Expert Tattoo Artists in Emeryville, CA
Getting a bad tattoo sucks. We know because half our clients come to us after someone else screwed up their first attempt. Finding a skilled tattoo artist shouldn't be this hard, but here we are. Too many people think all tattoo shops are the same and
end up with work that makes them cringe every time they look in the mirror.
We started our Berkeley shop in 2008 because the Bay Area needed artists who actually cared about doing things right. Fifteen years later, we're still here because we never stopped caring about every single piece that walks out our door.
Real Artists, Not Just People With Machines
Buying tattoo equipment doesn't make you an artist any more than buying a guitar makes you a musician. Old Crow Tattoo Shop exists because Hannah Wolf got tired of seeing terrible work from people who had no business touching anyone's skin. She handpicked every artist here based on skill, not just availability.
Eduar's line work is so clean it looks like it was drawn with a ruler. Mick has forgotten more about tattooing than most artists ever learn. Ocean brings something special to every single piece. Arie creates work that other artists study to figure out how she did it. We're not trying to be the biggest shop in town - we're trying to be the best.
We'll Tell You Things You Don't Want to Hear
Most shops just nod and agree with whatever you want because they're afraid of losing business. That's exactly how people end up with tattoos they hate. Your idea might look cool on Pinterest but turn into a blurry mess on your arm. That trendy font might be impossible to read in five years.
That placement you're dead set on might cause problems with your job. We'll have these conversations before you sit in the chair, not after it's too late. Some people get mad and leave. Good. Better that than living with our mistake permanently attached to your body.
No Drama, Just Good Tattoos
Walk into most tattoo shops and you feel like you're interrupting something important. Not here. We remember what it felt like to be nervous about getting tattooed, so we don't act like jerks to prove how cool we are.
Our studio is clean because that's literally the minimum requirement for this job. Everything gets sterilized properly because anything less is unacceptable. Beyond that, we just want you to have a good time. Bring a friend, ask questions, and take breaks when you need them. This should be fun, not some weird test of tough questions.
Whatever You're Thinking, We Can Handle It
Big custom piece that needs months of planning? Let's do it right. Something simple off our flash wall? We'll knock it out perfectly. Carlos is our apprentice, and watching him learn reminds us how much we love this work.
Guest artists come through regularly and keep things interesting for everyone. Flash days give you chances to see our work before committing to anything major. Monthly meetups let you hang out and ask questions without any pressure to book anything.
About Emeryville
Emeryville people don't mess around. You research before buying a car, you check reviews before trying a restaurant, and you definitely don't trust just anyone with permanent art on your body. Smart approach.
This neighborhood gets that cheap usually means expensive later when you have to fix whatever went wrong the first time. People here value quality and understand that good work costs what it costs. We respect that mentality completely.
Tired of looking at mediocre tattoos and wondering what yours could have looked like? Drive over to our Berkeley spot, and let's fix that.
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Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
