It seems as many of the other reviews speak for themselves, but I wanted to add to the list of awesome reviews Left Hand Black should receive. Â
In my search for a new tattoo shop, a friend of mine recommended Left Hand Black and I started doing my digging and researching. Â I found great reviews for LHB so I scheduled a time to come by and check out the place and what it had to offer. Â
All I can say is that this place is clean, professional, friendly and overall great! Â When I first walked in they gave me paperwork to fill out. Â The first thing I noticed was how clean and well kept the shop looked. Â I didn't see one thing out of place in terms of bio hazard containers, needles, or gloves. Â Everything seemed well organized with a solid place and process. Â
I met with John Sabin who was very professional sketching out my tattoo and taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to me about what I wanted.  I had a horrible tattoo that John helped to cover-up.  Within a week he had taken a picture I had given him, altered it to fit my personality, and emailed me the sketch.  The sketch looked fantastic and you could tell John made the effort to make it look just like I had asked.  We scheduled a time for me to come in and he  gave me a rough estimate of the cost with a down payment.
The day I went back in to get my cover-up the receptionist gave me detailed paperwork to fill out. Â I liked that they took time to ask questions about my health and ACTUALLY read it and asked me about a few things before I began the process. Â Â The sketch was WAY bigger than anticipated and when I asked if we could reduce the size, John was quick to accommodate my need and didn't make me feel bad or stupid for asking them to make it smaller. Â They accommodated my friend who came with me and they made a special effort to calm me down because I was obviously a bit nervous, chatting with me, and coming over to the chair to check out what was going on. Â
Throughout the entire tattoo (3 hours) John was polite and kind. Giving me time to stretch and ask questions. Â At the end (even though my tattoo took longer than expected and he stayed way past closing) he gave me detailed instructions on aftercare and what I needed to avoid to help the healing process be as effective as possible. Â He let me ask all the questions I needed and I didn't feel rushed even though it was past closing.
I would recommend this place 100 times over to anyone who was nervous about getting a tattoo. Apart from their clean shop, professionalism, and attention to detail, they all seemed very passionate about their jobs and tattooing. Â John is a great artist and it showed through his work on my tattoo. Â Everyone was kind and professional and did absolutely amazing work.
Thanks guys!
I've been getting tattooed for over twenty years, and have spent many, many hours in tattoo shops over the last ten years. I've been tattooed in different shops throughout the states and while none can be considered seedy (it's up to you to pick a clean shop) Left Hand Black by far outshines all of the places I've been too. It's in a cool little neighborhood, tree lined streets and small houses. A couple nearby dining options, even a convienence store for an ATM if you come unprepared. But, all that is just a bonus to the shop itself. Beautifully put together, it is part art gallery, part curio and relic museum and all cool. Great care was put into the decor and the art on the walls is constantly changing for the regularly conducted art shows. This shop oozes with the fibe you want when you're looking for a top otch tattoo experience. High tech booking and research/reference equipment is used (Apple equipment for scheduling and time keeping) and the place is the cleanest shop I've ever been in. Period. That deserves another statement - this place is THE CLEANEST SHOP I've ever been to. Customer service is outstanding, none of the sometimes annoying tattoo tough guy antics or creepy dudes checking out girls getting tattooed. Just professional artists plying their craft. I've been three times (four if you count an initial consult) and the shop has been as pulse ant each and every time. And get this, I received a reminder phone call from shop personnel one week prior to each of my appointments. Â I can't recommend this place highly enough.
Review Source:John Sabin is amazing. Love him. Experienced and a cognoscente. Shop is clean unique artistic and clean. You get the feeling that you are in a deep art gallery. Excellent group of artists. Plenty of art to ponder while getting ink. These are professionals not hobbyists. Will be returning.
Review Source:John Sabin is a true artist and professional. Â
I wanted to have two of my Cocker Spaniels who had passed and the two I currently have tattooed on my upper left and right arms.
The first artist began the portrait work then disappeared, the second one screwed everything up. Â Then I found John. Â What a job he did not only in repairing what the others botched, but finishing the work on each, so that there was uniformity in style and coloring.
I cannot recommend John highly enough. Â If you or a friend should be looking for a true and professional tattoo artist, I cannot recommend John highly enough.
