Best tattoo artist ever! I have been seeing Shane for tattoos for almost 15 years. He has designed and inked my back piece and both my half sleeves (left in progress) and not only are they utterly awesome but Shane somehow took my half-formed ideas and put them on my skin. I love his personal style and basically let him do his thing with my tattoo designs and colors. My friends have had very specific tattoos in mind and left with exactly what they wanted and are somehow still impressed. As if that isn't enough, Shane also happens to be a charming and funny dude. He will never make you feel like your idea is dumb or make you feel like you need some sort of punk rock merit badge or cool-as-f*** card to be in his company. I would and have recommended him to anyone thinking of getting a tattoo. read more

Shane and his wife are simply amazing. I walked into the shop wanting to hide my chest from the world due to a port scar i had and now i get to finally be 100% proud of my body again. Shane did a perfect job at tattooing the scar over my port scar. I can look in the mirror and finally smile and be happy at what i see. My port scar is finally invisible! Being a cancer survivor i feel so lucky to have found such a wonderful and talented artist that not only is amazing at what he does, but truly loves to help survivors. They were able to work with my budget and had me in their chair in no time. The shop is spotless and in a perfect location. I'll never need to look for another artist thanks to Shane! Thanks again guys, y'all are wonderful and have truly made me feel 100% beautiful again! read more

JUST finished getting my tattoo here. And I had to say, Shane is fantastic. Absolutely. It was my first tattoo. I went in to get scars on my arm tattooed over. Not only did he work with me to get the design and color ~~just~~ right, but he was quick. He was sociable without being awkward. Silences weren't awkward. Conversation was pretty easy, but he let you do you if that's what you wanted/needed. I brought a friend with me (one, single friend) and he let her sit beside me and watch. It was such an amazing overall experience. And that's not even getting to the TALENT. My piece is gorgeous, and the colors are gorgeous. He's so experienced and it shows. There's no judgement when you walk in. He respects his clients and it shows the moment you walk in. read more

Been going to Shane for years. I now live in LA and make the trek down to San Diego whenever I want a new one. Only tattoo artist I trust now. Years later, his work is still clean and looks like I just had it done. Shane is quick, clean, courteous. If you wanna talk, he'll chat, if you just want silence, he respects that. His wife, Toni, is an angel and the two of them keep the shop in top shape. Shane's designs are masterful and he really understands what you want even if you have a hard time verbalizing and he's down to work with you to find what you're looking for. Long story, short: Highly recommend Garnet Tatoo. Best shop in San Diego by far and one of the best tattoo artists out there. read more

I was fortunate to get my first of two sleeves by Shane in 2006. From the very start of our conversations he was fully committed to insuring my input was taken into account and offered excellent guidance. I got a Japanese Dragon. I went back years later to get my second sleeve and didn't even contribute to the design other than tell him I wanted a Tiger sleeve to go with my Dragon. He did not disappoint! When he showed me the drawing my only question was, when can we start? I get so many compliments it's crazy. I won't get tattooed by anyone else. He cares about people, community and paying it forward. You can't go wrong with Shane Wallin, Garnet Tattoo or Twilight Tattoo. read more

Shane Wallin is an amazing tattoo artist and is an expert in his craft! I have a half-sleeve that was transformed from concept into an original piece of art that receives notable compliments on a daily basis. Not only is he professional in his business practice but also a pioneer in support of breast cancer survivors by providing them with a comfortable atmosphere to receive unforgettable art. From Shane's top notch quality work, to the generous hospitality of his shops - all around, he is one talented tattooer that can be trusted to create a stunning masterpiece. Pacific Beach is lucky to share one of the best tattoo artists along with Minneapolis. read more

I spent hours researching 3D nipple tattoo artist and I was willing to travel anywhere in the country to have nipples tattooed after my mastectomy. It was very important to me what my areola and nipples would look like cosmetically. Finding Shane was a blessing! He made me feel so comfortable with the process! He was professional, a great listener, and did exactly what I wanted (and what my husband wanted :)) including some suggestions of his own. Shane is truly an artist and his work is exceptional and beyond what I had ever imagined! Best of all, I came home and after seeing my breast my little girl said "I'm so happy your round things are back!" read more

First tattoo ever-- half sleeve-- I am doing backflips!! I can not speak highly enough about Shane's talent and artistry. He is a TRUE craftsman. I wanted my design done in brown ink so he explained the unique properties of ink that contains the color red. His extensive knowledge of tattooing over scars and brown skin with deep melanin (hypertension), made him the PERFECT artist for me!! Toni is his secret weapon;) who was so very patient, professional and accommodating as I vacillated over my final design. Excellent team!! Whether your skin is trauma free or you want to cover/embrace an imperfection... Shane at Garnet Tattoo is a Pro!! read more

