Wanted a small tattoo on a walk-in basis. Graham was nice, knew the symbol I wanted, was easy-going about my color desires, and had a really light touch.
Half a block away, I was quoted twice as much for the same small piece. Here, the music was chill, quiet, not much was going on, and they took cards no question asked. No pretension and I felt comfortable walking in.
Very professional, no attitude, no 'holier than' tattoo bull-shiz. Easy! Would recommend for walk-ins, for sure.
I rarely visit the Sunset Strip. When I do, it's usually to get tattooed by Koko at Purple Panther. I was referred to Koko by a mutual friend in 2009. She did a beautiful job on some cherry blossoms and a very intricate locust on my arm. I have many tattoos, and these are the two that always get positive comments from strangers. In the past, my skin has had trouble holding ink and I've had several tattoos that needed to be redone almost immediately. I've never had this problem with koko and she even fixed two of my troubled tattoos. Over the years I've continued to have work done by Koko and, as a result of the good experiences, we have become good friends. But I'm not writing this review as a friend. I'm writing it as a satisfied customer. I would recommend Koko and to anyone... and I often do.
Review Source:I was really nervous about this tattoo, even thought it was my fourth. Â My last three I got done in North Carolina, and because I'm from such a small town and everyone knows everyone, it was pretty easy to pick an artist through word of mouth recommendation.
Here, not many of my friends had tattoos, and none could recommend someone that wasn't their buddy operating of their garage. So this time, I had to do my own research. Â After reading many yelp reviews and flipping through dozens of galleries, I finally settled on Graham and Purple Panther Tattoo.
And boy, did I choose well.
Graham was easy to contact (via email), very kind, and very pleasant. Â I sent him my design ahead of time so he could let me know if there were any issues (luckily there weren't!). Â We set a time for Saturday evening, and I spent the whole week on pins and needles. Â
When I arrived, Graham was working on another tattoo, but he greeted me by name and told me he'd be right with me. When it was my turn, he already had my design printing in a couple different sizes, so we could see which fit me best. Â After we chose the best size, he prepped my stencil and the ink, and we began!
He was very, very pleasant throughout the whole process, stopping every now and then to ask what I thought of the thickness of the lines, if I needed a break, etc. Â He even joined the conversation with me and my friend (though I hope we didn't annoy him with the constant chatter, but talking distracts me from the pain).
I couldn't be happier with my tattoo... I got an outline of my home state (North Carolina) filled in with the state flower, dogwood. Â The lines are smooth and he was able to capture the smallest contours of the state line in the mountains. Â The colors are vibrant and nothing short of perfect. Â Look at Graham's gallery on the Purple Panther site. ALL of his work is amazing, and I will definitely be going back to see him. Â Not only did he give me a wonderful tattoo, but a wonderful experience. Â He definitely deserves the 5 stars.
Emily was fantastic. She sketched a great piece from my idea, and it turned out great. As a first timer, I could not be more happy with it. She was relaxing to talk to during the tattoing, and the vibe of the whole shop was very comfortable. Would definitely recommend Emily to anyone wanting a tattoo, for the first or fortieth time.
Review Source:Graham is the best! Â I cannot vouch for the other artists and I feel bad for those reviewers below who may have been stuck with a bad experience, but I will continue to come to this place whenever I work up the nerve to get tattooed.
I've gotten two tattoos here.  Prior to finding Purple Panther I had one small piece done on my wrist, but I wanted something bigger and was terrified... Graham put up with my neuroses and is probably the most patient person on the planet.  The first time I went I walked out five hours later with this piece (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/F4YzLjKvEmAGkuLrCsWLfA?select=vKhrVbBIMFdmGVy9FOJksg#vKhrVbBIMFdmGVy9FOJksg">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>) and have gotten compliments wherever I go.  Even my parents, who are completely old school anti-tattoo, admit that it's beautifully done.  It healed quickly and cleanly, and I have no complaints.
I went again this past saturday for a little scribbley ink and again Graham proved his patience - we spent probably over an hour trying to decide on placement for a fifteen minute tattoo. Â I know if I were in his place I'd be screaming for the client to make up their damn mind already.
Thanks again man! Â I will continue to recommend Purple Panther to anyone who asks.
I read the Yelp review of Purple Panther before going there for a quick finger tattoo. I've got quite a few, including a few hand and finger tattoos. This was another finger tattoo, on top of my middle finger, next to one on top of my ring finger. That's important because of how badly it was messed up.
KoKo did my tattoo, and complimented my skin on how well it holds color, as even my finger and hand tats havent faded after years. I told her that's why I like getting them, quick and easy and they're worth the effort since they stay.
I sat down and she put the simple cross design on my finger, did the tattoo in about 20 seconds, and thinking I was done, I said, "great!"
