I went to four different shops today, looking for the right one for my next tattoo. I gave up - none of them had that right vibe. Just as I was returning to my hotel, I saw Dovetail. The artists were working, but they were very nice and incredibly helpful. They looked at my design (a pic from the Rocket to Russia sleeve) and suggested Alejandro for the artwork, as he is a master of fine lines. I left my name and number, and he called me a couple hours later. Long story a little shorter, I LOVE my new ink. Alejandro is excellent - extremely accommodating, very nice, he tells you what he thinks but he listens and isn't pushy. Best of all, he's an outstanding tattoo artist. He improved on the original design without losing any of the quirks that make it fun, and his linework is exquisite. It was the most painless, comfy sessions I've ever had. I nearly slept. I saw some other work done by the Dovetail artists and it's all a cut above. Next time I'm in Austin and ready for more ink, I'll be paying them a visit. read more

Ty is new to this location so there probably aren't too many reviews of his work here but I just got an incredible tattoo by him and couldn't be happier - his line work and shading is amazing. He is a true artist and Dovetail will be lucky to have him. Everyone I've met today that has seen his work has been impressed. He'll be my recommendation and go-to guy for any future work. Thanks man! read more

Just got my first tattoo a few days ago by Ty. Ty was wonderful, super thorough with his consultation. He explained everything I had questions on, and steered me in the right direction for the tattoo design. Actually getting the tattoo was not nearly as painful as I thought it would be- I'm sure because Ty made it feel like a walk in the park. He did a beautiful job on it- absolutely will be going to him again. Thank you so much Ty! read more

Judgmental and rude. Thank goodness there are amazing choices in Austin for fabulous artwork. This however, is not one of them. I will never give this place my business. read more

I have been getting tattooed by Ty Hawn at Dovetail for about 3 years. Ty is an incredibly skilled artist who cares a lot about design and perfecting a project. He has an excellent attention to detail and has provided me with many helpful suggestions regarding how a piece would suit my anatomy, skin tone, etc. I will continue to refer all of my friends and family here. I could not be happier with the work I've had done by Ty. Everywhere I go, people compliment the adornments he has given me. read more

After seeing my roommate and boyfriend get work from Jerrid Rodriguez (@jrodtattoos on insta), I decided he was a good choice for my head tattoo. Honestly all the work that I see coming out of that shop is stellar, and everyone is really friendly. The decor is super kitschy macabre, amazing art on the walls and tucked behind glass doors. Jerrid got my tattoo drawn up in about half an hour, and we spent less than three getting it finished. It looks amazing and I get a lot of compliments, especially from older ladies who look like they've never seen a tattoo machine haha. I recommend this shop, and especially this artist, to everyone that asks me. B&G, color, portraits, or anything you like - there is no shortage of talent at this shop. read more

Dovetail Tattoo - Medicine wheel and eagle feathers done by Jerrid Rodriguez (he's not responsible for that nick behind my ear though) - Tattoo Near Me - Austin., Texas

I found dovetail tattoo by google searching top tattoo shops in Austin. I looked through each artist and their work and I found Catherine's page. I was looking for someone who could do a realistic looking sunflower. On her page I notice she had other floral pieces she had done for people and instantly contacted her! She was very quick to respond, reallllly worked with me and my timing issues to set up a consult so I could show her what I was wanting. When it came down to the appointment she was patient and understanding of what I wanted and where I wanted it. She listens to what you want and is super easy going! This was only my second tattoo In about ten years so I was pretty nervous but she is gentle and takes some breaks in between outlining and coloring when tattooing. She made it super easy to sit through and was great with time! I highly recommend Catherine at dovetail!!! read more

Dovetail Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Austin., Texas

This is for the dovetail east location specifically. (but im sure the west location is great too!!) So far I've only been tattooed by Deseo but all of the artists are super nice! The environment is super inviting, and all of the artists are great at what they do. Def would recommend 10/10. read more

I went here for my first tattoo, and it turned out better than I imagined. My artist was El Sando. I went in for a consultation, and was given advice for the placement and arrangement of my tattoo idea. I took Sando's advice and I sure am glad I did. I put down my $120 deposit and booked my appointment. 3 sessions later, my tattoo is beautiful and better than I expected. Sando executed my idea perfectly and I am SO happy with my back piece. I have one more session to go to tighten things up. After this experience, it's easily understandable why people get addicted to being tattooed. read more

Dovetail Tattoo - 3 black and grey roses. White ink will be added on my next session, too. - Tattoo Near Me - Austin., Texas

I got my sleeve done here by Daniel Santiesteban and had a great experience. I ended up stretching the process out to over a year, but Santi was the man all the way through and would always work with my schedule. I could tell in the first meeting talking ideas that he is a dedicated artist, and if you check out his work, it truly speaks for itself. I'd done a lot of research on artists in the Austin-area and was impressed by Santi the most. I will cherish and show off his work for the rest of my days! Couldn't recommend Santi & Dovetail enough, great shop. read more

