Great shop! So many talented artists. I've gotten amazing tattoos from both Nick and Derek. Nick does nearly all flash (take a look at his work!!) and Derek does both flash and custom. Not only is their work stellar but they are just awesome people. All of the artists in the shop have unique styles. I know I'll be back! read more

Sat FOREVER just to get a quote. No eye contact or greeting. I believe that they are resting on their laurels.

Amanda did a beautiful job! I got exactly what I was thinking of ! I love it! Plan to go back ! read more

F U Tattoo - Amanda work a few years ago ! Thankyou! Ill be back soon to put possibly add a light color to open flowers . - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

F U Tatto is probably the best tattoo studio I have ever been to. I got my tattoos a couple months ago and have been waiting to make this review but I believe they NEED to be shouted out. Hudge tattooed an album cover across my two knees. They look EXACTLY like the album cover. He is of an artistry level that is hard to even comprehend. My knees were bent and thus the skin stretched. He tattooed the knees at this awkward angle and when it was done and I stood up the album cover was looking back at me. Hudge is incredible and the tattoo was more than affordable. To get tattoos of this high of caliber with the price I paid is more than rare, it's unheard of. If you live in California, no if you live ANYWHERE in the world, come here to get tattooed. I love F U Tattoo and I can confidently say I will only come here for my tattoos. read more

F U Tattoo - This is my Daughters tattoo. This is from their album cover. Hudge is an artisan, that is the only term applicable for my tattoos. Expert - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

This review is long overdue. FU was the place I got my first Tattoo and as being someone with a low pain tolerance I think it's a big deal that I loved the experience (not the pain of course but the people are just great). Shout out to Derek that did an amazing job on my tattoos and calming my nerves, also not minding me digging my nail through his table and bench. I get tons of compliments and double takes I couldn't be happier. read more

F U Tattoo - Years later with no touch ups and it still looks great. - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Nick did a feather and designed it on the spot after a couple of chats online then in person. Nick is a super cool dude and knowledgeable. Although I have other tattoos this was my first color tattoo and Nick made sure I was comfortable before proceeding. I can't wait for the next one! read more

F U Tattoo - Feather done by Nick Vargas. I love it! - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

See all

This yelp review is long overdue- my husband and I have been coming to FU for tattoos from Nick for a long time, and every time walk out not only happy with the art but with the whole experience! All the artists at FU are great people, and it's obvious they all love and respect each other which always makes for great energy in any space. I have 5 or 6 tattoos done by Nick Vargas, and I love each one more than the one he has done before. I was new to tattoos when I first saw Nick, and he is just such a kind, approachable human, and has made each tattoo even more meaningful with the positive experience and memory associated with getting it. I am always so excited to get to sit and chat with Nick for an hour or two. Like I said, the shop is filled with great humans. Get tattooed by Nick, Derek, or Amanda and you will not only get great art, but support great artists and people. Thanks Nick, and the rest of the gang at FU for being so wonderful, we love you! read more

All I have to say is... HUDGE! The man crushes. I was referred to him from a friend who had numerous pieces done by him, all with perfect line work and shading. I've had 2 pieces done by him of 2 of my favorite artists... USUGROW and Mike Giant. I brought in an USUGROW drawing to have done on the top of my fore arm. Because it didn't really look right symmetrically, he added his own take and added a couple additional rose's with vines it make it look perfect on my arm. the line work was as good as it gets and the shading was perfect... You know its a good piece when people that know his work will stop me in the street and tell me... Nice USUGROW piece! Who did that? The second was a Mike Giant piece on the inside fore arm. It was a typical Mike Giant lady with a tattoo of a victorian house on her back. When I showed it to Hudge, he was so pumped to do it. (He's a fan of Mike Giant's work... He has an original piece hanging in his station) The victorian house has so much intricate line work and negative space to deal with, I knew some of the detail would have to be left out... but to my surprise, not one line was left out. It is absolutely amazing how intricate this piece is. I recently was at a Mike Giant function in the city and showed him the piece and he replied... "Fuck! I don't think I could have done a better job!" Now that's some shit! read more

F U Tattoo - USUGROW tattoo by HUDGE - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

