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    NightShade Studios

    5.0 (42 reviews)
    ModerateTattoo

    By appointment only

    Services - NightShade Studios

    Tattooing

    NightShade Studios Photos

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    Keaton B.

    My experience with Genevieve was exceptional, and I cannot recommend her highly enough! It was so much fun to see her process of taking my reference images and some she found herself from freehand sketch to a finished masterpiece. We talked through placement, sizing, and composition each step of the way, and it was clear that she was really invested in the piece. Her studio is very relaxing and intimate. We each listened to a podcast during the 4-hour tattooing session, and she offered me water, snacks, and lidocaine cream to help me push through completing the piece in one day instead of two, which was the original plan. It was worth the wait!

    Outline
    Tara D.

    Perfection! Adorable spot in the city and refreshing to get tattooed by a woman in a woman owned studio. She understood my idea better than I did, and I LOVE my new tattoo!

    Lower right back

    This is my second visit to Genevieve and all I can say is that she is an amazing artist. Earlier this year she created a beautiful work of art on my lower back, and because she is so great - I needed more! Over this past weekend she covered up a small tattoo that I had prior from another artist, and then elaborated with such beautiful Polynesian and floral art to complement her original work. Genevieve is welcoming and makes you feel comfortable every step of the way. All I can say is that there is a reason for the longer wait to get in, and it was well worth it. I am so happy with everything. Thank you Genevieve!

    Rachel S.

    Genevieve is an amazing woman with magic hands! She's super accommodating and will do great things with whatever ideas you give her. I was looking for someone who could do a traditional Polynesian tattoo and I'm here to tell you that Genevieve is your girl! I'm having her do a three quarter sleeve on my arm! She also gives amazing discounts for longer sittings! :) She freehands everything also which I think is crazy! She's so precise and the lines are so clean.

    Bobbi B.

    I did extensive research for my tattoo this time around. Now 43, I hadn't been tattooed in over 20 years. I chose Genevieve from Castro Tattoo first of all for her kick ass work which shows in her portfolio on Instagram (huahine_tattoo). When I reached out via email, I pretty quickly received a very organized form email response which detailed the process from setting up an appointment through the actual tattoo. The process of hand drawing, rather than the use of stencils, really spoke to me. Genevieve is an artist, and watching her draw your vision on your skin with sharpies is such a fun experience. The shop is clean, well organized, beautifully decorated, and fun to be in. Genevieve is friendly, calm, and concerned with your well being throughout the tattoo. My tattoo is so beautiful- even better than I imagined. I am so happy I found Huahine Tattoo!

    My review is long overdue but, Genevieve is the artist to go to! She made me feel very comfortable throughout the entire process, and was very patient when it came to my low pain tolerance. I came in for two separate sessions and both times we worked out something I would like. I didn't have specific flowers in mind so I told her she could do basically anything she wanted, and the results were amazing. Her work is beautiful, and I'll always be happy that I went to her for my half sleeve.

    Simon S.

    Genevieve is a remarkable tattoo artist and individual. Last October I approached her with a bunch of ideas for a back piece and she worked with me using her experience and artistic capabilities to create a masterpiece. Over the course of 8 (or 9) sessions she transformed what started as freehand sketch on my back and added layers, depth and color resulting in a art I'm a proud to wear. Genevieve was always professional, she was always looking for ways to make the piece better and made me feel like a collaborator. Specific to the Polynesian nature of my tattoo Genevieve is extremely knowledgeable and took the time to tell a story that was unique to me. Last, but not least the shop is great, clean and has a great vibe. Perfect place to spend a few hours under he needle. They also get the aroma of fresh baked cookies wafting in at all hours.

    Genevieve is so much than a tattoo artist, she is an artist. I now have three pieces from her, and am so beyond impressed with them even years later. She makes you feel so comfortable during your appointment, and takes her time to make sure you love every aspect of your piece before tattooing. Her freehand style also makes sure that the piece lays on your body way more perfect than a stencil ever could. She will take your ideas and turn them into something much more beautiful than you ever even imagined! I am so happy that I found Genevieve years ago, and can't wait to come back!

