I visited Side Show Studios to get work done by visiting artist Tricia Allen. I was pleasantly surprised to find more than just a tattoo shop - beautiful space, great art adorning the walls, and a frame shop. It was really nice to have such a variety of things to look at while sitting for my tattoo. The staff was very friendly and I wound up purchasing a piece of art, too. Go check them out!
Review Source:Side Show Studios is the best. It is housed in a restored Craftsman cottage, very clean, with lots of art on display. After two bad tattoo experiences at other tattoo studios (hated them), I was leery of getting another one, but I was intrigued by a friends beautiful and delicate tattoos.  She told me about her tattoo artist, Shawn Mahaffey at Side Show Studios, and I set up a consultation with him. Shawn listened to what I wanted (a gecko on the inside of my ankle) and created the most beautiful, realistic gecko for me from photos and drawings we both found. I am complimented on it all the time, and tell everyone who did it. I had Shawn do some work on one of my existing tattoos and now  I'm no longer embarrassed to show my back. And this is just the beginning: my friend and I are going in soon for custom-designed tattoos by Shawn.
I have seen tattoos done by the other artists at Side Show and have no reservations recommending this studio for anything you might want done.
Andre was a consummate professional as always, while also being funny, friendly and comfortable to be around. The time flew by and the work is stunning. The rest of the staff are beyond cool and welcoming. An amazingly warm, friendly and fun vibe from all I encountered. A great experience. I recommend this place to all as it rises above and beyond the run of the mill tattooing experience.
Review Source:I've been working with Andre Garcia since WAY before he was working at this shop and I've always had a wonderful experience doing business with him! He is extremely professional and has reasonable prices. His work is stellar and I cannot wait to have him tattoo me again. I recently came by this shop to have my neck touched up by Andre and I was amazed at how tidy and cute the place was. Char's work is all over the walls and she's made the shop have a very homey feeling to it. Looking forward to visiting again soon!
Review Source:The new studio is amazing! Tons of beautiful artwork hang on the walls. You are greeted with an "artsy" vibe as soon as you walk into the space itself. The standards of cleanliness at Side Show are very high and the quality of work is beautiful.
I have worked with two artists here, the most recent artist was Andre Garcia. I am more than pleased with the outcome of my thigh piece. It's the largest piece I have on my body...roses climbing up my thigh done in full color in the neo-traditional style. It took three sessions with reasonable pricing.
Andre is professional, great work ethics, awesome personality. I always felt comfortable at his work station. The music was always great, conversation was good. His portfolio is proof of the evolution of his work. I highly recommend Andre.
The saddest part about my move to Seattle is the fact that I am leaving behind one of the greatest places in the Sacramento area to get tattooed. Â
Andre Garcia, one of the newest members of the team at Side Show, has been my artistic genius for the last two plus years. Â He has a wonderful sense of humor and is very patient, even when I get the 'squirmies' toward the end of a session. Â He is meticulous and pays very close attention to every detail of the project, from the smallest design (in my case, a celtic knot "sister's" knot) to a more intricate and detailed half sleeve. Â
Andre is also very professional and I have never had any issues with scheduling or 'upsets' with timing. Â I've never had a last minute cancellation, nor have I ever done the same to him, and he's incredibly patient if an appointment needs to be rescheduled.
I can't say enough good things about Andre, or the rest of the crew at Side Show Studios. Â The shop itself is clean, well maintained, and the energy/vibe that greets you when you walk in is very welcoming and refreshing.
--Raven
This place gets a 5 because I can't give a 10. To give you an idea, my wife isn't really the world's biggest ink fan. I had 2 small pieces when we met but she was never super stoked on me getting more work done... until one of her coworkers showed her a piece that Char had done for him. At that point she convinced me to get in contact with the studio and get on the wait list. Amazing!
The piece Char did for me is stunning, and absolutely perfect. Whenever I wear a shirt without sleeves I get constant positive comments on it. To say she is talented is not even correct, because the word doesn't convey the extent of her creativity, work ethic and skills. She's beyond talented, and I'm honored to have her work on my shoulder.
I can't comment on the other artists simply because I haven't had direct experience with them, but their work looks amazing. Side Show has very high standards for their artists. This is the place to get something very high quality, complex and detailed. I'll be headed back in soon for more work and absolutely can't wait.
I liked this place from the moment I saw it. Outside is clean, you get a great vibe from the place. Inside there is a wave of hard-working artists, but someone will get to you right away. Everyone was very nice, sterile, and even good company. My artist, Andrew Hansen was humorous, considerate, we got along very well.
