Came in showed them what I wanted (small tattoo). Asked me to wait. Waited for 30-40 minutes while he cleaned up. Came up to me and said it was $150 shop minimum (understandable) and to come back once I found something more substantial to get. Would have been nice if he was up front and shared the shop minimum from the beginning. read more

I recently got my first tattoo at left hand black by Alex Edge. He was so great!! I came in as a walk in and he helped me through the process. I came in with a sketch of what I wanted, he gave me some ideas on how to make it better. He tweaked my sketch and made it a million times better! I came in spontaneously so I was still indecisive about everything. He gave me tips on where to put my tattoo and it wasn't as painful as I expected. He knew what he was doing. He's definitely a cool guy too! I am for sure coming back to get my next tattoo from him. He charged me $200 for my walk in and I'd definitely say i got my money's worth :-) I love it. read more

Left Hand Black - Rose tattoo on my forearm by Alex Edge! - Tattoo Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

I was looking for a place to get a sleeve started, left hand black was one of the few shops that actually emailed me back and could get me in at a decent time. They suggested Chris Dykes work on it. I emailed him pictures of what I wanted. When I saw the sketch I was blown away. He took my ideas and made them look incredible. Truly a great artist. All of the workers in the shop are kind and professional. Chris is very easy to get in contact with via email. I love my ink and I get compliments frequently. read more

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Great shop to get some custom work. If you can think of it Turk can draw it and, more importantly, tattoo it. This guy is the tattoo getters tattoo artist. He knows how to make the experience a great one and walk out with some killer art. He know getting a tattoo is not the most comfy of experiences, so he gets some quality done in a timely manner. I came to him with a concept and he came up with a few drawings. We hybrided 2 together went from there. I even had him change a few things to get it perfect. He was more than willing to accommodate and make it truly a one of a kind piece of art on my canvas (me). Did the tattoo exactly as I wanted it. Could not be happier! read more

I have been following Jacob Henry for quite some time and decided to bite the bullet and get my tattoo done by him (it was a partial cover up). And I am blown away! He transferred his art perfectly onto my arm and it's better than ever expected. He listened to everything I wanted and gave me ample opportunity to change anything and make the tattoo exactly what I envisioned (but his sketch was dead on). Not only is it beautiful but I had SO much fun. It was an evening well spent. He was so accommodating and kind and it felt like hanging out with a friend. I never thought a tattoo experience could be great but this one was! I will post a photo of it when it is all healed. read more

I came to this shop first for it's art opening in the early fall and I have to say that I was blown way by how comfortable and inviting it was. The shop extremely clean looking, and while the wall and most of the furniture is grey and black there are colors bursting from all corners of the shop in the form of painting and drawings. Scattered all around are various taxidermy and skulls, and yet they seem quite inviting inside and next to the beautiful wood counter, and the comfortable antique furniture in the front of the shop. The people who work there are very friendly, and helpful, making this shop an excellent place for anyone looking to get their first tattoo. In fact, since the front of their shop is a working art gallery it makes seeing the art is a great excuse to peak into the shop to see exactingly why you need to decorate your skin. Crystal Turk, the gallery's curator is constantly updating the shop with amazing art done by a wide range of established an up and coming artists This brings us to the real reason you need to come to LHB. Turk who is the owner and artist, is by far one of the best tattoo artist around. He is charismatic and the shop is professional. His portfolio is filled with unique and beautiful examples of his tattoos and hung through out the shop are examples of some his other mediums of inspiring art. I love the tattoo I received from Turk and felt at ease as he guided me through the creation of the design for my tattoo. LHB was not my first shop to be tattooed in but it is by far my favorite. Whether you come in for the art or to get tattooed you will not be disappointed by the Left Hand Black. read more

I had an incredible experience here, I got my first tattoo from Jacob and I am absolutely thrilled with it! The shop is really cool with awesome art all around and creepy looking horror movie decorations and most importantly a street fighter vs. X-men arcade machine! The staff is extremely helpful, friendly and professional. All the artists care about their art form which gave me a sense of security, I knew as soon as I walked in, that I walked into the right place. You won't be disappointed here! read more

