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La Vida Tattoo

3.7 (20 reviews)
ModerateTattoo
Closed • 1:00 pm - 10:00 PM

La Vida Tattoo Photos

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Tee is amazing. Clean lines, super detailed! I explained what I wanted and he went above and beyond. Clean facilities, very professional.

Gustavo P.

I went to artist Saul Mora for a portrait of my father and a tree frog on my left forearm. There's no denying the art is great. However, the professionalism of the artist and shop left much to be desired. I've been getting tattooed for more than 28 years, literally longer than Saul's been alive. I've never had a tattoo get infected until this one. When I mentioned it to Saul, he made zero apology and inferred the infection was my fault by asking if I'd properly cleaned the tattoo. He did suggest I go to a doctor for antibiotics, which I did. I didn't hear from him again until he tried to confirm our next appointment a few weeks later. I'm not saying the infection was his fault, but only he and I were in the room when I got tattooed. Common sense and customer service demands at least some level of accountability and concern. The infected part of the tattoo was in my late father's eyes, the keystone area of a good portrait. Though Saul is artistically skilled, his technique and bedside manner are extremely weak. Over the years, 15 artists before him tattooed me. All basically said the same thing: My skin is soft, tender and subject to scarring if care is not taken. Saul pounded ink into my arm. The infected areas were the parts he pounded particularly deep, tearing at raw, tender skin. These were the parts I recall hurting most. I've been to a variety of shops. All were run in different ways. All the artists took care to make sure my experience was a good one, and I've been a repeat customer of many. Most shops weren't as rowdy as this one; the focus was usually on the client, not the other artists, and my time was not rushed nor wasted. This shop was very different. Saul took his sweet time when I got there - I waited about 2 hours for the stencil to be placed on my arm. In the end, he seemed to be rushing me out. I usually ask the artist to let the tattoo do its final bleed out in the shop so that it can be cleaned one last time before being bandaged. This tends to prevent anything from getting stuck to the bandage. Saul ignored my request and did as he pleased. During the session, Saul was quite distracted by other artists in connecting rooms on either side of us (who also had clients). They razzed one another over blaring music in a manner inappropriate for customer's ears. I waited a long time to get my forearm done so that the portrait of my father would be perfect, or as close to perfect as a tattoo can get. I chose Saul for the job after doing my research, but I should've researched more. Normally these issues and distractions aren't problems in and of themselves; they're non-existent or very short interruptions. But when something goes wrong as this one did, I can't help but recap the session's events and wonder if a more focused and attentive artist would've done a better job technique-wise. There are also some minor points I feel I should mention. I have a forearm cuff on my right arm and it was important to me that the left arm tattoo went down as far as the right. However, the new tattoo is 1 inch shorter than that of my right arm. I was very clear about what I wanted, but again Saul did what hewanted. Or maybe he didn't hear me over the music and playful racial/homophobic insults to his coworkers. Additionally, the tattoo doesn't resemble a cuff - the edges are not squared off at the top. For $600 I feel like I purchased the right to have my concerns and requests adhered to. They were not. I also feel I was overcharged, given the time spent. But that's another post. I would've paid double to have avoided an infection and gotten exactly what I wanted. My overall report is that I would not go back to Saul Mora. He needs to mature and learn how to run a proper business. Maybe I'm old school but I miss the old way of doing tattoo business, in which the customer gets what he wants and the artist is focused on the client. Going to La Vida Tattoo is a gamble. Now I have a tattoo that needs to be touched up, but I have absolutely no desire to let Saul near my arm with a tattoo machine again. Maybe time and Saul's maturity will change my mind.

Septum and the lip piercing on the right done by Glare
Kitty M.

This is my new favorite place to get tattoos and piercings when I visit family in LA. Glare is always super nice when I drop in randomly. The place is always clean and I don't feel uncomfortable like I have in other places. Definitely recommend people to drop by to get some work done here if you are in the Los Angeles area.

Matryoshka by Edge
Caroline F.

Very professional and inviting. Felt super comfortable and love my tattoos by Edge!

He tried to convince me it was a chemical burn and he's been tattooing for ten years!!!
Annette M.

