisco since i was 8yrs old...i wanted something that will remind me of this place.
We sat...brain stormed for a bit...and we decided that i was going to get a lightning bolt! Random, crazy, fun, and perfect for the moment....
Courtney was so nice and helpful...there's those people you meet in life where you JUST KNOW that they're "good" people...she is definitely a good person.
Thanks so much for everything...i'll be back the next time i'm up north!!!
:)
I didn't get my tattoo at the actual shop but Henry Goldfield did my tattoo in Kauai, Hawaii this past weekend. He was visiting Blue Tiki Tattoo which is owned by Uncle Tim. Henry drew a beautiful sketch of what I described and did a fabulous job! I totally love it and have received many compliments! Great conversation also!
Review Source:Based on the attitude we met at the door when we came in..we won't be back..we walked into a shop that had no one on the table getting ink...had cash in hand for two tattoo's..needed a little art drawn up, nothing major..after the employee who was sitting on the floor realized we were there he did everything he could not to help us..not one Hi how are you, sure we can hook you up, what is it you need drawn...etc..just  reasons why they would not be able to sling the ink..
There are too many shops with talent to debate..won't be back, and off the list they go..
Best Tattoo shop hands down. Â I wouldn't go anywhere else to get my work done. Â I have been tattoo'd by a number of the staff there but mostly by Rob. Â He is a true professional. Â He (like everyone else there) wants you to leave happy and they will work with you so that you will get the most out of your tattoo. Â Everyone here is very skilled and if you are lucky enough to be in the show will the owner Henry is there, you will get to hear some of the greatest stories about the history of San Francisco and tattooing. Â The don't do piercing or try to sell you a black light poster. Just tattoos... and real good ones at that!
Review Source:March 1987, fresh out of A school at Treasure Island, was driving down Broadway and randomly chose Goldfield's. Asked for the bear on my class ring and came back a day later, Henry had drawn it up. 1st tattoo sitting 6.5 hours by Henry. Learned a lot while sitting there. In 24 years of traveling around the world and collecting 7 tattoo's later, every shop from Hong Kong to Gulfport, MS I've gone into has looked at that bear and immediately said "Goldfield's". The color is still bright and vivid. Â If you are going to do it, do it right.
Review Source:This review is solely based on their customer service...
I came in tonight with my friends to inquire about getting some cursive writing on the side of my finger. The guy who assisted me made some recommendations and told me that my desired location was NOT the best area for tattoos and that the permanence and longevity of the tattoo is not very likely due to the textural skin differences. Then a girl that worked there showed me the tattoos on her fingers to further illustrate what he was saying. Â
I left the shop without my finger tattoo but left with a great appreciate for their honesty and integrity as artists who take pride in their work and customer satisfaction. Â
So THANK YOU... guy with the glasses and the chick with the bad ass tattoos!!! :)
Since I got my Korean tiger on my left arm by Rob at Goldfield's, I've had so many compliments. Â Strangers, friends, relatives all want to know who gave it to me and where. Â I'm just so happy with it. Â It's healed now and is beautiful. Â I was born in Korea, am half Korean, born in year of the tiger and the tattoo is shaped in the the country of Korea. Â It's sentimental to me and so glad I went to Rob to make it come to life.
Review Source:I cannot speak highly enough of Goldfields and Rob, who did my most recent tattoo. I have been thinking about my back piece for quite some time but could never really put it down into a drawing. After talking with Rob i knew he would be the one to figure out what was in my head-which is quite a task. He spent a day or so drawing it and when i saw the end result i was shocked at how he was able to combine classic structure with a modern aesthetic and maintain a delicate touch-he is an artist! GO TO GOLDFIELDS!
Review Source:From my experience working in the creative industry, you know an individual has talent when you can imagine what his/her work will look like, and then when you actually see the finished product it far exceeds your expectations.
This is why I whole heartedly believe that Steven Lam is one talented mo-fo. Two portrait tattoos on each arm on my boyfriend, and a back ribcage script for myself later, this five star review I'm giving Goldfield's is really a testament to how skilled he is! (To be fair, I've seen the others who tattoo at Goldfield's, and they've definitely all got skills).
