This was from my birthday last year but I wanted to mention how good of an experience I had for my first tattoo. Sean was referred to me by my sister since our two other friends have gone to him for their tattoos, so I already felt comfortable going to him. Made an appointment through email, sent different pictures of what I wanted, and he was easy to communicate with. When I arrived, he was friendly and accommodating with all the little changes I wanted on the stencils. He made good conversation throughout the entire process, which distracted me from the light pain from the tattoos. For both arms, he said it was a minimum of $80! Such a good price for two tats so I decided to tip him graciously. Highly recommend this place if you want your first tattoo experience to be comfortable. read more

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I've had tattoos done here in the past and they've always done a beautiful job. It had been years so I wanted to see if any of the artists I worked with and trusted were still there. I saw on Instagram that Sean Perkinson was still doing his thing so I sent him an email letting him know what I wanted. We chatted back and forth and set the date. When I arrived, his warm welcome made me feel right at home. He took his time sizing, and re-sizing to make sure the tattoo fit the area I wanted. Sean made the whole process so comfortable and talking with him was like talking to an old friend. He is such a great guy and talented artist. I will be returning and recommending Sean and FTW to everyone! read more

FTW Tattoo Parlor - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

When I decided I wanted to get my tattoo I did some online research and decided on here. I called first and later came in and met and spoke with Ed about what I wanted, also brought in some photos and pictures. On the day I came in to get the tattoo done, Ed kindly made another drawing after I expressed wanting something a bit smaller . Overall, I had a good experience. The tattoo was finished a bit faster than I expected. Ed was nice and easy to talk to and the other people there were also friendly and kind of fun to hang out around while sitting in a chair getting stabbed. The whole process was pretty straightforward and easy and I am overall happy :) read more

Had a really good experience with this place. Went looking for someone to tattoo myself and my friend last weekend. It was kind of a last minute decision but we figured some place in Berkeley would be available for walk ins. No such luck. After trying NUMEROUS places, I called FTW and spoke to a very nice man who said he would call his partner to see if she was coming in and call me right back. About 10 minutes later, I got a call back and was told I could go in right then. Perfect! The place is small, clean and has easy street parking. We met Ellie who came in early specifically to do our tattoos. She was great! She was very down to earth and real with us. I had planned on getting my tattoo on the side of my foot but she explained that this particular area did not hold ink well and did not recommend doing it in that spot. I took her advice and I'm glad I did! She was extremely patient with us and really took her time to make sure everything was how we wanted it. She also suggested some good shading options that I happily took. My tattoo looks amazing and so does my friend's. While we were here, my boyfriend fell in love with some drawings done by Andre and I am pretty sure he is going to come here for his next tattoo very soon. Prices were comparable. I just never expect good customer service these days and wonderful, down to earth people, but these guys really proved me wrong. They went out of their way to make us happy. Thank you so much!! read more

FTW Tattoo Parlor - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

5 sessions and 20+ hr later and it's finally over. I want to thank fellow yelpers for leading me here. after searching yelp, and looking at each artist portfolio I chose jason to be my tattoo artist. I came in with an idea of what I wanted done (back piece) and about 2 weeks later he sketched it up, better then what I envisioned. I wanted a tiger with a phoenix in a yin yang position with a koi fish beneath it. i've gotten so many compliments on the work. he did a kick ass job on it. my sis liked his work so much she came and got a back and arm piece of a koi fish. this shop is clean, friendly, and professional. although i only delt with jason, lying there for that many hours, you can't help and look what other people are getting. i got to see the other tattoo artist work, and i have to say, you can't go wrong with any of them. again thank you yelpers for this great place. will definitely come back here to get inked. read more

FTW Tattoo Parlor - back piece by jason, tiger and phoenix in yin yang position with koi fish underneath - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