Left Hand Black - Done by Jacob! - Tattoo Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

There are a lot of tattoo shops in San Diego and there are a lot of good and talented artists. If you're looking for the best, come to Left Hand Black. Hands down. I brought Turk an idea and he made it a reality. This is a clean shop with great artists and the master himself. If you are looking for solid work all around, seriously, go here. If you want a custom piece of art that will be with you until you die, you can stand the wait list to get an appointment. Thanks LHBLK! read more

Turk is a master of the ink! He's doing my tattoo and I should have never went to someone else to add something really stupid to my arm! Turk is such a genius; that he can even make this look good! Bit of advice: come in with your idea and let Turk do his magic! Remember, we are not artists and TURK is more than an artist; he is the Yoda of tattoo'ing... read more

Let me preface this by saying I'm the master of psyching myself out about tattoos. I have a few but every time, I worry about the pain and always need a friend to come with me. After looking on Yelp, I decided Left Hand Black was going to be the place I got my next (most meaningful) tattoo. I lost my dog in February, my best friend of 9 years, to cancer. I wanted to commemorate her by tattooing her exact paw print on my ankle - so she would always be walking with me. I met with Chris and he was immediately sympathetic, as was everyone that worked in the shop. Fellow dog lovers. These guys are super friendly and awesome. I rescheduled about five times but Chris was really flexible and understanding. I like to think he could tell I was nervous. :) Chris took the mold I had of my dogs paw print and was able to scan it and draw the details exactly. I am so thrilled with the result and would recommend him to anyone. Thanks so much for helping me create an everlasting memory of my favorite furry friend! read more

You can definitely go somewhere else in San Diego and get it done for a tiny bit cheaper, but TRUST ME, the quality and service will NOT be the same. I had my work done by Matthew, and this has probably been the best tattoo experience I've ever had. All the staff was very knowledgeable and friendly, and not once did I ever feel rushed. Most importantly my art came out exactly as i expected. Definitely will be going back and would absolutely recommend. read more

I recently went in and requested that a design be created to disguise a scar around my belly button. Chance created something to match my personality and take into account the safety of the zone he would be working within. Though I had been in for two other tattoos prior to COVID, I was amazed by the experience despite the strain of added health precautions. The team is so incredibly professional and accommodating. I'm always blown away by their service and work, particularly now! Overall, it had to be my best tattoo experience yet. read more

I can't speak highly enough of the experience that I had a Left Hand Black. I emailed Turk through the website with some ideas and he responded quickly and enthusiastically. I immediately felt comfortable with him in discussing the work that I wanted done and the challenges that we might face in covering up some old art. Within a few minutes of our consult appointment, he had figured out exactly what I wanted based on a few ideas that I threw his way. After seeing the sketch he came up with, I was blown away with how well he'd incorporated everything I wanted and I was thoroughly impressed with his artistic skills (he even free-handed some stuff after I wanted to add more). I couldn't be more pleased with the tattoo he gave me. The shop itself is great, too. It functions as a gallery for great artwork in every medium. As a fan of horror, oddities, and curiosities I felt right at home. The staff is professional and courteous, but not so much so that it takes the fun out of it. It should be noted that the studio is super clean. Turk is very safety conscious and nowhere does that attention to detail show more than in the safe handling of equipment. I had a fun time hanging out and getting tattooed, yapping about current events, sharing love for Glenn Danzig, and getting teased for being in pain (or sweating...or needing to shave my arms). You owe it to yourself to stop by Left Hand Black and check it out. If it's your first tattoo or just your next tattoo, you'll have a great experience. read more

