I am near 40 now and had never gotten a tattoo before, so with much trepidation and care, I began my search for the artist who would be able to tell my story and leave a legacy on my skin for the rest of my earthly life. So glad to have found this artist in Pat at King's Tattoo.
I visited and consulted with 6 (SIX!) different shops (2 in Fremont, 2 in Dublin, 1 in Hayward, and this one in San Leandro) - all found through Yelp, mind you, and most of them with 5 to 15 times more reviews, but ultimately decided on Pat and am so glad I did. Here are the reasons I went with him.
1) Every person ultimately has to choose the tattoo artist that they feel most comfortable with but the first reason I went with Pat is because, more than anyone else I talked to, he makes you feel like a FRIEND from the moment you walk in. Not all, but many of the other places I went to felt so ... business-y. I don't know how to describe it other than kind of stuffy and filled with waivers and procedures and getting you in and out as quick as possible. Nothing against them...I run a business, too, and completely respect this part of it, but didn't want to feel like a product on an assembly line for something so important. Pat was warm and chill and laid back from the beginning. He patiently listened to my idea and offered a creative suggestion that ultimately improved upon it. (More on that in point #2.) Throughout the tattoo process he was also quick to implement any suggestions I had based on what I wanted.
2) TALENT. Can't believe that as of 2018 this man has "only" been tattooing for six years! Years don't mean anything if you don't have talent and this man has it in spades. As of June 2018 his Instagram handle is @kings_projectpat (this may change over time). Check it out! The man's work is so clean! He truly is versatile with regard to styles of tattoos, doing everything from realistic/futuristic black and whites to color. Look at my tattoo! I love it! So here's my story: I was born and raised in Hawaii and these iconic islands are known as "The Mokes" located off the east side of Oahu off the beautiful shores of Lanikai (one of the Top 10 beaches in the world). I came to Christ when I was 18 and was baptized on those very shores. At first I knew I wanted the cross and the islands but wasn't sure where to put the cross. He suggested that I incorporate it into the waters as a sign of my baptism...genius! Look at his line work on my tattoo! The outline of my cross is perfect and so clean. Look at the detail of the islands! The shading is so nuanced and detailed and the outline could not have turned out any better; all my Hawaii friends instantly recognize it. Also check out the texture and the gradations of shading on my beautiful blue ocean....love it!
3) AFFORDABILITY. I ain't gonna tell you how much it cost (you can message me though), but suffice it to say, based on the hourly rates the other places quoted me, if these other places had taken the time that Pat had on my tattoo, this tattoo would have easily cost 3-4 times as much. Pat took so much time and care with my tattoo. You can tell he is truly proud of his craft and cares about each and every final product. I loved the fact that he quoted me based on my piece versus hourly so I didn't need to poop my pants watching the clock and hours and seeing my bank account shrink.
Pat is kind, talented, easy on the budget, and quick to respond to messages (not the case with many other parlors, I assure you). I recommend him wholeheartedly and without hesitation. Book with this man now before he blows up! He's going to, I promise. read more