So I had the outline of a polynesian piece done elsewhere and I liked the piece but I didn't feel like the artist was understanding what I was trying to create. Â Loko was able to take some very vague input from me and transform my mediocre outline into a true work of art that was far better than I could have imagined. Â My only regret is that I totally low-balled him on the tip. Â Sorry Loko I'm new to tattooing man I'm not a cheap skate I swear. Â I'll get you next time.
Review Source:LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE! Vine Street Tattoo is awesome! Noel is by far one of the best tattoo artist I've worked with. I feel so comfortable with Noel when he's working on me it seems to hurt less! Sounds crazy right? But I had work done by a different artist and that hurt a whole lot more and took longer to heal. So that being said, Noel is real great at what he does!
Noel is extremely talented. I highly recommend Vine Street Tattoo!!
I have been tattooed by  King 'Afa Cocker since 2009 with major pieces covering my arm, waist, and just yesterday, my back.
Receiving polynesian tattoos is like receiving tattoos with chinese characters. If you go to someone who doesn't know what they are doing they could put something on you that could mean something entirely inappropriate. Â So pick someone who is deeply knowledgeable- like Afa. He is the real deal.
Afa not only knows the symbolism behind the tattoos but he can put them together into amazing designs, better than anything you could have imagined yourself. He does not do flash art. Every tattoo that he does is drawn by hand on your skin. Then once you are satisfied he begins to tattoo.
You can see more of his background and work here:
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.polynesiantribaltattoo.com&s=f13a51116beb5a489bb8c5dbfe150b32b7292e73439483b5dc5e1afade3371b4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.polynesiantri…</a>
Even if you are not in Los Angeles, Afa will tour certain cities. I've had him do two of my large tats when he was traveling to Chicago.
The Vine Street studio is a great location. There is lots of FREE parking in the lot in front of the store. Even though the sign says 1 hour parking, don't worry they don't tow.
I have been getting tattooed by King 'Afa since 2008.  I would  never go to anyone else - he is the best at all styles of Polynesian and his art will amaze you.  Most of all, he is a honest, humble. down-to-earth person who I consider a friend.  I am glad that he works at Vine Street - it is a nice place - clean, relaxed, professional and everyone treats you well. Â
I am honored to wear King 'Afa's art on my body.
One of the cleanest tattoo parlors I've been too. Very friendly and knowledgable staff. Noel is the best! I've been coming to him for my tats for 3 years now. He knows how to make his customers comfortable and their needs always come first. You are always assured that everything is sanitized because they unwrap all the supplies in front of you. I've referred all my friends and family to this place. Noel always hears me out when it comes to the pricing. He's very reasonable and you get a great tat for what you pay for.
All in all, great prices and great customer service.
I cannot tell you, or begin to stress to you, the importance of finding a great tattoo artist, one who knows you, understands your vibe and can relate to your story. Â You need someone who can translate all your emotions and be able to express it through the rapidly firing needles and ink that will pierce your skin, creating what will forever be your masterpiece! Â
I have found that person. His name is" Loko". Â Loko is not only a talented artist, drawing and tattoo, but he is also very knowledgeable in a variety of tattoo styles. Â Another thing that I can appreciate is his sense of humor. Â Let's face it. Being on the other side of that gun and hot towel aren't always the most fun. Â But, Loko tries to ease that pain just a bit by getting a quick chuckle or two out of you. Â Really, it comes down to him having a good bench-side manner.
It's probably the one thing that people always ask, "Did it hurt?" Â Yes, of course it hurt. Was it unbearable? No! Â Would I do it again? Hell Yeah! Â I can understand, the thing that people fear most is often the pain. However, with me, NOW. . . the thing that I fear the most is being SO in love with my piece that I will want to get more and more done. Getting ink done really does become an addiction. If you have a piece done, here, by Loko or King Afa, you won't be disappointed. In fact, I am pretty dang sure that you'll be even more pleased than you had anticipated.
