Fool me once, shame on you. Come in for a free fix, shame on me. I returned to Illuminati 4 months after getting my tattoo because after seeing my review on yelp, Niall called me and offered to fix it for free. When we arrived, Niall was just as standoffish as the first time. We sat in the shop for a bit while he was setting up and during this time he didn't acknowledge us at all. When I showed him the tattoo, he showed no remorse for how terribly it had turned out and tried multiple times to blame how poorly it turned out on me, posing possible ways I could've messed up: Â "maybe it got sweaty in the bandage"
"What kind of lotion/soap did you use? "Did it scab up on you weirdly?" "Did you pick at the scabs?" None of these scripted scenarios had anything to do with his responsibility as my tattoo artist. Â He completely blamed the poor outcome of the tattoo on me even though I carefully followed all of the aftercare directions he had given me. Nonetheless, he didn't even bother explaining them to me again. He took absolutely no responsibility for the sloppy lines or filling. Getting tattooed this time was WAY more painful than the first time, and the way he was handling my arm/hand wasn't very pleasant either. Instead of going over the lines he had previously drawn he re-outlined my once slim anchor and made it thick and unsightly. It is completely obvious that one side is thicker than the other. He stopped a few times and asked me if I thought it looked okay, but when I pointed out things that still needed to be fixed he gave me major attitude! He was very short with us, and super defensive when I pointed out that it was super uneven. It ended up getting to the point where no matter what he did there was no salvaging it. The most frustrating part is, the whole time I was getting tattooed I could see other pieces he had done hanging on the wall and they are all beautiful! I do not doubt that he is a very talented artist, but it was obvious that he didn't care about my tattoo and it's definitely reflected in my piece.
While I was getting tattooed I noticed Jessica was smoking cigarettes directly outside the shop and even let her drag out in the store! I won't look down on you if you smoke, but if you let your smoke out in a place of business while a customer is present?? I mean come on.
All in all:
Customer service: still bad
Artist: still rude
Tattoo: still unsatisfactory
This time don't call me.
Not only was the art incredible and exceeded my expectations, but my artist Jessica was so down to earth and calming. I really enjoyed her company. I defiantly recommend finding the artist that is into the work you are getting and letting them have some creative control.
I had very little pain considering the size and time I spent in the chair (9 hours, 3 sessions). The place is very clean and comfortable. Also just a tip - look for an artist that has a professional chair, better for you and them which equals a great tattoo - I learned this the easy way by loving Jessica's chair!
Jessica is truly an amazing artist. I went in with drawings and a specific idea of a memorial tattoo for my grandparents that I wanted. She took my ideas and, because of her expertise, she made a few adjustments because of what would work best on my body. I could not be more happy with the results of her work. Â She does wonderful flowers, has great "bedside manner", and is incredibly knowledgable about what she does.
Review Source:Walked in on a whim with a really simple idea in mind: a six letter word on the inside crook of my arm. Niall was super helpful when we were going back and forth in terms of size and font and clearing up any questions I had. The whole thing took 10 minutes max and was as painless as can be. Niall is a consummate professional and I have nothing but good things to say, go check him out!
Review Source:Jessica McDermott is a true artist, and can make anyone feel comfortable, from this 53 year old school teacher, to my  mother-in-law who got her first from Jessica at the ripe old age of 76. There is absolutely no one who does more realistic and beautiful florals and butterflies (of course she does everything else well, too.)  Whether you're
getting your first or tenth, you're in great hands with her. Got my third today, and will be going back for more.
Jessica did my first tattoo, and I will definitely make the trip back to Santa Cruz when I'm read for another. I had an idea of what I wanted, and she took off from there to create a beautiful tattoo. I was somewhat nervous and had no idea about the whole process, but she was very patient with me and explained everything.
As others have said, the shop is small but very clean and bright; Jessica is friendly, smart and funny, but she's definitely professional. The process was really pleasant, and my tattoo healed well and looks great.
I had a Two-Part Tattoo done back in the beginning and middle of October. I wrote a Review back in April for Niall Keogh, when he was back at Love Dog.
When I first met Niall  on St. Patrick's Day 2012 His focus and professionalism is what made me confident in my decision to get my first Tattoo, and his great work and the fact he stayed super late, on St Patrick's Day, kept him first in line for my latest tattoo.
His straight forward personality and ability to take my vague request and make them into exactly what I wanted was pretty amazing.
Finding him at Illuminati was not hard, Love Dog gave me great directions, and even a phone number. I called and made an appointment, super easy, very friendly, super awesome phone etiquette. (personal pet peeve of mine).
I brought in a very detailed piece of art involving a couple elements that I liked, but a few that I didn't. I was extremely open minded and I'm glad I was, I ended up extremely happy with my end result. I had no real set plan, on position, size (except big) or colors. Niall was really good at explaining positioning and angles, and I have to say he knows his shit, and my tattoo flows awesomely, and I couldn't be happier with the color. After 2, three hour Appointments I have an amazing piece of art on my outer thigh.
All in all, super stoked on both my Tattoos. Cant wait to get back into this shop. And by all the reviews here Jessica and Niall are obviously Top Shelf, First Pick, Grade A, Artists.