She told me to hang on, and then did the dot work, where a lot of artists will basically dot along the tattoo to make sure the ink stays (hand and fingers are tough, ink falls out on a lot of people, but obviously mine didn't as I've had them for years and have never needed and artist to use this method.) I was thinking she was just being extra careful, and hoped that meant I was done.
Nope.
She then proceeded to absolutely pummel my finger for at least another 3-5 minutes. This was literally a line tattoo, 2 lines, a simple cross on my middle finger. No shading, nothing. I was getting worried, realizing she had gone over it about 5 times at this point, and feeling my finger swell, I saw her holding the needle pretty angled also. I was really, really starting to worry.
It's now been almost a week, and the ink is COMPLETELY blown out at least twice the size of the tattoo around the actual line work. there's also red all around it, and it's still swollen.
For comparison, my sister got the same tattoo with me, done by Graham, who did just simply take 15 seconds, do the lines, BAM she was done. No swelling, 3 days to heal, looks great.
Mine is cratered, scabbed, and absolutely terrible. I'm beyond disappointed.
If there are artists inexperienced in hand, finger, head tattoos, can they just not do them until they're better? This is something that can't be hidden. It's on my hand forever. Here's to hoping it heals a little better, but as someone with MANY tattoos, i can 100% honestly say, it's the worst one i've EVER gotten by a long shot.
I will never go there again and steer anyone clear. Regardless of the other work done there, anyone that would hire an inexperienced artist like this and not even monitor what she's doing on a freaking hand tat is just a shop I wouldn't trust.
I got a matching tattoo with a friend at Purple Panther and was very pleased with the quality and attention we received. The feather light touch of Koko was amazing; felt as though a little kitten scratched me instead of the gouging that I had previously felt with my other tattoos. I highly recommend Koko at Purple Panther Tattoo on Sunset Blvd. for all of you tattoo dreams.
Review Source:I came to Purple Panther because I saw a girl with a beautiful tattoo done by the owner, Graham Chaffee. I had gotten a couple small tattoos before but didn't have an artist I trusted, and with a half sleeve on the table (and only a loose design idea in my head) I needed to find someone I trusted would do a good job.
In short, I've since gotten three pieces done by Graham and will continue to go back for any future tattoos. He is an excellent artist (the designs he's drawn for me were better than I could have imagined) and a great tattooer. His attention to detail in both the design and tattooing phases is shocking. He notices potential problems/improvements in the artwork that I would never consider. I haven't had any problems with healing or uneven lines. The colors are solid and vibrant. He tattooed over a scar on my stomach and I've had no problems with those lines either. I receive compliments on my work from all walks of life.
In terms of price, I don't think you should shop for deals on tattoos but I've always felt the price was reasonable. I've had people say "Oh, I know a guy who could have done that for half the price!" but their tattoos are always shitty, so no thanks.
The shop is clean and the music is top notch. I've never had a bad experience with any of the other artists. Parking behind the building is easy, which is rare in Hollywood.
I went to Purple Panther to get my first tattoo ever- I had wanted a tattoo for a while, but I was waiting to find an artist I could trust to do a good job. Â I chose Graham after reading all of the glowing reviews on Yelp, and I was not disappointed. Â The first time I came in he had my artwork ready and was waiting. Â He was very patient and answered all of my questions. Â I was very nervous and he suggested that I go home with the temporary stencil of the tattoo on, look at it throughout the day and decide if I liked it before getting the real tattoo put on. Â I really liked the way the design looked, so I made an appointment to come back. Â I was still nervous the second time but he was still really patient and helped me relax by giving me something to read while I was getting the tattoo. Â It turns out my anxiety was worse than the process itself- it only hurt a little and was over sooner than I expected. Â He replicated my design perfectly and was very thorough about explaining the after-care procedures. Â The tattoo is now healing very well and I am so happy with the design that I will be recommending Graham to any friends I know who are interested in getting tattoos :)
Review Source:This is the only place I will go get my tattoos, and request for the owner "Graham".
Before I came to The Purple Panther I had three tattoos done by other people. Â Since I met Graham I have had three tattoos done by him in the past three years. He is an exceptional artist. Graham is excellent with detail, the tattoo always comes out perfect and the color stays vibrant even after few years. His touch is very gentle. I always describe getting a tattoo like getting a facial, some people are heavy handed and some are light handed. Graham is definitely light handed. The tattoo heals smooth and nice on my skin. I have gotten other tattoos from people who were inexperienced and heavy handed and not only did they scar me with the tattoo, the tattoo faded quickly. He does offer to touch up the tattoo after you get it done, but the tattoos come out so good they have never had to be touched up.
He works Sunday,Monday,Tuesday and Friday afternoon. Â Sometimes you can even get in at the last minute.