I walked in after I visited another shop, which wasn't able to schedule me. I then realized that my friend had constantly spoken well of FTW Tattoo, so I got to hiking. Upon arriving, Alex Matus, the really cool tattoo artist up front who is into metal, greeted me. She asked what I would like and referred me to the portfolios. I checked them out and for what I wanted, I fixated on Jay Watkins' work. Jay was right in front of me and I got to speak to him on the spot. Jay is very friendly and easy to work with. He visualized what I wanted and couldn't do one element and showed me why. He was right and his idea actually flowed way better. We settled on an idea and I also scheduled an appointment for my friend to get tattooed after me. Jay is very thorough with his artwork and took his time. Both tattoos he did are amazing and we love them. He works clean, changes his gloves, does all the stuff you'd expect. His drawing was perfect the first time for both of our tattoos. I can't say enough good things about Jay as an artist. He really is easy and comforting to work with. Jay also makes his own machines, so he's got an understanding of how his equipment works beyond just turning it on and going. That's something I appreciate in an artist. This shop is so friendly and chill to be in and they have amazingly good vibes all around. I will be getting more tattoos here for sure. Park around the corner to avoid meters. read more

FTW Tattoo Parlor - By Jay Watkins - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Right now i'm up to my 3rd tattoo by Ron Domstead. Usually i like to collect different pieces from many different artists but Ron is just so welcoming and talented that I keep coming back for more. Last week the shop was rather quiet and I popped in to say hello and found myself getting a rather large full color tattoo for a very reasonable price. Ron also showed me different drawings he was saving for me to get at a later date. Ron really takes the time to look at my arms and see how my entire sleeves are going to come together and places each piece so that the next piece will look right when it's all finished. Once again i can't praise this shop enough. Come here if you're looking for a respectable shop .... go somewhere else if you're looking to get some scratch tattoo as cheaply as possible. *You get what you pay for people.* read more

FTW Tattoo Parlor - Ron Domstead at FTW - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Ellie is the best! I have been waiting awhile to get a tattoo in the Bay Area. I just couldn't find an artist that I really liked & didn't cost me my 1st born. I've looked at Ellie's work a couple of times while at Body Manipulations. Once I finally decided on my idea, I checked Ellie's website (elliegeyer.com) to see when she works. Low an behold, she has taken up working in Oakland 1 day a week at FTW. I was so excited that she was tattooing in the East Bay! We had a consultation & it went okay. When I went back the following to get it started, I couldn't believe what she had drawn up for me. I had given her a vague idea of what I wanted (I am not artistically inclined in the least, so a sketch was out of the question) & the design she came up with was better than I could have ever imagined. It was beautiful! Transferring it from drawing to permanent ink was great! She kept checking up on me to see if I was doing ok & telling me funny stories. The guys in the shop were telling crazy stories & making us laugh. It was a great experience! They have an adorable shop dog who licked me like crazy! Oh & the final result of the tattoo was absolute amazing! I have one session to go & I can't wait. Ellie is an amazing artist, has great talent, & is super friendly. I definitely want her to do lots more work on me! read more

FTW Tattoo Parlor - by Ellie Geyer, after one sitting, one more session to go - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Great tattoo parlor. Walked in looking to get a half-sleeve done and they showed me to the picture books of work artists have done there. I was immediately drawn to Jason Phillips. I chatted with him about the design, he drew something up and we started work on it in August. Example of it here: http://eastwoodisdead.wordpress.com/2009/07/29/this-too-hurt-a-bit/ The people there are very experienced, they know what they're talking about, and you're in good hands. If you're dreading the pain, do what I did and bring in a six pack of beer to put in their fridge. I told them anyone could have one and the beer helped deaden the pain from getting tattooed on the soft part of my inner arm. Great place, go there. read more