Just remember these few things!
The pain is temporary
Be honest with your artist
Make your tweaks and changes BEFORE your artist gets started
Don't be in a rush
TIP your artist
The AFTER CARE of your ink is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO important!!!!
if you do those things, you'll end up with a piece that you will also FOREVER love.
So far, I don't have anything big, but with the two smaller pieces that I do have, I absolutely love them. I've taken care of them and have gone in for my touch ups when necessary. And, while I get compliments on my pieces from random strangers, nothing means more to me than the work that Loko has done for me. The small pieces that I have couldn't be any more perfect. Keep in mind, each tattoo has a story. Â Well, mine do. I'm not the type to get those random just for the F of it pieces.
My idea:
Each piece of work is meant for the person that it is on and nobody else. I like that Loko isn't the type to send you out the door if you aren't willing to get a piece in the size that he wants. Â He respects the person, their story, the representation of the piece that you're asking to have done, and all that it means to you. As long as you're happy, he is happy too! Â He won't allow you to leave an unhappy customer who is never again to return. The biggest compliment, aside from nice TIPS, are the referrals that your clients can give to other potential clients.
Vine Street Tattoo is a clean, comfy, and very cozy environment. The folks here do some real clean work. Most importantly, they are always consistently great at what they do. They don't rush. They take their time. They mind what you say, but of course will let you know if they think that your interpretation might be best expressed using an alternate pattern, placement, or style. They keep it all professional. Not just that, they treat their customers like friends, not strangers. Imagine being a little kid and hanging out in the tree house with some of your friends. That's how I feel when I'm here. I feel safe, like I am with friends, and like I am home. You can't go wrong if you come here. You owe yourself that much, at least. Come check it out! These guys always give each piece 110%.
I'm coming back Friday for a whole day long session for my husband. He's finishing up a sleeve and will also be adding to his chest plate. The whole fam comes here. That's how much we love their work. #awesome
just got home after an all day appointment with Noel, Not only he is a true student of  the art of tribal tattoo, he is extremely talented,  prompt, every email was answered in a timely manner he is very patient and eager to please, but knows when it's time for his input to stand. He put together an unreal piece for me, and worked all day to get it done, because i have limited time and another session would be months away Noel finished it for me same day!. The tattoo had to have certain essential elements , the main theme had to work with three different cultures and he was able to put it all together  tastefully, without  omitting any details... Ambiance in the shop was great I learned a lot about tattoos while being worked on as they had all kinds of documentaries on history of tattoos playing on the big screen it made my time go by much faster.... The other artists were very friendly, and even gave me a ride home!
I'm A HAPPY CAMPER!!
Thank You Noel.
Vine St. Tattoo is notorious for their epic Asian Traditional styles!! Â Ranging anywhere from Traditional Japanese to SICK Polynesian work, Marquesan, and much more!! Check out the mad talent at this shop - You'll come back for another tattoo for sure!
Get INKED at "Vine St. Tattoo"!!!!
1253 Vine St. #16
Los Angeles. CA 90038
323.450.6380
When it comes to picking a tattoo artist...it's kinda like picking a hairdresser. You want a referral from someone who knows the guy. Â A tattoo, after all, is permanent. Â So when it came time for me to get some ink done I asked around and Loko was referred to me by a friend of a friend.
I could not have asked for a better experience. Â Loko is very knowledgeable, honest and informative and made sure I was comfortable with the sketch I chose. Â He's very meticulous and wants you to be happy. My tattoo came out perfect and I am so grateful for the referral that I am paying it forward. Â I have since referred some friends. :)
The artists are super chill and helpful! I set up an appointment with Loko for my first tattoo. Â So far had 3 tribal pieces (Filipino with a little Polynesian) done on my arm and leg by him. Â He's real cool, very knowledgable of the style, and its history. I'm coming in again for sure! :)
Review Source:
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
