I've been getting tattooed by Paco at Graven Image for 3 years now. In that time he's completed a large leg piece and an (almost) full sleeve. Paco is an artist first and foremost, and he is possessed of the most creative imagination I've ever witnessed. When you add to this his encyclopedic technical knowledge of tattooing and visual theory, you end up with a better tattoo than anyone else. Unless that person has been to Paco too. I should also mention the fact that he's an immensely interesting guy with great taste in music. His wife Lindsay, who runs the studio, is a great person who manages appointments and keeps the show running slick and hygienic so we as clients can get as much tattoo time as possible. I'm really proud to be a walking steward for Paco's art. He is really in demand, and rightfully so. If you're lucky enough to get an appointment and you sit back and allow Paco to do what he does, you'll end up with a piece of artwork that you'll never tire of looking at. read more

When I had my 200$ non refundable consultation with Paco, we agreed that I wanted a full sleeve and talked about what I wanted. I told him I wanted a Alex Grey sort of feeling, and Paco looked at me like I slashed one his paintings and asked "so you want a Alex Grey tattoo?". Sorry I didn't explain the type of imagery with another artist I didn't even know about, also sorry I didn't know you don't like Alex Grey. Anyway, we have some back and forth on the image and agree to start on just a half sleeve, but taking the same amount of sessions... weird I know, plus it only covers the outside of my arm (not finished). It's not worth nearly 4k I spent, if you ask me. Every time I went in I felt like I was over charged and under worked and treated like some a** hole who didn't deserve Paco's valuable time. Unplanned sessions kept getting added on and very little work actually got done the 6 hours I was usually there. Maybe I shouldn't have told someone who's in charge of handing out sobriety tokens (Paco), that I use psychedelics, but maybe I shouldn't feel like I have to be sensitive to a tattoo artists lifestyle options. Dude is a primadonna, who really doesn't care about you (unless you are vigilant at making him feel special, and right). Needless to say I felt like Paco and his wife hustled me out of a lot of my hard earned money for a tattoo that's sub 275$/hr, and gives me bad feelings every time I think about it. Would not recommend to anyone. read more

You could go to any one of the myriad of tattoo shops in the Bay Area, pick a piece of flash off the wall, plop down $50-$100, sit your ass in the chair for an hour or less and walk out with color in your skin. But for a work of art, as beautiful as a painting in a museum, uniquely yours, and unlike any other tattoo you've ever seen, Graven Image, and Paco in particular, is the place/artist to go to. Yes, you will pay a premium price. Yes, you might have to wait for an appointment. Yes, the process takes time and usually multiple sittings. But you will end up with the highest quality work that can be found in any shop, anywhere. And the shop is clean, friendly, helpful and all those things you'd expect from a quality establishment. I searched long and hard for an artist that could do the type of work that Paco does. I would never let anyone else tattoo me again, ever. When people see his work on my body they almost can't believe it's actually a tattoo and not something that has been painted on. it's that beautiful. I highly recommend this shop and the people that work there. read more

I heart Jeff forever! He is so talented. People stop to compliment me all the time and my work isn't even finished. Jeff worked with me to develop an original design. He understood exactly what I wanted, without me really having to explain much, and was very excited to do the tattoo. It is about four times bigger than I had in mind (when I said "arm and shoulder" he took me at my word) but it fits the contours of my body perfectly and the color is gorgeous. As far as technique is concerned, Jeff didn't hurt me (much) more than necessary. He could tell when I had had enough of the needle and didn't push me beyond my limits even though I was booked for longer. Paco is a nut but his tattoos are also beautiful! These guys have painstaking attention to detail and it really shows in the finished product. read more

Paco does great work. I only have one tattoo, so you couldn't really call me a connoisseur of the tattoo art AT ALL, but still I love love love the flower he did for me. I still get lots and lots of compliments on it after 5 years, and the color has barely bled or faded in 5 years. I concur with Felicia C. that the everyone at this shop is very friendly, including Paco. As a tattoo newbie, he made me feel very comfortable, and put all my fears to rest. I'll definitely go back when I'm ready for my next one. read more