    I got my first tattoo with Genevieve and she did a fantastic job. She consulted with me every step of the way so I got exactly what I wanted, and the process was super-chill and relaxing. Her studio is like hanging out in your friend's living room. Weeks later and I'm still in love with the work she did. Highly recommended if you're looking for a botanical tattoo.

    This turtle Genevieve added has a beautiful story that's close to my heart
    Stephanie G.

    Made it back to the city so Genevieve could add more of her beautiful work down my arm. As usual, she went above & beyond what I was picturing in my mind. Her work is amazing. She does everything freehand first to make sure it all flows right. Therefore, each and every piece is one of a kind. That's why it was so shocking to learn that some of her work was stolen and copied. Very disappointing and bad luck too! Really liked the atmosphere at the new place Castro Tattoo. Great vibe. So happy with my latest addition. Thank you G!

    The awesome tattoo Genevieve did for me.
    Cyrus Y.

    I have been looking for a Polynesian style tattoo artist for almost 2 years. I had gotten one 9 years ago. I wanted my old one darkened and possibly a new one on my other shoulder. There really is only a handful of Polynesian tattoo artists in the Bay Area. To be honest, the artist's work did not look authentic Polynesian. The tattoo I had done for me was from an artist from Tahiti so I had an idea of what a Polynesian style looked like. I did not see it with the artists here in the Bay. I was about to give up and save up money to go to Tahiti to get the work done. By chance, I googled Polynesian tattoo/San Francisco. I came across Genevieve's website. Her work looked amazing. I emailed her with pictures of my tattoo to see if it could be done. She said yes. We agreed to meet for a consultation for darkening the old tattoo and getting some ideas for new ones. We met where she took notes on what I was looking for, and what I wanted represented in my tattoo. She showed me pictures of past work and magazines with Polynesian tattoos. I decided to go with her for the darkening. She also said she would send me some sketches of a tattoo based on the notes she took from me. Through email she sent me some sketches and we agreed on a date. Tattoo day: Her location is very easy to get to from BART. When I got there, she showed me some more sketches and pictures which fit everything I mentioned in our first meeting. I wasn't sure if I wanted to get anything other than the darkening but after seeing what she came up with, I decided to get both done during the day. I have uploaded the work she did for me. I cannot be happier with the job she has done. She really listens to what your vision of your tattoo will be and puts it into a design. It's a sign of a great artist when the vision in your mind of what you want for a tattoo matches what she sketches. For those who are looking for Polynesian tattoos, please please please please give her a call to set something up. You will not be disappointed.

    blake h.

    I came to Genevieve with a very challenging project. My half sleeve was inspired from a pic off of an artist from Australia. We created a masterpiece! The symbolism told my personal story and it was better then I could have imagined. She is not only talented and a great artist but really knows how to create true Polynesian style to conform to a body not from templates, all hand drawn! We went through many ideas and with each session created a flow where we both were very comfortable working together through the hours it takes. If you like Polynesian style she is the best there is.

    My plum branch - an ode to my namesake and a reminder of the cycles we face in life. Thank you, G!

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    3 years ago

    Genevieve is an incredible artist and very gentle tattooer! Calm studio and very easy to work with. Will absolutely be going back.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - NightShade Studios

    Review Highlights - NightShade Studios

    Genevieve is very much in demand but I believe anyone who gets a chance to work with her is blessed.

    Mentioned in 37 reviews

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    Moth and Dagger Tattoo Studio - Tattoos

    Moth and Dagger Tattoo Studio

    4.8(177 reviews)
    1.9 miChinatown, Union Square
    $$

    Mario was fantastic, I feel that he really listen to what I wanted and drew a piece that I…read moreabsolutely love. It was a cover up that was important for me to move forward with new memories. His conversation was interesting and I felt like I'd known him for a while, not just meeting him for the first time. His studio was clean and decorated cool. I felt very comfortable. I highly recommend Moth and Dagger. I can't wait to go back and get more work done. If I could rate a million stars I would! Thank you Mario

    I sat on a this, and decided to share. The artist herself was amazing. She was great and did a…read moregreat job. However, my issue was with how the studio handled scheduling. I originally came in for a flash sale, but they overbooked and asked to move me to the following day. I let them know I would be out of town that morning, so they offered me the last appointment of the day and took my deposit. The next day, after reassessing my schedule, I realized I wouldn't be able to make it and informed them as soon as possible. I was told the deposit was non-refundable. I then asked if I could reschedule for another day, but they said no because it was part of the flash sale--even though the rescheduling was due to their overbooking. I also asked if the deposit could be applied toward a regular (non-flash sale) appointment, and that was declined as well. I ultimately kept the appointment, but the situation didn't sit well with me. While the artist did great work, I was disappointed in how the studio handled the booking and deposit policy.

