My girlfriend and I were vacationing in San Diego in April and were resolved to get tattoos before we returned home to New Orleans. We met her friend since her Hurricane Katrina evacuation in 2005. My girlfriend and I went to the West Coast with conceptual ideas for companion tattoos and needed an artist. We were on our last night at our Mission Beach Airbnb and still hadn't selected a tattoo shop from the list my girlfriend compiled in New Orleans. The night before, we drove to downtown San Diego to a 24-hour shop, only to find it was closed. The voicemail we left with that shop was never returned. And so on the last night, as I walked on Mission Boulevard to a neighborhood store, I happened upon the open doors of Coastal Tattoo. I walked in and met artist and co-owner Luc Suter, who was preparing to resume work on a detailed tattoo on a customer's left thigh. I explained what I was looking for and that I my two friends also needed work. A super nice guy, Luc assured me he would work with me on my idea, and that they'd stay open as late as needed to ensure the three of us got what we sought. We returned to Costal Tattoo later that evening and Luc looked over my drawing, which involved a stylized compass face with an 82 mm circumference (the words "Eight Two" are a central theme of the companion tattoos my girlfriend and I had planned). Luc showed his Photoshop skills as he set out to fine-tune my concept. Luc was very patient with me he ensured that my compass face had an 82 mm circumference -- I brought my metric ruler with me. We discussed design ideas and the weight of the lines. He understood my idea. He strove to ensure that I would be happy with his work that would be with me forever. He succeeded. His fellow artist Mark who had arrived to help with my girlfriend and her friend similarly did impressive, finely detailed work. It was well after midnight when the three of us left Coastal Tattoo. Luc shared a cell number and welcomed me to contact him with questions after I returned to New Orleans. He was quick to respond to my text messages about the healing process. It was very comforting. For my girlfriend, it was her ninth tattoo. It was my second (the first being a poorly done star I had done in New Orleans years ago but which I wanted to retain for sentimental reasons). We returned to New Orleans very satisfied with their work. read more

Luc is an incredible artist and someone I'm lucky to now call a friend. I found him because his work stood out immediately, and I knew I wanted him to create my sleeve. At the time, I had just gotten a larger forearm tattoo from a different artist (at a different shop) that didn't turn out the way I'd hoped. I didn't have much of a plan beyond wanting something more detailed and more interesting to look at. If you've ever glanced at his portfolio you'll understand how easy it was for me to let him get creative. He has a vision unlike anyone I had met, and the skill to bring it to life. Most people who can paint or draw can't bring that same level of depth, detail, and texture into a tattoo. With Luc, nothing is lost when it moves to skin. He was kind enough to incorporate one of his own charcoal drawings; a bleeding hand holding a rose. It's one of my favorite pieces and I'm proud to show it off. I had so much fun working on this sleeve with Luc over the years and I'm eager to start something new. If you are in the market for a tattoo please look no further. Luc Suter is the only choice. Here are some progress shots for those who want a glimpse at the process! I will update the review with new photos of my tattoo healed once I take them. read more

Luc has been my go to tattoo artist for over 10 years. I am so honored to be a living exhibit of his growth and different styles. To me, he transcends tattooing because he's constantly learning new techniques out of the shop on different mediums, which he then brings to his clients. Specifically, he did some storm clouds for me during his charcoal phase and when I look at the tattoo, it reminds me of a charcoal drawing. He is a consummate, professional and master of his craft, and I'm so grateful to have worked with him all these years. He helped me bring my vision to life and guided me to make changes that allowed the artwork to flow in a better way. He took the time and made things difficult for himself by incorporating, intricate patterns, like pixels and sacred geometry, and always enjoyed pushing the boundaries, which I appreciate greatly. I consider him more than a friend and I cannot recommend seeing him enough. Just don't take my time slot. He always goes above and beyond for his clients and you can tell how much he cares about his work. read more

We had such an amazing experience at Coastal Tattoo in San Diego! The artists there are truly talented--they take your ideas and bring them to life even better than you imagined. We were blown away by how well they could visualize our descriptions and turn them into beautiful designs. Kenny and Marc did our tattoos, and they're both fantastic! Whether you're looking for fine line work or vibrant color tattoos, they absolutely nail it every time. Their technique is super light-handed, which made the whole process way more comfortable than we expected. On top of that, their pricing is very reasonable for the level of artistry you're getting. The vibe in the shop is just as great as their work--everyone is hilarious and constantly joking around with each other, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and fun. We're already planning on coming back--and we're from Oregon! We can't recommend them enough! read more

I've had multiple pieces done by my artist, Luc, and he never disappoints. He takes the time to really understand what I'm looking for, offers great input on design and placement, and makes the whole process comfortable and easy. You can tell he truly cares about the final result and about his clients walking out happy. The shop itself is clean, professional, and welcoming. Everyone there is friendly and it just has a great atmosphere overall. It's the kind of place where you feel confident you're in good hands. If you're looking for a tattoo shop with great service, a solid vibe, and high-quality work, I highly recommend this place--especially if you can get in with Luc. I'll definitely keep coming back for more. read more

Luc Suter is one of the best artists in the game! 10+ years later with MAJOR weight gain and fluctuations they still look like stickers. We finished this thigh piece back in june 2014 & the eye on my stomach in 2016. here are also photos from March 2026. I constantly get stopped to find out who did them and the healing process was smooth no irritations or extreme pain which is key for my sensitive Irish skin. Not to mention Luc is also just a fun but calming energy to be around. His conversation flow makes the time fly by but he's also very good at shutting tf up when you need him to. Book now! He fills up fast!!! read more

Fantastic location, store, and talent found here! I mean, one block away from the beach in gorgeous Mission Beach, San Diego. I sincerely always find a parking spot without an Olympic effort. The store is well kept, organized, clean, and they play great music The artist team here is the dream team. They're all highly talented and love what they do. It shows. My artist, Luc, holds the talent of the gods within him. Thankfully, I can be one of his canvasses. You should too! Book your tattoo with Luc! I can't wait to finish our back piece (one of many together)! read more

Went to Luc to get a complete rework and finish of my sleeve. He was absolutely amazing, very communicative, professional, and insanely skilled. The shop itself is also very professional with artists ranging in all different art styles. Would absolutely recommend anybody to this shop who's looking to get anything from small lettering to a full body sleeve. read more

I had a terrific experience with Luc at coastal tattoo. Weeks of planning finally became reality. Thank you Luc for doing such a phenomenal piece on my arm. This is just the beginning and I look forward to coming back and having you finish my sleeve. Anyone looking for a tattoo artist look no further then Luc at coastal tattoo. His work is A+ in my eyes. read more

Luc is by far the best artist. I've followed him for years to every shop he's been. I highly recommend him. His work is with out a doubt the best there is. Good dude and an even better artist. I let him have creative freedom and a gist of what I want and he ALWAYS nails it. read more

My sister and I had our very first tattoo at Coastal by Luc. He was very helpful and made us feel comfortable. Spent time with our design and placement. His work is precise and beautiful. Our experience well exceeded our expectation. Highly recommend his work and shop. read more

I love coming to this shop. I live up in LA and make the drive everytime I need a new tattoo to work with Luc. He's a real nice guy and so easy to collaborate ideas with. His black and gray realism is sick. 10/10 recommended read more

Do I even need to explain? Just look at the detail and work that Luc put into my tattoo I HIGHLY recommend this place if you need someone for a quality tattoo. read more

Love the vibe of the shop. I've got my last four tattoos here and love the quality of all my new pieces.