First Review of 2014. WHAT!! This place is amazing. The vibe here is not to be missed. There are cabinets filled with vintage medical equipment, skulls, dead animals and other great must see items. They have art shows throughout the year showcasing amazing work. Turk is my tattoo artist and the owner. He makes lying in a chair for 4 hours, while he drills your ribs feel like I am taking a nap on my couch. Definitely check them out when considering your next piece of art.. You wont be disappointed. read more

This place is the sh**! I chose Turk to do my first tattoo. Which turned out to be a 3/4 sleeve. They make you feel so comfortable and despite there appearance with skulls whole skeletons stuffed bear heads and nude images, it's clean and extremely professional. He will make room for you if you need to and will do what he can to get you the absolute best tattoo you can. He will be honest while still working with you and your ideas to get it just right. I went back and had my feet tattooed and will be back one last time before I leave for japan! Thanks Turk and Brandon for always working around my busy schedule. Highly recommended. read more

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Gary at left-hand black knocked it out of the park!! The place is incredibly clean and they're quick and efficient. read more

Left Hand Black - Tattoo Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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I chose Left Hand Black for my first tattoo. Marc, my artist was aweome. He listened to me and captured the essence of what I wanted to do! The entire experience was above my expectations! I was very comfortable and all the staff treated me with respect and by the time I left ( 4 and 1/2 hours later !) I felt like family ! My tattoo is a work if art ! Thank you Marc and all the guys ! read more

Got my first tattoo from Marc at LHB and had an amazing experience. Going in I had a concept for a very fine and detailed tat, so the shop recommended Marc and I was not disappointed! He did an epic job taking my concept and turning it into something I love. Marc was easy to work with throughout the process and is a great artist! Everyday I'm still amazed at the detail he was able to incorporate into the tattoo. My overall experience with the shop was great too! It was very easy to schedule the consult, appointment, and follow-up. The shop is super clean and has a great vibe to it, and all the guys are very friendly (and happy to answer my many questions). Especially as a first timer, I felt right at home. read more

First things, first: TURK. IS. THE. MAN. Okay, now that that is out of the way, we can begin. My first interaction with the shop started back in August of 2013. I was deployed overseas and knew I wanted to get started on my sleeve when I got back to the States. I sent them an email, explaining that I was deployed, so I wouldn't be able to come by the shop for a consultation. They said "No Problem", and I sent them pictures of my arm and some ideas of what I wanted. Turk agreed to do the tattoo, and we set up an appointment for Oct. Then my deployment got extended indefinitely. I shot them an email explaining what happened, and that I wasn't going to be home by Oct. I was worried Turk was going to think I was bailing on them, since they waived the deposit. It was the exact opposite; he was completely understanding and would reschedule when I got home. I finally got home in November and my wife and I made a trip to the shop to talk to Turk. The shop wasn't what I expected...in a good way. It was more like a museum. Super clean, Badass artwork everywhere, and super friendly folks. I introduced myself, and they already remembered my whole situation. We set our first appt up for Jan. Yes, 2 months out. Yes, he is booked that far out. And Yes, he is that good. I have now had 2 sessions, a total of 7 hours, and all that is left is color. Turk is THE best in San Diego. I look at my friends tattoo's from other artist's around town, and I haven't seen better work than Turk. Bottom line: If you want something where everyone you meet, from the barista at your local coffeeshop to a random stranger walking by you on the street, will compliment your tattoo and ask you where you got it, then go to Left Hand Black. read more

Left Hand Black - Tattoo Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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Awesome shop and Rad people! Thanks for the great ink John

I've been going to Turk for about a year now and I can say he will be my tattoo artist indefinitely for all of the future pieces I will get. I had already been to a few different artists before I found Turk for small and large tattoos. I came to him with a few ideas and he sat me down and explained what would work and what wouldn't work. We collaborated and came out with a sleeve that I couldn't be any more proud of. My friends have also gotten pieces from the other artists there like Alex, Chris and Jacob and they all have been beautiful pieces of work. Clean, professional and extremely knowledgeable. You can't go wrong here. Best tattoo shop in San Diego hands down. read more

