Last time I left a review here was 15 years ago. Ive followed Jeremy to each new shop he's moved to for over 20 years. Some of the reason why: He listens He adapts your idea to something beautiful His original artwork is amazing His ability to sense a client's needs Attitude Cleanliness Attention to detail And so much more... Not only does he hold himself to the highest standards he also does his other artists. Each with their own skills and talents I've wanted a tattoo from each of them for years. Matt is a magician at his artwork and deserves a look. Derrick is the person when Jeremy finally hangs up his hat is the person I would go to next. Josue crushes his style. If you ever get vibed out of this shop you were on a bad one. In 20+ years of getting tattooed I've never been to a more friendly and accommodating shop. read more

First of two sessions with Derek for my 4th tattoo! He does such a good job at keeping you at bay and making you feel good. The environment is so friendly and calm. So glad I got a great artist! Looking forward to session 2 this week read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

What a happy accident! I was walking by Broken Art Tattoo on Friday the 13th and decided to pop in on a whim to check if they were running a flash sale- and they were! I am so glad I stopped in. The flash selection was fantastic, and the artwork on display was genuinely beautiful. You could tell real talent goes into what they do here. The space itself was open, clean, and welcoming- exactly what you want when you're about to get some ink! Pricing was more than reasonable, especially for the quality of work. Friday the 13th was the perfect excuse to finally walk through that door, but honestly the art and atmosphere speak for themselves any day of the year. Highly recommend Broken Art Tattoo and Josh- whether you're a walk-in on a lucky Friday or planning something custom, this place delivers! read more

Decided to get my first tattoo with a friend a while ago on a whim and saw the great reviews so we walked in and saw Josue. I didn't know anything about tattoos or what to look for in an artist at the time, saw good reviews and went with it. As I've had time to plan my next set of artwork and all the things I learned about what to look for in an artist, all I can say is look closely at it. And I mean, zoom in and analyze it. On first glance, some of the tattoos posted on here look great, but when you really look close, the line work is not good. The weights aren't even, the lines are wobbly, there's blow out in many areas. Shading is bad, color doesn't pop. Honestly, some of the pieces on here are ones I'd be ashamed to have associated with my business, quite frankly. I initially was feeling good about my tattoo, but I started to see the flaws as it healed. It looked worse, which is not supposed to happen, ever. The lines are scarred because he overworked my skin. The lines are also not evenly weighted, not sharp, and there's a lot of blowout. The tattoo is still raised and not flush with my skin over a year later because of his bad technique. Although he offered to touch it up for me, I just knew he wasn't the guy to fix it. Why repeat that same mistake again? I'm going to have a better artist touch it up but... for even more than I paid for it. Oh well, lesson learned. I just wish it was high quality work but unfortunately it isn't and it's just disappointing that it turned out that way. Tldr; Do your research. It's gonna stay on you forever. Sadly, most people think their tattoos are great but they aren't. read more

I cannot recommend or say enough GOOD things about Broken Art tattoo as a whole. Every single artist there makes you feel comfortable and welcome no matter if it's your 1st visit or your 100th. My family and I have been getting tattooed at Broken Art for 10+ years and it's always the best experience. The shop owner, Jeremy Swan, makes such an effort to make sure you're comfortable through every single step. He's done a number of tattoos for me, the first one being my portrait of my dog. I was very nervous before going into the shop. Jeremy handled my nerves with ease and now it's one of my favorite tattoos. When I was ready to get my back piece, I knew that there was no one else I wanted to do it but Jeremy. I could not have imagined the process going any better. It's one thing to have talented artists but it's just as important to have someone that's friendly and thoughtful taking care of you, especially for 7 sessions. The confidence I have in knowing I'm going to get an epic piece every time I step in his shop is priceless. They have artists that specialize in anything you're looking for. I've been tattooed by Jeremy and Matt but would happily trust anyone at this shop. read more

See all

I am SO GLAD I found Jeremy! I had a tattoo that desperately needed coverup and he did an amazing job. He worked with me through the design revisions and when we finally got a date down, I'll have to say I was nervous. Could it really be covered up? This was almost too good to be true... day of, the shop is clean and you can immediately tell that Jeremy is a professional and a true artist. He's also a super pleasant, honestly nice human being. If I had to sit for five hours for a tattoo, he'd be the person I'd do that with. The end result was... unbelievable. Anyone who has seen this coverup can't believe how good it is. I'll def be returning to Jeremy for my other cover ups and I'd highly recommend him to anyone with an old tattoo they'd rather not have. Thank you so much Jeremy! read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

