I chose Istari on the suggestion of a friend. Jonathan did a great job of making my family feel comfortable as we prepared to get inked together. I was so worried as a first timer. His work was impeccable and he has a nice touch. I was comfortable as he worked on my tattoo. The dragonfly he created was far more artistic than the example we provided him. We did ask him to give it a feminine flair, which he did and then some! My family members and I are delighted with his work. Additionally, we were impressed with how clean the shop is and well kept at that. It was comfortable and the music kept my mind off of being tattooed. The location is convenient in the heart of downtown. read more

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The best shop I've been to in my life!! Angelica is the best tattoo artist in the world I swear. Not only is she a talented and amazing tattoo artist, but she's the kindest soul I've met since moving to Tucson. Jim is really funny and sweet as well, and very talented. Roman is also very helpful and nice to talk to while I'm waiting. Overall I love all of them, but obviously Angelica is my fav. The atmosphere is really soothing as well and the interior design is super clean. Everything is done very sanitarily and they'll make sure you leave satisfied with your tattoo for sure. I love everyone at the shop w my whole heart !! read more

Istari is definitely the place to go if you want a great tattoo and a great experience. I got a couple tattoos from Angelica and I was so happy with how they turned out and healed up. Angelica was so nice and helpful and very talented! All the other artists at the shop are talented as well and friendly. The shop is clean, organized and welcoming. I've been to other tattoo parlors that felt unwelcoming and I felt uncomfortable but that was certainly not the case here. I will certainly go back and recommend others to visit. Thanks Istari team! read more

I've gotten two tattoos done here by Angelica; she's awesome and the environment overall is very clean and friendly!

My entire experience so far has been amazing. Jim really took the time to understand exactly what I wanted, and even re-watched Spirited Away to get inspiration for my Haku dragon tattoo. The shop is clean and decorated nicely. The manager, Maya, is an absolute joy and is very helpful. The other artists also seemed very talented and took the time to check out my tattoo and were also very encouraging and made chit chat with me. Overall, talented people, great vibes! I'll never go anywhere else. read more

Istari Studios - Tattoo so far (still need to add some stuff and do shading) - Tattoo Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Got an amazing eye/tower of sauron from Jonathan here and I love it! The studio is very clean and modern on the inside and has a great feel. I 100% recommend. read more

Istari Studios - Tattoo Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Hands down, the best tattoo shop you'll find around. I've been coming here for a few years, and have not once been disappointed by any work I have gotten done here. Even had some of my closest friends come and get work done here, and have never been more impressed by any other shop. Jim Quinn shows exceptional professionalism and work ethic in all of the work and interactions I have experienced here. Jim Quinn, shop owner, is a fantastic artist and great person to know. I've personally enjoyed every interaction from him, as well as learned a lot from him on a personal level. Very well talented in arts outside of tattooing (check out his shadow boxing art), you'll see the level of professionalism I speak of by walking into the shop. Very clean, comfortable and inviting; you'll feel right at home as soon as you walk in. On top of that, all the artists here are exceptional in their own rights, and you for sure will find at least one artist here who can perform the work that you're looking to have done. Great job guys, and keep it up! read more

Istari Studios - 6 roses and dia de los muertos inspired skulls; done by Jim Quinn - Tattoo Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Let's get down to it: I don't know much about quality tattoos. My first tattoo was done at enchanted dragon, it hurt like hell, and I hated looking at it. After researching, I decided Istari looked like an awesome shop. So, I called to see about making an appointment. I called, and spoke to Jay, who was chatty and friendly. I told him what I wanted (a cover up on the ugly mess, with water color flowers) and he immediately told me I needed to see Justin. So, he took my number, and promised to have Justin call me. An hour later, he did, and after chatting about what I wanted, we set up a time to have a look at my arm, and look at designs. Well, on the day of my appointment I made my friend come with me, he worked at Fast Lane, so I trusted him to tell me if the shop looked shady. We walked in, and we're blown away. It's a pretty shop, and Jay greeted us right away. He offered us a tour, after having me fill out some paperwork. After that, it was time to get started! Justin and I chatted, and he drew up the design on my arm. I couldn't have been more excited! We got settled in and down to work. I won't say justin has a light hand, but it didn't hurt, (just normal tattoo ouchies) and Jay popped by more than once to see if I wanted a coke, or anything. 4 hours later, I have a half sleeve of beautiful water color flowers covering up the nasty piece that plagued my arm. I couldn't be happier with my tattoo! Don't hesitate to go see Justin! I'll definitely be going back! read more