See all

This place ROCKS! Amanda is the REAL DEAL! She is talented and friendly and her artwork is timeless! This shop is super cool looking and I just love it! The pricing is fair and worth EVERY penny! read more

Mark is the shit. I don't understand all the bad reviews he's gotten, but he did my art work and it turned out beautifully. I'm lucky my friend got her art done there a little while ago because I got to see the amazing talent of Hudge. When I went there to get my art done, I wasn't too particular about who was going to do it because I've seen all their portfolio and each artist does amazing work. I ended up with Mark, who was totally nice and was able to draw the piece that I wanted to cover up an old tattoo. I was there for about 4 hours, he only charged me for 3. The coloring and shading he did on my newest addition is phenomenal. I AM coming back to him to get my next tattoo. Definitely don't let the name fool you- or just don't be too sensitive. read more

F U Tattoo - Courtesy of Mark! - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

This review is mostly dedicated to Hudge/Jason, but I guess also to F U Tattoo in its entirety since Hudge works there. My first and probably largest tattoo I will ever get was done by Hudge. He drew up my design within a month after I met with him to discuss what I wanted, and I couldn't have ever imagined something as beautiful as what he drew for me. He gave me honest advice about the size and placement of my design, and so my original idea of a tattoo about 6 inches grew to cover my whole side. During the break I took during the first 4 hours of tattoing, he offered me to grab a beer or take some shots-definitely calmed my nerves!! He was also great and humored my entourage of 5 or 6 friends that came with me both times to get my piece done. The parlor itself is your typical tattoo parlor- loud music, intense artwork covering the walls, and of course very clean and inviting! Go to F U Tattoo and at least talk to Hudge if you are considering getting some ink...or check out his portfolio on their website. read more

Something has changed here over the past few years that has led to super sweet folks doing amazing tattoos. Maybe it's just cause they're all super sweet family oriented folks now but it's a great shop. Nick, Derek and Amanda are the rulers. They've always taken the best care of me and my friends I've sent their way. Love this place, don't shy away cause of the name. read more

Both my husband and I have gotten tattooed here and we felt right at home. Aidan is our artist and he was absolutely wonderful to work with. Warm, hilarious and unparalleled in artistic talent. I can't say enough good things about this place and about the wonderful people that work here. read more

F U Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I would never recommend this place. I guess their name says it all: F U! I went in with a friend to get his first tattoo, all he wanted was a small chinese character of his last name. The "artist", Ron, was would not trace the tattoo from another friend's back and was rude about the design. He told us "don't worry, when I tattoo this, it will look different." Tell me Ron, why the hell would you sketch out an example if you are just going to 'wing it' on the PERMANENT design?? He wanted to add his own style to the design, but its just a chinese name, with his flare, it could end up saying "bung-hole" instead of Chiang. In the end we walked out because you should never get a tattoo from someone with attitude. read more

Seemed like a cool place next time when i walk in there wanting some info, don't look at me like im an idiot... way to loose business! you guys should be stoked people are coming in and wanting to do business with you, not looking at them with disgust or a look as if they shouldnt have even bothered... you never knows who's walking in with $5 or $500 (just a tip) I do have to say my friend has had a great experience with their peircer.. so i will give you props to that because he is a really cool guy! read more