I am satisfied with my tattoo and will definitely have to come back for more :)
I've been meaning to do this for so long. I heart Shawn! Such an awesome artist, great bedside manner and puts up with my squirming and overly talky self. I have finally decided to get over my long drummed in idea that women with tattoos were something bad....and this is something that Shawn has earned a life long customer over. Thank you Shawn for all your just out right bad-assness and everyone that I've met there who have been nothing but fantastic. Here's to many more to come with you Shawn!!
Review Source:I got 2 of my tattoo's here: one from their old employee Blue and the other from their new artist, Cory. I'm 100% satisfied with both their work. The place is clean, professional, and decently priced. Each artist has their own work station with a display of their talents. I've been to other tattoo studios in Sacramento but this one is the best by far!
Review Source:Yet again, Jessica did an amazing job!
At first I was a little disappointed, since I had to call the shop three times to get in touch with Jessica, but once we talked and met for my consultation, I was glad I went back. She seemed genuinely excited about my tattoo, and she drew it up perfectly, exactly how I wanted. I expected the price to be slightly above the shop minimum ($60) since she took the time to draw it and it's not super small, but she only charged the minimum!
FYI, for anyone trying to get in contact with Jessica, you might have better luck messaging her tattoo profile on facebook.
I initially wanted to go here to get some work done based on the reviews on Yelp. About 2 weeks ago, I called to schedule an appointment and I let the person I was speaking with know that I was fine with whoever was available. She suggested that I come in to take a look at each of the artists' portfolios, so I could choose myself who I wanted to get work done from. I took her advice and went to the shop on Wednesday, 4/18 and spoke with Josh. I let him know what I wanted, and he even emailed a picture from my phone to himself of what I wanted done, so he could show the artist exactly what I wanted. He said that he'd call me the following day to confirm my appointment. Thursday passed, never heard from him or the shop. No worries, figured they were just busy. Friday afternoon comes around, still havent heard anything, so I decide to call the shop myself. I explained to the person I was speaking with the situation, and that Josh was supposed to confirm my appointment with one of the artists, and that an email of what I wanted was sent as well. I also explained to her what I was looking to get done. She said she would figure out what was going on and will return my call to schedule my appointment. Never heard back at all.
Based on all the reviews, they seem to be a shop that really values the relationships with their clients, but not so much in my case. I'm sure they do really good work, but if they don't even have the courtesy to return my call let alone schedule an appointment, that should be more than enough to turn any potential client away. Needless to say, I'm taking my business elsewhere.
I went here for a tattoo a couple of weeks ago, and my artist was absolutely amazing! He made me feel totally comfortable, and made sure I was in no pain while tattooing me. I was a bit worried that the actual tattoo was going to hurt (it was right underneath my collar bone) but he kept me in a conversation, so I didn't even notice! Great place to go to if you're getting your first tat done, they are very kind people. Price wasn't bad either. Â And unlike other tattoo shops, they don't have a sign posted every five feet reminding you to tip your artist. I will definitely be returning to them for my next tattoo.
Review Source:Got my first tattoo here with jessica. She was super cool and nice and made me way less nervous after talking to her. She did an amazing job and I highly recommend her! THe prices are fair here and totally worth every penny. the people here have talent!
also, the enviroment here is totally relaxed and comfortable. I will be going back!
I FUV Side Show (aka: I f*****g love this place) I first came to Side Show because my best friend was working there at the time, and I'll never go anywhere else for my ink. Â
I love the comfortable vibe you get here- not that standoff-y feeling you get at other places like you're not inked enough, you're not cool enough, you're not hardcore enough.
I love the shows they have, the occasional bands, the Second Saturday events, the cool DIY art and items you can buy there.
And I love love FUV the artists. Char was my first artist at S.S. and she is flat-out amazeballs. She is a ridiculously good tattoo artist and artist-artist. Now that Char is SO popular and thus quite busy, I've started getting work done from Josh, a dapper gentleman with mad ink skills and enough mustache to pay the bills! I haven't worked with Jessica but my friends have beautiful tattoos from her. Plus she has some gorgeous original artwork.