Istari Studios - Thank you Justin! - Tattoo Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Went into Istari looking to get a memorial piece for a family member and I wanted a realistic rose with the name below it. I had been to a few other shops, all of which tried either talking me out of my idea or some even telling me my idea was "generic". Not at Istari. I met with Roman Casillas and after telling him what I was looking for I was booked. I had checked out his instagram (You should too! @elchangofeo) and knew that this was my guy, he'd do exactly what I was imagining. Wrong. But in the BEST way. My rose tattoo came out perfect, better than I dreamed it up. It is seriously the perfect way to remember Levi. He is definitely light on the hands where it counts and he made those three hours seem to fly by because I was mesmerized at seeing the rose come to life. I have one other small tattoo and the next day it was itchy as hell, this tattoo already is set the next day, no pain, no itch. So I'm thinking this one will set well and look just as good after the healing process. If you're looking for a realistic tattoo, or anything floral, he's the absolute best! read more

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Came in to get a very special tattoo to me that is in my mom's handwriting. My artist was Colt and he was beyond awesome! read more

Istari Studios - Tattoo Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I have been working on a piece with Alex for a few months now. His attention to detail is incredible. We will hopefully finish it up next month, after this round heals and I will post a picture, so you are going to have to check back for the big reveal! Istari is an excellent, hip shop that is super clean, has a great vibe and is a very comfortable and enjoyable place to get a tattoo. All of the artists have their own style and energy and it all comes together in one cool joint. I highly recommend it. read more

Edited review: Originally I was thrilled to find this place...see below for my original 5-star review. That being said about half-way through a back tattoo the artist up and moved out of state. This is obviously not something that a company can prevent but notification would have been nice. I called three times over the course of a month attempting to make an appointment before I was finally told that the artist was gone. Original review: If I could give this place 100 stars, I would. Cozy atmosphere, personalized attention from the artists, and they always have awesome music playing. I found the studio online while searching for a cover up artists for a couple of tattoos I have on my back. Jerry, based on some reference art I brought in during our initial consultation, drew me a custom cover-up piece. It isn't finished yet, but is coming along beautifully and Jerry is always very willing to work with my schedule and tolerance which allows me to sit in shorter sessions if I need to. Tip: Parking kind of sucks. There is free parking on 10th street, West of Park Avenue. read more

A GREAT choice for my first tatto. Jim Quinn is a true artist, very experienced, and good human being. Jim is easy to work with from turning your concept into a design to making it come to be on you, ensuring you are proud of your tatto and care along the way. I cannot recommend Jim and Istari Studios enough. read more

9/6/2017 Awesome experience with Jim Quinn at Istari Studios. Jim worked with me to develop the design of my sleeve and ink'd the first stage (Gibson Les Paul headstock) last night. His skill is amazing and price more than reasonable. I look forward to filling out the sleeve, as well as other tattoo opportunities at Istari. 1/11/2018 - several tattoos later, continue to be super impressed with artists at Istari. Jim is nearly finished with my music sleeve (left arm). I'll post the photo if I can figure out how. Jim is also doing an amazing undersea scape for my wife. Beautiful! Also working with Colt Macias. Colt does awesome furry animals. He did an awesome wolf for my right shoulder and is finishing up an amazing tiger on my right forearm. Amazing, amazing work. All the artists at Istari are heads and shoulders above other studios we researched. I think you will get a super tattoo, no matter who you select. read more