FU tattoo's artist Nick has officially opened up the floodgates for me and now I want more tattoos (Well, I already made an appointment 3 weeks ago for a session with Clifton Carter at Tattoo City in SF in late august) because I sort of impulsively made an appointment with Nick last week after my roommate got a tattoo done by him and after watching her get it done, I felt the tingly sensation of envy and wanted one for myself STAT! I've been toying with the idea of having a gun (oldschool revolver) tattoo somewhere on me for a while now and finally decided having it on the inside of my right forearm. I discussed the design with Nick when I booked my appointment and waited impatiently a week later to come in and get it done. Atmosphere-wise, F U Tattoo is pretty small, red walls, loud music (they were playing an Iron Maiden cd during my session--wooo!) lots of tattoo binders to look through. Nick is very cool, friendly and very laid back and fun to talk to (we talked about everything almost). He makes you feel really comfortable (and said if I needed to go get a drink to relax, that's perfectly fine...but I didn't need to) and he knows what he's doing and makes sure you're happy with placement and size because after all, it's gonna be stuck there permanently. I was initially nervous (I admit) before the needle(s) hit my skin because it's been 8 years since I've gotten my first tat but he eased me into it by going over a small area just so I can get the feel for it and once I felt it, it wasn't too bad at all. In fact, I never grimaced once. When it came down the the shading, it felt almost like a massage and during the entire process, I never once broke conversation because it wasn't painful at all (I am aware people have different thresholds for pain and I say "no matter how much it hurts, it's not gonna hurt as much as LIFE"). The only time I broke conversation was to get my phone out of my bag to take pictures of my arm being tattooed away. In the end, it took about an hour to do it, including set up time--so in actuality, the tattoo itself took less than an hour to do. I was actually sad that it was over so soon. In the future, I'd like to go back to him and get something else done, but I've already reserved 2 places on my body for pieces that I already plan to do and so I have to give this one more thought but it'll happen. Also good to know: walk ins are acceptable (my roommate walked in for hers last week) but appointments are of course, recommended and if you decide to make an appointment, there is a $40 deposit and it's CASH ONLY. read more

F U Tattoo - has a letter K inside the heart for my name - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

See all

I would recommend all of the artists here. Most of my inked friends have been worked on by someone at FU, whether it was at FU or not. Miki has worked on both of my pieces, and they are full of color and I get tons of compliments on them. I can't wait to get another!!! Pricing shouldn't be an issue when choosing a shop, remember this is permanent, but I feel this place is affordable for the quality you will receive. Both of my pieces are original and I absolutely love them. I wish they were open on Mondays when I'm off, but I guess I would be in big trouble if they were. ;) read more

I had been recommended Miki by several people while looking for an artist for my back piece, so I took a stroll over (I used to live down the st) to check it out. I talked with Miki for a bit about my ideas, I showed him some pictures of what I wanted for my back piece, he saw what I already had in that area to work with and said he would draw something up. A couple weeks later I go in for my appointment and see what he did- It was perfect! Exactly what I had pictured, even though I was a bit vague about it. I knew Miki was my artist. I also had him do a cover up for me, which I love! I had already been coming to him for over a year at the time, and had seen a ton of his work, so I knew it would be great- he basically drew it on me and winged it based on the ideas I threw at him, and it also came out exactly as I had pictured it. This guy is good! He has done a good majority of my full back piece so far, a cover up and I already have plans for lots of other things, and I'm sure Miki will be doing all of them! He is really versatile and always willing to try out different things. He's not limited to one style, and that is really admirable in a profession of people that only want to do Day of the Dead skulls or whatever they feel like they are into at that moment. I mean come on people, their name is F*U. You gotta have a certain level of expectation when you walk into the place. If you want some stupid looking flash or have some unreasonable request, then yeah they will shoot you down-but usually offer some alternative suggestion- unless you are rude, a dick, or just plain dumb. It's not the kind of place where they have a $20 tramp stamp special on flash. If you want some real art, something unique and really awesome, well then you should definitely check out FU. They are cash only, just a heads up- but theres and ATM at the liquor store and also at the coffee shop across the street. read more

I just got my first tattoo at this place today. Since it was my first, I can't compare it to other places but I din't think I could have asked for anything better. I was a little off-put by the name at first but had heard good things so decided to try it out. The artist, Nick, was fantastic. He was pleasant...even when I had a minor freak out about the needles. He worked with me and I ended up getting a great tattoo at a very fair price. It was just a great experience overall, I would recommend them to anyone. read more

If you can't stand the heat then maybe you shouldn't be getting a tattoo... I love these guys. They always have something funny to tell you, or gross, or maybe a little crude... but it sure takes your mind off of how much that needle really hurts. ;) When ever I get that ever so annoying question, "Did that hurt?" I always answer "I don't know". And I mean it! Because the amazing music and laid back atmosphere at FU tattoo makes you forget. This weekend a friend and I randomly wanted to get tattooed. We jumped in the car drove down to Santa Cruz and had an appointment the next day with Freddy. (He's a guest artist, catch him when you can.) All the guys that work there are top notch amazing artist. You won't be disappointed. To all those haters out there, when I say artist I mean artist, if you handle the process then go get a stick and poke from your mom! ;(... read more