They have all different styles of art at this place. It's clean and well up kept. The vibe is very positive. read more

Broken Art Tattoo - This tattoo is a cover-up of a tattoo from 35 years ago - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

TLDR: Josue Josue, he knows the way. This review is for Josue Acosta who, at the time of this writing, works at Broken Art. I pen this at the risk of him becoming a big, f'ing deal in the tattoo world... You, dear reader, have my word that he will give you the best experience ever on the receiving end of being stabbed repeatedly -- and prior you've given consent obviously. Josue is talented, collaborative, knowledgeable, kind, gentle, and considerate. In other words, he is everything you can ask for. I try to give honest and brutal reviews. If you follow me, you know that I tend to be wordy. On this review I have only these remaining: Just trust me. If you are on the market for some good ink, you won't be disappointed. Book him now. Oof, it hurts so good! read more

I got tattooed by Josue about three years ago. Sometimes it can feel very awkward during a session, but he made me feel comfortable and was very personable and professional. He's really talented and listens to his client, taking his time to get it right. I'm glad I trusted him to do such an important piece. I've moved away from LA and got more tattoos since then and it's still my favorite tattoo. I would definitely travel to get another tattoo done by him. read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I have been working with Broken Art for over 10, maybe 15 years. It is welcoming, and everyone feels like a friend. I have had work done by three different artists there- Derrek, Josue, and Matt, and have even commissioned print art. The level of professionalism, talent, and most of all insight into the customer is unparalleled. I can't recommend them enough. read more

I went here for three different sessions and I truly enjoyed each one of them! I collaborated with Josue for all three and I was just amazed at how he brought my visions to life. I was detailed on what I hoped to see on each tattoo and he delivered! He even added some details to make them even more beautiful than I imagined. I'm extremely grateful for Josue's hard work and his talents! read more

See all

Wonderful staff. Wonderful environment. Wonderful work. Had my first and all my tattoos done at Broken Art Tattoo. All have been done by Derrek, he's great! Many of my family members have also come and gotten tattoos done at Broken Art with Derrek and Josue. I will always recommend this shop to anyone looking to get a tattoo!!!!!!! read more

Came to Cali for the weekend and impulsively decided I wanted a tattoo while I'm out here so I called Broken Art and they were so nice. Spoke to Derrek on the phone, but Josue was the one who actually did my tattoo. Just texted him what I wanted and gave me pricing and was able to see me within an hour. Definitely will be coming back if I'm ever in town again! read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came in last night for a neck piece. First time at the shop and the energy was great. I was recommended by a friend. Jeremy was my artist and created the perfect rose design. Next day and I'm feeling great and looks like everything will health quickly and smoothly. 5 stars. I'll be back. read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Found this Tattoo Shop on Yelp and asked if I could come in the same day. Sent some reference pictures to Josue, we talked and figured out the vision and he perfectly executed it! Really grateful to have met Josue, he's genuine, keeps a good conversation going, and is truly Talented read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Kali Goddess Tattoo by Josue Acosta - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Have gotten all of my tattoos here (Back when they were in Silverlake!). The shop is not intimidating at all, have always felt welcomed and never out of place. The studio is clean and well decorated. JOSUE is the only tattoo artist I will get tattooed by, my friends have asked me to get matching tattoos with them and I stand firm that the only way we will get tattoos together is if JOSUE is the one that does them. I can't say enough how much I LOVE this and how I NEED to get a tattoo from here sooner rather that later! read more

Highly recommend Josue Acosta! This was my first tattoo and it could not have been a better experience. Josue took the ideas/description I sent him and knocked it out of the park with his design. The process of getting the tattoo was super chill and relaxed, and it healed really quickly with no issues. I've gotten tons of compliments on my bunny! Will definitely contact Josue when I'm ready for my next one. read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Had a pleasure of getting my tattoo by Josh. He was gentle and friendly. We had great conversations that made the time goes by fast and took my mind off the tattoo. Don't get me wrong I love getting tattoos but I don't like pain . read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Cherry blossom yin yang. My best friend got same one from Matt. - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Got my first tattoo here! They were so great about accommodating my best friend and I. We got matching tattoos on our arms. They staff is a hoot and fun to talk to. It helped distract from the pain. I'll be back for more tattoos. Highly recommend. read more

