Experience Timeless Tattoo Art at Old Crow Tattoo Shop
Meet Our Artists
Our resident and guest tattoo artists specialize in a wide variety of styles, from fine-line and geometric to traditional and black & grey realism.
More Than a Tattoo Shop
From first-timers to collectors, Old Crow is a trusted name across the Bay Area for anyone seeking bold artistry, a safe and inclusive space, and a crew of artists who truly care. We host regular Flash Days, guest artist takeovers, and pop-up events that keep the East Bay tattoo scene vibrant and connected.
Want to meet the team or check out the space before you book? Come to one of our Monthly Artist Meet & Greets and get to know the crew.
Stay in the Know with Events & Flash Drops
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Preparing for Your Tattoo: What You Need to Know Before You Get Inked
Getting a tattoo is an exciting and deeply personal experience, whether it's your first tattoo or your tenth. At Old Crow Tattoo, a trusted Berkeley tattoo shop known for its welcoming atmosphere and talented artists, we want every client to feel informed, confident, and comfortable before they sit down in the chair.
Proper preparation doesn’t just help you feel more at ease, it also helps your tattoo turn out better and heal more cleanly. Here’s everything you should know before your appointment.
Before Your Appointment: The Essentials
1. Choose Your Artist and Style
Do your research ahead of time. Our studio specializes in a wide variety of tattoo styles including fine line, geometric, blackwork, realism, and more. Check out our artists’ portfolios online or on Instagram to see whose style best matches your vision.
2. Book in Advance (or Walk In)
We welcome walk-ins, but if you’re planning a larger piece or have specific design ideas, it’s best to schedule an appointment. This gives your artist time to prep and ensures the session is fully tailored to your needs.
3. Rest, Eat, and Hydrate
Tattooing is a physical experience. Being well-rested and properly nourished makes a big difference in how you handle the process. Eat a good meal before your appointment and drink plenty of water the night before and day of.
4. Dress for Comfort and Access
Wear clean, comfortable clothes and make sure the tattooed area is easy to reach. For example, if you’re getting a shoulder piece, a loose tank top is a smart choice.
5. Avoid Blood Thinners and Alcohol
Wear clean, comfortable clothes and make sure the tattooed area is easy to reach. For example, if you’re getting a shoulder piece, a loose tank top is a smart choice.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your artist will walk you through the final design, stencil placement, and size, ensuring you're 100% happy before the tattooing begins. We use both metric and imperial units when discussing dimensions, and we take our time to get everything placed just right.
The session itself will vary depending on the size and detail of your piece. Some areas are more sensitive than others, but our experienced team will guide you through it and check in regularly to make sure you're feeling okay.
Tattoo Aftercare Basics
Once the work is done, aftercare begins. You'll leave with detailed instructions and product recommendations to help your tattoo heal cleanly and keep its color and detail looking amazing. For in-depth tips, check out our blog post: “Tattoo Aftercare: Everything You Need to Know.”
Healing is just as important as the tattoo itself. Follow instructions closely and reach out if you have any questions.
Whether you’re traveling from across the Bay Area or walking in off the street, Old Crow Tattoo is committed to making your experience exceptional. Our artists bring passion, technical skill, and creativity to every session. We're proud to be part of a community that values both artistry and inclusivity.
Tattoo Resources & Aftercare Tips
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Why Choose Old Crow Tattoo?
There’s no shortage of tattoo shops in the Bay Area, but Old Crow Tattoo continues to stand apart as a place where artistry, experience, and community come together. Located in the heart of Berkeley, we have proudly served the East Bay since 2008. Over the past 15 years, we’ve grown from a neighborhood favorite into an award-winning tattoo studio with a reputation for excellence, inclusivity, and unforgettable work.
A Legacy of Excellence in Berkeley
At Old Crow, we are proud to be part of Berkeley’s vibrant artistic landscape. Our studio has earned local and international recognition for the quality of our work and the integrity of our artists. Clients trust us not only because of the tattoos we create, but because of the environment we’ve built, one that is welcoming, professional, and rooted in creative passion.
Skilled Artists Across Styles
Every artist at Old Crow brings a unique point of view and a deep mastery of their craft. Whether you're drawn to clean fine line work, intricate geometric pieces, lifelike realism, or bold blackwork, we have someone on our team who can bring your idea to life. Our artists collaborate closely with clients to ensure each tattoo is thoughtful, personal, and precisely executed.
We also regularly host traveling and guest artists from around the world, giving our clients access to even more diverse styles and perspectives. Each guest spot brings new energy into the studio and allows you to book with artists who may not be available elsewhere in the region.
A Safe and Inclusive Space for Everyone
Old Crow is proud to be an inclusive, body-positive environment. We welcome all identities, body types, and backgrounds. From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll be treated with respect, kindness, and care. Our studio is designed to feel comfortable and supportive, whether you’re getting your first tattoo or your twentieth.
We believe the tattoo experience should be empowering and safe for every client. This commitment to inclusion has helped us build a strong, loyal community over the years, and we’re always growing.
Walk-Ins Welcome, Appointments Encouraged
We understand that inspiration doesn’t always come with a calendar. That’s why we happily accept walk-ins when availability allows. For larger, custom work, we encourage clients to book ahead so we can take the time to discuss design, placement, and aftercare in detail. Either way, we make it easy to get started.