Lily is amazing! She was so sweet and gentle. 6yrs ago I got an ex's name covered with an open-winged profile of a Monarch butterfly. The color is still amazing to this day. I'm finalizing the pix for my lastest tat and then I'm off to see Lily. When you've found the best, why go elsewhere? read more

Lily successfully threw my fear for tattoo shop needles out of the window, for good. Thanks to her skill and half a dozen Tylenols taken in advance, it was nowhere near as painful as I envisioned (blame my overactive imagination coupled with my belonephobia). Three hours and one movie (Legally Blonde - a safer alternative to The Departed) later I was a proud owner of a 5X4" tattoo. And no, I do not think $200 (including tip, excluding cost of Tylenol) is steep at all for the experience (and the lack of pain). read more

My mother and I came here to get matching tattoos for my 18th and her 50th birthday. We met with Lily and gave her our idea and she designed the piece for it. Originally we were going to get different designs but I loved the one she drew up for my mom so we got the same one. They are very professional there but its very overpriced in my opinion, thus minus one star. Lily made sure I was happy with the placement and even had a television and some movies to make it more enjoyable. I would go back, but only for a smaller piece. read more

From start to finish, my experience at Mr. Da Wei's was excellent. I first called and set up an appointment with Lily to go over my thoughts on the design. We planned out the schedule- and after 3 months I got my tattoo. Mr. Da Wei and Lily took extra measures to make me feel very comfortable. He is definitely a gifted artist. I am SO thrilled with my tattoo and I get compliments on it often. Great experience overall and I would highly recommend them. read more

I had a 6 hour session with Da Wei yesterday and I'm blown away by how amazing his work is (and he's only halfway done). If you are looking for top notch photo-realism, get on Da Wei's wait list. It's completely worth the wait and the money! Also, he and Lily are so kind and accommodating. I couldn't be happier with the whole experience. read more

He is a real artist who knows the chinese brush drawing and writing.... I am very happy I found him in my area. I recommended many others to his shop and they all very please with his work. read more

All i have to say is Da Wei is the shit and IMHO one of the best tattoo artist out there! I got a half sleeve done by him and it turned out beautiful. It was a memorial for my pup that passed away. He was able to take my very vague idea and turn it in to the greatest tat i could ever imagine. People might think that its a bit pricey there but like that old saying, you pay for what you get and i feel every cent spent at Da Wei's is worth it. So much worth it that i have an appointment to get another half sleeve on my other arm. read more

I got my first tattoo in Dai Wei tattoo,and I LOVE it.Lily does a good job,and she pays attention every small detail. For sure I will back for my second tattoos. read more

i got my first tattoo there a few weeks ago. the lady lily was pretty nice. very funny. I got the phrase love never fails on my back in chinese and the whole time she was saying how beautiful that was. she fit me in that day even tho i didnt have an appointment. her husband da wei himself did my tattoo. He allowed for my sister to come into the tattooing area and hold my hand while he tattooed me. He was very professional and made sure that everything was done correctly and completely. He told me he looked forward to seeing me again since he knew that once you felt the prick of a tattoo gun...you want another...they're addicting. He is an amazing artist. read more

He is a dope artist but he is way too overpriced compared to others. But you do get what you pay for.

Me and my boyfriend got our first tattoo here. Da Wei is super talented and did my boyfriend's tattoo. It looks awesome! Lily did mine and she made it look exactly the way I wanted it. The downside is that their price is way expensive. But it was worth it. It's going on your body forever so you might as well invest what you put on it! Should give this place a try! read more