Trustworthy, mellow, honest opinions, and very patient - and I already covered the part about him being talented - Steve makes the special experience of getting something inked on your body very ideal . Â The last thing you want while getting something permanently carved into you is any creeping paranoia about whether you're going to regret the decision... go with Steve, and I promise you that your tattoo is going to look better than even you imagined it.
I'm posting photos now, because no matter how much I talk about his work, proof is in the pudding!
i recently got tattoos of my kids' chinese names on my left arm. Â i've been picking steven lam's brain for the past year for ideas and he recommended that i find a chinese calligraphist to write the names in brush strokes. Â this would ensure uniqueness as well as aesthetics. Â Â i'm so happy i took my time and and went with his advice. Â i found some old chinese dude in the sunset who did a beautiful job with my son's and daughter's chinese names. Â steve then blew them up and positioned the stencils on my tricep and inner bicep. Â the inner bicep hurt like a mother but you pay if you wanna play.
i just want to point out that steve really takes pride in his work and pays strict attention to details. Â i'm super pleased with the results and now i want more!! Â mahalo bruddah steve.
This took me too damn long to write....sorry, Steven! Nothing but great things to say about this place and my tattoo! No attitude, totally reasonable price for the GREAT work I had done and since we were the last customers, they even came across the street and had a shot with us at Bamboo Hut. I know there are a lot of tattoo shops to choose from in the city, but GO HERE!
Review Source:I had already booked a trip to San Fran and thought while i was down there I'd look for a tattoo shop that did UV tattoos (since no one does it in Seattle). I found Goldfields. After looking at their profiles online I felt comfortable enough to call them and set up an appointment.
Courtney is really nice on the phone. They generally don't take appointments on the phone but since i was from out of town they agreed.
They answered all my questions about the UV ink (since everyone has different opinions on it i wanted to be super sure about my decision)
The shop is really tiny, but comfy.
Rob did my UV tattoo. He did a great job (it was only text). I'm super happy with it.
They make the ink in their shop and test it on themselves.
EDIT as of 12/21/2010
I just wanted to give everyone an update status on my UV tattoo (since i keep getting PMs about it).
It has healed up just fine. Since I am pasty white, the tattoo shows up as a FAINT tan mark on my forearm. If you're a normally pigmented person, this will most likely look like nothing. Even if you looked at my arm and i didn't tell you about the tat, you wouldn't even notice it.
It still glows just as bright as it did back in February.
I have yet to go back to Goldfield's because I love the artwork there. But, I am updating because I have heard that Dean, the artist that did my first tattoo is now at Blue Star Tattoo in Concord. <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbluestartattoos.com&s=698bdf5fbf226638fa51556e1d428c30c11e51de11539e7e9a5513cf6c585894" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://bluestartattoos.c…</a>
He's a fantastic artist to say the least!
I must admit, it's my first tattoo, but felt very comfortable with the whole experience thanks to Rob at Goldfields.
I brought in some pictures of a unique flower and Rob drew up a rough sketch then we agreed to how he would color it because the flower had petals transitioning from yellow to red (majahua flower).
Anyway, I pretty much left it up to him and he did a wonderful job. Â All my friends are extremely impressed and it must have been a hard job because all the other artists wanted to see how he did it!
I highly recommend Goldfields and Rob Merrill.
I got my first tattoo ever at Goldfield's back in February '09 and I'm just now getting around to writing this review. Â This is not because my experience was lackluster at all. Â Quite the contrary. Â I took a print of my art in with me and talked with Steven Lam. Â He took my print and had to finish up with another client but told me to come back in an hour and he could do the tattoo. Â I went down to the Italian restaurant at the Coppola building and had some dinner, then walked back. Â When I arrived, Steven had the linework all ready to go and it was perfect. Â He placed it on my arm and let me take a look to make sure that I approved. Â All was good, so I went ahead and got it. Â He matched the color exactly to the print I brought in and it turned out great. Â It only took him about an hour. Â The great part was that Goldfield himself was sitting there just telling stories and it made it a lot of fun to get the tattoo and hear all the stuff he had experienced. Â The price was good, the experience was fun, and Steven did a great job on my tattoo with a quick turnaround. Â I would definitely go back for a quick-burn tattoo.