When a business does me right, I sing it from the moutaintop. I've pimped Side Show to anyone who's even the slightest bit ink-inclined, and everyone I've directed there has come back happy. Â ...what are YOU still doing reading this? Go get a tattoo right now! :D
I got my very first tattoo just a short month after my 18th Bday....a really tacky heart with a rose and a dagger, I picked it off the wall at a seedy little tattoo shop. Many, many years and tattoos later I found SideShow Studios and Char :) WOW! Â So I called for an appt....only to be told that the wait to get on the waiting list was about 6 months and then I would have to wait about another 6 months for my first appt. My jaw dropped, Im the type of client who wants my new tattoo...yesterday and am completely unable to wait for...ANYTHING! But, I decided that I would wait. It felt like torture...but the time came for my first appt and WOW...just...WOW! I cannot even put into words what a gifted artist Char is. Really truly deeply the very best artist I have ever worked with. She is always funny. Has interesting stories to share and her partner Cy is about as sweet as can be. Every time I come in for work, she has fun updates about her life, the shop, movies, music and random facts to talk to me about. There is nothing worse than getting tattooed by someone who wont talk....it seems like the time stands still and its only pain. BUT not with Char...she is sweet and entertaining...making the time fly and almost no attention to the pain. She also makes me feel like a valued client, remembering small details about my life and making me feel like an old friend. She takes great care in making sure the details of my work is perfect and spent a good amout of time doing research on my tattoo request. I would recommend Side Show to anyone looking for a quality shop and a business that really values its clients. customer service and supporting the arts!
Review Source:GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!
I called in several times asking about quotes and how prepared I should be before coming into the shop to get a tattoo. The receptionist was very polite, respectful, and knowledgeable about who I should get my tattoo with. He recommended me to Josh Green, who by the way, is very comforting when it comes to your first time!!!
I spoke with Josh a few times on the phone, told him what I wanted after going back and forth multiple times about what I wanted and where I wanted it to be. He was very patient and professional and I can tell that he cared a lot about the artistry of tattooing because he wanted to make sure I was positive with my choice.
I come in a week later and give Josh my designs. He fixes it up for about half an hour while asking me about myself. I can't explain how in-depth he went about the precautions before and after getting a tattoo. He really reassured me about my worries since it was my first tattoo and from the beginning until the end, he was patient with all of my questions and changes to the design. As he was placing the tattoo, he allowed me to stop him if the needle felt painful. I was worried so much that the pain would be excruciating that we actually carried a normal conversation as he was doing work on my shoulder. (I barely paid attention to the pain after a while) After he was done, informed me on how to take care of it while cracking some jokes about it.
Josh is the best person!!! Very patient, reassuring, caring, and doesn't rush his work at all. He knows what he's doing!!!
Hmm, what can I say? Â I did research and a friend recommended Side Show to me and as I started looking at the work, I decided I wanted Blue to do my tattoo. Â I loved my tattoo......but as it healed, I definitely needed a touch up. Â I contacted Blue several times to set an appointment. Â Due to circumstances out of her control, my appointment was cancelled and she said she would contact me to reschedule. Â It's been 5 months and I've decided to give up - and I'm having the tat touched up by someone else. Â
It's too bad, I thought she did incredible work - and was recommending her to other friends, although now, we are going to go with someone else. Â
Customer Services goes a long way............
I met Char Hall at the SF Tattoo Expo at the Cow Palace a few years back. Â I was a little hesitant on the waiting period but it was worth the wait. Â You get what you pay for, and what I got is a fantastic tattoo artist, a wonderful backpiece, and great experience overall.
Side Show Studios is great. Â They pride themselves in promoting custom designed tattoos. Â Though I've only gotten a tattoo from Char, I've thumbed through everyone's portfolios and everyone is talented and offers something a little different that makes them unique from one another. Â Their studio is big, well lit, and offers a welcoming environment. Â The artists and staff are very down to earth and friendly. Â There seems to be a sense of community there b/c I always see people stopping by just to say hello. Â Most importantly, I've noted their standards of cleanliness, all the stations are well kept.
I appreciate their professionalism when it comes to scheduling. Â They always get back to me when I contact them with a question. Â Everyone there are just generally cool peeps :) Â
Char and Cy make a great team and are very helpful in walking you through the design process to ensure that your tattoo is the best representation of you and what you want in body art. Â During the tattoo session, Char is great about making you feel comfortable and relaxed.
I came into their studio with the intent of doing a small cover-up but I was so impressed by the artwork that I had to have a full backpiece of my own and I am already considering my next 2 tattoos.
The only reason why I would deduct a star is b/c they are located all the way out in Sacramento and not in the Bay Area, but then again that's not really their problem, lol, so 5-stars all around :)
Side Show Studios is AMAZING. Everyone that works there is very talented, kind, and hilarious.