Had my last tattoo done by Stacey Martin and i love it. She is so friendly and comfortable. It was like hanging out with an old friend shooting the shit while she put some amazing permanent art on you. I was about to give up on finding a new artist after moving to Austin and dealing with nothing but rock star tattooist. Anyway before i go off on a rant about that i will defiantly be back to see Stacey. Awesome artist and very cool chic! read more

Cannot recommend Dovetail East (Cesar Chavez location) highly enough! I'm going to rave about this experience all over social media! Deseo is a GREAT artist! Prior to getting tattooed, he was super communicative and willing to work with me and excited about doing my design. Extremely professional and knowledgeable, and was willing to help me decide on size and placement with great expertise. Shop itself feels like a group of family. When you come in to get tattooed, it's like getting welcomed into the family. Staff, patrons, artists; everyone makes you feel welcomed and included. Extremely clean and sanitary as well! Nothing even slightly out of place. I'm already recommending Deseo and Dovetail to all of my friends. read more

Absolutely amazing. Stacey Martin, aka, Miss Martin, is an absolute genius. Her artistic talent is over the top. Precise and very detail oriented. It you have a tattoo in mind.....Stacey Martin will make you dreams come true! read more

Dovetail is a swanky little spot to plop down and get some fab ink work done. Miss Martin is a pro, plain and simple. Perfect laid back demeanor but strong opinions on the artwork (that's a good thing). Agree with Denise that it's like hanging out with an old friend while you get tattooed. Plus, the artwork is super duper. Stacey is great about having a conversation with you to end up with the right piece. This is a pro shop. Haven't been inked by Wendi yet, but I can feel that coming on, too. Maybe the best portrait work I have ever seen in person. Go to Dovetail. Except no substitutes. read more

I love Sando! I found his work on Instagram and immediately emailed him to do my memorial sleeve for my mom. Not only is he phenomenal in his artistic ability to tattoo. His demeanor and presence is something to be an example to other tattoo artists. My husband and I consider him a good friend now ! He is hilarious and kind. I get excited when a session is coming up! A couple of times I forgot it was running late and he handled it with grace. Now his tattoo experience is awesome. He is very sensitive to how you handle pain. He gets the job done and yields great results! He is medium to lite handed. But that could be because he tailors the experience to only how much you as his client can handle. He is now for me going to be my go-to guy that I go to for all my tattoos. read more

Thank you Sando for mines and my friends tattoo! It was our first tat ever and he took care of us! We wanted a tattoo for the longest time and this trip was what we needed to be brave enough and get one. We been friends for over 23yrs and we went for it. My friend found this place over Instagram. I got a simple earth sign triangle and my friend got an air sign with a flower in it. All in all, definitely recommend Sando to anyone who wants to get a tat! read more

Dovetail Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Austin., Texas

Got the suggestion from one of my clients when we were talking about where to get a sleeve I wanted worked on. She suggested I look up Wendi Ramirez. Just finished my 3rd session yesterday and it's turning out way better than I could have imagined. Had had so many compliments and its not even finished yet. The shop itself is very unique, you are impressed the moment you walk in. All the other artist are very friendly and do great work too. You won't be disappointed. read more

Worked with Sando- patient, creative, and so nice even though I didn't stop wiggling the whole session. Extremely clean and professional parlor. Coolest decor and weird/interesting things to look at everywhere. read more

Info: My work has all been done by Jerrid Rodriquez (insta: @jrodtattoos). The Breakdown: - Parking is p. much street or paid lot only. I've never NOT found a close spot though. With Austin's adoption of the ParkX app, it's easy to re-up your spot while still in the chair instead of walking back down to your car. - The decor is fantastic. I love Wendy's style! It's charming af! - Super duper frikkin clean every time (most important part!). This place is spotless! No dusty knick knacks or cobweb corners. Clean clean clean! - Great music, super comfy tattooing chairs, and oh my god the toilet paper... - Ok, let's give the tp it's own bullet point. It's fantastic. It's REAL. My nightmare is bulk tp. It's always weirdly skinny, and it feels like you're playing chicken with your butt and fingers because it's, like, tissue paper thin. Well Dovetail has the REAL DEAL. It's important to me. - Jerrid is a master artist. He's done two portraits one realism and one neo-traditional piece for me. He's hella friendly, and loves tattooing. He's always energetic no matter what my idea. My most recent piece I had him take direction for the whole design based on just a couple requests and he picked fantastic colors and design. The Bottom Line: I adore Dovetail. I follow them on Instagram, and every piece they post by every artist is lovely. Wendy has managed to create a well-respected business comprised of highly skilled and creative artists. They host guest artists regularly as well. I cannot recommend Dovetail and Jerrid highly enough! read more

