Matt is right the shop IS cool, small, stylish and in a great location, but he's absolutely wrong about the owner...leading me to believe he must be a tattoo competitor in the area. With only one review.... its pretty obvious. The owner is amazingly nice, sweet and sincere. Yesterday was my first time EVER getting a tattoo and you can imagine the nerves and anxiety I experience (natural to im sure every "newbie"). I decided on a script / qoute on the side of my ribs. After placing it on my body , they suggested i take a look at a bigger size, just because of my body size/ spacing...and they were right! I totally needed it a bit bigger than I was planning on, but in the long run I love it instead of just like it. They really are artists and aren't hestitant to make suggestions and take their time to reprint and repaste the stencil time and time again until its exactly what you want. Because of Susie( as well as the beer she offered me) and the artist, Lei, I felt comfortable within minutes. Not only did she give me the run down on after care, but they even agreed to check out the ointment I bought after being worried whether I got the right one or not. I feel now as though if I have any worries or questions I can stroll in expecting a good vibes, lots of smiles and friendly ladies. If your like me, looking to get your first tattoo, or your 100th tattoo, I recommend this place. Remember....you get what you pay for....and a tattoo is on for life! A small price to pay for a lifetime of love. read more

A tattoo is a tattoo is a tattoo... if you like getting cover ups every time you make that mistake. I see people complain about price, here's two things: firstly, you pay for what you get. If you pay cheap chances are you either are best buds with the artist and he/ she cut you a deal, or the work is cheap. Secondly, the price is comparable to every tattoo shop in the area, plus with discounts for military and other offers price is not even an issue. After several sessions at Highland Ink I am impressed not only with the artists (who are truly Artists first and tattooers second), but also with the atmosphere, the professionalism and the skill held within the walls of this little shop. After facing the adversity of being the first shop in San Clemente, to the downright disrespectful treatment of so-called native tattooers, Suzie and the Highland Ink staff have every right to have a chip on their shoulders, but they take the high road and are friendly with all who come through their doors. So, you want a work of art put on skin, a great experience whether it's your first or hundredth tattoo, or just to bs with some good people while they get or give ink, Highland Ink is the place to go. You stay classy Highland Ink. read more

There are so many amazing things to say about Highland Ink, where to begin is the hardest part. I was so fortune to have had a patient walk into my office with Susie's stunning work on her arm in order for me to find her. From the moment that I walked in her shop I knew she was going to be amazing. Susie's personality and creativity are on another level. She is an absolute joy to be around, after having Susie's create my first work of art in a tribute to my Grandpa, I knew I hadn't only found my Tattoo Artist for life but a truly remarkable friend. I have had Susie tattoo me multiple times and her work is fantastic. You won't find anyone who has better script as if it was stamped on you. I can only say wonderful and incredible things about Highland Ink. If you are looking for someone who is absolutely professional but will give you a great laugh and a wonderful personality Susie is your tattoo artist! Her shop is the cleanest shop I have ever been in and she truly takes pride in her work and each piece she does. Please hurry home to California I am in need of more ink!! read more

First, Highland Ink is a first rate tattoo shop. Suzy is the owner and only artist at the shop. She provides a one-on-one tattoo service and is booked several weeks in advance, so be patient. Suzy has the highest quality and attention to detail. This is not some fly-by-night shop. She follows all of the professional protocol from cleanliness to after-care. Her shop is immaculate and relaxing My tattoo was completed to exacting detail and everyone who has seen it compliments the quality and detail, as it was a complex tattoo. If you want a cheap tattoo by some uneducated parolee biker dude, go somewhere else. But, if you want quality from an educated, travelled person, and are willing to pay for it, Highland Ink is the tattoo shop you. I would not hesitate to send family and friends to Highland Ink. My wife was so impressed, she is going to get her tattoo here. In using a car comparison, would you rather drive a Gremlin or a Ferrari. Don't waste your time somewhere else. Save your money, then come here so you can do it right! read more