I have 2 large pieces of art done by Da Wei. Both are featured on his website. After several years, people are still amazed at the detail and artistry of both pieces. Yes - Da Wei isn't cheap. But you get what you pay for. If you're looking for a simple design with some fill, he's probably not your guy. His shading and fine lines are amazing. His portrait work has to be seen to be believed. After reading several reviews, some people complain that Da Wei doesn't say much and leaves everything to Lily. Da Wei's English is not good and Lily does a good job but still has some problems. Personally, I've never had a problem with Lily but I could see how you could interpret her as being pushy. Treat her as you would any other person and you'll get respect in return. The studio is very busy and booked weeks/months in advance. Putting a deposit down is standard business practise. You can pay by the hour or by the piece. You definitely get a better deal by paying for the entire piece. Expect results. You WILL get what you pay for. My first piece is from a photo. It looks EXACTLY like the printed piece. Da Wei told me that it won 1st place in a European Web Contest. My second piece was designed by Da Wei. I told him what I wanted and trusted him to design something. I never saw the design until it was transferred onto my arm. Again - AMAZING work! Both pieces took 15 hours each over several sessions. During that time, I saw people pass out, cry or have panic attacks. Each time, they treated the person with respect and made sure they were ok before going on. I was impressed with their caring demeanor. While there are piles of books with design, his best work is custom work. Allow him to create something special for you rather than something you can get anywhere. read more

Da Wei and Lily do an outstanding job. They are so creative and help a person figure out what they want from a general idea given to them. We have been here a few times and their creativity and skill make for an excellent result. The portrait work Da Wei does is perfect. The number of portraits on display look like photographs. Seriously if you want a quality tattoo com to this shop. read more

Well, this is a bit late but I've been meaning to write a review on this place for awhile now. Lily and Da Wei are very good at what they do. I receive "love and balance" in Chinese characters on my side from Lily and it was not as painful as I was first expecting. She works with you on getting exactly what you want, exactly how you want it and where. The studio itself is very spacious and clean. I am definitely going back for my next tattoo, when I get he chance. The price is actually very good, given how skilled the artists are. Plus they have good plans to accommodate you. I really urge anyone wanting a beautiful well done tattoo to go to Da Wei. They are the best! read more

The master did my ink 20 years ago and the look is still fresh. He helped me create my one of a kind designs. Even today, many compliment my tribal arm bands on both arms and upper back spread. I highly recommend his artwork. read more

I got my first and second tatto here. Lilly is an Fantastic artist and I got lots of compliments on my tattoos. First time my husband compliment me on my tattoo because of her work. I would highly recommend if you want good work forever on your skin, then go to only da wai tatto shop. Lilly really really thanks to you. You made me gorgeous. read more

July 5, 2013 my first tattoo from Lily July 16,2013 second tattoo also from Lily she do very good job and nice on my both tattoo, very patience and listen the way you wanted and how large you would like on your body.... all my coworker love the tattoo she done for me and said well done and great work !!! positive will recommends to everyone around!!! 110% great great great job!!! very appreciated ! Moon read more

Da wei is one of the best tattoo artist I've been associated with. And I've been tattooed by some of the industries best. The legend Henry Goldfield, Dirk Vermin. Da wei has a truly amazing talent. And Lily, she is a great talent in her own right. She has a real passion for what her and Da wei are doing in peoples lives. And Peter, Lily's husband. A great guy. I really enjoyed my experience over several sessions. Great people. Best tattoos I have. Well worth the wait. read more

I'm very late! I got my tattoo done 3 years ago, and it still looks amazing. I came here because my dad got a tattoo by Da Wei of the Raiders emblem on his arm and it looks like it's ripping out of his skin... He gets so many compliments on it, it's crazy! After his recommendation I got my side done by Lily, and it also gets so many compliments! She has a soft hand, so it was a good experience for a first tattoo. After my tattoo, my sister also got her back done by Lily, so the three of us are faithful to Da Wei Tattoo and only come here for work! They're friendly, it's clean, and you get what you pay for, believe me. Remarkable work. I can't wait to get another tattoo later this year! read more