Derek is wonderful! We hung out with him in the morning to get our small, yet very sentimental tattoo and he couldn't have been more thoughtful! He's a great artist & has the best sense of humor! Go get a tattoo - now!!! read more

I found this shop from a quick Google, and was impressed on the website by Josue's work with color. This is my fourth tattoo, and my first with color. I was so impressed with Josue's work. I told him I wanted a David Bowie lightning bolt, and he came prepared with the perfect shape and colors picked out. It was done in under and hour, he was very friendly while working, and he gave me a great deal. I'll definitely be back for my next tattoo. Can't recommend this place enough! read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Great work by Josue! - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

You know those dumb cheap tattoos you get when you're young because "ooh what a deal!" Yeah, Dillon fixed my 18 year old me mistakes, and then some. I was on the hunt for quality work and stumbled upon Dillon by means of a random article on LA's top artists. I was intrigued. I wrote a lengthy email to him, gushing about how I was looking for two cover-ups, and how I wanted a geometric take on my bunnies. I had researched him and learned that he was not only a bunny parent as well as me, but also a fellow geek (I was so stoked but tried to play it cool). He wrote back in this serendipitous way, explaining how he actually had this event planned to benefit a local bunny rescue, so any bunny tattoos would go towards them. He had time for me, was interested, and it was perfect. The shop itself is fun, hip, and eclectic, while upholding the cleanest standards. The other artists who work within are absolutely funny, and a pleasure to spend hours around. Dillon alone is great company. Pick his brain, nerd out. He tattoos kindly and will let you know what to expect. He's not heavy-handed whatsoever, in fact, I almost fell asleep during my ankles being done. I came back today with a girl friend to commemorate our tenth friend-iversary and again, I'm quite pleased with the results. I'll continue to return and send friends here whether it's to Dillon or anyone else. read more

See all

Cannot say enough about the artistry, professionalism, ambiance, cleanliness of Broken Art Tattoo. I have racked up well over 24 hours in the chair with owner Jeremy Swan and look forward to every trip to the shop. Though I haven't had work done by the other artists, I remain a big fan of Jose Acosta, Matt Soderberg, and the innovative Derrek Everette, who--along with Jeremy Swan--are the true innovators of the neo-traditional style. If you need tattooing in the LA area (or looking to do some tattoo tourism), be sure to check in with Jeremy and the talented crew at Broken Art. read more

Josue was so easy to chat with and did an excellent job on my tattoo. The last time I got a tattoo was over 30 years ago and it hurt. This was so fast and didn't hurt at all. A few pinches and that was all. The place is so friendly. Makes you feel at ease. Highly recommend. Parking was easy. The whole process was very easy. read more

Got tattooed by Matt recently and holy shit it's spot on. He got the style, the quality, and the price all perfectly. 3.5 hours and didn't need a break, one of the easiest tattoo experiences I've had. Light hand, beautiful work. So many more plans for him to tattoo. Glad I found my spot in LA. I'll post photos once everything is fully healed, but a week later looking great. read more

Been coming here for awhile and Josue Acosta gets down with his creativity ! Here's his most recent work on me. Def one of my favorites too! Hit him up and schedule something...you won't be let down.... and you'll be back for more. read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Tattooo!!!!!! - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I got my first tattoo here a few months back at broken art and couldn't believe how comfortable I felt. I found this place by luck... (looking for a tattoo shop close by to the Glendale, LA area). When I saw that it was in Silverlake it all made since. Echo Park for life! Anyhow, I got my back done by Justin and my manwhore got his arm done by Jeremy. Both guys are just amazing artists. Jeremy can smoke you at ping pong! If you want genuine dudes that do a damn hell of a great job, come by. It's a good sign when the people that walk in are alllllllllll tatted up, and good looking. Some +'s- -There is a nice couch to sit and chill on while you wait -Ping Pong table, they welcome beer pong -Stocked Bar -Great music -in Los Angeles I'm coming back at the end of the month to get more work done. That's for shurns. read more

Broken Art Tattoo - los angeles tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I and my wife went there to get our first tattoos. Our artist was Josh, he was really friendly and professional on his job with reasonable prices. Try him, you won't regret. read more

Jeremy is an artist. Not Just a tattoo maker. When he finished. I know my waiting is worthy

I've been lucky enough to work with Josue Acosta on 3 different tattoos over the last few years. He's a fantastic artist that I would recommend to any of my friends and family. In addition to being a really chill guy who always makes the process very relaxed and comfortable, the guy has a huge artistic range. I've seen him nail traditional style, but also do some incredible pieces that were way more intricate and stylized. I get compliments on my latest tattoo from Josue on a daily basis, and I'm really proud of how beautifully he was able to execute a custom design that I brought to him, which he was able to elevate way above my expectations. Any tattoos I get in the future, he's my guy. read more