If you're looking for a place to get your first tattoo, or if you are trying to find an artist for your 20th you should definitely check out this shop. I've spent easily over 100 hours under the needle here and not a one of them was unpleasant (painful, oh yeah, but not unpleasant). I genuinely look forward to every visit. To explain how great this shop is I'll have to tell a short (ok, actually long) story. For six years I had wanted to get a large Japanese style koi tattoo on my back (from thigh to shoulder). In 2003 After chewing on the idea thoroughly I decided to embark on a quest to find the right artist. Living in Oakland meant I had many quality artists to choose from. I visited over a dozen shops in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose known for Japanese style tattoos, met and spoke with nearly two dozen artists, and found myself dejected. It seemed that the most talented artists all had rather elitist attitudes, were rude, acted like they didn't have time to speak with such a non-hip yuppie as myself, or simply didn't take me seriously. While many were amazing artists who's work I'd have loved to sport permanently on my skin I couldn't bear the thought of spending 100+ hours (I'm a big guy) of time under their needle. Worse I was concerned the memory of getting my tattoo wouldn't be a good one, poisoning the associations of the tattoo itself. Dejected I decided to start looking at places I had originally overlooked. I finally walked into the one literally across the street from my apartment at the time - FTW Tattoo. I had assumed that surely this shop so close to my home was crap. There was only one artist in the shop that day and he was actively tattooing someone. He was bald, covered in ink, wearing a flannel shirt, and I expected him to give me the same attitude so many other artists had. Imagine my surprise when, upon walking in, he smiled, welcomed me to the shop, introduced himself as Jason Phillips, invited me to check out the portfolios, and said to let him know if I had any questions. After checking out his portfolio I chatted with him about my idea for a very very large koi back piece. He nodded, said he thought it sounded like a great project, then pointed to a four foot water color painting on the wall of a giant koi back piece saying "so you want something like that then?". I was floored, it was almost exactly what I had been wanting. We chatted on a very high level about the idea itself and he agreed to draw a unique design for me. Two weeks later I came back, the drawing was finished, I loved it, and we embarked on a tattoo journey that took three years to complete. Going into a shop like this for six hours at a time every three to four weeks it ends up feeling like your barbershop. You get to know everyone who works there, all the regular customers, and see the "real" side of the people. You get to see how they treat all the random people who walk in off the street and a vast quantity of their work. To sum up this rather long story I'll list the key elements that made a serious impression on me during my time in this parlor: 1) This is a zero attitude shop. Sure, some of the employees are hip and sure they are all uber-cool inked to the gills alternative lifestylers, but they don't judge the random people who walk in. They treat all serious tattoo inquiries with the same enthusiasm and professionalism whether the job is large or small. 2) The employees are genuinely nice, especially Sean and Jason (the owners). Jason and I could not be more different, but chatting with him for over a 100 hours has always been a joy. Best of all he is extremely patient and empathetic. He understands that what he does hurts like hell and has what I guess you'd call a "great bedside manner". 3) They are enthusiastic, they really love being tattoo artists and are genuinely excited to draw and create new tattoo's. 4) They are amazing artists with a wide range of expertise. Each has his/her own specialty. They can do just about anything you want, but I strongly recommend coming in with a theme or idea and letting the artist who's style you appreciate the most come up with their own detailed drawing. These are professional tattoo artists and their talents shine the strongest when given the flexibility to create a truly great tattoo based on their own vision incorporating your ideas or theme. An ideal tattoo is created by an artist not a technician. If you come in with your own drawing they can certainly do it, but you'll have something truly special if you let them create something original just for you in their own special style. I love this shop so much I continue to get more ink from it even though I live out of state, flying in specifically to get work done. Jason's working on my left sleeve now. A truly great shop. My memories of time spent here I'll look on fondly forever. read more

Hm. I *was* planning to come back here and update my review to 2.5 or 3 stars and say that the owner contacted me apologizing and empathizing about my experience (which he did, so props to him) and leave it at that all fine and dandy, BUT...... Guess what? Elie (the rude artist) wrote me too.... Which at first I thought was good... But then after sounding almost believably apologetic and sincere, the apathetic/snooty/rude side comes out and she says, "Ultimately these kinds of reviews are a cowardly passive aggressive way of bashing someone." That's a quote right out of her email. Really? You're going to insult the person you're apologizing for being rude to?? Wow! That sounds smart. Supposedly writing a negative review of an experience at a business is cowardly and passive aggressive and considered bashing, so all you Yelpers who have ever written a bad review, you're all evil wimps and cowards just like me... LOL! WoW! Also, it looks like aforementioned artist got one of her friends to send me hate mail because of my negative review. Nice! That's pretty funny. Soo professional. Now this old 2 star review has just been reduced to 1. Good work, guys. :] read more