I called to schedule a consultation, and they were more than happy to accommodate me. However, I went there after work as scheduled and told them what I had wanted. She saw that I was Asian and began speaking Chinese to me. I understood what she was saying but didn't wish to speak to her in Chinese. However, she insisted. Then she went on to critiquing my previous tattoo and its quality, saying that she's been in the industry long enough to make a very accurate guess as to how much it cost me, how long it took, and how the tribal was not the best tribal that she has seen thusfar. I had asked her or for her to forward the message to Da Wei and see if anything could be done to liven up the tattoo and bring it out more. She said that she would get back to me and insisted that I get her number and keep it. I waited and waited and, as figured, she never gave me a call back as to whether or not Da Wei or she would be interested. Da Wei was not even there to see my tattoo that I wanted him to work on. She took a picture of it and said that she would forward the msg to Da Wei. Whether it be because they forgot, too busy, not interested, not worth the time, not comfortable working on a previous tattoo, they should have given me minimum courtesy of a vmail or text stating no. Customer service here is a joke. read more

To me they're very overpriced. I got a rose done as a cover up and it cost me 250 dollars, a small rose... yeah they have movies u can watch and it's very intimate but I wish I saved that money and I could've got many other tattoos...And Lily told me to get it retouched would be 80 dollars... aww hell na read more

let me start by saying that Da Wei himself is the shit. he can do a portrait for you that looks like he just stapled a picture to your skin, he's that good. expect to pay out the ass for it, but HE is worth it. now let tell you why my review is so low. i did not get a portrait and Da Wei did not do my tattoo, Lily did. and it looks like crap. the lines are uneven, the ends of the lines dont match up evenly, she barely spoke english, and she charged me $180 for a tattoo that is only 3" long and about an inch and a half wide. it has no color and isnt filled in, its an outline. and not a detailed outline either. also, she didnt even have to draw out my design. i had a necklace pendant that she photo copied and blew up to the size i want. so to summarize. if you want a portrait and are willing to pay or it Da Wei rocks. BUT DO NOT GO TO LILY!!!!! she is over priced and under talented. read more

I found this place for my first tattoo through Yelp reviews and from a co-worker. It's a husband and wife team who are both artists. Lily is ultra convincing and a very, let's just say expressive artist. Trust her with your idea and she will turn it into a really cool piece. She is so convincing that she will make you think that thier VERY high prices are worth it. Originally she wanted to charge me 480 to get a piece on each foot. EACH! She talked me out of getting them on my feet to my upper behind instead. I was beyond satisfied with the end results. Definately not as painful as I thought, she was very gentle with her needles. They give you your own personal DVD player and TV, as well as a selection from thier DVD collection so you can block out the uncomfortable noise of the needle branding your skin. Da Wei and Lily are pretty busy people, so by the time you call to make an appointment, giving them your idea, and getting an appointment could take up to 2 weeks. If you're getting your very first tattoo, get it here cause it will be a pleasurable experience and worth the extra money. read more

Lily's such a sweetheart and her work is nothing less than perfection. I've gotten all three of my tattoos from her within the past four years and I love them! I've also seen Da Wei's work, which is equally as amazing. They're both super welcoming and friendly. Most definitely recommend this place! read more

When I decided to get a tattoo of my grandson I knew I had to find the best portrait tattoo artist I could find. After extensive research Da Wei was my choice to tattoo me. If you want a portrait tattoo Da Wei is your man. He is expensive but you get what you pay for. He is a true artist first and a tattoo artist secondly. His shop is not your typical tattoo shop. It is not full of tee-shirts and trinkets they are trying to sell you. They don't have a group of tattoo artists to choose from. The space is not flashy or "hip" the focus here is just a simple unassuming place that turns out World Class tattoos. When you visit the shop you will most likely be greeted by Lily, Da Wei's partner. She handles all appointments and will talk you through what you want for a tattoo and will quote you a price. All prices are by the piece not by the hour. If you are lucky you will get an appointment within two months. When you meet Da Wei the first thing that stands out is how humble and professional he is. He is not the typical arrogant tattoo artist who thinks he is a "rockstar". All portrait tattoos are done in two sessions. After the first session you will think the tattoo is truly finished but it is only 60% done. He has you come back to let the shading heal and focus on the details, the eyes hair mouth and re-shading that brings the portrait to life. All I can say is if you want a portrait tattoo Da Wei is the man. Yes he is expensive, yes he is quiet and soft spoken, yes his shop is not flashy, yes you may have to wait up to two months to get your tattoo. But in the end you will have a true piece of art on your body for the the rest of your life that you can show off and be proud of. Thank you Da Wei & Lily, hopefully I will have the pleasure to return someday. read more