Met a girl through work with the most amazing swallow and cherry blossom tattoo and knew I had to get my first tattoo from Jeremy Swan. I had stopped into a few places prior and the artists were so aloof and sometimes bordered on arrogant because I didn't have any artwork yet and what I was getting was somewhat small. However, I was still extremely particular about how it would look, so they sometimes seemed downright annoyed. The minute I walked up to Broken Art with its amazing anatomical heart metal sculpture over the door at the bottom of a non-descript driveway, I had a good feeling. And walking in to see a Darth Maul, amazing artwork on the walls, and the various other decor, I felt at home. The shop is incredibly clean and streamlined, but warm and inviting so you feel like you're hanging out at that friend's place - the one where you always go to just HANG because you're favorite people are there and it always ends up being a solid, good time. Jeremy was super booked and I'm a little too impatient for my own good so he introduced me to Rosie who was down for a stint from Nor Cal. Once I found out Rosie had not only heard of my hometown in Texas but had actually played with one of his bands at my favorite pubs, I knew it was kismet! Rosie did the most AMAZING job on my Orion tattoo (the line work on the stars is impeccable and the color is beautiful). I also saw a picture he had freehanded for another client and it was INCREDIBLE - he probably could have done my stars with his eyes closed! So next time he was back, I went in for my cheshire cat inspired tattoo and took a friend. He made her feel comfortable instantly. He pays the utmost attention to every detail, even if the design is simple and the piece isn't huge - he approaches it all with the utmost care, respect, and attention. He works with you to get exactly what you want and has a way of coming up with something PERFECT that just fits YOU. And ultimately, he is simply a calming, solid presence, extremely important qualities in your hair person, your bartender, your doctor, your priest (if you have one), and your tattoo artist! And to top it all off, we got a little show at the end when Rosie brought out his guitar and played a few songs for us! he's coming back in a few weeks...i feel the need to get another! I can't imagine EVER going anywhere else... read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

I got my first tattoo from Rosie at Broken Art Tattoo a few days ago. Rosie is a pro - very accommodating to nervous first-timers (me) and as gentle as one can be with a vibrating needle in hand. He made sure I was happy with the design before he started, and he offered free touch-ups if I need them. The place itself is hardly noticeable from the street. You walk down into a basement-like area that is outfitted with cool art, a ping pong table and of course - the bar! I had a free shot of rum before my tattoo to take the edge off (and to pretend I'm a pirate), and drinks were also offered to my friends (who were apparently only there to tease me and try to freak me out). The tattoo was not terribly expensive ($90 - for an hour and a half's worth of work) and Rosie did a great job - he's very precise and gave me exactly what I asked for. Oh - and one of the clients brought in their adorable bulldog, so that just made my day. There should always be dogs around when you're going to do scary things like get a tattoo for the first time! read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A friend recommended Jeremy Swan's shop a few years back and I've ridden the wave with them ever since. I've had a couple pieces done by Derrek E and my wife had some from Rosie when he was there. My buddy's getting his 3rd and most elaborate from Derrek right now. There's a TV crew in here tonight taping Jeremy as he fixes this lady's fanged frog disaster for a reality show. The shop is chill w a stock-yourself-bar and all the artists are pros. I'll stick to Derrek since we have a relationship now. I'm already putting together my next ink in my mind as I sip my beer and listen to the buzz of small talk and ink guns. God it's good to be back. read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Broken Art Tattoo's Jeremy Swan filming for America's Worst Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

So I had this idea for a tattoo I wanted, from an Edward Hopper painting. I showed the painting to a bunch of people, most of whom were well-versed with ink, and most of them said "that would be really hard to get." This included the woman who cuts my hair, who recommended Broken Art (specifically Jeremy), but who said "if anyone can do it, Jeremy can." Well, she was right. The tattoo that so many people said was a difficult one turned out fantastically, and I'm still getting compliments from friends and even strangers about how it looks. Jeremy was friendly, professional, and did amazing work. Was it expensive? Hell yes it was, but why on earth would you skimp on something that will be visible on your body for the rest of your life? read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Tattoo by Jeremy. - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Back in February I turned in a $100 deposit for a dog portrait of a family dog that had passed away. I won't name the artist but I thought it was a bit strange that he didn't schedule a date for the appointment when I gave the deposit. It's now July & I never actually got any work done or saw any drawings. I tried contacting the artist multiple times but never got a response back from him. I honestly don't even want to do business with him anymore & I know I probably won't get the deposit back either but I just wanted to put my experience out there. read more