Yelp helped me choose where to go for my first tattoo. I didn't make an appointment but just walked in with my design in hand. They greeted me right away and within a few minutes I had an artist making the stencil. At first I thought I was going to have to go elsewhere, because Yelp insisted that this place was wheelchair accessible and the front door was ramped but the area where they tattoo is up a few stairs. However, I was determined to get this tattoo and figured my husband could just carry me up. But no! -- The staff showed me an access ramp in the back through some beautiful gardens. I was so happy they had full accessibility! I saw Ed for my first tattoo. I wasn't sure about the thickness of the lettering I had chosen and I gave him two pieces (one bold and one without bold). He didn't take 30 seconds to tell me which one to go with and why it would be better for the life of my tattoo. He was nice and I felt very comfortable because he was very confident in his work. I'm also pretty picky when it comes to symmetry and seriously brought a ruler to measure out the exact centering on my arm. I know - I'm a bit too much - but he didn't care and encouraged me to go for it, saying that it was something I had to live with forever. Ed put the first stencil on my arm and I was not happy with the placement. He had no qualms about taking it off and placing it just a half inch higher. He let me take my time measuring and was extremely patient with my personal sensitivities. There is a $60 minimum for all work done. My tattoo was very small and took less than 15 minutes, but still the minimum, cash only applied. I wasn't upset about paying that, as I am very pleased with the outcome. Ed did a great job and was very cognizant of my needs and the life-long care of my tattoo. Highly recommended to anyone in the area! read more

I scheduled an appointment with Jason Phillips after getting a recommendation from Sunny Buick, a favorite tattoo artist of mine who works in France now. The shop itself is very clean, and the overall feeling is retro and fun. I wanted to get a large rose tattoo on top of one foot, and a Russian doll on the other to match. Jason had a perfect idea of what I wanted, and his drawing was so fabulous and awesome. The tattoo itself hurt a lot, and I couldn't help but flinch much of the time on certain areas of my feet. Jason handled my moving like a pro, and did not get frustrated with me, even after 3 plus hours of tattooing. I will definitely be back! The tattoo designs here are classic and awesome, and my new tattoos are wonderful. read more

I love this place. They made me feel extremely comfortable when I got my first tattoo and were incredibly nice. When I originally went in here, I checked out a few other tattoo places right before and most of them were really rude. Anyway, I always choose to go here when I want a tattoo and I always suggest this place to my friends. read more

I had checked out this place as it was recommended by my friend back in 2009. It's now 9 tattoo's later (all by Sean here) and it's pleasant everytime. Sean has been more then helpful on working with me to get what I want out of a tattoo and always has ideas that make it better! As for the rest of the shop Jason, Andre, Ed and Ellie have all been nothing but awesome. They seem to enjoy working together and it creates a nice relaxing atmosphere. It feels more like you're hanging out and just happen to getting tattoo'd (as oppose to having needles jamming and grinding ink into your skin). In short, amazing artist, amazing people. Will return. Plus they have nothing but great music playing, not a skip in the bunch! read more

This place is AWESOME!!!! I have just recently achieved my first tattoo experience, and am already thinking about my next with Jason. Jason took the idea of what I wanted, came back with the same idea, another version of the same idea, then one with his own creativity added to the idea. I went with his version, and I cannot be happier. I have not spent much, if any, time in any other tatoo parlor (unless you count going into Zebra with my wife while she looks for ear hardware), and I cannot imagine going anywhere else. The people here are incredibly cool, kind, and down-to-earth. Being a bit nervous about my first tattoo, Jason was great about telling me that I'd do fine, and when I got a bit light-headed, he was very cool about making sure I was REALLY all right, even when I said I was all right. The folks at FTW appear to really care about the people that walk into their shop, in addition to really caring about the art that is created there. I had been looking for a tattoo artist for a few years, depending on the word of friends, and not getting anywhere. It was here on Yelp that I got the word on this place. Anyways, the people at FTW are incredibly awesome, and I can't wait to go back to have more work done. read more