Left Hand Black - The script and diamond were from a previous(lesser skilled) artist. Turk worked around it. - Tattoo Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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Friendly, professional, clean, with good custom artists. I've had work done all over the country and this studio is aces. I got a simple, shirt piece of text and they were able to book me on same day. Jacob did the work and was fantastic in planning it out *with* me. Some artists are too into their own vision and some don't give enough guidance, but Jacob hit the sweet spot that I was comfortable with. Lovely shop, lovely people. read more

Walked in, just visiting San Diego, Chris worked us into the schedule. Chris set a comfortable environment for us right off, sketched out our idea and finished mine and my girlfriends tattoos fast. Thanks Chris. Would definitely return if in the area. read more

Left Hand Black - A fine attention to detail, Chris did great. - Tattoo Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

We were in San Diego for the weekend and came in as a walk in. Chris (I believe that was his name) took a lot of time drawing up my tattoo and made sure it was unique. He took the picture I gave him and made it better! The rest of the guys in the studio were fun and welcoming. Super clean place. And I love my tattoo! read more

Left Hand Black - Tattoo Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

This place was so damn clean it was ridiculous and I LOVED every bit of it. Everyone is very friendly and nice, Tattoo came out great and I plan on going back to get more work dinner by Gary. read more

I've gotten a couple tattoos here and plan on getting more. First class shop and artists. Clean and professional. Fair prices. Cool vibe. Highly recommended. read more

Adam Turk is an incredible artist. Turk has tattooed me for the past five years and I have been extremely satisfied with every piece I've had the privilege of getting from him. He is very easy to work with and has a great sense of humor. The shop is immaculate, always clean and the environment is welcoming, thanks to his wife Crystal and assistants. The shop holds art shows in the gallery (run by his wife) every few months, which makes very visit exciting because there is new art to view and buy. This shop's talent and atmosphere is beyond any other I have every encountered. I've recommended Turk to many family members and close friends over the years who have grown to love Turk's work as much as me. I have a great time every time I visit and plan on giving Left Hand Black my business for years to come. read more

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I'm from Seattle and while visiting a friend in San Diego last week, we spontaneously decided to get tattoos. This was my second tattoo and her first. The guys at Left Hand Black were phenomenal! Not only did Jacob do a great job on both of our tattoos, but everyone who worked there was kind, funny, and inviting. We both loved our experience there. I have been planning my next tattoo for a year and a half, but I think I'll wait to get it until next time I'm down in San Diego. This place is just too good. read more

Getting a tattoo at Left Hand Black is an experience like no other. The shop always immensely clean and well organized, and full of beautiful artwork. Owner and tattoo artist Adam Turk and his wife Crystal make you feel completely comfortably and at home while you are there. I willingly to drive the four hours it takes me from where I live to get tattooed by Adam Turk and he far exceeds my expectations every time I get a tattoo from him. The enthusiasm and care he puts into every tattoo is like nothing I have seen by any other artist. I always look forward to seeing the Left Hand Black family and will be continually be giving him my business and look forward to many more years of an always highly satisfied product. read more

Best tattoo shop I've been to. Very clean professional and a great location! You will not be disappointed with LHB, I promise!

I recently finished a three session thigh piece with the owner of the shop, Turk. I am incredibly happy with every aspect of my experience at Left Hand Black and I can't imagine going anywhere else for my future tattoos! The shop is beautiful and it is obvious he takes great pride in his business. If you want the best, go to Left Hand Black!! read more

My Lyft driver told me about this place, so on a whim, I decided to get tatted up on my vacay. Super cute neighborhood. Jason Capps was guest tattooing and did me up right. I love my new ink. read more