Not your run of the mill tattoo parlor. Â Honest business, honest pricing, modern and super clean. Â Turk, the owner, has a great passion for the industry, and his shop and crew reflect it. Â This is a shop of artists, no hipsters, no biker dudes... real artists. Â My tat came from John Sabin and he brought my tattoo idea to life.
So before you stumble in to some random place in the gas lamp district, do yourself a favor, go a little farther out, and get it done by people that will actually care.
Love! Love! Love LHB!! Turk did an amazing redo/cover-up on a back piece I had gotten a year ago somewhere else. I have to be honest I didn't really do my research the first time around and I should have. Turk's name kept coming up after doing the research I should have done, so I emailed him to see if he would and/or could fix my existing tattoo. Needless to say - he could and he did. He freehand drew in a beautiful addition to my back piece and redid the existing one. I love it!
LHB is so much different than any other tattoo shop. It is set up museum like. It's very cool! The LHB family is very welcoming and not intimidating like other places. I am so happy with the artwork on my back that I've already scheduled my next appointment for my next work of art!
Cleanest, most professional and customer friendly tattoo shop I've ever been to. Â Turk tattooed my husband while I waited. Â He was friendly to both of us, did an awesome tattoo and made us feel comfortable. Â We had a great experience.
Also, I was really happy to see how clean the place was. Â I've had to use restrooms at other shops that are horrible. Â LHB has an extremely clean work environment and the bathroom is actually spotless!
I'd definitely recommend this shop; especially to anyone new to tattooing or who may be feeling apprehensive about going to a tattoo shop. Â LHB is a pristine shop where you can get an amazing tattoo. Â We'll definitely be back!
This is a great shop with an outstanding artist... TURK! Was visiting sd and decided to get my first tattoo since it was my birthday. Came in with an idea and Turk made it into reality and so much better than I could have imagined. My wife also got one done and hers was just as amazing! If you're looking to get some ink this place is a must. Great shop amazing decor great experience!
Review Source:Adam Turk is an incredible artist. Turk has tattooed me for the past five years and I have been extremely satisfied with every piece I've had the privilege of getting from him. He is very easy to work with and has a great sense of humor. The shop is immaculate, always clean and the environment is welcoming, thanks to his wife Crystal and assistants. The shop  holds art shows in the gallery (run by his wife) every few months, which makes very visit exciting because there is new art to view and buy. This shop's talent and atmosphere is beyond any other I have every encountered. I've recommended Turk to many family members and close friends over the years who have grown to love Turk's work as much as me. I have a great time every time I visit and plan on giving Left Hand Black my business for years to come.
Review Source:Getting a tattoo at Left Hand Black is an experience like no other. The shop always immensely clean and well organized, and full of beautiful artwork. Owner and tattoo artist Adam Turk and his wife Crystal make you feel completely comfortably and at home while you are there. I willingly to drive the four hours it takes me from where I live to get tattooed by Adam Turk and he far exceeds my expectations every time I get a tattoo from him. The enthusiasm and care he puts into every tattoo is like nothing I have seen by any other artist. I always look forward to seeing the Left Hand Black family and will be continually be giving him my business and look forward to many more years of an always highly satisfied product.
Review Source:I wandered into Left Hand Black with an idea already in mind; living in awesome South Park I had no doubt I would have a good experience here.....they far exceeded my expectations. Professional, immaculate, tasteful are a few of the words that come to mind when I describe this gem of a tattoo parlor!
Jacob Henry is an upcoming artist who is newer to the shop. His professionalism and willingness to collaborate with me to come up with the perfect design for me was top notch. I was able to get in to get my amazing little piece of art quickly, and everyone there made you feel so welcomed and valued. Jacob's work is beautifully skilled and meticulous. Â I am so glad I found this place and will without a doubt go back to Jacob for my next tattoo.
Left Hand Black Tattoo - Is the only place you'll ever need for your Tat's
I wanted to tell you about a true artist living in our time, His Name is TURK ...and Turk has been tattooing professionally since 1999! Â He's been Tattooing me and My Wife since 2004 there's No one else for us.
Turk has recently opened his own shop and it's a Top Quality Professional Business. He's got a great Team with him, he also has "Guest Artist" stop by and tat when they are visiting in town.
This place will make all others pale in comparison! Â Do yourself a favor and book an appointment with Turk or Jacob
He just opened it I believe July 2012  You can read more about it on this link <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lhblk.com%2Fabout%2F&s=a25f76c4a4beb7cb81cd4711ecbf24a219ebbb26472495421cb5eda427a72c59" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.lhblk.com/abo…</a> Â
More than Happy to Yelp about this Place!