Dovetail Tattoo - By JERRID. Bottom is 1yr and back 7mo. Raptor is fresh. Raptor is now 3yrs, portraits almost 4. Color and linework still look perfect. - Tattoo Near Me - Austin., Texas

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Love Dovetail Tattoo. It's just a really chill, clean place to sit back and get a tattoo. Everyone there is really friendly and the environment is really warm. Billy gave me an awesome tattoo. I highly recommend him and his work. He is a perfectionist and so I really trusted him with the tattoo ideas I presented to him. read more

Looking for jaw dropping custom work? Then you have come to the right place. When you walk into this shop you can tell that owner Wendi Ramirez and co-pilot Stacey Martin are serious about art - you wont be finding any "pick one out" flash sheets all over their walls but you will find amazing paintings and drawings by the artists themselves. I have been tattooed by Stacey Martin a couple of times now and followed her from New York to Texas for more work. This shop is professional, clean, friendly and down right amazing. When you are getting tattooed here you are not just getting a tattoo you will work out with an beautiful piece of art created just for you. read more

I came here with my boyfriend while he was working on a large piece by Stacey. As a former tattoo shop employee, I have ridiculously high standards of how a shop should look/feel/treat their customers. I was blown away by this place. The skill and artistic level of Stacey's work is beyond expectation, the professionalism and friendliness of the other artists while you're being tattooed is a welcome change of pace from most shops, and the shop itself is clean, invitingly cozy, and comfortable. Another thing I loved about Dovetail is the business is obviously driven by talent instead of ego. Every artist there is truly an artist, and humble, open, and easy to chat up. There are no image issues to contend with, just good people and a good environment. There are a crap load of tattoo shops in Austin. Dovetail stands out for a reason. Such a great find! I'll definitely be coming here for future appointments. read more

Got a referral from a co-worker to see Wendi Ramirez. She's awesome! She's doing a cover-up on my boyfriends calf. He went in for his first session last night. Even with this piece just in the beginning stages you can tell that the finished product will be amazing. Wendi is a true artist with great vision. The shop itself is very nice. Good location. Very clean, great decor and just a great overall vibe. The whole staff is very nice. I will definitely recommend Dovetail to others. read more

Back in November of 2015 I had 2 tattoos done by Santi. He was really friendly along with all the staff I met. Love the environment! Was everything I wanted along with great reviews. I had gotten a black & white Steam punk octopus and a hand shake tattoo while in town on vacation. Having had tattoos done before, first thing I noticed was how heavy handed Santi was, seemed to be going over the same spot several times... After things started healing up, I noticed the lines were raised and looked like scars, also both Tattoos have whats known as 'blow-out' when the ink is too deep and bleeds under the skin. This is something that shouldn't happen with a reputable tattoo artist, but lucky me, it did. I get compliments on my tattoos unless it's by people who recognise blow-out.... Then I get 'wow, who messed up your tattoo'. Not something you want to hear about something permanently on you. The Owner was really sweet when I sent photos. But there really isn't anything she could do. Santi does great work... I must have caught him on a bad day. Lesson here.... Make sure you pick the right artist for your style of tattoo!!! Even then, things can possibly go wrong. Cheers from Canada read more

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I would definitely recommend Dovetail to my friends. I would come back the next time I'm in Austin.

I spent months searching Austin for a artist I liked. I was starting to give up on Austin artist and looking into California people when I saw some awesome sleeve work done on a pedicab driver. "Dovetail" she said, "Wendi Ramirez did the work". First I like that its not so noticeable, the building they're in. In a place like Austin where there are tattoo shops on every corner flashing crap work it was nice to see someone being more subtle. Secondly, I wont lie, I was kinda excited to find a female artist after months of talking to countless douchbags that couldn't tattoo a straight line if their lives depended on it. I had to wait about six months for my first appointment with her. I was willing to wait because while I was there to set up an appointment she was finishing up an portrait on some young thuggish wannabe guy. It was his kids and he starting crying when he looked at it after she was done. She made a thug cry! Too sweet. Wendi is very gentle while tattooing. She would break regularly to blot and cool my skin. Everything has always healed perfectly with her. She knows how to layer colors. The layering has made some awesome effects in my pieces from her. She understands placement and will make sure your piece will work in the area you wanted. She is a true artist and a master of her craft. She pretty much owns my right arm at this point. I get so many compliments on her work. Wendi and Stacey have made Dovetail a really cute shop with unique paintings and oddities. I love the collection of art they have in there. It's pleasant on the eyes while I sit or lay there for hours. I'm truly glad I found Wendi! read more