I've gotten all 3 of my tattoos here (small but awesome) and love it. Â My first, 6 years ago, was with Emily, and it still looks great, and my last 2 (most recently Sunday) were with Ace. Â Love him! Â Very professional and clean, I've never seen so much plastic wrap and disinfectant. Â Definitely a safe environment. Â And he didn't have a problem tattooing a 2 square inch lotus on a semi-preppy girl, even though I'm sure most people would rather be drawing something elaborate on someone a little more hardcore. Â I'm loyal to the core and will be back for my next when I figure it out!!
Review Source:I found Graham after an extensive internet search, I can't tell you how many photos I looked at, scrutinizing the line work. I had a Celtic that had done years ago, and had been allergic to the ink. There was extensive scaring and it had faded away.The original was very complex with a fine needle and extensive knotwork. Â Graham's pictures revealed a steady hand and attention to detail. Just what I needed to resurrect my design.
I emailed Graham with some photos, and he asked me to come in. Â He spent a lot of time with me discussing how to fix it, even drawing on me with a fine point pen to show me how it would look. Â He did a beautiful job, using a fine needle and a light touch. Â A month later, I came back in for some touch ups (scar tissue doesn't always hold ink so well) and he spent over an hour on it, retracing every line and knot. Â When it healed, it looked perfect. Â My friends couldn't believe the transformation.
So I returned to Graham for my next one. I had been thinking about it for at least 10 years, but never found an artist I could trust with it. It was a full back piece, a large tree covering my back and twisting around my ribs and chest.  Graham drew it freehand with a sharpie first. He fit it to the contours of my body, and kept drawing and revising until it looked the way we both envisioned. This took hours, but he never pushed me in any direction or became impatient. Because I had to be topless for the work, he worked with me in a private room and he was totally respectful and professional.  It took  a few sittings to finish the detail work, but I couldn't be happier. Everyone who has seen it is blown away by how beautiful, organic and unique it is.
Graham is an amazing artist.I would never trust anyone else.
As for the shop, I really liked the vibe. Â Interesting artwork and old scientific drawings on the walls. Cool indie music playing overhead. I kept asking "who is this?" So not only did I get two amazing tattoos, my musical horizons were broadened as well!
I wanted to get a memorial tattoo--just two letters--and Ace was awesome. He showed me the ink colors and discussed the font for the letters and tried several  sizes and placements (the latter just several centimeters difference).  He was patient and kind and made it a profound experience especially as we bonded over the unexpected deaths of those close to us.
Review Source:I'm very impressed with Purple Panther. Â I walked in out of intuition - just had a good feeling. Â Glad I did. Â I met Emily, who ended up fixing a rather whack large tattoo on my arm. Â Later she added some pretty butterflies and a wren. Â I am so happy I found Emily. Â She's very friendly and knowledgeable, and made me love my ink again! Â The other artists are very friendly and professional too. Â I took a look at their portfolios and all their work is excellent. Â I have quite a few tattoos, and I can honestly say I am very happy and grateful I walked into Purple Panther one day. Â No more whack tattoos!
Review Source:I used to live down the street from Purple Panther, and one night I stopped in and got a dragon tattoo done. Â I was a lot younger than, but I didn't get a good vibe. Â Half-way through, the tattooer started complaining about how many scales were on the dragon. Â I'm happy with the dragon, but didn't like the energy associated with it.
I came back a little while ago thinking that I'd like to get another tattoo around my stomach area. Â I thought, "ok, I have one from these guys, and I'll give them a shot again." Â When I walked in, the guy at the front (someone with dreds) was completely unfriendly and not helpful. Â When I asked him for some ideas, he said he doesn't give ideas out to people he doesn't know. Â Dude, that's your job. Â That's why I'm there...to get you to consult. Â Some woman comes out from back, looks at the design I had and then walks into the back without a word or any help. Â We were the only 2 customers in the shop. Â I had the sense the guy was more interested in his computer than helping us out.
This shop has a bad vibe, not good energy. Â Tattooers are not helpful, kind of snobby, and I didn't get the sense they wanted to do any work. Â Save yourself the humiliation and skip this place.
I've been coming to this place for the past 2 years and I'm going to keep coming back! I've gotten 4 tattoos done by Graham and they're perfect. He's a very honest and talented artist and really makes sure to give you want you want. Love this place! Also as a side note every time I've been they play the best music and Ace always seems to have very happy clients too.
Review Source:This place sucks. I'm happy for the people who left with what they wanted.
The guy who helped me tried to impress me, and gave me my tattoos for free. I got a star on my arm and one on my hand. He couldn't trace it worth a crap. He went out of the lines, and when they were healing, parts of my arm and my hand came out (and I can show you where)! Now the one on my hand looks like a faded stamp, which is ok, but it's the result of his poor inkmanship that did it... not my request.