I have received two tattoos from Char and both came out better than I could have hoped for. She worked with my changing ideas and made sure that I was completely happy with what we settled on. Also she a great taste in music.
The shop itself is lovely and entertaining with a wide variety of art for sale.
Thanks again guys!
I just finished my 1st tattoo ever, at Side Show today, the personnel, were very professional and on point about the process and art. My wife had hers done here and I have had nothing but respect with the way the shop is run and the integrity of the artists. I have an original piece of Char Hall art work, that I have long admired. It is something that speaks to who I am and I am very proud of it. Thanks to Char and Cy for an awesome first experience. Â About the next two........
Review Source:Ok, I've spent some time in Tattoo shops over the years and when you even just spend 2-3 hours you get a feel for not just the artist, but the shop. Side Show is very professional, and I believe all of the artists bring something to the table. I don't think you could get a bad tattoo there. Plus, they are about Art, not just Tattoo. That says something. Char, which would get more than 5 stars if possible is amazing. She has a way of giving you a tattoo that exceeds what was even in your head......of course that's why she's book 6+ months in advance. Clean, sterile shop, very professional, and is all about the customer, not the artist......that's a good shop!!
Review Source:I had not gotten a tattoo in over ten year's. Â My wife advised me to give this place a try and she took me in to meet my tattoo artist.
First the building is wonderful on the inside. Art pieces hang on all walls setting friendly and warm tone. Â All the staff seemed to be smiling and happy. Music placed in the back ground but not the normal loud aggressive stuff you would expect to see had you walked in to a hollywood rendition of what a tattoo parlor would have.
Every aspect of this place made you feel comfortable and safe.
The price was fair and up front. My artist was quick skilled and had a wealth of humor to share with me during the process that also served to relive the tension I had coming in.
I enjoyed this place so much so I have had 3 of my 5 tattoo's done here. Â I can see this place being a great starting point for someone who wants a first tattoo but wants to ease in to it.
Old school tattoos fans will appreciate skill and art of the tattooist.
A must for tattoo fans new and old.
this is a long overdue yelp review for me...
Char is ammmmazing. I brought her a bunch of fabric, pictures, some art objects and a little box, and she and I consulted on my tattoo ideas for about an hour. She took some pitcures of the work I already had, and she came up with a beautiful outline for my tatoo. Her work is spot on what I wanted, with out me being able to say what I was looking for! I haven't been able to go in for subsequent sittings because I am pregnant, but as soon as I deliever, I will be back! Can't wait!! (I will update with photos, too!)
The studio is clean and bright, the folks that work there are artists of all types and really down to earth people. I have been there several times while my boyfriend gets his work done and the other artists and Cy, the office manager are super nice and friendly.
Sideshow has Second Saturday art showings and always has dispalys of local artists work up on the walls, with a quick turn over, be sure to buy whatever you want when you seen it, as the prices are reasonable and the art is great...
I show off my work all the time, and often people stop me to ask who did my work. Char is the best! Sideshow rocks!!
I love this studio, not only are the artists amazing, and great people,but the art on the walls and the layout of the shop is nice.
I have many hours, a good 25 or so, under the hand of Matt Marsango and he has never disappointed. Â With complete freedom of color, which I leave up to him, he goes to work and everytime I leave with a more than amazing work of art. Â Both of my pieces by Matt recieve compliments almost daily, on the detail, quality and how much the colors pop.
I haven't been to Sideshow's shop in Sacramento yet and do not live in that area. You can thus divorce my opinion from any local politics. I met Char at the SF Tattoo expo in 2008 while looking for someone to do a realistic dinosaur back piece. After perusing the MANY amazing artists work I settled on Char because of her incredible portfolio and artistic vision. I KNEW she was right for the job. As I said, I'm not in the Sac area, so it wasn't until the following SF expo that she started work on my piece and I have not been disappointed. The work is meticulous and unlike anything else. The style is so much more like a painting than traditional tattoo work and her eye for detail is wonderful. I cannot wait for her to finish what will be an amazing piece of art.
I'd also like to mention that because I'm not in the area all the arrangements for the appointment at the show and my follow up appointments have been done online with Cy and she has been very helpful and everyone I met at the Side Show booth was very friendly and warm. I feel privileged to have been able to give her my body as a canvas.
Second Saturdays drenched this place with art.
I went here with a friend to drop off some of her art, which will be displayed on Saturday when Second Saturdays goes off in this parlor. Â Every wall in this place was covered in art. Â It gave the place a nice atmopshere and the plethora of art was pretty cool.