I was in the area and wanted a quote for a tattoo I have been wanting and called this place to see if I could get some information. The woman I spoke to had one of those uppity accents and said her name was Susie (I guess she owns the place) and was extremely RUDE when I simply asked how much a tattoo would cost. She acted like I was wasting her time and hung up. It's unbelievable that In this economy a business owner would be so arrogant to thing they can treat customers that way, but somehow Susie feels she doesn't' have to treat people with respect. She must think that being the only place of it's kind in town entitles her to disrespect customers. I believe in what goes around comes around and it's attitudes like hers that bring failure and competition. I will be taking my business elsewhere and I pray someone with dignity opens a decent shop in the area to compete against her. I'm sure I'm not the first customer you've lost but I am sure I wont' be the last one either! read more

I literally looked for years to find someone like Susie to do the lettering for the two pieces that I had wanted forever. Susie's work is genius! She has such an amazing gift, I'm still blown away! I get compliments all the time from all sorts of different folks, commenting on how perfect her font is... most folks think the work is fake :-P that's how perfect her artwork is :0) Besides Susie's incredible talent, her shop is so cozy! Everyone there welcomed me warmly, like a bunch of old friends just hanging out. The shop manager is hilarious, and big Josh is as sweet as it gets (as well as an epic artist!). I couldn't be happier with the beautiful artwork I was honored with and truly humbled by, it's just pure dead brilliant!! I keep running out of Highland Ink's business cards by the rate of how fast I'm giving em' out :0) Wish you guys loads of success, you truly deserve it!! "Main ye bide lang an' bide weel!" read more

You can imagine that in California we have an abundance of great tattoo shops. We have an abundance of tattoo shops, just not great shops. This is an exception. Suzie and Josh are some of the most talented friendly artists I have ever met. I moved here from Carlsbad where there are no shops, so this was an amazing discovery. Suzie is one of the first residents of San Clemente to make me feel welcome, like I belong here. This city can be so petty and small sometimes, so its nice to see someone rise above and just strive so hard to provide great work, service and just be friendly. The work she does is simply amazing. This is well worth the visit. I challenge you to put her work to the test against other shops. I challenge you to compare the attitudes and customer service against the rest. read more

I've been to a number of really good tattoo parlors, for myself and with others, but I have never felt quite so welcomed as I did when my partner and I went to see Susie. The place is small, intimate, cozy. The atmosphere is great, the energy happy and the artist very skilled. Just a glance at her portfolio will tell you all you need to know. But really, what you might not expect is the fact that she's a Scottish sweetheart with a smile that can call the sun out on a rainy day. The work Susie did on my partner was stunning. She gazed at it when we got home and her eyes teared up. "It's perfect," she said. And it is. A beautifully detailed, perfectly rendered replication of a line drawing done by my partner's father, it captures every pen stroke as if he'd drawn it on her arm himself. read more

I've been going here for a few years and love the atmosphere. Susie is wonderful and very thorough when discussing what you want, where, how your skin may react etc. I refer people to her bc I know she will take care of them! Referred my daughter as well when she wanted her first tattoo after turning 18; and Susie talked with her about her career ambitions and the best placing for her tattoo so not too interfere with her ambitions, among other discussions about skin and reactions etc. Totally putting my daughter at ease. I have never been disappointed here and get a lot of compliments on the work I have had done in her shop, my daughter also gets tons of compliments on her art. If you want quality art, see Susie. You get what you pay for. read more

As the first tattoo shop to open in San Clemente, the time and effort put in by the owner show her dedication and resilience! She has created a great space for getting tattoo and meeting others that appreciate tattoo. She has staffed the place with fantastic artists and guest artists. Not only have I got new tattoo from the owner, I am also in process of having a tattoo removed. After lots of conversation and education from Susan, I opted to go this way rather than just cover-up. I look forward to when it is complete - and getting the piece I really want done by her! The shop is clean, organized, and inviting. Great art work besides tattoo and all the staff are open and willing to help. +10 all the way. read more