ok so this review will be different as i haven't even step foot in the office yet. i contacted Da Wei through a search looking to get my first tattoo EVER and fell in love with his aaaaamazing work. so i liked them on facebook and sent a message. he replied and asked me to contact Lily. I called her and told her what i wanted (right sleeve) and she asked me to send her a picture but i'm no artist and there's no picture of what i wanted, so i sent her a text of what i wanted....color and size and where......weeks pass. i understand that tattoo artist are busy but i was just looking for a quote as she said he charges by the piece not by the hour. so i had no idea what the price range would be. i contacted her again via text and she told me that they can not fit me into his schedule and told me to go to analogue and get some guy named ron.....are you fawkin kidding me???? and that he doesn't have enough time. that's ok that he doesn't have time but don't refer me to another artist. this is my first tatt ever and this is happening.....not cool. so i sent her a text back asking how long his waiting list is cause i expected to be put on one from the beginning. so i asked if it's 6 months or a year....i don't care i'll wait for this guy!!!! i just need to know a quote so i know how much to save, that's all. and by reading the other reviews i don't want her to give me my tatt so i'll wait. read more

I got my second tattoo done here by Da Wei.. Best realistic art in the Bay Area.. Hands down.. Lilly & Da Wei are great people.. They make you feel really comfortable while getting tattooed.. read more

I came in with an idea of my tattoo and Da Wei made it into a reality. I wanted a chinese calligraphy proverb, and after speaking to him about it, he took out a pen and free handed the characters which was beautiful. He told me he had training in chinese calligraphy. Lily made me very comfortable throughout the whole process, and Da Wei was extremely professional. The tattoo came out perfectly, and I love that they text you the recovery information instead of giving you a paper, good for the environment, AND it won't get lost. I would recommend Da Wei Tattoo to everyone! read more

Way overpriced! I came in to get an estimate, and they wanted to charge me $2,900 for a half sleeve tattoo. Most shops that I visited gave me an estimate of $1,200 or less. read more

It was a true pleasure getting tattooed by Da Wei and Lily! I had 4 separate pieces on my arm that I wanted covered up by a large tribal piece. It was amazing to watch Da Wei pick up a pen, go into his zone, and simply draw a complicated customized design that somehow made everything work together. After Da Wei did my lines, Lily did my fill ins over the course of 6 weeks and I absolutely love it. There is a little sticker shock involved but when all is said and done and you realize you just spent 30 hours in a shop getting EXACTLY what you want, you realize it is well worth it. They basically did the entire tattoo twice. My lines are sharp and my ink is black black BLACK! During the month and a half there I saw a lot of potential customers cringe at the pricing, but guess what, you get what you pay for. They are expensive because they can be. Da Wei's talents are in demand and he is booked for months ahead. Once you are in there you receive unmatched skill and thoroughness--you keep going back until they are satisfied with their work. On top of their skill and professionalism Da Wei and Lily's good energy is just a pleasure to be around, I actually miss just being there. Thanks again to both of you and I will see you again soon!! read more