Apparently, this place displays art on non-Second Saturdays. Â Apparently further, this place is a tattoo parlor. Â The art I can appreciate while with tattoos I am completely ignorant. Â Therefore, I can say the art is great but I cannot talk much about the tattoos.
The people working at this parlor were pretty friendly.
I couldn't agree more with the 'positive' reviewers about Side Show Studios.
Top notch work, many different artists and styles, great space, great customer service and phenomenal couches.
I write this review for two people, myself and my boyfriend. We have both gotten work done by Char and love the pieces she has done for us. Â We are always recommending them to co-workers, friends and neighbors.
I have gone to a lot of shops in Sacramento with friends and by myself looking for a good artists and I have never been more welcomed and gotten more attention then I have at Side Show.
Their Second Saturday's are a lot of fun and seem to have gotten a lot of attention and press.
I highly recommend them.
i love the environment of this tattoo shop!!!
See See did my backpiece and it turned out BEAUTIFUL!! i decided to write this review cuz im actually gettin my 2nd tat done by her 2morow. Im so excited and i trust her work 100%, very creative..and i can see how passionate she is bout her artwork.. I LOVE SEE SEE!!! Â i will post pix soon after she do me 2morow.. hehe sounds kinky eh?
There are really only two Tattoo shops that I would recommend in Sacramento and Side Show Studios is one of the them and Side Show is the only shop that I go to for my work. Â The head artist Char has completed a full back piece for me and is now working on full garters around my legs. Â I have also had one of their apprentices, Shawn, do a day of the dead style skull and cross bones on my hip. Â Besides Char there are also many other talented artists in the shop with a diversity of styles to work with. Â
Char is an amazingly talented artist, her realistic flowers and animals are the best in the city if not beyond.
It should be noted that for the past two years Side Show has received  Best of awards in the Sacramento News and Review (six awards just this year) and this year in Sacramento Magazine. Â
Besides the amazing tattoos artists Side Show Studios is also a gallery that has shown many up and coming artists within the local area and beyond. Â Just recently I went to a show that had Internationale representation. Â They also occasionally have bands and DJs at their second Saturday events. Â For being off "the grid" they get a good stream of people in every month.
Hmm those art gallery's you say "were not there"? well look around you, your missing some of sacs weirdest and amazing art that hits you right in the face as you come in. The people there were nothing but pleasant and the atmosphere was exhilarating, I couldn't stop looking around at all the cool painting and toys! And the tattoo artists portfolios are definitely worth seeing, the art is amazing and i would recommend everyone to stop by, even if its just to see the cool art that's everywhere( ha, even in the bathroom)
Review Source:Well... wow. After reading the negative review below I'm compelled to offer my own take since I recently had pretty much EXACTLY the opposite experience of the person who reviewed before me. Of course, I'm not an elitist who thinks a business HAS to be in the downtown area to be worth something, either. But perhaps I'm a little biased when it comes to "... out there". I know its hard to believe but there is (*gasp*) life outside of the grid. Anyway...
A close friend of mine gets her tattoo work here (from the owner/artist Char) and she has come away with some absolutely stunning pieces. For my birthday last year, she was kind enough to give me a gift certificate for Sideshow Studios. Once I finally decided on a design, I stopped in to check them out and see if they could make my strange little idea a permanent piece of me.
Right off the bat, the shop is spacious and very clean with lots of fun stuff to look at (no flash on the walls - LOVE that!). All I had was a gift certificate and an idea. I had no idea which artist (if any) would be right for what I wanted, but everyone there was very nice and quite helpful. The receptionist took me around and showed me portfolios, and showed my design to a couple of artists to see if they had suggestions. One artist suggested that SeeSee would be the perfect artist for what I was after. He was SO very right! She completely understood what I was after... which is no small feat since I'm not very good at specifically describing what I want to an artist. After discussing the design for a little while, I was totally comfortable with her and we made an appointment for the next evening.
I showed up a little nervous about the process (not my first tattoo but it had been a while since I had any substantial work done) but SeeSee was very sweet about the whole thing and put me right at ease. After almost 3 hours I had exactly what I was after!
As far as price, it was not at all unreasonable. I paid pretty much what I'd expected, which was $250 (plus tip) for a little over 2 1/2 hours worth of solid color work.
I definitely did not get any of that previously mentioned unfriendliness, unprofessional or "elite artist" attitude from anyone in the place. It was actually quite pleasant experience and I'm very happy with the final results. Â I walked out with a gorgeous, colorful, fun tattoo and I am so very happy with it.
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