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I love tattoos! I have been fascinated by them since I was a little kid (seriously, if I could have gotten a tattoo at 6, I would have). Since my 18th birthday I have been amassing a modest collection on strategic parts of my body. I move around a lot so finding a tattoo artist that fits and can share and help create my vision is quite the task! After months of searching online and through the phone book (old fashioned, I know) I had narrowed the selection down to three artists, then, one night I was out listening to a local band when I noticed the ink on this guy in front of me. I couldn't help it, I tapped him on the shoulder and asked who had done his work. He told me Jim Quinn at Istari Studios, handed me a card and the rest is history (marked indelibly on my skin). Istari Studios is clean and has an awesome vibe about it. Definitely loved the comfortable, intimate feeling that the studio gives off. Jim is one of the best artists I have been to. Professional, creative and laid back. Had a truly enjoyable experience and a beautiful piece of art. I think I am due for another one pretty soon! read more

Istari is a great studio with talented artists. Roman is a great artist and good guy to work with. I had my first piece done last year, with the other arm done months later also by Roman. Going back next month for some additional work and know it will be great and unique. Thanks for everything, this is not your typical studio. read more

Great place! Great service, AMAZING artists!!! They will take their time to make sure that you get exactly what you want! You will not be disappointed! read more

Very nice and professional environment. Great artists. Already got two pieces of work done here, can't wait for the third one.

This shop has amazing and supportive artists that want to not only see your vision come to life, but aim to exceed your expectations. Waiting to get my second session with Roman so he can finish up my arm and I really can't wait to go back. I cannot even describe how excited I am about the peice he started for me. This shop has such a peaceful and chill vibe, you feel welcomed and listened to from the moment you set up a consultation. My advice-if the artist you want is booked out, be patient-there is a reason they are so much in demand and the wait is SO WORTH it. Trust me. read more

Thanks Roman for fixing the worst tattoo on my back, he's really talent n gentle,his works are awesome!

Roman's craft is pretty incredible. The artwork I have had him do for me and have seen on my friends blows my mind every single time. This is just barely breaking the seal. His attention to detail, the cleanliness, the laid back/easy going experience make every tattoo easier for me to start thinking about the next one and the next time I can get in there! Plus, he is just a good dude. Everyone in the shop is so friendly and professional. Five stars all day, every day! read more

Hands down, the best artists and shop in Tucson! I've had work done a few places in town, and Istari is the only place I recommend.

When I decided to get inked, I waited over a year before I started. I did my research and homework. I found Jenny D. She was able to take my piss poor, tequila induced ideas and drawings and turn them into works of art! She listens to what you want, I mean she really listens! She takes her time to get to know why and how it's important to you. If you have been looking for a artist that's going to take the time and energy to give you exactly what you want, check out Jenny D. She'll give you a tattoo that you'll be proud of! I started with one, we're working on my fifth. Your money, your body, make it count! read more

Clean place, friendly people. And Chase is such an awesome tattoo artist. He gave our friend her first tattoo and was so kind and professional. He made her feel at ease and we love his work. read more

Pretty easy to find when it comes to location! They have a nice lobby. They also have a section where you can check out the artist's artwork! Jesus was great in responding to us for appointment details. Chance was also so great! Made the experience amazing! Very clean and comfortable. I will definitely come back :) read more

I got my very first tattoo done with Roman and I couldn't be happier! He made me feel relaxed and comfortable, and his tattoo work was incredible. I didn't have a specific design in mind, but what he drew up was perfect. His lines are sharp and his attention to detail is great. read more

Istari Studios - Roman did an outstanding job - Tattoo Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Art is pretty subjective so it's a bit difficult to leave a review on what you think looks cool versus what other people think looks cool. That said, this shop is really, really great as far as tattoo shops go. I've had Zip Howard do a full sleeve and giant chest piece on me so far. What I've seen, in spending a hundred or so hours in Zip's chair, from the other artists is top notch stuff. Jim (shop owner) has collected a select group of some of Tucson's best artists. Everybody there is really professional and courteous. The shop manager and helpers keep everything clean, well organized, and make sure the artists schedules are looked after. All of this is important since a lot of tattoo artists can be real flaky. I think you would be hard pressed to find a better custom tattoo shop in Tucson. The caliber and stylistic diversity of the artists that works here, along with how well Jim and his helpers keep things running, would make anyone really impressed with the work they'd have done here. read more

I got my first tattoo here by Jim. I'm in love with it and have nothing bad to say about the experience. Everyone at Istari is friendly and professional. The atmosphere is cozy and well decorated with a lot of unique art. When I get another tattoo I am definitely going back to Istari. read more