I love Nick!! I have quite a collection of his work. He is so awesome. He listens, hes not too cool, and he does what you want. Thanks Nick!! You rock!! Hudge has tattooed me also. He did an awesome job too!! he also colored in my husbands messed up tattoo and did a great job trying to make it not so obvious. Check them out!! read more

My friend and I a while back decided it was time for another tattoo and went researching. we came across FU and went to Santa Cruz to check it out. The guys there were really cool and showed us some binders with their artwork. When we finally decided on what we wanted, we made our appointment with Hudge for a couple weeks (on a Sunday no less). We did have to have a $40 deposit but since we had back to back appointments, he charged us $40 for both instead of each! Note: they take cash only, so bring it with you. The day finally arrived and we went with our entourage (okay 2 other people who wanted to watch but still). At first when he showed my what he wanted to do, there was a piece I wasn't fond of but he was super cool and just removed it and showed me the new version. It was so cool to practically have the place to ourselves. They were extremely sanitary and professional. And in the end, it cost me only about $40 (including a tip) for the rest of my tat. They even got extra business when our friend decided to get a piercing. I would definitely go again and get another tattoo from them. Btw, the other pic is what I gave them as an example of what I wanted. The finished result is amazing but you're gonna have to ask to see if you're a friend, lol! read more

Hudge did my arm tattoos back in 2005. They're both complex and colorful, and I'm frankly amazed at how well they've maintained their color and intensity, on top of looking great to start with. Always get recommendations from your friends, that's how I found Hudge. read more

Alright basically dont be fooled by Hudge's very well put together and advanced looking portfolio. This guy, who literally takes months to book an appointment with, was by far the most rude tattoo artist I have ever had a session with. I have been tattooed by 6 different people and not one of them had the nerve to literally yell at me moments before starting a tattoo. I asked for some simple, feminine looking, minimal outline, very light black and grey blossoms to fill in some space on the upper section of my sleeve on my shoulder, which was a nightingale bird done with no harsh outlines. His additions look hideous to me. The lines are extremely dark and thick. There are more clumsily-thrown-on leaves than blossoms, and all the blossoms look extremely basic. He put a very dark outline around every part of the tattoo. It no longer has that "soft" feel to it. The lines are so dark now that they are beginning to bleed into each other. He was extremely rude to me throughout the whole appointment. He yelled at me telling me I was being inarticulate, unhelpful, and that I didn't know what I was talking about. He even had the nerve to say something like "Don't question me, haven't you seen my portfolio?" I literally can't believe I let him tattoo me looking back on the whole experience. He made me extremely uncomfortable, and now, I have a large tattoo on my shoulder that I am not proud of, in its current state. Very disappointing after waiting so many months for an appointment read more

This was my first tattoo experience & I couldn't be happier with what I believe to be one of the best tattoos I've ever seen ....of course, I know I'm a bit bias.... I searched a lot of portfolios trying to find something I could relate to. I'm very particular and I'm a girl that knows what she wants. However, I am not an artist so I knew I had to find someone that I could relate to regarding their work and talent. Hudge's portfolio matched my tastes and I gave him a lot of freedom in the design and placement. I'm happy with every last bit of it. Great fit to my body, great art to my concept, great color to my liking. And best of all, a great experience during the entire process. I never thought I would get a tattoo, but now I'm thinking about the next one. I will definitely go back to Hudge. read more

I normally don't get tattooed because of how trendy and lame most people who do have them are, but every now and then I'll get something. I've known about these guys forever since it's such a small town here, but it's cool to finally get something from them- I have a little tribal from James at the Staircases from back in the day and it's dumb as fuck,so I decided to finally have these guys over it up with something not nearly as gay. Showed up, gave the guy "Hudge" my drawing and told him what the deal was, he redrew my crappy little grand creeper sketch and busted it out in like, an hour or two. It was cool to hangout with the cool biker guys and get buzzed- I had a little bottle of Jameson and just got shitfaced, really. It was a blast! Luckily I still liked the tattoo the next day and there wasn't like, subliminal dicks or something in the robe and stuff- I've heard of tattoo people doing stuff like that, so I was stoked. Healed up great and everything, so def will hit these guys up if I ever get another one again...cuz that shit hurts, man. read more