Other places in the City are usually booked up for a while, so if you're in need of a simple tattoo rather quickly, you should check this place out. Â I recently got another tattoo at a different place and I waited a few months for the appointment, but it was well worth it.
I got my first tattoo here 10 years ago. A big crab right in the middle of my chest. Sill my favorite and one of my most complimented peices of work to date. Dave did me up, and let a group of my friends hang out with us while i was poked and prodded for two and a half hours. Everyone at the shop was nice and welcoming, and afterwards you can go to a strip club right across the street! Way better than a lollipop at the doctors office.
Review Source:Goldfield's is everything a tattoo studio should be...it has history and tradition, yet also invites innovation and creativity.
A tattoo is a piece of art, yes? Â If you were commissioning an artist to compose a painting for you, you would probably spend a good deal of time in consultation...exchanging ideas; discussing the composition of the piece and how it would/should be displayed. Â
This is the same level of service you will receive at Goldfield's...I've been in many a place where I've presented an idea for a piece and asked the artist "what do you think?"...and was met with only a shrug, and a sort of "what do I care? It's your skin" kind of attitude. Â To me, that only denotes an artist that doesn't feel pride and honor in their work. Â At Goldfield's the artists will take your idea and apply their extensive experience to ensure that the design, composition, placement, etc. of the piece will complement not only the artwork, but the way it looks on your unique body structure.
At Goldfield's, I've worked extensively with Steven, and he's the guy I call with new ideas. Â I would recommend his care and expertise to anyone. Â I haven't had the opportunity to work directly with Henry, Rob, or Ryan, but I've seen them at work, and I know for a fact that the work ethic that Steven has demonstrated with me is the norm at Goldfield's. Â They will be my studio, as long as I have skin left to cover.
Came in here back in August 2006 on my 20th birthday. I had this idea for years to get the foreground of the Cherokee peace flag inked on my arm with two additional stars (blue one for 'a brighter future,' black one for those who died on the trail of tears, in case you were wondering...).
Good price, good experience, good work. Some tattoo artists are elitist as hell, but Rob and Henry were talkative and friendly. I think I was distracted by all and any pain because we were talking about life in the bay area. It took only one hour (if even) and he sent me out with care instructions.
Just because it's on Broadway doesn't make it a sleazy place just waiting to give you a dose of hepatitis. These guys are good.
One of the best and oldest tattoo parlor's in San Fran, great artists and a great owner occupy this awesome place. Although I went there knowing the work that Rob (the artist) has done I was impressed with everyone's work there.
Rob has done two pieces on me already and I cant wait to go for more. One of the best tattooists out there by far.
Highly recommend!
OK, I have to admit, I now have a little crush on Rob Merrill so this might seem biased. He's done some awesome work on me. He's simply a genius and is one of the best tattoo artists I've had the pleasure of meeting (and, yes, I've met quite a few!). Rob is an artist above all else and draws some incredibly cool stuff. We've worked on a few tattoos now and they've turned out brilliantly. And all have started with very little direction from me (I just give him ideas, like "I want a girlie skull on my foot") but the end result is exactly what I had in mind. It's almost like... magic!
And here's what totally sold me on the shop (OK, I was already sold when we did this): I wanted a cover-up of a little messy Gerber daisy that's been driving me nuts. Rob was hesitant at first, and even said he might not be able to do anything to cover it up, but then drew the most amazing piece. We just finished it and, I have to say... well, I really can't even put into words how awesome it is. But I actually don't have to because here's what other people have said: "That dude has mad skills if he can turn a Gerber daisy into that!" ... "Holy [stuff-you-find-in-the-toilet]! That's amazing." ... "Wowwwwzaaaa." ... "That looks awesome!" ... "Fierce!" ... "MAN!" ... "Awesome. This is crazy cool." ... "That tattoo is SICK!" ... "God that looks Amazing!" and "w.o.w.!!!"
So, if you're ever in San Francisco and want to meet some extraordinarily cool people, head over to Goldfield's, quite the legendary little tattoo shop! And tell Rob I sent you!