Jessica is bad ass! I heard about her through a friend that was tattooed by her and her artwork is beautiful. I brought in a pic of what I wanted, a lions head. It was for a cover up on my shoulder. We discussed what was really important to me. She sent me pic of ideas and I liked them all, but loved one of them. This was the largest tattoo I've gotten and I love it!! It is exactly what I wanted and more. She posted it on facebook and I will be back when it's healed for another pic. Jessica knows what she is doing, she is serious, smart, and very easy to get along with. She takes pride in what she does and I totally appreciate that. She has made a solid client out of me as my tattoo artist. I obviously, highly recommend her. Thank you Jessica!
Review Source:ive been a bit lazy about writing a review. but here i am. Came here towards the end of august for a tattoo. I was going to be in Santa Cruz anyway for a birthday party, so i figured i'd get a tattoo here as well.
The shop is nice, real close to the boardwalk. clean and what have you. I came in with an idea in mind. I got a hanuman in bali/thai style/mask done. I was thinking black and some color, but jessica gave me her ideas and i loved it. it ended up being full color version of the picture i came in with.
She did an awesome job. it healed wonderfully--no scabbing. and i would definitely come back.
Jessica is an amazing artist. THANK YOU so much for such an amazing piece that I will never forget. I went in with my idea and she worked with me to help me pick out what would look best. Her sketch-up, linework, shading, & detailing were absolutely perfect. I fell in love with the sketch-up when she first showed it to me. She is easy to talk to and is a very smart and funny person. Will definitely refer people to her when ever i get the chance to.
Review Source:I have never had a tattoo experience as great as the one I had with Jessica at Illuminati Tattoo. This was my second tattoo and I wanted something very special; I decided to get some poppies done for several different reasons. After humming and haa-ing about other tattoo shops in Santa Cruz I was about to settle with a shop that a friend of mine went to years ago. Another friend wanted a tattoo as well and had done her research and discovered Illuminati. Thank god because Jessica's portfolio is the best! Her flowers are so perfect and I knew instantly that this was the place. My friend and I made our appointments and came back two days later and Jessica did her magic. Her masterful skill in shading and color is remarkable! The music selection was great and the atmosphere is very welcoming; you know you are in good hands. If this is my last tattoo then I am so thrilled and honored to have had it done by Jessica. She knew what would work and put all my ideas together and made them look awesome. I have already been telling people to check out Illuminati Tattoo and I hope anyone interested in getting some ink done will. Parking can be rough in the summer because of tourists but it's definitely not a tattoo shop to pass by! I hope I do go back in the future and get more work done. I already know that several of my friends are considering it too!
Review Source:when you're getting a tattoo, it's worth considering the fact that you are getting some ink placed on your body for the rest of your life. with this in mind, you probably shouldn't go to your friends cousin who tattoos out of his garage. with this in mind, you should probably go to jessica at illuminati tattoo.
she's not just a bang-up artist (although she is, look at the pictures on the website, the quality is genuinely staggering), she's also really smart, funny, and nice. all good qualities when you are in close quarters with someone for a number of hours and experiencing some discomfort.
fuck, writing this makes me want to go back to her so bad. honestly can't recommend illuminati tattoo enough.
Thank you Jessica for the perfect memorial tattoo of Rainee's name and her paw print that you did last night on us.
If you want excellent work done and a clean shop you must go and see Jessica, she is an awesome artist, she listens to what you want and makes sure all your questions are answered. Once you go to her , you will go back again and again. I sure have.
I got tattooed by Jessica back when this was Staircase. I found her when I came with a friend when he got his tattoo. She did such good work, especially on the shading/coloring. He brought in a black and white sketched piece, which she did and then filled in with brilliant oranges and yellows on the fly. It turned out beautifully and still looks good 2 years later.
I came back a few months later to get my own. I brought in a few reference pictures but she created the piece all her own. She looked at my refs and clarified what I did and did not want from each picture and then drew hers up. I wanted to get in the chair that day but she insisted she had more time to create something. I ended up really appreciating that because it turned out way better. It's fucking *beautiful* and I love it.
Jessica is super cool. She's great to talk to, but not pushy if you'd rather just sit. They play some intense metaleqsue music in the shop which is not my style, but it's not offensive at all and I quite enjoyed it. The other artists, who have not done any work for me but I have met, are also nice and laid back.
Some might consider this place pricey. To those I would say "Have fun with your scratcher and your hepatitis." You get what you pay for when it comes to tattoos, and with the work I've gotten here, I got a lot more (in a good way)! It's very clean and not cluttered (though that doesn't necessarily make for a bad shop).
The parking here is a little cramped, so try not to come during the weekend or on holidays when everyone might be at the beach (or just walk/bike there!) It's metered but cheap, and the other artist ran out and fed my meter for me while I was in the chair.
It has a great aesthetic, very sailor-beachy. The tone is one of relaxation but professional. These people are serious about their work. I went back in for a (free!) touchup and she gave me the little finger tattoo I'd been wanting for free too (I tipped her $80).
P.S. Always tip your artist! My base line is 30% for good work. It's permanently on your body, make it count!
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