This shop is awesome! Great music, humor, and incredible artists. I'm not artistic - the artist (Jason/Hudge)...was able to draw it out & help me with placement. He really took his time to make sure it flowed with the rest of my work. The shop guy Derek was entertaining - even fed me home made lasagna! I got to see some art the new girl Amanda is doing - I just might have to cheat on Jason next time... I'm a customer for life! read more

I've spent the last 3 summers (going on 4 now) in Santa Cruz. Long story short, 2 summers ago I found FU and my artist, Hudge. Hudge did an AMAZING job on my first tat. He was really cool, professional, and I felt like he really enjoyed what he was doing. 4 hours later, I had my first tat and even to this day I still look at it and smile. It's gorgeous. FU Tattoo's website and Hudge's portfolio are what brought me to the studio. Hudge has a really distinct use of color without making things look too "masculine" or too "girlie." My particular piece was floral and I always get compliments on it. I'm planning on going back this summer, and getting more ink from Hudge. :-) read more

I give F.U. 5 stars because I have never had a bad experience there and this is for all of you pansy asses writing bad reviews. If you can't handle attitude stay the fuck out!! They are the best at what they do & if you don't have thick enough skin for attitude you don't have thick enough skin for a tattoo. Go somewhere you can pick some dumbass butterfly off the wall..For all of you who know what they want ( and aren't walking in there with a I don't know what I want) and want great work this is the place for you.. Almost all of my tattooes have been done there & I woudln't take my bussiness anywhere else. The artists are amazing & you can't beat the work or the price with a stick.... read more

See all

I just got my first tattoo ever here with Amanda and it was incredible. She was very personable, saw my design and connected, and spoke me through the process. I changed the placement of the tattoo three times and it was perfect, she was patient and her design is something I will treasure for the rest of my life! I highly recommend her, especially if you want a floral or face piece done! read more

I've been debating to write this review for awhile but it still makes me angry. I came here about a year ago to try out the shop. I have only black traditional tattoos and they said they had some Russian dude that worked on Sunday's that did good work. So, while my boyfriend received a nice tattoo from Derek... I literally fought with my artist over my design. It was a grim reaper of my own design and would only take up about 2 inches. He reworked my design into his own, I didn't approve, and he told me he wasn't about to spend his whole time re-drawing up a sketch I wouldn't like. Then I rejected the idea altogether, and he offered a traditional tattoo book to choose out of. Like, why do I want something you've probably traced and altered a million times because you can't draw? After redrawing my own design over his and confirming the details I wanted - he said ok. But as he was tattooing me... he changed my whole design, did poor shade work that looked like he just stabbed my skin all shitty to make "dots" for shade, and towards the end he left out the details I wanted - made it into HIS tattoo design. When I asked to have eyelashes (which he agreed to in the design) he said they wouldn't look good, and if I insisted, he wouldn't post it on his Instagram. Now I've looked all over Instagram for this guy and I cannot find him. This was the worst experience and tell my friends to avoid this one. I do not give a F if you want to post my tattoo on your Instagram. This was MY SKIN, and it's PERMANENT. read more

F U Tattoo - Shit shading. Who does this??? - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

A couple years ago I was shopping for new Tattoo shops and walked into this one. The artwork that I looked at was amazing so I decided it was the place for me. I must have been looking at books at the counter for about 15 solid minutes without anyone approaching me. I finally had to ask for help. I was pretty much ready to put down a cash deposit and make an appointment then and there. The people totally blew me off and did not take me seriously. Did I not look cool enough? I am sure that most other people have been treated with better customer service since then, but that day FU lost a potential to make a few hundred dollars from me. I will never go back after this uncomfortable experience. read more

I've been going here for 3 years, since I first started getting tattoos. I got my first at staircase, and they colored outside the line of my heart. Anyway, since then I've been going to Nick Vargas. I love his style and he is so easy to talk to and collaborate with on your design. He has copied things exactly for me - to perfection. And he has freehanded my chest piece and designed my shoulder tat in less than an hour. I love him, and plan to go back for many more! read more