Worst experience ever! It starts when I went in on my lunch break Saturday the 30th of May. I was greeted by whom I thought was a tattoo artist. I explained exactly what I wanted. A very simple, one inch line with four dots on top. I asked if we can get it done within the hour. He said he needed more time to prepare. I asked of he can see me after 8. He said it was fine and to call when I'm on my way. I had my friend call for me and say I was on my way. He said he'd be ready by the time I got there. I work right across the street. He was not ready. It took him 30 or so minutes to get his stuff together. It was 8:30. He did not own nor have access to a proper tattoo chair. He had me sit upright in a chair to tattoo the middle of my collar bone. After about an hour of not being able to hold my head up, we switch from chair to old massage table. By the time he finished, it was 12:30 am. He was going to charge me 60 but charged me 40 dollars only because I left a $20 deposit with some other lame who got fired from there. I gave him a 20 dollar tip because I'm too nice. I asked if he knew the number of a cab and if I gave him money would he take me home. He used to work at the sister shop in Pacoima, where I live. So just as I assumed he was a tattoo artist I also assumed he knew the area. Around the corner from my house is a 7 11. He asked if he can wait in the car cause he doesn't like the neighborhood. He took 5 of the 10 I offered for gas and left. When I got inside my house and cleaned my tattoo, it burned so much. He rubbed me so hard from cleaning the area for four hours that I now have a rug burn on my chest. Photo will be added. I called him for my refund and he asked me not to go into the shop at the moment because the owner of the shop was there and he didn't want this to be the first thing she sees from him since he's been traveling for the past three weeks. I found out that day that he only does piercings. He gave me 40 dollars back. What a fucking an buster. A fake, paint job buster!!! I am definitely never going back to LA Vida Tattoo, ever!!!

Got introduced by my best friend and ever since i been coming here to get my work done. Everybody is always welcoming and never leave disappointed. Chris is an amazing tattoo artist and Glare took my dermal out and healed amazing. I highly recommend this shop.

Done by Chris Boykins

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11 years ago

Very professional tattoo shop and super clean. I've got 20+ hours of work done on my arm by Chris and I'm so happy with every detail.

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Ask the Community - La Vida Tattoo

Review Highlights - La Vida Tattoo

“Chris is very professional and easy to talk with I knew from the beginning that I'm in good hands.”

Mentioned in 6 reviews

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The Fig Leaf Tattoo - Plants in a mason jar by Ian

The Fig Leaf Tattoo

5.0(246 reviews)
12.6 mi•Highland Park
•$$
Certified professionals
Women-owned & operated

I had been following June's tattoo instagram account for over a year, and had been wanting to get…read moremy first big tattoo in her signature colorful, botanical style, but was a bit nervous. I finally went ahead and booked a virtual consultation (being in San Diego). From the very beginning of the process, submitting the request to book, through the consultation itself, and coming in to get the tattoo, I had the most amazing experience. I felt comfortable that I was in the hands of the best team at this shop. Rob was super responsive with scheduling and questions. June created a beautiful design based on my references and feedback and added little touches that made it even better. When I showed up to my appointment, I was a little anxious, but it was such a cozy, beautiful studio and I felt welcomed and at ease by Rob and June. June took such great care to cover up the scars I wanted covered and make it look beautiful and flow well with the natural curves of my leg, and made sure I was comfortable throughout. After she finished her work, she brought out the professional camera to get the best pictures possible and promptly sent them to me the same night. You can tell she takes pride in her work (as she should!) I will absolutely be back for more tattoos in the future, and maybe add more to my leg sleeve. It was definitely worth the drive from San Diego to work with the right artist who made my vision come true!

I got really lucky and got a walk in appointment with June, who made my tattoo dreams come true…read more She did this adorable hippo with sunglasses and it came out better than I could have imagined. Her and Rob were so friendly and I hope to come back for more some day!!! Best tattoo boutique ever!!

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The Fig Leaf Tattoo - Our entrance is down a driveway.

Our entrance is down a driveway.

The Fig Leaf Tattoo - Excited customers in our waiting room

Excited customers in our waiting room

The Fig Leaf Tattoo - Artists working in one of our two work areas.

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Artists working in one of our two work areas.

Baron Art Tattoo Studio

Baron Art Tattoo Studio

4.8(291 reviews)
13.4 mi•Arts District, Downtown
•$$
Free consultations
Discounts available

I had an amazing experience with my upper conch piercing. Professional, skilled, and a lovely time…read more Thank you Lily!