I originally went to Full Circle Tattoo, described what I wanted, put a deposit, and made my appointment. So I already have a tattoo on the outside of my arm, and a script on the inside of my arm, so I wanted to bring the tattoo together and add a few things (dove, roses, clouds, etc.). A couple weeks later, I arrive to my appointment at FCT and the artist I was scheduled with say he couldn't do what I wanted. I don't get why you didn't tell me this when I originally scheduled with you and told you exactly what I wanted on my first visit...? They asked if I wanted to book with a different artist, but I decided against so I took my deposit back and decided to head down the street to Left Hand Black. Anyway, I'm not here to bag on FCT, but to praise LHB 'cause they're the shit. JACOB was my tattoo artist, and the guy is awesome. He spent over an hour just talking to me and understanding what I wanted, and that I had trust in him to do some free styling and allow him to get creative. After three sessions (plus a free touch up session 1-2 months after my last session), my tattoo is finally done, and I couldn't be happier. Everything from the strict lines to the shading, I am very pleased with how my tattoo turned out. Thanks again Jacob, you're the man and I'm sure I'll get something else done by you in the future. Also, during my few sessions I was able to see some of the work done by owner, Turk, and the other tattoo artist, John, and I truthfully like each of their work. Each with their own style, but each with a ton of skill. Check them out! read more

There's only a handful of fully custom tattoo shops in San Diego, I would have to say this is the best, Aesthetically and artistically. I've been tattooed at some really great shops; NY Adorned, Guru, Avalon, but the vibe and overall feel of this place takes the cake. Adam Turk's tattoo work and overall understanding of art and composition is amazing. To sit and work with an artist that understands ideas and puts them on paper and can translate them to tattoos is unbelievable. Turk is also a very versatile artist and is constantly coming up with new ways to draw tattoo ideas, each tattoo I have is very unique and timeless (and i'm starting on my second sleeve). I think it's really important to feel comfortable in a tattoo shop - This place achieves that feeling, just walking in and seeing the art gallery it's obvious this shop is art driven. There are no walls of flash to pick out a tattoo. They hold a lot of art showings from amazing artists from around the world, even if you're no looking at getting tattooed I would check out the gallery and just come in to see all the oddities at the front counter! read more

Couldn't be happier with my tat. Matthew was awesome! Was referred here and I'm so glad I went. Super friendly and they took the time to design exactly what I wanted. read more

John Sabin is amazing. Love him. Experienced and a cognoscente. Shop is clean unique artistic and clean. You get the feeling that you are in a deep art gallery. Excellent group of artists. Plenty of art to ponder while getting ink. These are professionals not hobbyists. Will be returning. read more

I got my first tattoo here about two and a half years ago and I love it! The shop was very clean with a nice atmosphere. Dan was able to sketch up the idea I had in mind and did not disappoint. I'll be going back as soon as I finalize the idea I'm working with for the next one. read more

Hands down, the best spot in SD to get work done. Turk is not only ridiculously talented in the technical aspect, but extremely creative and aware of aesthetics and the flow of the artwork on the body. The atmosphere of the shop is professional, comfortable, and fun, and every time I've been here I've left with top-tier work and a smile. I've recommended it to numerous friends and have received nothing but very positive feedback... which is why I'm recommending it to the entire internet, I suppose. read more

I was recommended to Turk by a friend of mine and I was not disappointed. The shop is a fantastic place. The people who work there are friendly and helpful. I originally went in there for a small coverup that turned into a half sleeve project. Turk was amazing with my requests. He drew something that was much greater than what I originally requested. He sent it prior to my appointment date for my review. We also went over the drawing on the date of my appointment. He was helpful in adjusting the sizing to one that I was happy with. I had a fantastic time during my tattooing as well. The guys at the shop were super funny. My time there flew past with all the jokes and laughs. The end result was amazing. I have a fantastic tattoo. I am going back for shading and rest of sleeve. I would highly recommend this place and especially Turk. read more

Left Hand Black - Raaawr! - Tattoo Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

This shop is a hidden gem! I am so happy I found this place I walked in on a Sunday evening and got a tattoo, sooo badass! Chris did and amazing job I am so happy with my tattoo. I will be coming back for sure! read more