I think Da Wei is very good. When you walk in, he has awards that he won plastered all over his walls. The problem I had was with the lady in the front. She talks about Da Wei like he's a God. She quoted my brother $2400 for a tattoo and my brother responded saying it was too much. She then spouted the worst selling pitch I've ever heard, "$2400 divided by the rest of your life is worth it." What the hell does that mean? She was selling too damn hard. If you need something complicated done, then go to Da Wei and get it done, but be prepared to empty your bank account. If you want something simple, then go somewhere else because they'll overcharge by 3 times for something another good artist can do. read more

AMAZING work!! I recently got both my arms done by Da Wei and I am very satisfied. People love my tattoos and they were well worth the price!! The staff is friendly, professional, clean and talented. I will have these tattoos for the rest of my life and the quality speaks for itself. You want Cheap tattoos, then it will show! His countless awards reflect his dedication! Highly recommended!! read more

Lily needs to stop... Several years ago she tattooed over some tribal work Da Wei drew on me and ended up looking nothing like what he had stenciled for her reference.. She's over-priced, way in over her head and long over due for her retirement.. Do us all a favor and throw in the towel please... Walk away with some dignity, more power to you.. Peace read more

Da Wei is an incredible artist. He recently did a portrait for me of my Father who passed away 4 years ago. Honestly, I was almost in tears the first time I saw it. The realism and the life of a portrait that he is able to capture is truly amazing. Thank You so Much Da Wei for giving me a great gift that I will carry with me for a lifetime. Also Lilly is incredibly nice and very helpful in every way. She and Da Wei make a great team. I'll see you soon, we still have more work to do! read more

lily has done three of my tats and one for my buddy. all of them look tremendous. she is very detail oriented (not a bad thing) and tries to make you very comfortable. my last tat she did goes down the length of my spine which hurt like a motha since it is right there on the bone and there are tons of nerve endings there. but i sucked it up and took it like a man. you get what you pay for, period. costs more than most but the quality is better than most. got one at marks of art and paid less but it also looks like crap. it's time for another one! read more

I couldn't be happier. Da Wei is amazing and he's so quiet and kind, he gets really excited and actually really seems to care about your tattoo like its his own, he also really likes to take his time. I actually came to the shop 8 years ago and debated getting one done. 8 years later i came back and now I wonder why I didn't so it sooner . you pay for what you get read more

you wanna tat? come here! i've had all my tats done here. da wei is a master in this art! i will be geting more tats from here soon.

The best realistic artist in the Bay area. Go see him you will not be disappointed ;-) may I add Lily is wonderful as well

After reading your reviews online I very much looked forward to getting my first tattoo with you especially since I live around the corner on Los Padres.... that is until I phoned today and spoke with an extremely impatient , rather rude woman. I only tried to ask her some questions I had and she practically cursed me and hung up. I am sorry I contacted your business , and maybe if she gets so rude on the phone to a potential customer you should find a pleasant person to answer your phones. I am very disappointed. read more

My dog Jack passed away on April 5th and it's been one of the most painful things I've every gone thru in my life. He was like a son to my wife and I and I decided to honor his memory and keep him close to my heart forver by getting his portrait tattooed on my chest. I researched portrait artists in the Bay Area and Da Wei Zhang was the only choice for me after seeing his website. I had a consultation on the phone with Lily who explained how it would work and how much it would cost...she even tried to talk me out of getting color because of the price but she understood why I wanted it done that way. The cost was worth it to me...I honestly don't think anyone else could have given me the tattoo I got. Da Wei did a fantastic job and couldn't be a nicer guy...definitely took time to explain things and make sure I liked how it was going and looking. It took 3 months to get in and two 2-3 hour sessions. Yeah, it hurt some but it wasn't as bad as I thought I would be and I honestly didn't think it would feel good. :) If you want to see my tattoo I'm on page 25 of their website under Animals. Honestly, it was an honor to get my first tattoo from Da Wei. I highly recommend him if you want to get a tattoo that really means something to you...he'll take care to make sure it's perfect. read more