I recently got myself some new ink for my birthday, which was designed and applied by the very talented young artist, Campbell. Not only did my tattoo turn out beautifully in terms of aesthetics, it conveyed the emotion and personal meaning behind the design more than I ever could have hoped.
The guys at the shop are a laugh, very friendly and down to earth, but never force small talk on introverts like me. That shit stresses me out more than getting the actual tattoo itself. Â Oh and word to the wise, don't try to use your high school ID to prove your age, as funny as that was to witness, you were wasting the artist's time.
I will be back to support my local business and get more ink from these guys, I just take forever and ever to make a decision about the permanent art that's going on my bod, and my decisiveness has yet to steer me wrong thus far.
p.s. They don't do piercing, and you're welcome for saving you a phone call to ask.
I got my first tattoo done here. Â I lost my father and grandmother (his mom) this year and lost them both within 3 months of each other. Â It was a tough year to say the least, and I had wanted to get a tattoo in memory of them since the spring time. Â After much deliberation as to if I really wanted to get a tattoo to even begin with I made my decision in July. Â I knew I wanted a tattoo I just had to find the right artist, I began looking around and its hard because most of the parlors in the city all have five stars. Â Ocean Tattoo is close to both my gym and home so I decided to just go ahead and check them out. Â The first time I walked in, I talked with another artist I forgot his name, super nice super cool but just didn't click. Â I almost ruled them out entirely but then thought I'll go check some different portfolios one more time. Â This time entering I was greeted by Joey, super nice and chill guy. Â I showed him my design and he even sketched a real real rough sketch up for me real quick. Â That got me super excited, also I just felt a really good chemistry with him when I met him. Â I trusted him right away, and after looking at his portfolios as well as his art on the walls of the shop I knew i was in good hands. Â I came in a few days later and got my work done, super easy dropped some money off with Joey in the morning, than returned that night after work. Â Joey had the sketch all done and he absolutely blew me away with his design. Â I cant draw at all and Joey was able to make my horrible sketch a masterpiece. Â We placed the stencil on my arm and began, took about an hour and a half. Â We worked through with no breaks, and I am BEYOND happy with the result. Â Afterwards Joey gave me instructions for after care and assured me if I had any questions to just call or pop back in. Â Joey is a true artist, and on top of this his customer service is awesome. Â He made the whole experience fun, painless, and enjoyable. Â With how special the meaning of my tattoo is it had to be perfect, and Joey made it just that. Â If I ever do get another tattoo I will definitely return to Joey. Â Another girl in there was getting work done by the first artist I met and it looked GREAT. Â This is a shop full of capable, humble, honest, and nice artists. Â You will be taken care of without a doubt if you chose Ocean Tattoo. Â The shop is clean and the artists are top notch.
Review Source:I found out about Ocean Ave tattoo on yelp (great reviews). I actually just came to talk to them about the cost and design and  ended up getting tatted on the spot. My tattoo artist was Marcel (very friendly and helpful). Like a lot of what the other reviewers said, if this is your first tattoo, this is the place for it. If they know this is your first time, they are more understanding about it and will give you suggestions, tips, etc. I definitely like the open-ness of the place and it doesn't give you an imitating vibe like most parlors do.
They do a transfer of your tattoo and place it on the spot you want so you can have an idea of how it looks like, if you want to move it, etc. Really clean, open, friendly space. After an hour, I was tatted up and ready to go!
If you first timers are wondering about the pain level, it's tolerable. I got my inner forearm tattooed (sm-med size), 3 lines. It felt like a "tickling," like someone taking a pen and dragging it across your arm. It hurts a little bit after awhile. After your tattoo's done, it leaves a pain (like a really bad sunburn) but that sensation goes away after 6+ hours later.
They only accept cash (which sucks) but at least there is an ATM machine inside ($2-$3 charge).
I was a tattoo virgin.
My best friend and I wanted to get a small, simple heart tattoo on our wrists as a declaration of our love for each other (cheesy, yes). We were excited and thrilled upon walking into Ocean Avenue Tattoo.
The joy and excitement dissipated when we started talking about our design with the tattoo artist. He seemed annoyed that we had so many specifications for out tattoo-- small heart outline that was fat rather than long. He had to go back an re-sketch or re-scan a few times (maybe 3 or 4 times). At some point, he asked, "are you sure you really want a tattoo??"
I was getting annoyed with him. For my first and only tattoo, I feel entitled to asking for exactly what I want. If I didn't, I'd be an idiot. So, yes, I do want a tattoo. And stop sucking all the fun out of this experience for my best friend and me!!