So I was looking for someone new to do a couple of tattoos and I found Graven. Lucky for me I stumbled upon Jeff! He just happened to be the dude at the desk when I came in. Im sure both Paco and Blake are very talented but I really dig Jeff's style and personality. So far he has done 3 tats for me and they are deffinatly my favorites. Im sure I will continue to have him do work for me in the future. By the way......Blake has left Graven! He is tattooing at another shop in San Jose now. read more

I went to Graven Image a long while back after having some piercings done by Mark @ the Fatty Zone next door. I talked to Daniel who was at the front desk about doing an octopus on my arm. We collaborated briefly and I said I'd be back to talk more and put down a deposit. A few months went by, I had my octopus done by my artist in Colorado who had done all of my previous work... I ended up back in Graven Image and again talked to Daniel about some work I wanted done. We started from a small idea and collaborated to complete a piece which covers most of my back. It's incredible and Daniel's work is beautiful. He really listened to what I wanted and worked with me to get a fucking amazing result. He's gentle and considerate and doesn't feel the need to talk my ear off while he's working. He just does his thing. I plan on having him do a lot more work on me in the future... During the sessions on my back I also started talking to Matt about portraits. I wanted a portrait done of my mom and we talked about covering up one of my older tattoos with a gothic-esque frame. I put a deposit down and when I went in for my first session Matt showed me an incredible drawing; beautiful and bad ass. We've done 3 sessions so far, and again Matt is professional, gentle, and gets into a groove and just does his thing. I love the guys at this shop. They're funny, fun to be around, and know how to chill out and listen to some good music. Aaron rocks my socks, Paco is cool and it is amazing to watch him work... I plan on giving these boys a lot of my money in the near future. They charge for what you get, and I have no problem paying a chubby chunk of change for something that's going to be on my body forever. If you want a $50 piece of shit, don't even bother walking into G/I. read more

Had a chest and shoulder piece done by Matt Hamlet and I couldn't be any happier! read more

Graven Image Tattoo - Foo Dog Chest Piece by Matt Hamlet - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Clara, California

These guys rule - all of them are extremely talented and easy to work with. The tattoos aren't cheap, but you definitely get what you pay for - high quality work that you'll be really stoked to have on you. Somewhat related tip: If you want a tattoo, save until you have enough money for a nice piece. Cheap tattoos suck and you'll end up regretting them! read more

Got my first tattoo on the 1st and came back yesterday for the second. And guess what? Going in next week for a third. That's how much I heart this place. These guys genuinely care about their work and how it should look on you. Aaron C. is my go to man and he is spectacular. All the guys there are super friendly including The Great Paco Dietz who makes sure I'm enjoying the /\/\etal rather than Aaron's Curtis Blow shuffle. But hell, I'd listen to Neil Diamond with these dudes.. they're THAT good. read more

Top notch... I got my first here in Oct. and then my second in December... I love my tattoos. The work is high quality. The after care instructions were well laid out. The work was done with mercy and quite professionally, not to mention flawlessly. Moreover, the owners portfolio is enough reason to stop back in; Paco is a unique talent. Btw; I had aftercare questions, and my emails were responded to within an 30 mins. Thats pretty cool, bc I can imagine some ppl are freaking out when peeling starts on their first one... There are plenty of good clean shops out there, with quality work.... I feel that Graven Image is a great shop with unique talents and top shelf work... read more

OK! So I admit that I wrote a not so kind review of Graven Image/Matt a while back. I went back there a couple months ago anyways due to the fact that I loved Matt's portfolio. I talked to him about getting a cover up and he was very enthusiastic. You can tell just from the first meeting that he loves being a tattoo artist. That made me feel comfortable going to him. I ended up having my first session there today and I seriously enjoyed being there. Of course the pain sucked but the experience was awesome. Matt was extremely laid back and was a good conversationalist with a good sense of humor. He actually took the time to make sure my stencil was where he wanted it to be which took a couple of tries. I am a twitcher by nature so of course I twitched at the sensitive parts but he made me feel at ease by talking to me. The tattoo looks amazing so far. I am soooo glad that he could cover up the horrible tattoo that I had before. I will be having my next session next month which I am hella psyched about. I have a few more tattoo ideas that I will love to go over with Matt next time. I have some other tattoos that I need covered up as well, ooops lol. Oh and for the chickadees, Matt is sweet,laid back and a great tattoo artist, aaand it definitely doesn't hurt that he is a nice piece of eye candy. Tattoos and tattoo artist are always a risk/chance. You have to find a good artist that you are pleased with. He has me sold so far. I will be having some of my friends stop by Graven Image to get some ideas for tattoos. They will be talking to Matt for sure! I recommend this shop for you! They do have other great tattoo artist there as well but for now I am sticking to Matt. I will post pictures when I am all done!!! I am putting 4 stars for now. I am juiced to see the final piece so that I can move it up to 5 stars read more