    Photos
    Moth and Dagger Tattoo Studio - I had to get this shot!

    I had to get this shot!

    Moth and Dagger Tattoo Studio - This is what I wanted.

    This is what I wanted.

    Moth and Dagger Tattoo Studio - Inside the Studio

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    Inside the Studio

    Tattoo Boogaloo - Universal monsters by Mez Love

    Tattoo Boogaloo

    4.8(194 reviews)
    2.4 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$

    I went to Chris Peralta with an idea for a cardinal tattoo with a bunch of concepts of what it…read morecould look like but what he came up with exceeded expectations in a massive way. This was my second tattoo and I can say confidently I'll never go anywhere else for my future art - wow! Chris' design captured the exact vibe and art style I was looking for and the experience itself was absolutely phenomenal. I'm so incredibly pleased with the final result and we had some great conversations that made the couple hours I was there fly by. The shop itself was clean and welcoming, vibes were off the chart great and the playlist was fire too. If you're looking for an incredible tattoo shop in SF look no further - Chris is a beyond top notch artist and Tattoo Boogaloo is as good as it gets. I'm already planning the next one!

    Just scheduled a same-day appointment to get a fairly simple tattoo done. Staff was friendly,…read moreconcise, and took down some important details before the appointment. Lahel was the artist, and she was professional, knowledgeable, and charming. She worked quickly and I was very happy with the result, then she went over aftercare and shared contact information. She and the other staff present were very welcoming, this is a great shop for first time tattoos and at a very reasonable price as well. Would highly recommend the shop and Lahel in particular!

    Photos
    Tattoo Boogaloo - By Mez Love

    By Mez Love

    Tattoo Boogaloo - Black and gray moth tattoo done by Chris Henry

    Black and gray moth tattoo done by Chris Henry

    Tattoo Boogaloo - Dog portraits by Mez Love

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    Dog portraits by Mez Love

    Dream Masters Tattoos - Almost 2 years since getting my tattoo.

    Dream Masters Tattoos

    4.7(89 reviews)
    2.3 miChinatown
    $$

    Hello! Just dropping in to update my review and go over how…read moremy tattoo has held up. It will be 2 years in March since I got this tattoo and I still love looking at it everyday! The detail still looks great and I have regularly been complimented on it by strangers on the street. (See updated pictures). It may need a couple small touch ups but, overall I don't really notice that and neither does anyone else that sees it. Im hoping to come back for another one someday in the future!

    I found Dream Masters because I was looking for a high quality, clean, and technically skilled…read moretattoo shop. They exceeded my every expectation! I already had part of a sleeve done, and was looking for an artist to continue the piece since my former artist retired during the pandemic. Svetylo (who I worked with) is an incredibly friendly, communicative, and collaborative artist. After emailing them describing my idea, he quickly reached out to set up my appointment. I brought along sketches of my idea, and he not only made sure he understood what I wanted, he also asked great questions to understand my job and daily routine to make sure the tattoo would fit my lifestyle. His technique is very precise, and i can say out of all my 6 previous tattoos, this one hurt the least! Especially for a piece on the back of the hand, this tattoo has beautiful line work and is healing very well. I can't wait to go back and finish my sleeve. I would recommend Dream Masters, and Svetylo, to anyone looking for high quality and unique tattoos.

    Photos
    Dream Masters Tattoos - Tattoo session with shop owner, super easy going!

    Tattoo session with shop owner, super easy going!

    Dream Masters Tattoos - Tattoo in process.

    Tattoo in process.