For those veteran ink heads or first-timers, Highland Ink is the place to express yourself. Susie "My Love" and Justin "The Man" will treat you like family and customize your experience. Don't be fooled by other less personal shops, from the moment you walk in- you can feel the difference. I have done more than four sessions at HI, San Clemente and already have my next piece ready for Justin to tear up. Stop by, say hi and just chill- tell a friend and come on by, I may just stop in to say hey, that's the kind of relationship and superb ink-work that will keep me coming back. Regarding price... You get what you pay for- You two rock, keep up the good work- Nate. read more

I had the best experience getting my tattoo at Highland Ink. Before choosing Suzie's place to do my ink, I first explored the "other" Tattoo shop in San Clemente....what a total waste of time!!!! Not only was the owner rude and smelled like an ash tray, but he had the nerve to laugh at what I wanted to get (a Cross). To top it off, he made it a point to trash the one and only "1st" and in my opinion... PROFESSIONAL Tattoo shop in S.C...."Highland Ink". I walked out of that "OTHER" so called Tattoo shop, and never looked back!!! "Justin" at "Highland Ink" gave me a GREAT tattoo, and I am looking forward to going back and getting my next one!! read more

I had some work done at a shop in Dana Point about a year and walked away pretty disappointed with my overall experience. A short while ago I decided to get my old tattoo covered up at Highland Ink and was blown away by the professionalism and courtesy of Susie, the owner. I never expected to be treated with such courtesy at a tattoo shop, which was contrary to my prior experience at another shop. Aside from the professional attitude, my tattoo cover-up looks phenomenal and many grades above my previous work. Thank you so much Susie! I will recommend my friends and family to Highland Ink for sure. read more

I just got Inked up at Highland and had the honor of being tattoo'd by Susie herself! Ive gotten tattoo's all over the country from NY to Cali and the folks at Highland are top notch! Susie is one of the best artists I've ever delt with. My "Bob's Big Boy" came out way beyond my expectations! The shop is clean, fun and as Kool as SoCal gets. I am so looking forward to getting back out West and getting more work done maybe the "In-N-Out" burger logo......... I can go on for hours but you should just go check them out for yourself! read more

Been to Susie a few times. Great atmosphere, friendly people always stopping by to chat while u getting worked on. Susie is amazing, always brings some creative insight to even the simplest of ideas to make your tattoo one of a kind and even more special to you. And the free hug afterwards is always a nice touch. Currently working on a cover up to a full sleeve and I couldn't b happier with the work and everythin that I have received at Highland Ink. It's where I'm gonna go for all my future tattoos read more

Got my first tattoo here! They made me feel at home. I was really nervous, and instead of making fell like a fool they were very comforting about it. I got it done and we where all chit chatting in the parlor. I felt like the staff became my friends in a matter of seconds. Im going back to have some more work done soon!!! Suzie was perfect with making me feel at home to walking me through my first time and she is a perfectionist, so my tattoo came out exactly how I wanted it. This place is amazing :) read more

Highland Ink is just what a tattoo studio should be - friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, and artistic surroundings. As soon as you enter the front door you are greeted with a smile and put at ease. The studio maximizes every inch of work space so they came up with the brilliant idea of creating a lounging area out back to allow clients a mellow place to hang out while they wait. San Clemente has needed a tattoo studio for too many years, but Highland Ink was worth the wait!! read more

Had a session booked at Highland ink this week on Wednesday. I was impressed with the Shop Manager and had a great experience with the Artists. I ended up with a wonderful tattoo that I will enjoy for ever. The Shop is clean, organized, and inviting. I will be back again for more Ink in the future (I already made another appointment). I am fan of Highland ink, and Susie. Looking forward to returning again and again. I would recommend this shop to my friends and Family! read more

Mom's Approval: Many years ago my daughter got a tattoo (a little fairy). I am not against tattoos just bad art. The fairy had a beak! A few years ago she decided to get it "fixed" and hide the fairy in a tree. This time the proportions were off. She has been trying to get it fixed with minimal success UNTIL she went to Highland Ink. It is still a work in progress as the tree has grown but I am happy she is finally in the right hands! Don't mess around find an artist! read more