He became nicer once we were satisfied with the design. He was even sort of funny once we got into the chair for the tattoo. My best friend and I are happy with the outcomes, but I still feel like he could have been more accommodating to his paying customers.
I pass by this place on the daily and have always wanted a tattoo. I drew up a sketch and brought it over. It was a simple design, just the Aquarius symbol.
The place is clean and spacious with awesome art decorating the walls. The music selection is pretty awesome too.
Joey was super nice and cool, not to mention, he did a great job. My tattoo came out exactly as I had hoped, if not better.
I'll definitely be back for more.
Salem came up with an original dragon and tiger for me. It was such a blast having such a great artist do my design. It was a great environment, when I got cold the heaters came on, when I had visitors they were welcomed.
On top of all that I found the guy who I plan to use as my tattoo artist from this day forward , like finding a dentist, you find the right person and that is who you stick with. I have the faith in Salem that Giants ballplayers have in Bruce Bochey. I cant wait to do my next three sessions with him. True professionalism and painless.
If you come here you are very smart.
Tim
This was the second tattoo shop I went to check out for my first tattoo. And to my surprise they did walk-in tattoos. So no chickening out..After I was finished. My friend wanted to get one too but we were on a time crunch. My friend had a class but he really wanted to get a tat and he didn't have a reference picture either. So the artist Jackson was really nice. Looked up the picture online, did the outline and inked my friend within an hour. My friend was able to make it with plenty of time to spare before his class. And don't get me wrong even though it was pretty quick the tattoo still looks pretty awesome.
Review Source:My boyfriend and I have both been tattooed by Joey. He's awesome! Very talented and professional. Everyone there is very talented and profesional as well, and the shop has a very fun and relaxed vibe. It's also very clean. A friend of mine got tattooed by Salem last weekend and I went with, he's awesome too! Everyone there just wants to make your tattoo experience great and will work with you until you get exactly what you want! I'll never get tattooed anywhere else.
Review Source:Salem is the man!! He is patient, artistic (in the sense that he can visualize exactly what you are envisioning and even add to it), funny, professional, and a genuinely good guy. Salem has done all of my work (probably about 16-18 hours worth) and he's the only person I'd ever go back to.
Ocean Ave Tattoo is a clean and professional shop and you guys rock.
I pass this place all the time, and when I finally decided on the tattoo I wanted, I came on yelp and saw all the good reviews so I dropped in.
I brought in a picture of what I was thinking, with a few modifications, and talked with Joey C. He was very confident he could come up with an original design to incorporate my ideas so I set up my appointment and then waited to see his art.
First go at it looked awesome, but wasn't quite what i was looking for, so I asked him to make a few changes. Came in for my appointment and saw the final drawing and was pretty happy with it. 3.5 hours later (no tears or whimpering, but lots of wincing), my tattoo was finished and with color it looked even more AWESOME than just the black and white outlined sketch. Joey NAILED IT!
Thanks! I LOVE my tattoo =)
There are some things in life that you can't compromise quality on... one of them would definitely be a tattoo. After all, you're pretty much commissioning an artist to put a permanent piece of art on your body, no less. Don't you want something that is 1. original and 2. from a talented artist? You've found it in Ocean Avenue Tattoo.
My artist, Salem, has been doing this forever. He's traveled around the world tattooing in different styles and learning the trade along the way. I originally met Salem when he was working at another shop, after researching forever on who I wanted. I started a really big back piece with him, and after a couple sessions, I found out he was opening his own place, so of course I followed him to his new spot.
Let me first say that they did an excellent job on their new place. It's clean, cool, and it doesn't make you feel like you're in a madhouse with the usual choice of red splattered on every wall. Sal really thought about how his patrons would feel from the colors on the wall, to the beds and chairs he purchased. It's also really nice to see actual original artwork the guys did on the walls instead of poster after poster of generic tattoos you could choose from like a sears catalog.
Salem is pretty patient. I am the first to admit that I'm definitely not the easiest client to have. I squirm. I cry. I'm dramatic. He always takes time to make sure I'm comfortable, even though I know it probably gets really annoying for him. Most importantly, when I came to him with a couple ideas, he took them and drew up a totally original piece for me combining all the elements of what I had asked for. And I love my tattoo. The smallest detail, the colors, and every single line is put down with preciseness and expertise that you would only find in an experienced artist. I highly recommend Ocean Avenue Tattoo to anyone looking for something worthwhile.
Clean, kind, and professional...that pretty much sums up the environment at Ocean Avenue Tattoo. Â And the artists there have talent to burn too. Â Salem is working on a large piece on my back and so I've spent quite a few hours in the shop, observing and getting a feel for how it all works. Â I've never seen the staff be anything but humble and welcoming to walk-ins, and there is a light, humorous vibe in the air.