A permanent decision one has chosen to make Finding the right talent, where does one start? I suggest a scene in the resurgent Silver Lake At a studio with the name, "Broken Art" On arrival read the top, important part of their sign it's a motto that's definitely worth sharin' stroll down to the shop on the driveway incline where you'll most likely be greeted by Aaron The hip affable manager, jeans holed out at the knees skull cap pulled tight for chilly weather that wasn't offering a beverage or smoke, he'll put you at ease and his arms have the sleeves that his T-shirt doesn't What criteria would one use, for such a place to gauge how 'bout entering to a convenient cash machine or chocolate bars on a piano, a vacant big metal bird cage for me it was a basement parlor so apparently clean The walls adorned with a somewhat eclectic collection quite a gallery one has ample time to peruse as you mull over in mind your particular selection feeling confident in their gifts of creating tattoos Decor hangs in an array of different edgy designs from the macabre to some arrows in the mouth of a rabbit quite evident in the flawless fluidity of their lines why so many returners make this business a habit Series of skateboards aligned atop of a shelf alongside Yahtzee, the curlicue vertical alloy fixture touches that promote relaxation in oneself the display of images is a powerful mixture Batches of books to sift through next to a corner bar where your favorite spirit for you they will gladly pour an arrow-pierced winged heart, some candles, an electric guitar and a signed photo from the 'Prez' on the show "24" Five artists in all master the tools of their trade working at the tables that from underneath are lit on imaginative creations from their minds are made before in their chairs you will ultimately sit Then the artist will do what you know he does on a piece of you that will last forever feeling the needle's poking, hearing the vibrating buzz while participating in conversation quite clever Aaron might visit again to at least entertain with his knowledge of comedy, baseball and drumming to help distract might you indeed experience any pain or take your mind away from the needle's humming So lucky that this business I just randomly came across not even knowing it's featured on a TV show more fortunate still, my piece was placed by the boss on the left shoulder my Savior did he bestow It's rare to encounter someone so humble and real who is both good at and enjoys what they do from the first needle poke to the final reveal uncommon an experience so honest and true My opinion is the value is greater than one will pay Jeremy's needle is capable of reaching within your time at "Broken Art" will likely with you stay long after the ink has healed on your skin read more

Broken Art Tattoo - Swan's supremely - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came here on a whim with my sister and Derrek was able to squeeze us in for our first tattoos! He was super friendly, calming, and thorough. He did a great job listening to what we wanted and the tattoos came out exactly how we wanted it! Had a great first experience and will definitely come back if I want more! read more

My friend got a gorgeous detailed falcon on her arm from Derek a few weeks back and I was so impressed I had to ask her where she got it. I had a wonderful experience getting my first tattoo from Josue! It was painless, more like having a massage on my arm than getting a tat done. Personable, clean, wonderful communication, great shop all around. Everyone I've shown it to is impressed that my skin didn't even have a trace of swelling or redness, scabbing or any ill effects. Cheers gents. UPDATE: Just got my second tattoo from Broken Art. Again, a wonderful experience, this time with Dillon who inked Trooper Eddie on my right forearm. Knowledgeable, personable and talented. Can't recommend these guys enough! read more

Can't believe i get to live by a great Tattoo shop as this one. I did a walk in to this place & actually got what i wanted. No B.S. Came into this place to see about getting my first Tattoo in 10 plus years. Luckily i got the prodigal son Rosie. He was very professional & help full of meeting my needs. My needs were a Wicked Octopus. As you know what I'm going to say it came out sic. I was very happy with it. Everyone there was very cool. It seemed like i had already been there a million time's have been back twice & looking forward to thrice. It is really hard near Hollywood to find a truly cool shop as this one. See you guys there soon. read more

BEST shop I've ever been to. After 1 bad tattoo & a couple okay ones i finally went into broken art & am so happy i did! Both pieces Derrek gave me have been great & he makes it a very comfortable experience. I recommend this shop to everyone I know & so far everyone who's taken my advice with Derrek has LOVED their tattoo. This shop makes every piece unique & amazing. I can't wait to go back for more!! read more

Broken Art Tattoo - By Derrek - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California