I gave Ryan W. complete artistic freedom of my day of the dead skulls tattoo and he exceeded my expectations. The tattoo is amazing! It is beautiful and better than I ever could have imagined. I wanted the tattoo to be black and grey rather than color and now that it is healing I can see all the variation in shades that Ryan was able to do. It healed well and looks great. Ryan was very professional and accommodating through out the 3 hour session.
Review Source:This place ROCKS. Â I got my first tattoo here and I'm happy (and relieved) that it came out as awesomely as it did. Â
I wanted something unique, and came in with a pretty vague description of what I wanted. Â "A sun kinda thing, with some type of ocean swirl in the middle". Â He took that, and brought it to life. Â Per his reccomendation I added a slight red glow omitting from the sun, and the result was amazing!
Don't let the shady strip clubs next door throw you off, this place is clean, crisp, professional, and FAR most importantly Skilled.
Highly highly reccomended.
I have two tattoos and both of them I got at Goldfields by Steven. I had a great time. He made me feel very comfortable. Everything was very clean and professional. He made my tattoos even better than I had hoped them to be. I recommend this place to all of my friends, and if I get anymore tattoos, I know the first place I'll head to.
Review Source:I have been supporting only two tattoo studios throughout my collecting, and this is one of them. I don't really let anyone tattoo me unless they learned under Henry. It is a classy and homey place where you feel secure, safe, and like you are in a clean environment. The stories are worth the experience but once you see the artwork you will know you came to the right spot. Old school art, like that of Sailor Jerry, is a specialty that only few legends have truly mastered: Henry Goldfield is one of them. Thanks Henry, you run a classy joint.
Review Source:I had been thinking of the perfect divorce tattoo for a couple years now. Fitting for something beautiful to arise from something painful, no? I was referred to Goldfield's by a co worker whom I approached after seeing her hip tattoo peek out of her waistband. I knew what I wanted and brought printouts to Goldfield's and talked with Steven. A graphic artist by education, he asked many questions on my idea. He offered his suggestions and ultimately knew what I wanted even if I could not effectively express it. I wanted something pretty and classy - he delivered! I spent an hour chatting and laughing with him, his hands on my certain body parts in the doorway - laid out on a table for all to take a peek. It was actually a fun time (the chatting and laughing NOT the part which my certain body parts were on display!) - the pain was soon forgotten! Steven is GREAT. He took great care to listen to what I wanted, prepared the site and instruments carefully, and gave me detailed post application instructions. I love my new tattoo. GO, RUN - get what you want and you won't regret his artwork!
Review Source:Came in, went based on Yelp reviews...first (and only tattoo just yesterday). Â Spent time with Steven. Â Discussed what I wanted, made some adjustments, felt I was part of the process the entire time. Â Steven knows his stuff and his demeanor makes the process all the better. Â Give this place a shot, for certain!
Review Source:This place is super legit. I walked in with several iterations of the font I wanted for a simple text piece. Although I had an appointment with Steven, Rob did the work. Both were focused and intent on understanding what I wanted before doing the work. Rob patiently fielded my very particular minutae-based requests and left me with a well done, classic piece. Clean, comfortable, chill staff...would definitely recommend! The only reason I did not drop a five is that this was my first ink experience, thus I have little reference upon which to base my opinion.
Review Source:f*ing. mindblowing. awesome. Â that's all i have to say.
if you don't believe me, find me (usually at a bar, sans the school factor), buy me a drink, become my best friend. if you're so lucky i'll show you my new tat.
and you will fall in love...with steven lam's artistry! Â
or me, that's fine too ;)
There aren't too many fluorescent ink artists in the city, so I was lucky to find this place. At first I wanted a certain design, but Rob, the specialist, said it was too complicated for fluorescent ink. He ended up doing another design, that I ended up really liking. You could tell that he takes pride in his work, because he took his time and made sure that I was pleased and that he himself was pleased with how it looked. When we was done, he supplied me with an informational sheet on how to take care of my tattoo, which some tattoo artists do not do. I love how my tat looks under black light, it's pretty freaking sweet. I would definitely come here again for fluorescent or even regular ink.