    Dream Masters Tattoos

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    Dragonfly Ink

    Dragonfly Ink

    5.0(5 reviews)
    1.7 miUnion Square

    Sasha is amazing. Not only is she kind and caring but is a true artist. After having a double…read moremastectomy she was able to create 3D nipples that look surprisingly close to the originals. She has helped me regain some of my confidence in the beauty of my broken body and helped me realize what a gift life really is. I am immensely grateful for her talent and ability to read the situation and talk me through the process. I would highly recommend her!

    I just got home from seeing/working with Sasha so this review is hot like fresh baked bread…read more Where to start? Okay so 15 years ago I had surgery on my chest (keyword: transman, ftm, transguy, transgender male, you get the idea) and my nipples did not stay in tact. They actually feel off in front of me in the shower with the scabs. What a nightmare. Reconstructing new nipples was not possible or ideal with my surgeon so I've been living with flat nipples and discolored areolas for the last 15 years. I really thought I had NO hope until I found Sasha. Angels sing please, wait for it and rejoice. I've been wanting to do 3D nipple tattooing and areola re-pigmenting for awhile but was 1. not in the best state of health and 2. very very very nervous. Well today, we finally made this happen. I got an appointment schedule over a month in advance. I put down a $100 deposit via Pay Pal. I waited and panicked and then the big day came. I got a ride down to SF. Sasha's shop is on the 17th floor of a building in Union Square. There's a parking garage a block away. It cost $35 and gets you up to 12 hours in the lot. You are not going to find street parking so if you're driving you will want to fork out $35 and be happy your car is safe with only a block to walk! Sasha gave me complete instructions and directions ahead of time. She is VERY professional and organized with her scheduling and timing. The office she works out of is awesome! The entire office and outdoor patio (with wild beautiful birds and parrots might I add) has a total zen approach. The front desk folks were also REALLY NICE and totally trans/queer friendly. Sasha's room was very clean with a sitting area for guests. She was extremely polite, patient, compassionate and thorough to walk me through the ENTIRE process and 1. give me voice throughout it all and 2. check in frequently to see how I was doing. Nipple and areola shopping is quite fun! I got to pick the size, shape and color variation to design on my chest. Boom! I feel so Hollywood now ;) She is extremely sterile and showed me ALL the needles she was using before and as she was using them. Everything from the office, her station, the tattoo bed, frequent changing of gloves, packaged needles, organized ink palettes, fresh paper towels, rubbing alcohol, ETC were CLEAN. I really appreciated how intuitive she was like when I held my breath during bits of pain and she could feel me tense up and gently remind me to breathe. I was excited and anxious and nervous and emotional all at once but she eased me through EVERYTHING. May I also include she has a gentle hand so the needles don't feel like they are digging deeper than deep like some tattoo artists who put all their weight on their artistry hands. Pain level ... well this boy whimpered some but she did use some topical anesthetic after the skin had been broken into to help ease pain. It DID help some. My results, pre bandaging, were beautiful. The bandaging she used is really neat. It's waterproof and clear like a clear tape. I honestly can't stop staring at my new nips even if things are still bloody and bandaged up! I was given very detailed after care instructions which I will be meticulous about following. I can't wait to see the overall results. I'll be scheduling a touch up/follow up in a 1 1/2 months or so. I look forward to seeing her again! Cost breakdown for ME and what I got done: $700 total... that's $100 deposit then $450 the day of the tattoo and then I will pay $150 during our touch up + tip today and I'll tip again on the touch up. Don't forget to tip. Some artists will say you don't have to, don't listen! Tips for those new nips my friends! TIPS! 100% happy with my experience, actually happy is an understatement. I am enthralled like a unicorn catching rainbows and sprinkling glitter from the sky. Yes, indeed. I will recommend her in a HEARTBEAT to any other trans folks who need this procedure, cancer and mastectomy patients or just anyone in need of this kind of help. I was SO ASHAMED of my chest, a chest I fought so hard to learn to love post surgery but still deeply upset about what happened and the trauma from loosing my nipples to my feet in the shower (yikes, just imagine). Now I can live again. This is part 1 of my chest tattooing process (I'll be doing scar coverage with another artist since Sasha is not taking new decorative tattoo clients at this time) and then I will be free. You deserve to be free too. I hope you will consider Sasha and let her help you change your life, confidence and get your groove back!!!

    NightShade Studios - tattoo - Updated May 2026

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