I was tattooed by Stacey Martin at Dovetail, an absolutely amazing tattoo artist. Her eye for shading and her detail work are some of the best I've seen- there is no way you will leave displeased with her work. I essentially gave her artistic freedom on my piece (a flower on my wrist), and was so pleased that she understood exactly what I wanted. When I went in, they were still in the process of getting the space finished, so I didn't see the completed studio. But at that point, things looked great- a really nice space. Stacey also well-informed me about what to expect with my tattoo- I could not have had a better experience. Highly recommended. read more

Looking for the right tattoo artists?! You found them! Wendi Ramirez the owner of this great artist studio is amazing at portrait work! Stacey Martin her partner in crime will flourish you with candyland designs. They both are very detail oriented perfectionist, If your gonna ink yourself forever go to the best! read more

Deseo is a great artist and a friendly guy. I have gotten three tattoos from him within the past year at the east Dovetail shop and I have always left happy. He gives good advice on size and placement of the tattoo you plan on getting. Highly recommended. read more

What an amazing shop! I had the pleasure of visiting Dovetail Tattoo for the first time last week. Although I was there to purchase some of Stacey Martin's art, not to be tattooed, I was absolutely impressed by the entire experience. I first found Miss Martin via her Etsy shop, Whim Factory (http://www.etsy.com/shop/whimfactory?ref=search_shop_redirect) and knew I had to own her work. When I realized she was located in Austin, I called her right away. Not only is she a phenomenal artist, she is also superbly professional and disarmingly lovely and sweet. Everyone I spoke with in the shop was helpful, friendly and engaging. The shop itself is a wonderland of visual stimulation, and based on the portfolios I had the opportunity to peruse while I was there, I can't wait to get started working on designing my next tattoo with Miss M. read more

This place is amazing!!! Love everything about it!!! And Miss Martin rocks my face off!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the only place I recommend to people! This place is poppin' with talent!!! Best tattoo artists Ive seen in Austin!!! read more

You can't go wrong when you go to Dovetail Tattoo. Real classy joint at both locations. If you're looking for great artists to get work done. Look no farther. Your about to get a awesome piece. Thank you Dovetail Tattoo! read more

I contacted Wendi based on the gorgeous work she had published on her website. My wife and I were looking to get our first tattoos to memorialize our son and we each wanted something simple, but weren't willing to go just anywhere to have it done. Wendi was willing to help us despite the fact that our requests were well below her typical level of complexity. Wendi did an incredible job and we are both very proud of what she was able to do. I plan to return to Wendi in the future. Thank you! read more

I was nervous beyond words to get inked for the first time, and Megan was an angel! She welcomed me with a warm smile and encouragement the whole way through the process. She reassured me, calmed my nerves, and worked with me on the design to achieve my vision but also make it better. The space is cozy and inviting. read more

Be prepared to bring extra cash. They're horrible on estimating time. A "custom" tattoo seems to be a stencil and the lines seemed like the guy was on meth. Glad it wasn't done on me. I'll never recommend this place! I called to get more info on how a simple tattoo took 3 times as long as the artist said and was met with some Jackass just making excuses. read more

Dovetail tattoo has great artist. The times that i have been there is has always been very comfortable and there building is very nice and the best decorated i would say in austin. I have personally been to several tattoo shops in austin and this place always makes me feel comfortable. The artist there have always been very professional and on point. I have only been tattooed there by Bill Smiles and love the work he has done. I HIGHLY recommend this place and there artist. read more

This shop is gorgeous and the people are so sweet. Megan did matching tattoos for my sister and me, plus microblade my eyebrows. She's a professional for sure but also makes sure you feel really comfortable. I recommend the shop but especially with Megan. She's awesome. read more

Got a map/rose and compass. The tattoo is far better than imagined. Love it. Chris is this man. My girlfriend got a tattoo at the same time. Kira was wonderful as well. read more

This place, these people are amazing! Stacey Martin created a beautiful, one of a kind half sleeve for me (that was also a cover-up). This is after I approached her with a handful of pictures of cacti that I wanted to cover my arm. CACTI! Stacey's communication about what to expect is perfect and clear. I ended up with a tattoo that is so detail oriented it's been likened to a watercolor. I have a gorgeous, botanical painting on my arm: just what I wanted. The studio is warm, comfortable and inviting, as are Stacey and Wendi. You can't ask for a better experience overall. read more

I found Dovetail on Yelp and decided that I would go there for a consultation. I loved the location and the decor. The music is awesome and the staff was incredibly professional. This place is uber clean/sterile yet still incredibly inviting. Everyone was sooo nice! I met with Sando, who was to do my birds on a wire tattoo. He listened to what I wanted and made helpful suggestions. Sando gave a roadmap of what he was doing: sketching the stencil; prepping the area, shaving the area etc. He also made sure that I was doing okay during the actual tatooing. I was incredibly happy with the results!!! He's a great artist and the place is fantastic! read more