I met a girl soon after that who was complaining about her tattoo healing- she said parts of her arm kept coming out. Sure enough, same place, same guy.
I showed another tattoo artist a couple of years later, and she was furious that a parlor could be in business with that level of inadequacy. She fixed my arm, and now it's my favorite tattoo in the whole world.
Every time I pass this place, I tell folks not to go there.
I think my tattoo artist Ace, the dread-head, used to be hot shit back in the day, but he really had trouble getting his eyes to focus on the work he was doing. It just wasn't a great tattoo at all. I had to get it fixed. When I first came in, his buddy asked him "Hey whatcha doin'? something cool?" and I heard him mutter negatively (because my tattoo was boring? small?) So it just seemed like he was really over the whole "taking pride in your work" thing and wished he go back to party-time when the sunset strip was so cool and ROCK n ROLL or whatever.
Review Source:"Overrated" is NOT enough said. What does that even mean?
I think this place is amazing. Although I've only ever gone to Graham to get my tattoos there, I'm pretty sure I won't be going anywhere else ever again.
I've known at least three other people who've had him tattoo them, and all of us constantly get compliments on our tattoos. My husband has had his tattoos for years now and they still look perfect.
As for the price, again, I think they're great. I got a pretty large cover up tattoo that took three sittings for an extremely good price (I won't say how much as I don't want to low ball them, but it was cheap). And the cover up is great! It's like I was never a 17 year old idiot who thought tribal was a good idea... ha!
All in all, this place is awesome, and Graham is great. He's patient and helpful and just pretty awesome all around. Not to mention he's a fantastic artist.
Go there!!
one word... EMILY!!!! she's absolutely amazing!!! incredible artist!!! i've been having her tattoo me for a couple years now and she just keeps amazing me with her talent! i used to see just a bunch of random artists, but not anymore!- there is only one woman that is putting ink on my skin permanently!!! EMILY!EMILY!EMILY!
Review Source:Just went to get another tattoo with Graham, who did my first tattoo. Â The first one was so great, I decided to stick with the same place/person. Â I had initially spoken to someone at Vintage Tattoo Art Parlor who was of absolutely NO help at all. Â When I went to see Graham, he was SO helpful with my ideas and helped me turn them into something workable. Â He explained EVERYTHING completely and was just very considerate in general. Â I love love LOVE my new tattoo and I get at least one compliment on it a day.
Seriously, come here if you want someone to actually help you with your tattoo idea and do brilliant work.
First tattoo!
I walked into this shop, checking out various parlors and really liked the greeting I was given. Â They gave me all the info I wanted and sent me on my way. Â After checking out a few more places it seemed that this was the place for me.
I returned the next day and Ace was my artist. Â He was fabulous. Â He was friendly, knowledgeable and answered all my questions. Â I was hardly nervous when it was show time. Â He was very fast and meticulous. Â I hardly felt a thing. Â It looks great and he says he does free touch ups should the color ever start to fade, etc.
I would certainly get another tattoo here, if I even decide to get another one and am back in LA.
just got my 1st tatt from graham 2 days ago.
like any newbie i had questions, he was very patient and extremely thorough.
i made my appointment showed up, he was ready and waiting with my ideas already sketched out....knowing it was my first tatt he was very patient and concerned if i was doing ok, needed a break and such....hour and a half later he went over after care with me, making sure i understood the do's and dont's, was very helpful.
all in all it was a good experience, i LOVE my work!
the only down side, it felt very shop-ish (don't really know how to explain, it is on sunset strip after all). i guess i wanted more vibe, more of an "experience", "connection", especially since i have a lot more planned that i wanna do.
but all in all i'm glad i went to graham, i got exactly what i wanted and i've very proud of my lil guys! hope to get better pics once they heal.
I have been beyond satisfied with the work done at Purple Panther. The artists are knowledgeable, funny, respectful and very talented. These guys really know what they're doing. The atmosphere is comfortable (and comforting), the music is always great, and I feel confident recommending this shop to anyone interested in getting work done- for the first time or the fiftieth. Sure, the service may be a touch gruff at times, but I challenge you to find a tattoo shop where this is not the case, especially in Hollywood. Anyway, four of my five tattoos were done here, and I am very happy with them, and I definitely plan to return for more.
Review Source:Went here with a friend and we were the only ones there and they were so rude to us.
Maybe it was because she was being a little silly and very indecisive but it was her second tattoo and still nervous about it.
She knew that she wanted stars tattooed on her foot but wasn't sure if she should get them colored in or just in black. A few stars.. a few dots.. i believe she paid the minimum which was $75.
Either way she was happy with it until it started to fade.. now she needs to go get it retouched and it just looks like someone drew on her foot and it's washing away.
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