Shane Wallin is, in short, amazing. He is personable, funny, extremely detail-oriented, and most importantly a phenomenal artist and exceptional business person. I got my first tattoo at the age of 35 after planning it and researching artists and shops for years. I continue to love the work that Shane has done, and continue to receive compliments on his work daily. He is a consummate professional, from the scheduling and planning of a piece, to the process and the artwork. I have only good things to say about Shane, his work, and his business. read more

Shane Wallin did my tattoos to cover mastectomy scars. I had an idea of what I wanted and he turned that idea into something truly amazing! He and his wife make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in the door. Shane is an incredible artist, and I'm so grateful that he has chosen to share that talent with those who have had mastectomies. After 10 years of looking in the mirror and seeing scars, I now see beautiful tattoos...there really are no words for what that feels like. I'm so glad to have found Garnet Tattoo. read more

Shane is amazing! I have received many tattoos from Shane and would never see another artist. Shane makes you feel at ease, is a perfectionist but time efficient, and funny! The shop has a fun mid-century look, clean, and professional. Also, I feel great supporting Shane since he does so much for the community (transgender) as well as cancer fighters. By participating in P.INK. he has made women who have had mastectomy's feel beautiful again with art as well as amazingly realistic nipples. San Diego is lucky to have him! read more

My wife just met with Shane to lay out her ideas for her first tattoo, which will also be the final step in her double mastectomy journey. She is a very shy and conservative person, and was concerned about the whole "tattoo shop image" she had in her head. She was very tentative about the whole thing, but really wants her "pretty" back. After meeting with Shane she was beaming! Her comments were, and I'm quoting, "Awesome, professional artist, clean and relaxing place, deposit made, I'm ready for the finale'." read more

Shane is a wonderful artist and tattooist. He completed a piece on my back that I thought to be way above average in the difficulty area. Wild Style graffiti art drawn by someone else, then tattooed by Shane. Bravo, I say, Bravo. I get complements on that piece frequently. And, above all, I love it. That has to be the most important aspect, it turned out exactly how I imagined it, even better. In addition he put up with my sun-damaged, pain-in -the-ass back, and whiney me. I recommend him to everyone. read more

This shop is gorgeous, and so incredibly clean. The owners are so skilled at their craft that they make it look effortless, all while making you feel like family. Shane is so naturally talented I would never dream of having anyone else ever tattoo me again. I'm grateful I've found this beautiful studio and I highly recommend them to anyone and everyone. Not to mention the beautiful, life changing work he is doing with breast cancer survivors. A God send of a man. LOVE. THEM. read more

I got my first big piece from Shane and the pride he takes in his work and in his job is shown in the perfection of my piece. Shane is not just an amazing artist but the time and care he invested into my piece as well as his service was absolutely phenomenal and I couldn't have dreamt up a better experience. 100% will be coming back for my next piece and the range of his talents complemented by his professionalism and willingness to serve should have you coming here too! read more

I have NOT had a tattoo from Shane Wallin because I am a loser. If I had only listened to my Mother and got my ink from Shane my life would be totally different right now. Instead I received sub par tattoos from high school friends and the girls in county. I can not get a decent job now because I did not go to Shane for my tattoos. The penis shaped tear drop on my face that was supposed to be a rose has ruined my life. Don't be a loser. Get your ink from Shane! read more

I'm a breast cancer survivor. I traveled to Shane after heavy research on mastectomy scar cover experts. And what an expert he is!! My tattoo is MAGNIFICENT!! words can't describe the feeling I have of never seeing those scars, I get to see beauty for the rest of my life. The shop is clean, Shane is professional and takes pride in his work and it shows I recommend Garnet Tattoo to anyone & everyone. Best tattoo experience I have ever had read more

If you are looking for a legit cool ass dude with a mad passion for tats (and skillz to match), look no further. Shane is not only super rad (and supremely nice (don't tell him I said so)) but he really takes time to listen to his friends (cause once you walk into the shop, you aren't just a client) to ensure you walk out with a master piece on your body. Check him out. I promise you that you won't be disappointed. read more

As all the previous reviews say: Shane is IT! His artistic ability, creative designs, professionalism & general good nature with his charity work made deciding on an artist easy. He did a scar tattoo cover up on a fairly large area for me & did such beautiful work, you'd never be able to tell there was anything but his stunning artwork there. He's just an awesome who does amazing work & I couldn't be happier! read more