I've been so reluctant to join Yelp, but seeing all these reviews for FTW compelled me to bite the bullet so I could add my own review. In a sentence: I L-O-V-E this shop. I first went to see Jason Phillips 4 years ago bc he came highly recommended from a regular at my old coffeehouse job. After literally years of pondering a particular piece, I finally went in to see Jason. I gave him a sketch of my idea, and when I went back to see what he did with my idea, I was effing blown away. He incorporated the main elements of my sketch and turned it into an awesome TATTOO. (Some people don't realize that a good drawing doesn't always translate to a good tattoo, and hence some tweakage becomes necessary.) When it came time to put the stencil on, he was SOOOO meticulous about getting it *just* right. We must've tried 3 or 4 times over the course of at least a half hour or so, but this is testament to the kind of tattoo artist Jason is. Getting tattooed for 12+ hours--on your ribs, no less--can be quite agonizing, but listening to everyone's stories along with the soothing sound of Jason whistling to the music in the shop made the experience MUCH more bearable. He always gives me props for doing so well, and he never gives me a hard time for wanting to take a break or having to pee 4 or 5 times during a session. Since finishing that piece, I've gone back for many more and have proudly recommended Jason to many friends, acquaintances, and strangers. I make it a point to grab a stack of business cards whenever I'm in the shop. I've even been grabbed by women on the street asking me about my new sleeve that we just finished. Everyone at this shop is awesome (I've also gotten work done by Sean), and the vibe here is so chill. Between myself and my bf getting tattooed, I'm here almost every month, and everyone is always so friendly and welcoming. When they ask "How've you been?" they're genuinely interested in the answer and aren't asking just cause. I'm a major brat about things I love and stand behind them pretty faithfully. This shop is definitely one of those things. read more

Jason was my chosen artist, and I loved the work he did for me in 2007! I had an idea for cherry blossoms, and he drew out an assortment of blossoms that I adored! I love the arrangement, the vibrant colors, and the clean clean lines! I've gotten many compliments, and I've told many people about FTW! Thank you Jason! I'll be coming in soon for a "project" and I can't wait to work with you again. read more

My custom back piece was done here by Chris Erickson back in 2007. Great shop. Great work. Professional. Kind. Everything you'd want in a shop. FYI: I had 4 appts at 3-3.5 hours each over the course of a few months and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. read more

FTW Tattoo Parlor - excuse photo quality. - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

If you've ever had a late breakfast at Rudy's Can't Fail on a Saturday, then the tattooing prowess of the guys at FTW needs no introduction. It was there or at Soundwave parties that I'd find myself admiring fantastic old-school ink on somebody's arm and it was *always* the same names that people were telling me. Fast forward and, while my band was in Amsterdam, I got a tattoo from a famous Dutch artist (hint: rhymes with "Lanky") that I proceeded to not take care of for the rest of the tour. (Unless spilling vodka on a fresh tattoo is "taking care"... I doubt the jury's out on that one though). It scarred up something stupid and I figured I should get an intervention. Anyway, I went to Jason for a touch up and was immediately impressed with the methodical and deliberate way that he approached his tattooing. He's really low key, and super detail oriented, which I think lends to his incredibly steady hand. He saved my work, and that's not an over-statement. So, when my wife said she was thinking about a new piece, I ran out and got a gift certificate from Jason immediately. She booked him, even as she said, "I'm going drive past every shop on the peninsula through San Francisco to go here... why?" When she got there after her initial consult, she was a little anxious because he was drawing for a long time and there was some back-and-forth on the design and placement. It was evidently she'd be making a day of it, which she hadn't planned for, but as I said, dude's deliberate. Once she accepted she'd be there a while and they started working I immediately started getting gushing text messages about the progress. When all was said and done, I was floored by the prettiest piece I've seen in person (pun intended) and she wanted to run up the next day and just give him more money, just cause she loved it so much. So, yeah. This place is legit. read more