I got a name tattoo'd on my wrist by a girl who works here. I can't remember her name. The experience of the tattoo itself was fine, although I have experienced better with my other tattoos. She was a bit brash and had a know-it-all attitude, but nothing to get hurt feelings over. I definitely felt like the artist rushed through the tattoo. After a few weeks I noticed that I had an open wound on the tattoo that wasn't healing. It was swollen and very uncomfortable. I waited about a week longer before calling the shop to voice my concern. I spoke with the same girl who had given me the tattoo and she was, to say the least, very rude. I told her that I'd never experienced this with any of my other tattoos and that I was concerned it might be infected. She became very defensive and immediately went on the attack. It was very unprofessional. She didn't offer for me to come back in so she could look at it--she just said that I needed to allow it to heal. Now that it is healed the area is completely scarred over. The lines aren't steady and overall the lettering is crude. I went to my regular artist and she told me the needle had been pressed too far into my skin, and that's why the scarring occurred. I have an appointment with my regular artist to get the lines fixed, but there is nothing that can be done about the scarring. I wouldn't recommend. When it comes to something as permanent as a tattoo, you don't want to deal with someone who is unwilling to speak with you when you have concerns. read more

Got a forearm piece by Ron at F U in October of 2010. This is my third tattoo, my biggest, and my favorite! My friend and I decided to go get tattoos together and decided to try F U out. The staff were all super friendly and helpful and the environment was laid back in the best way while still being clean and professional. Ron did and AMAZING job with perfect bold lines and popping color. Its now been 7 months and I still get comments about how fresh my tat looks. When I get a tattoo, I look for an artist that takes the time to find something that I like of course but I also prefer that the artist uses his eye to personalize the piece with his own style. Ron did just that. I gave him creative control and couldn't be happier. I will DEF be back down to get more done by him! read more

F U Tattoo - 10-11-10 My pinecone! - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I give FU 3 stars. I got a tattoo from a guy named Ron who lacked customer service skills and had a little bit of an attitude. Everyone there had a weird attitude...not a good kind of weird either. The tattoo turned out good but Ron kept saying I was being too nit picky...which I wasn't, I was just telling him how I wanted the tattoo. Over all just a weird vibe. Random: I found a little bag of weed on the floor in there... read more

My cousin discovered Hudge when he still worked at True Art. She had gotten in some sort of fight with someone and was pissed. She went for a drive...and ended up in Santa Cruz getting a tattoo from Hudge at True Art. It was a simple enough tattoo but she was super into it. So, from that point on...for the last six years give or take EVERYONE in my family and all of our friends have slowly started going to Hudge... who is now at FU Tattoo. Literally, myself, my husband, my brother, my cousins, my aunt and uncle, my sisters-in-law and my two best friends...all die hard Hudge fans. All of us get consistent compliments about how great his work is. Most of the time, like Lisa J. said we roll in as a huge group and several of us get tattooed on one day. We all live in the East Bay and Peninsula. My brother even lives in Chicago! So, it's no easy trek but 100% worth it. Hudge is funny and interesting to chat with while getting tattooed. The shop is great. Fun to hang out in. Usually good music on the loud side. Hilarious stickers to look forward to every time. He does exceptional floral work, but everything I have seen him do comes out great. That's why we now trust no one else with our ink! Good fucking times. read more

OK, First off.... Ron is off the hook... I got tatted up here 7 years ago and just moved to Capitola, so I thought my best friend and I could get our matching tattoos here. We walked in today and Ron was EXTREMELY helpful, patient and worked with us in finding the perfect place, size and design for our tats. When we were done, he gave us some stickers, a t shirt and sent us on our way. EXCELLENT customer Service, RON rocks, and was super hepful and it was an awesome experience!!! :) read more

Got a tattoo from Amanda and not only did she draw out exactly what I had envisioned, but her line and color work was absolutely amazing!! Anyone who is looking for a professional, talented artist go visit Amanda! You'll be stoked! read more

I really love this shop. The people are great, the place is clean, the artwork is good and the prices are decent. The only thing that has ever bugged me is that they have a limit of 30 min, or $60. So if youre looking for something small, maybe another place would be better. But I do still love the shop to death! read more