The Jade Mermaid Tattoo Parlor

Joe Bass delivers on every level!

For five years I searched for the right tattoo artist.   I had a good idea of what ink I wanted but still looked to collaborate with the artist which was proving hard to find.  Serendipitously, I found Joe Bass at the Jade Mermaid after I moved into an apartment above his shop on Burnside. The shop is warm, inviting, and... clean! It's
a solo shop which I prefer to most other shops that feature a few artists and a piercer.  

During the consultation, all I really gave him to go off of was a rather poor sketch on a napkin and an entourage of ideas.  My drawing skills are not the best and the tattoo I now have is not like any other I have seen so image and design references were hard to find.  It was important to me to find an artist that could understand me so what I ended up with would match exactly what I wanted.

Joe's attention to detail and placement are spot on. The shading is beautiful and the colors pop. He answered every question I had about the process honestly and accurately. Communicating and collaborating with Joe is natural and enjoyable.  Between several rad conversations, ink sessions, and emails, a truly amazing piece of art is on my back and left side.  Before the piece was finished random people just  had to stop me to tell me how beautiful my ink is and the complements are still rolling in now that it is finished.

I am beyond satisfied that Joe Bass is my tattoo artist! I will definitely be going back to Joe for future ink projects. I highly recommend Joe!

Joe Bass is an amazing tattoo artist and person.  My husband and I wanted new ink to commemorate the end of our west coast honeymoon.  We looked him up and he had great reviews, THANKS FELLOW YELPERS!!  He squeezed us into his schedule so that we could have it done before we left town.  He was in the process of doing a full sleeve tattoo on a guy who sat for almost 2 days straight.  My tattoo was done on my foot, which is supposed to be the most painful spot, but he has a great hand and it was done in no time.  His shop is SUPER clean and he is the only guy there unless he has a visiting artist. It was a great experience and I would go back to Portland just to see Joe and get more ink.  He is that cool.

I can't say enough good things about Jade Mermaid.  Joe Bass is a consummate artist and professional.  His work is beautiful and he will spend the time with you to make sure you get exactly what you want.  I'm in the middle of a 3/4 sleeve of original design and I am so happy with the results.  

His employees, Jerry and Joanne are also great tattoo artists who will make sure you have a great experience there.  I've watched them interact with all types of actual and potential customers while I've been there and everyone gets treated with respect, unlike the hipster douche bag attitude you can get at SO many other shops.

As to the physical shop, it's always very clean and comfortable.  So, what are you waiting for?!??  Get down there and get that ink you've always wanted!  Big project or small, Jade Mermaid will set you up!