I came in last week, had a little consultation with Sean, and made an appointment. The shop is so chill... I was so scared at first because most of the tattoo shop I've stopped by are so intimidating. This one is totally not, the guys are super friendly and really listens to what you want. Sean is a great artist. He's very patient, and doing each little detail you request with care, regardless of how many times he has to re-make the stencil. I know now where to take my newbie friends to get their tattoos. read more

I stopped in FTW after a horrible experience at another tattoo place down the street, frustrated and just wanting my tattoo. Ellie was sitting right inside the door, and the poor woman listened to my rant about my horrible experience! I was looking at the books, and liked her work and she was free, so we did my tattoo right there and then! No waiting, and she was so nice about the whole thing. FTW has a great feel for a tattoo shop, and the tattooers that were there that day were all super chill. My tattoo came out amazingly, I am so happy with it! Her lines are clean and her hand steady. It was just an amazing experience!! FTW is well priced with great artists, and I feel that Ellie is simply the best!! Definitely recommend her and FTW. It's a great place! read more

Sean did an awesome job, would definitely recommend going to him. It was my 1st Tattoo and he made the process very calming.

We looked for a place to get a couple of tats done last minute thinking we could walk in like we all have done in the past. This proved to be much harder than expected! After going to a few different shops we had no luck just as I gave up and was going to head home my girl called FTW and the guy was great on the phone. He called another artist and asked if she would come in early to do two tats and called us right back. So we went in an Ellie did both tats in a couple hours. She was great, super honest and did great work! I also finally found the artist to do my next piece after about a three year search! He wasn't there that day but I saw his work and have no doubt that he will be the one to do my left arm sleeve! Thank you for your service! I am putting pricey for the "Price Range" only because good work costs a little more. FTW WE WILL BE BACK!!! read more

Great, nice artists. I was tattooed by Carlos. I found his art through Instagram. I wish the shop was bigger and 2hr parking was better, but in the end all that matters is the tattoo! I would go back for sure. read more

Amazing clean shop! Did a walk in yesterday and wasn't exactly sure on size, font or placement but I knew exactly what I wanted. I was greeted by Ali who is super adorable and very professional. She walked me through step by step of what would look best. The shop is immaculate clean and being a nurse that's very important to me. I will definitely be gong back and using Ali 5 star for sure from start to finish read more

I've been coming to get tattooed here for about 7 or 8 years now and it just dawned on me that I've never given them a review on Yelp. Sean is my guy. He's done six tattoos for me over the years and I love every one of them! Very professional but super cool and sociable at the same time. I highly recommend Sean and FTW in general as all the artist that work here are passionate about their work and it shows in the end product. Satisfaction guaranteed! read more

FTW Tattoo Parlor - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

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I followed Ellie here. She's amazing and has done some amazing work on me. I always get stopped about her pieces above all other great stuff I've had done by other artists. She's the best. read more

I was referred to this place from a friend and he was right, this place is a legit tattoo parlor. I was a walk-in, and the gentlemen welcomed me as soon as i walked in. Adrian ended up being the guy that did the work. He listened to what i wanted, went back and forth until I loved it, and he felt it would work with placement. His lines are amazing... there are no stop/start parts, looks like he never lifted the machine. He even started with the more sensitive areas so it wouldn't be too bad. I will be back for sure!! I HIGHLY recommend them!! thanks for the great tattoo FTW (Adrian) read more

Not a single bad review? Pfff..ya, no kidding. Don't even think about it, just go! Your skin will thank you! read more

This shop is fantastic. All the artists are super cool and down to earth, no "too cool for you" vibes. The quality of work is top notch and the rates are reasonable. Highly recommended. I've been tattooed by Jason & Carolyn, both are super friendly and great artists. read more

I only have one tattoo that's not from this place- and guess what- I had them do cover-up work over it! I get a little jones for the boys at FTW to put art on me. They are down to earth really great guys who do talented work. They once let me and a friend shoot a short film of my little brother getting both shoulders done up with beautiful dragons. F*in awesome- a good time was had by all. Why spend time with tattoo artists that act like they hate you? Go to FTW. read more