Review Source:I highly recommend this place. Â It's an old school tattoo parlor. Clean and friendly place. Â The artists are incredibly creative and articulate. I had my first tattoo done by Steven Lam and he was so calming and gentle he really put me at ease. Â I couldn't be happier with my body art! Thank you Steven;)
Review Source:This place was good. I got a tattoo from Rob, coolest guy that could give you a tat. He was understanding, patient, and gives you his advice....when you asked. He was a chill guy, perhaps a little TOO chill. ha, but seriously, he did some lettering on my side for me, and was patient and understanding through it.
What would've been cool, is if he gave more advice, maybe suggested some things since he's seen a lot.
But i'd def go in again. This is a place you get to know people, and they want you to feel cool there too. I'll prob bring my gf in cuz she appreciated what i got done, and then, i'll prob get another one from rob.
This place was great to me a few years back. I was in San Fran for one of my many weekend trips up there. I had been really wanting something very specific, a pink spiderweb on my elbow. A close friend told me to call Goldfield's and talk to (luke maybe?) someone that worked there. He asked if i could come in right then cause he had time. i explained what i wanted and 15 minutes later he came out with a drawing that was perfect. he didn't give me shit for not wanting any black, and he did an amazing job with just pink and red.
i get the most compliments on this tattoo and i have quite a few, so that is pretty good.
if i was in san francisco i would most definitely go there in a heartbeat
UPDATE: It's been a month since I got my tattoo. Still looks great!
__________________________________________________Â___
NOTE: Review written Day 1 after getting tattoo
I am/was a virgin to the tat scene. Looking back, I'm really glad I chose Goldfield (walked right in, no appt needed)! They have a $100 minimum and I was only getting something that was half an inch large on the inside of my wrist, but I think the price I paid was well worth it. Hiromi did my tat, and she was great! Walked me through the process. I got to see her set up the area and felt really good that I was coming to a place that made safety and cleanliness their top priority.
Because my tat is small (tat is a Chinese character), Hiromi told me that I wouldn't have to worry as much about the aftercare procedures as someone with a bigger tat. But, I'm following the traditional instructions still. I got it yesterday, and the tat looks a bit raised and is already beginning to peel a little. Normal, I guess?
I'll update my review once it's healed after 2 weeks. So far though, everything seems to look good!
i totally heart and will forever heart goldfield's because i got my first tattoo here! this place is so classic and old skool.... just as a tattoo studio should be! you gotta love the pin-up girls! :D
joey armstrong was the one who did my tattoo. i get compliments on my ink ALL the time. whether i'm walking down the street, riding BART or laying out at a pool somewhere... people gravitate towards the ink! seriously people i don't even know ask to take pictures of it... crazy!
i was always a piercing girl, so the whole tattoo thing was very new to me. joey made me feel really comfortable and at ease. not only that but i gave him an idea and being a great creative artist; he ran with it. he made my idea 10x better than the idea i had in my head. ohhh and the color.... so on point! my next tattoo will for sure be by joey! YAY!!
First Yelp review and I am glad to give it to Goldfield's. Â Positive experience from start to finish. Â Went in with an idea. Â Steven Lam took the time to listen and give suggestions.
He put this on paper and let me check it out and asked what I thought. Â With a few minor changes, I set up an appointment and came back to put the idea to skin.
Steven was awesome from the beginning to the end. Â This tattoo came out even better than I thought it would. Â I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking to get a quality tattoo from quality folks.
Lets start off by saying I am running out of space on my body to get tattooed. But after finding Goldfield's, I know that they will take up the majority of that space. Â This is a great tattoo shop for the "old skool" and the tattoo virgins.
I have two large tattoos from Rob, he is an amazing artist. Rob will take the time to understand what you want and create a incredible tattoo. The crew here is relaxed while keeping a professional yet comfortable atmosphere. You can hang out here shooting the sh*t or just talk about some new art. If anyone is a true tattoo collector, you need to visit this shop.
ah Steven lam and the beautiful maple leaves that will
forever be on my back. though my tattoo is not a place that i can admire it often, i know it's there and makes me happy.
my friend and i  found Steven through a mutual friend... i got to see a tattoo that Steven did and was intrigued as the tattoo was amazing (not exaggerating), and it had been said that the artist was really nice and normal. which for  me is important because there is nothing more unsettling than having a permanent mark on your body from someone  you would not  say hello to on the street.
visited goldfields, the place is clean and well lit and the other artists are friendly.
two weeks later i found myself getting tattooed with my friend by Steven; he had taken a  branch that i wanted to be my tattoo and drew a gorgeous version for my back, and with my friend's same branch different colors and size.
the experience was really good. my friend jay and i have fond memories of the little chit chat that went on as well as the finished products of our tattoos.
another friend also went later and was tattooed by steven and we'll get him to yelp and post a picture because his tattoo is amazing!
i will be back sometime soon with a hydrangea that I'd like to go on my arm.