I've followed Angie on Instagram for years and always admired her style, but I only recently…read moredecided to pull the trigger on a half-sleeve I'd been planning for a long time. I wanted a tiger paired with specific florals (forget-me-nots, honeysuckle, and narcissus paperwhites) all kept above the elbow. Angie brought my vision to life more beautifully than I could have imagined. The process at Baron Art was seamless. After submitting a consultation form, I heard back within 1-2 days and coordinated everything with Cat (Angie's assistant) via email. Cat was wonderful, detailed, and quick to reply. On the day of my appointment, I received digital aftercare instructions after I checked in. Before starting, Angie was incredibly patient. She adjusted the tiger's scale on her iPad to match my arm and printed several stencils to ensure the size and placement was just right. She then freehanded the florals, precisely incorporating the negative space I requested to keep the design from feeling too heavy. Angie is incredibly talented and has a light touch. Even the pain in the inner bicep area was manageable. She made sure I was comfortable throughout the 4 hour session, and the result was perfect. This piece means so much to me and is very close to my heart, as it's a memorial for my mom who passed away recently. The forget-me-nots were her favorite flowers, and the narcissus paperwhites and honeysuckle are our birth flowers. The tiger was the first stuffed animal that my parents bought for me when we first immigrated to the US. It was my "guardian" throughout my childhood. Angie, thank you very much for your kindness and for creating such a meaningful, beautiful piece. This was the first of two sessions, and I already love it so much--I can't wait to see how it turns out! Some notes: - Snacks: I brought along Gatorade and was sipping on it before and during my session. I ate some candy and had a protein bar during the breaks too. It helped so much to keep my blood sugar up. - Vibe: So relaxing! The studio was spacious, and they were playing a throwback playlist from like the 2010s lol. I was vibing out and didn't even use the earbuds I brought! Everyone was so friendly too! Throughout the session, I noticed a couple artists stopped by to admire Angie's work as she was doing the tiger :) - Parking: parking in this location wasn't actually too bad. There's a structure about a 5 min walk away from the studio down the street. Just turn right into the little street where the Arrow Lodge Brewing is at. Go in a little bit, and it's on the left hand side. If you reach S Santa Fe Ave, you've gone too far!

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Baron Art Tattoo Studio
Baron Art Tattoo Studio
Baron Art Tattoo Studio

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Oak & Poppy Tattoos and Piercings

Oak & Poppy Tattoos and Piercings

4.8(864 reviews)
9.7 mi•Woodland Hills
•$$
Certified professionals
8 years in business

There aren't the words to express just how comfortable and PAINLESS my experience was at the 3rd St…read moreOak and Poppy. Yesterday I got my septum pierced for my birthday. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly and immediately made to feel at ease. The shop itself is very clean and welcoming. The jewelry is beautifully displayed. I just wish I remembered the name of the woman who helped us because she made such an impression. She walked us through all the options at different price points in a way that felt completely neutral and respectful. There was no subtle steering toward something more expensive. It genuinely felt like whatever we chose was the right choice. Ivy, my piercer, was incredibly thorough and precise. I really want to stress how pleasant and painless this piercing was. I am talking pain level 0 out of 10. I AM NOT MAKING THAT UP. She is extremely clean in her process and talked me through every step so I always knew what was happening. The room itself felt like a doctor's office in terms of cleanliness and professionalism. I wanted to write this because there aren't many reviews here about septum piercings specifically. When I was searching for where I wanted to go, Oak and Poppy kept coming up but I didn't see many septum reviews. Ivy is a true professional in this work. It's clear she knows exactly what she's doing. The staff cares about the customer's experience and it shows every step of the way. If you're looking for a septum piercing and want an experience that feels comfortable, this is the place to go! Thank you Ivy! Thank you Oak and Poppy!

After dealing with a lot of trauma with ear piercing in my childhood, I knew I'd wait until my…read morechild was ready and chose for herself. She was back and forth, but now at 7.5, she decided she was READY. She almost convinced my husband to do it at the mall, but I'm glad they didn't. I heard about this place from other moms at her school, and I'm so glad we went. They squeezed us in immediately and were just great. Always spoke directly to my daughter, explained the process. Went though jewelry, explained all of that. I didn't get the name of the person who did the piercing, but he was amazing. He described everything to her, had her do deep breathing. It was done quick while also taking his time with everything. She felt secure and brave, I'm just so happy with her experience! I will definitely be going back after looking at some tattoo work as well, it all looked great.

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Oak & Poppy Tattoos and Piercings
Oak & Poppy Tattoos and Piercings
Oak & Poppy Tattoos and Piercings

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La Vida Tattoo - tattoo - Updated May 2026

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