Bought a couple tattoo books from the cow palace tattoo expo made by paco. So when I was ready for my sleeve I was really excited to get inked by him. After BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT 2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE. I show up early and he just opened the shop so no customers were in session which was why I went early. I walk in and I'm the only person there aside from the receptionist. Paco doesn't even acknowledge me. Then I finally ask about going over my tattoo design and he just tells me "I'm booked til next year talk to the receptionist." Long story short there's plenty of artists out there as good if not better. I would avoid giving money to that prick. read more

a classmate in college had some great work done on him... when asked he gave me the business card of his artist. jeff took me in the same day i called! or maybe it was the day after.. i don't remember much from my college days, anyway... i brought him a picture of what i wanted... he suggested color! i was kinda hesitant, but he shared w/me his vision... then next thing you know, we have the outline done, then the rainbow of colors begin... he freestyled this all the way.. it's a good four inches on my forearm and detailed as hell.. and when i say detailed i mean detailed! first, i'm a short girl, so my arm is not that big. second there are some tiny parts of the tattoo that is hard to believe it has so much attention and work in that tiny space.. the shading is great.. i always get compliments on this one...out of all the ones i have.. i mean it's an eye catcher, and conversational piece/ice breaker sometimes.. well for other people towards me at least.. and he works quick! we chatted the whole way through, so it subsided the pain. i hope that all the people who i've reccommended to him have gone.. you get your work done right! as you should with the permanent factor of it all.. one drawback, he didn't have a photocopying machine and i had to go to kinkos to get a variety of sizes... ummm you need that at a tattoo place.. but this was a couple years ago, so i would hope that has changed.. still not worth a star deduction! i've gotten branded @ other places, but his is still the best... when i save up for what i want next, it will definitely be @ graven w/jeff! read more

Ah, I gotta join the "Jeff Fanclub" on here. I got tattooed by him twice, and I'm definitely going back. My first was a design I brought in, and second time he drew one up for me and it's amazing. He is willing to listen to your feedback and color choices, but what I really like is that he'll tell you stuff straight up. If something doesn't work, or the spot you picked isn't ideal, he'll let you know, but it's up to you in the end. I feel really comfortable getting tattoos from him because not only is he skilled, but he's an easy going cool dude. That sorta thing is important if you're lying around in your underwear for hours. It's really a great place to go, unless you're cheap and looking to get a tattoo that day and that tattoo is of a barbwire armband. It's probably a good thing they are 'cash only' otherwise I'd get into some real trouble (aka credit card debt) there. I haven't gone to anyone else in the shop, but some friends of mine have gone to Blake and their tattoos look great. Paco's stuff is just amazing needless to say. The atmosphere is pretty friendly and relaxed. I can't wait to go back! read more

Paco is, above all, an artist. Walking in to Graven Image's new[er] shop on Lafayette is your first sign that this is more than your average tattoo shop. The walls are adorned with oil paintings done by Paco over the years, and books from artists like Rothko to Mucha to Beksinski line the shelves. Paco bleeds and breathes art, and it is ever present in the tattoos he does. If you are looking to get a tattoo because you saw something cool on a celebrity,or because you think it'd be fun, do not go here. If you love art and want something you can be legitimately thrilled to have be a part of you for the rest of your life, than Paco is your man. I have a thigh piece and a half sleeve done by him, and never cease to have people stop me to compliment them. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to have such a talented artist do my tattoos, a 5 star yelp review does not begin to cover it. read more

