I can not recommend Captured Tattoo more highly.
Back in August I had the honor of receiving my first tattoo from Dan Smith. My father passed away back in Feb. '14 and I had wanted to get a tattoo in honor of him for some time. A year later, I had finally settled on what I had wanted to do, and set out in search of an artist pouring over portfolios. To my disappointment (and frankly, luck) many artists in Hollywood, Redondo Beach and Pasadena flat out refused to meet to do a consultation with me prior to getting my tattoo, saying they were 'too busy', most just said 'show up with a photo and get the tattoo the same day, any questions can be answered just prior to getting your tattoo.' When I asked a few basic questions, most couldn't be bothered to deal with me. Since it was my first venture, I really wanted an artist that cared about a tattoo virgin!
I remembered Dan's incredible work from LA Ink, and when I found out he had his own shop in Tustin, just a mile away from where my father lived and died, I know it sounds cheesy but it seemed like fate. That was confirmed for me when I asked Alison (she's amazing!) if Dan could meet with me prior to getting the tattoo, and she said 'Absolutely, he'll be happy to answer any questions you have." I made an appointment for a consult, and when I met with him, he couldn't have been nicer or more caring. We sat and spoke for about 45 minutes, I gave him the image I wanted to use, he asked if it was my first tattoo and when he found out the reason why I wanted to get it, he explained the entire process, gave me his expertise in what would make the image look best and answered every single, silly question I had with sincere understanding and compassion.
I made my appointment and before I returned to Captured a few weeks later, had several emails back and forth with Alison with more questions and a few last minute ideas, which were answered with no qualms.
When I showed up, Dan had the image ready for me, made a few quick tweaks based on what was best for where I wanted to put it (back of my left shoulder) and he went to work. Needless to say, I was a little nervous, but Dan gave me his full attention, put me at ease, helping me to get comfortable, talking to me about my dad and what the image represented, and he told me every step of the way what kind of feeling to expect with the different needles for outlining and shading. In just under two hours, he was done, I think he was even surprised at how well my skin took the ink, hardly any irritation. I honestly thought it would hurt more and take longer, but I was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The act of doing it was cathartic, as I was still mourning my father, and when I saw the finished work, I burst into tears. Dan "captured" every feeling I had and put it into the tattoo, and the fact that he cared enough to find out about me and why I wanted it made the experience one of the best of my life.
I never before understood the power of a tattoo and how it can help you through something, and I now know why my husband always told me, 'If you want to get a tattoo, wait until you have something that really means something to you, it'll make all the difference in the world in your experience.' The image I had done is something my father and I shared a love for and having that represented permanently on my body is an honor.
The shop itself is amazing, spotless, it's a relaxed atmosphere, the staff is professional and friendly and more than willing to answer any questions you have at any time. I feel so honored to have been tattooed at Captured and by Dan, I hope he knows how many people he touches deeply with his amazing artwork and dedication to his profession. I can not thank him enough for giving me this amazing connection to my father's memory. GO TO CAPTURED TATTOO! read more