Left Hand Black is an amazing shop you should stop by and check out!
Turk is a phenomenal artist and skilled technician. Â His ability to get in your head and figure out what exactly you're going for is truly remarkable. Â He definitely has a gift and is a skilled illustrator and designer. Â
I would highly recommend their shop to anyone looking to get something designed.
Both him and his wife Crystal are extremely professional and were great at getting back to me whenever I had a question or needed anything during the process. Â Their shop is ultra clean and far beyond any traditional "tattoo shop" around. Â As soon as you walk in you'll be amazed. Â The amount of art and creativity is remarkable and nothing else even comes close to the experience you'll get when you walk in.
Turk and Crystal truly have something special going on and it was a pleasure getting to know them and working with them. Â Amazing art by amazing people. Â Go here.
I'm from Seattle and while visiting a friend in San Diego last week, we spontaneously decided to get tattoos. This was my second tattoo and her first. The guys at Left Hand Black were phenomenal! Not only did Jacob do a great job on both of our tattoos, but everyone who worked there was kind, funny, and inviting. We both loved our experience there.
I have been planning my next tattoo for a year and a half, but I think I'll wait to get it until next time I'm down in San Diego. This place is just too good.
I went with my girlfriend to LHB and spent all day getting tattooed by Turk. She got her 2nd forearm piece by Turk started and I was getting a cross that I got when I was 18 fixed.
This cross means the world to me. It is 2 Â 1/2 feet long, down my back and says, "Mom love always" (my mom is still alive, she just mean a lot to me). I got this when I 18 years old. My mom was away on business trip when I went and got it done and when she came back home the first time she saw it she cried.
So after ten years of abuse it was looking a little faded. It was about time that I fixed it back to its proper look and completed the piece. When I got up from the table and I saw what he had done, it was like I was 18 again and seeing for the first time. I always liked the way that it came out the first time, but when I saw what Turk did I saw what I always had dreamed of in my head. Â I cant wait to go back and get it finished and colored in.
Thank you very much Turk, you made me feel great. My Mom cried again the first time she saw the picture of your work. I will see you soon to get some more work done
got a wicked piece of artwork covering my whole chest and for a tattoo that you see every day it never lets me down. Â Every line is straight and holds the same width no fading of colors no bruising or raised skin. Also it was done in a great timely manner yet not rushed. Old school new school or a turktified assemblance of both this is your place. Check out the shop it will be so worth your time even if just for the new gallery(so freaking clean it's impressive). Its art its permanent.
Review Source:(guest poster)
Great Experience.
Turk is an amazing artist and technician, and him and his wife run a gem of a shop. Â Turk is very professional, responds quickly to emails, and he came up with a stunning design based on vague instructions. Â The shop IS the cleanest I have seen, and the tattoo process was equally so. The attention to detail runs from the tattoo itself, to the artwork on the walls, the bathrooms, and even the aftercare instructions. Turk is very friendly and welcoming, I was even offered coffee and to choose the music. Â Charges are hourly and fair for the artwork you leave with. The tattoo speaks for itself, it is top notch.
-aa
DON"T WASTE YOUR TIME! I brought a picture to Turk at the end of December. He said he could do the tattoo and scheduled an appointment for the middle of February. Â I even stopped by the shop two weeks before to see if he had any sketches, but he didn't. I've been looking forward to this day for a while and then 3 hours before my appointment I get a call, not from Turk but from one of the workers at the shop saying that Turk "doesn't want to do the tattoo anymore". NO, he didn't reschedule, he flat out refused to do the tattoo anymore. He said that Turk started some sketches "last night" and he didn't come up with anything that fit his style and what I wanted. I asked if I could at least look at some of the sketches to decide maybe I'd still like it and the response back was "Sketches are for the sketch book. No one can see them but the artist." I found this very unprofessional, not only to not contact me personally to explain the situation, but also to give me no notice whatsoever about him not desiring to do the tattoo. I WASTED 2 months waiting to get this tattoo and all I get in return was a 2 minute conversation with one of the worker who could agree that it was a pretty crappy thing to do but could give no solution to the situation. The solution was "Yeah I know it sucks...Sorry." I would NOT recommend this shop AT ALL unless you are fine with risking the artist ditching you on the day of your appointment.