Its not the friendliest place, maybe these guys need a hug?Jeff Croci's work is pretty awesome, I sat w/ him about 6-7 hrs a few years ago. I get compliments on the colors all the time. read more

I've been searching Long and Far for Paco Dietz since he inked my friends first tattoo back in the Mid-90's when he was in Redwood City...It was an amazing tattoo and my first introduction to the tattoo world. Paco was a great and comical person with a great sense of humor and a lot of patience for a newbie. Now that I've found him down in Mountain View, I may pay a visit and see how much farther his craft and talent has expanded in 15 years. read more

I have received one tattoo from Paco a few years ago and I loved it. I have recently commissioned Paco to do a full body suit tattoo on me that will begin in one year when his schedule opens up. Paco is the most creative and genuine artist I have ever met. I am giving him full artistic control to do absolutely whatever he wants. If you want an original piece of artwork, I strongly suggest you apply for a one-of-a-kind tattoo or painting done by Paco Dietz. read more

I have been getting tattooed by Paco Dietz at Graven Image for 5 years. I first went into Graven Image looking to get a sleeve for my right arm. I was immediately captured by Paco's artwork and fascinated by his sketch books. Paco completed my sleeve and I was so amazed as to how it turned out we quickly started my second sleeve. The more art we added to my body the more impressed I was with Paco's abilities. The work was coming together beautifully and it was starting to tell a really cool story, so i decided to do a full body suit. We recently tattooed my neck which might have been a terrifying experience, but it was relieving to have such faith in my artist. I am thrilled with how the bodysuit has turned out so far and I could not have imaged it to be this incredible! It has appeared in a variety of tattoo magazines, books and web-sites. The Graven Image shop has an art studio feel to it because of all the paintings on the walls and the different sculptures. It is also like getting tattooed at a resort; big screen TV, heating pad if you get cold and 100% sterile. I have never been in a shop like it. Once you have been tattooed there its impossible to image getting tattooed anywhere else. I highly recommend looking into this shop. If nothing else check out Paco's artwork. He has created some truly mind-blowing pieces! read more

Paco did an awesome piece on my friend, but unfortunately I was tattooed by Matt and this review is based entirely on my experience with him. i had three sessions done by Matt on a 1/2 sleeve. One star for the initial design and first session. He does have talent and I will say that his concepts are unique and cool. But the guy has no idea how to follow though with his work. He was terrible at putting the ink into my skin. My tattoo looked like it was 20 years old just a few months later. Colors were terrible, very drab and dull. It basically looked like he just puked on my arm. Not only that, but after my last session with him, he told me he was going to change the entire color scheme on my piece. Dude!! You should've had a clear idea of what you were doing when you started out. The thing that really got to me though was that Matt was totally unprofessional. I had to reschedule an appointment and left him multiple messages at the shop. Never got a call back. When I was finally able to reach him, he told me to email him because he didn't have his schedule with him. No reply to the email either. Plus, during my sessions he would quit around a quarter to a half hour after the hour and round up to charge me for the time he wasn't tattooing. I've NEVER had any of my tattoo artists do this before. Oh yeah, and the whole time he tattoos, he won't shut about about how awesome he is. Frankly, I switched artists because I couldn't handle the attitude. And I'm glad I did. My tattoo looks 100% better. I really can't believe how terrible his work was. Like I said, he can draw really well and comes up with cool designs, but the execution is not there. I walked into a different shop and the guys working there immediately knew that Matt had worked on me. Apparently they've gotten multiple clients from him coming in to have his work fixed. Get tattooed by Paco if you go here and avoid Matt. read more

Have had some good hours put in here. I've been having Matt Hamlet complete my right sleeve and I'm stoked at the work and detail. If you want a single session tattoo you can go anywhere. If you want depth and art, come here and have it done right. You get what you pay for and it's only going to last a lifetime on your body, do it right. Very easy to work with a good mellow vibe. read more