My boyfriend and I came here a few years ago. However it was so memorable I could not help but write a review. First off the place is very clean. Everything from the artist individual areas to their actual tools were clean and sterile. Second Jason was amazing, knowledgeable and friendly. He was very professional in what we wanted. Since it's a bit of a drive we did a few corespondents by e-mail before coming in for our appointments. Jason's a bit heavy handed, but it was worth it. My tattoo took about 2.5 hours to complete. My boyfriend had about 4 sessions each being 4-5 hours. Because of the great service, professionalism, amazing talent and cleanliness I recommend this place to everyone I know. Next tattoo I will most likely be coming back. read more

Well ~ WE LOVE ELLIE!!!!! I just got back from Vegas and experienced - inexperienced, overpriced attitudes and a highly rated tattoo shop - I got my last tat from Ellie a couple years ago - walked in, no appt., frustrated with previous experience and Ellie was GREAT! Jason was there too and my girlfriend had come to get tattooed as well! We all just chatted and laughed and it was a great experience - Out of all my 4 tattoos, each done by a different artist - Ellie's was by far the best, cleanest lines!!! Sometimes people have bad days, sometimes they're annoyed by people.....give 'em a break! I'm going back to get another Tat from Ellie soon! read more

All the artists here are very talented. It ranges from Gangster Japanese to traditional Japanese to Traditional to Contemporary styles. It's a shop on the smaller side but that does not take away in it's quality. The guys here are very witty so stay on your toes! But being cash because they are not with the credit card times. And last but not least, don't forget to tip your artists! Michael Bennett, who is a their newest member, is my artist! read more

FTW Tattoo Parlor - 10 hours of dots - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've had two arm pieces done by Ellie. One was done 2 years ago and the other 1 year ago. I consistently get compliments on both of them to this day. People are impressed by the beautiful, precise, thin lines and delicate shading. Ellie was direct and honest with me from the outset about how to translate my vision into what would be realistic as a tattoo. I ended up with artwork that I am proud to wear permanently. I recommend her to all my friends in the Bay and would definitely go back for more. read more

I got my third tattoo here on a whim (I was visiting the Bay) and I'm so happy I did. Joe did an amazing job and I got exactly what I wanted for a good price. I walked in and showed him what I wanted and made an appointment for that same day and it came out great. read more

FTW Tattoo Parlor - Thanks to Joe I got exactly what I wanted. - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Great experience. Came here for a basic 'word' tattoo. I asked for Ellie and she did a great job. Exactly what I wanted. Fair price and very professionally done. Interesting space...love the swinging barroom doors! Make sure you check out the artists design books. Some really fantastic stuff in there! read more

I went to this shop, on the advice of a friend who had been here before. I'm glad i listened to her advice. She told me to go talk to Sean, which I did. Right away he comes off as one of the most chill and awesome people on the planet, which is very true. He walked me through the whole process after meeting a few times and not being able to finalize a time to come in. Once I had an appointment it was all good. He does great work, and its just an awesome place to get a tattoo. Great atmosphere, Great work and Great people. Make an appointment, and be ready for awesome and hilarious stories, like their roommate getting bit in the face by a pitbull, and coming in shirtless looking for medical supplies. (yes this actually happened) read more

This place is AWESOME. A friend of mine got a gorgeous sleeve done by Sean a couple of years ago, so I knew that he did great work before I went in. A couple friends and I decided to get birthday tattoos (spring tats are SO much better than spring cleaning!), so we went in and talked to Sean a few weeks ago to arrange a time when we could all come in together and get our ink done. We went in yesterday--he inked us all in record time, with superb results. One of us only had an idea of what she wanted, but Sean was able to whip out a drawing in about 15 minutes--it was amazing. He really listened to what she was looking for, and was happy to tweak the sketch so she liked it. What a great guy!! In the end, I HIGHLY recommend Sean (although I have heard from other folks that the bald headed guy (can't remember his name) is also very good). I believe he is by appointment only, but he may do walk-ins. If you are looking for new ink, FTW is the place to hit! read more