Review Source:I came to this shop first for it's art opening in the early fall and I have to say that I was blown way by how comfortable and inviting it was. The shop extremely clean looking, and while the wall and most of the furniture is grey and black there are colors bursting from all corners of the shop in the form of painting and drawings. Scattered all around are various taxidermy and skulls, and yet they seem quite inviting inside and next to the beautiful wood counter, and the comfortable antique furniture in the front of the shop.
The people who work there are very friendly, and helpful, making this shop an excellent place for anyone looking to get their first tattoo. Â In fact, since the front of their shop is a working art gallery it makes seeing the art is a great excuse to peak into the shop to see exactingly why you need to decorate your skin. Crystal Turk, the gallery's curator is constantly updating the shop with amazing art done by a wide range of established an up and coming artists
This brings us to the real reason you need to come to LHB. Turk who is the owner and artist, is by far one of the best tattoo artist around. He is charismatic and the shop is professional. His portfolio is filled with unique and beautiful examples of his tattoos and hung through out the shop are examples of some his other mediums of inspiring art. Â I love the tattoo I received from Turk and felt at ease as he guided me through the creation of the design for my tattoo. LHB was not my first shop to be tattooed in but it is by far my favorite.
Whether you come in for the art or to get tattooed you will not be disappointed by the Left Hand Black.
It's probably been about 13 years since my last major tattoo. If it wasn't for Turk, I probably still wouldn't be able to update that number. Now, it's been about a month. After sitting in the chair for 3 then 4 hours, my dream tattoo not only is finished, but it's perfection. Turk first traced my arm and shoulder so he could create a custom piece of art that followed the contours of my body. Then, his wife (yay!), Crystal, texted me the direction Turk was going in with the art. We tweaked a little here and there before making my first appointment.
While at the parlor, Turk's sense of humor struck when needed (i.e., when I was in the most pain). I also love debating about the world's politics and alien conspiracies and, fortunately or unfortunately, I love asking questions. Turk entertained all of the above. Quite the knowledgeable man!
Not only is this guy, in my opinion, the best tattooist out there, he is a pretty awesome guy to boot. So, go ahead and set your next appointment...at the very least, walk-in and check out their gallery or an upcoming opening. Pretty amazing stuff.
I'm getting my first tattoo ever here and really like it. The design of the shop is sick and the staff is cool and professional. It's a great experience and if you need any tattoo art, go here! They work with you and have very artistically creative minds to help put your concepts into awesome custom tats
Review Source:Great shop to get some custom work. If you can think of it Turk can draw it and, more importantly, tattoo it. This guy is the tattoo getters tattoo artist. He knows how to make the experience a great one and walk out with some killer art. He know getting a tattoo is not the most comfy of experiences, so he gets some quality done in a timely manner.
I came to him with a concept and he came up with a few drawings. We hybrided 2 together went from there. Â I even had him change a few things to get it perfect. He was more than willing to accommodate and make it truly a one of a kind piece of art on my canvas (me). Did the tattoo exactly as I wanted it.
Could not be happier!
Best custom tattoo shop in san Diego. top 5 in Ca. Ive been driving 2+ hrs from LA to get work done by Adam Turk and its more than worth it.
the shop is VERY clean and well kept. Turks style is on a different level.
I had my entire left thigh tattooed and Im already thinking about what to do to my right. Ill be making my appointments for all of my next tattoos with Turk and the staff at Left hand black. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
There's only a handful of fully custom tattoo shops in San Diego, I would have to say this is the best, Aesthetically and artistically. I've been tattooed at some really great shops; NY Adorned, Guru, Avalon, but the vibe and overall feel of this place takes the cake.
Adam Turk's tattoo work and overall understanding of art and composition is amazing. To sit and work with an artist that understands ideas and puts them on paper and can translate them to tattoos is unbelievable. Turk is also a very versatile artist and is constantly coming up with new ways to draw tattoo ideas, each tattoo I have is very unique and timeless (and i'm starting on my second sleeve).
I think it's really important to feel comfortable in a tattoo shop - This place achieves that feeling, just walking in and seeing the art gallery it's obvious this shop is art driven. There are no walls of flash to pick out a tattoo.
They hold a lot of art showings from amazing artists from around the world, even if you're no looking at getting tattooed I would check out the gallery and just come in to see all the oddities at the front counter!
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