I got my first tattoo here at Goldfields by Steven Lam. Â I was really scared and nervous but, Stevens gentle nature and calming attitude helped me get through my fear. He distracted me by talking which helped a lot. Â I ended up getting 1/4 sleeve for my first and couldn't be happier. Â Steven was extremely patient, genuine, and focused. Â He really did an amazing job. Â I would recommend any of my friends and family to come here. Â I had a great experience.
Review Source:So let me say first I have had many tattoos... I have spent many hours in a chair having people put art in my skin.
Never have i felt so comfortable as i do when i am being tattooed at goldfields... Rob is doing my left arm sleeve and we are about half done and it has really been a great experience. I have no talent when it comes to art but he really took my ideas and made them real.
during the tattoo he made sure that i did not go to long and that even though i had tattoos before that i knew the proper cleaning and healing process.
The shop is well cleaned and everyone there is really nice and easy to get along with, this is a great shop and although i have gotten tattoos at a lot of different places i cant imagine myself going anywhere else for a tattoo ever again, this shop is one of the best.
My first tattoo... Henry was full of jokes and chatter which meant my tattoo took about 11 hours over a few sittings. I think with anyone else it would have been much shorter but I enjoyed the stories and the people watching. I love the cartoon bubble they have over their counter on the artists' side that says, "Does it hurt?" like the customer is saying it.
I had an idea of what I wanted and Henry drew it up for me in an hour of my showing him a bunch of images I had clipped from magazines and books. The final artwork was actually quite simple, black and grey, that was mostly inspired by a book he had in the shop.
I loved Sonny & Dave too but they're not here anymore. Dave has opened his own shop in San Francisco that seems to be getting great reviews too.
this is where i got my very first tattoo. my best friend and i ventured to the red light district to get inked up. so happens that she chickened out and left me colored up. goldfield's was our early test of friendship. let's just say we are no longer friends...
but thanks to goldfield's, i am happy and more than satisfied with the precision, brilliant color, unfading, perfect piece of art they permanently left on me. a lasting impression, to say the least.
*edit*
and no, this was not the reason why we are no longer best friends =P
My previous post to Yelp perhaps was unclear:
When I said that Goldfield's was "old school"--what I consider the "old school" is not the flash-in-the-pan "all-in-one alterna-shop" that has been cropping up all over the city. Â Not that you can't get a decent tattoo at any other place, but Goldfields has always been about the art of tattooing. Â His apprenticeships are thorough and serious. Â His studio is clean and safe. Â Autoclaving has been used since way before it became standard. Â If you have questions, there are not many mysteries to his history or methods--he wants you to have a good looking tattoo that both you and he can be proud of. Â He will work with you on a design that you want and will work hard to make it look the way you want. Â Henry likes repeat customers.
Henry has a firm touch. Â He knows what he is doing and does it with deliberation. Â A tattoo is a work of art that is intended to be on your skin as long as you have skin. Â It WILL hurt. Â But for a good cause. Â The colors will be bright and embedded clearly so that all the detail is fine and lasting.
He's no nonsense--don't do something ridiculous like ask HIM what YOU should get tattooed forever on yourself, or how much it would cost to get a tattoo you haven't gotten yet removed. Â He respects the work of other tattoo artists, so cover-ups may be tricky. Â Touch ups and fixes are fine. Â He's a businessman first, so don't waste his time.
update: all is well, Henry is still one of my favorite peoples.
Henry, Robman and Mike are all hugely talented. Rob has done a lot of excellent work on my friends and I. Â One of his best feats is the black light tattoo. Henry Goldfield is indeed a legend, and the shop is the oldest shop in the same location in SF. I think Tuttle gets oldest shop in SF. No matter, you will get quality and professionalism here.
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