Also, the space itself is very pleasant and attractive with plenty of interesting pictures and art on the wall, so you won't be bored when you're getting worked on. Â Hanging at the back of the shop is a large mural depicting an underwater scene that is pure zen. Â
I really can't recommend this place enough. Â Top notch art, top notch environment, and a group of really great people! Â Check it out...
Joey did a great job with my tattoo!! I came in with an idea and he put it into form.! Nice enough to accommodate my schedule, i missed the first appointment and was his last piece of the day And pretty darn fast!!Just as I was starting to enjoy the pain, it was over!!
I'm French -African with a Brown skin  and wanted color on my tattoo and he made it happen :D.
And he has Great Rate
Definitely a GREAT tattoo parlor!
My artist is Salem, and let me tell you, he is awesome! I wanted one nice and semi big tattoo, and I am completely happy with his work. He drew out exactly what I had wanted. Through the colors and details he used, you can definitely tell he had a lot of experience with his work.
Since this was my first ever tattoo, I'm sure you can imagine how nervous I was especially since it was a fairly large one at that. Salem was extremely friendly and made sure I was doing okay every step of the way. He works fast and with precision as well.
The shop is very clean and everyone else there is friendly too. Great place to go, and I can definitely trust Salem's work!
Went to this shop since it was in the neighborhood, and was suprised at what I found. Â I wanted a polynesian tattoo to cover my calf, and when in Hawaii it was going to run 1600..no way...I came and talked to Salem, my new artist I have been searching for and he hooked it up. Great people, good enviornment and the work was super tight. Â Thanks and will be back again for more ink...
Review Source:So this was my first time getting a tattoo, and I was really nervous. This place is great for tattoo amateurs like me because they're super nice, and they clearly know what they're doing. They also walk you through the process really carefully, and the prices are really reasonable. The minimum is $50 which is insanely good for the quality work that they do. Overall, awesome experience!
Review Source:Best shop you can go to. Clean place, great art on the walls, amazing people. They'll give you the best advice and they treat you as they should. Like a person, not a paycheck or a hunk of meat. They respect what you want on YOUR body. They don't add anything without your okay first, and they go over the entire tattoo design with you first thing. You can even pay some money down before your appointment.
My artist is Salem. He's done 4 of my tattoos and he'll be doing even more. He's also my Husband's artist, and most recently, my Mother's. We're always getting compliments on our tattoos. Because these guys do excellent work.
But don't take my word for it. Go see for yourself.
Got my first tattoo here and I love it. Joey did it for me and he's a really awesome guy. He was friendly and helpful for letting me know how to care for it. The shop is cute; it's painted green which is my favorite color.
Love my tattoo, love the artist, love Ocean Avenue Tattoo :)
It's great. I'm definitely going back for a second tattoo and have already told a bunch of my friends about the place.
Clean spot with dope tattoo artists. A few of my girlfriends and i decided to get a tattoo randomly and we we're debating between Ocean and Dean's next door. Dean's was rude, so we went to Ocean and they were super cool. We spent a total of 6 hours there, with 3 girls getting tatted. The place was clean, had a bathroom in the back, open space, very friendly and talented artists. If my memory serves me right, my tattoo artist was Joey. Safe to say that the girls and i will come again.
Review Source:My friend and I walked in after reading yelp reviews and looking for a good place to get tatted in the area. The guys that worked on us were super friendly and it was very comfortable. My friend and I both got black text on our ribs (ouch) but they were very gentle and kept pausing every now and then making sure we were doing okay. we both love our tattoos! and we get free touch ups!! score =)
Review Source:i wouldn't get tattooed anywhere else (or at least not BY anyone else!)...this shop has been a long time coming, and has amazing artists backing it up.
the prices are very fair, the work always comes out amazing, AND you get to have mind-blowing conversations with one of my favorite people in the world! Salem has created BEAUTIFUL works of art for me and many of my friends, and we all get compliments constantly. So much so, that i fly in from Seattle to get work done!
Thank you one million times Ocean Ave Tattoo!
I followed Salem here from his last shop and I am impressed! Much better location in my opinion. And much more space, which is important when getting a complicated piece like mine! We were able to use the full pull-out massage table, and it made for a much more pleasant tattoo experience.
As for Salem- professional, talented, and friendly! He drew up a custom snake for me that looked even better than what I had in mind, which is the mark of a good artist. He is gentle (as he can be) where I've had other artists that just love to drill on me with a heavy hand. And he has a good sense of humor, doesn't come across as a hardass or cocky.
I'd recommend Ocean Avenue to anyone, and Salem will definitely see me again for my next tattoo.
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