I had my most recent tattoo done by Aaron Crocker at Graven Image. Aaron was great from start to finish. I found him to be professional and friendly. My tattoo was getting compliments when it was just an outline, so you can image the finished piece. It's fantastic. My last tattoo artist was in the East Bay, so I am very happy that I found someone local that I like and who does stellar work. I was very, very impressed with the cleanliness of the tattoo shop. Everything gets covered with plastic from lights to the guns to the tabletops. That plastic is changed between clients. I noticed that the gloves were changed every time they were removed. Super impressed and I would go back in a heartbeat. Thank you for a great tattoo. Here are some comments straight from my FB page, LOL: Rebecca HELL YES!! That looks AMAZING!!! July 25 at 8:30pm * Like * 1 Jamie NICE!!!!!!! July 25 at 8:34pm * Like Jamie I looooooove it! July 25 at 8:34pm * Like Corinn Fuck yeah!!! July 25 at 8:36pm * Unlike * 2 Krista SUPER FUCKIN' SWEET!!!! July 25 at 8:42pm * Like * 1 Stephanie That is beautiful!!!! Very nice work! July 25 at 8:42pm * Like JOanna that is gorgeous, simply gorgeous July 25 at 8:58pm * Like Lea now that is a tattoo! July 25 at 9:07pm * Like Lea love it July 25 at 9:07pm * Like Janice Anything inner arm? Love the artwork. Well done! July 25 at 10:32pm * Like Jenelle Very, very nice! July 26 at 2:03am * Like Nikki EPIC!! I love it!! July 26 at 5:00am * Like Kristina Love it, Kristy!! July 26 at 5:23am * Like Jenelle Just came back to look at this again. You've got a very good tattoo artist. The shading is phenomenal July 26 at 5:45am * Like Anouck OMG, LOVE it! July 26 at 7:44am * Like Jonell I love it!!! Looks really good!!!! I love her hand... July 26 at 12:32pm * Like Michelle Ohhhhhhhhhhhh.......purty July 26 at 12:53pm * Like read more

Ok - I have to admit that I am not a tattoo expert. I picked out a tattoo that I wanted on my leg/ankle. I went to Graven Image excited that I was going to get a 2nd tattoo. The 1st one is over 20 yrs old :) When I walked in the artist was lying on the couch. I wasn't sure if he worked there or if he was a customer waiting. After an awkward moment I started speaking to him. I showed him the picture and told him where I wanted the tat. He said it was way to small and that there was to much detail and that they couldn't do it. So I asked could they do something with less detail and I was told no. I felt like they just didn't want to do any tat for me so I left and went to HOUSE OF PAIN. They told me the same thing about the tat but then they showed me tat's they could do and worked with me to work up something I liked and that would also look good. While Graven Image may do good work I will never know because I never got past the attitude at the door. read more

Went in for a walk-in appointment. The guy helping us didn't think he could do the tattoo that we wanted, but decided to try and draw it out anyways. After coming back 20 minutes later, he said he could not do it. There were 2 other guys at the front counter this time. We wanted a small quote tattoo, but he could only do it very large. Another guy said that they could not do it small because it would end up migrating (which is somewhat true). We then went one to say that we have known people who have roughly the same size tattoo we had in mind. They then went on to say "Cause we dont know what were talking about". How rude!! No customer service at all! Not only could they not do the tattoo the right size (which was an appropriate size), but they wanted to charge us an arm and a leg. I felt completley out of place there, and felt as though they thought they were better than everyone else. They obviously do not need business right now or else they would of tried to accomodate us, and at least have some decent customer service. I do not recommend this place to anyone who is looking to get a smaller tattoo. They obviously only want to do large, extensive tattoos, and those who don't are looked down upon and not cared about. Never ever going here again. read more

I just wanted to say they do have amazing artwork and artists from what I have seen. However I can't speak for myself seeing as how their customer service is awful and non existant. I have tried calling for weeks as well as sending multiple emails to every email account I have seen connected to the shop. I understand being a well known artist they may or may not be concerned with their possible clients, but as a business that is a shitty way to conduct oneself. read more

though he's not the friendliest guy in the world, paco is a stylish artist whose strength definitely lies in fantasy and biomechanical style. this shop is one of the must go to places if youre looking for that stylish piece of biomech/fantasy work and are not looking for traditional or an old school art piece. read more