THIS guy is not only an incredible artist, but he's also an incredible human being. As I watched Johnny's work evolve on my husband's full sleeve, I was in awe with how it was turning out. Each added element enhanced the other. I wanted sooo bad to get something done, but I didn't want to rush into something just for the sake of it. Johnny shared original art on his IG page (as he occasionally does) and asked if anyone would be interested in having it permanently etched on their body. Well....I liked what I saw and took the opportunity to grab it. This will certainly be the starting point for my own sleeve. :-) Johnny's customer service skills are top notch....from appointment set up to post-tattoo follow up. Sitting in his studio, you are instantly put at ease. There are interactive discussions and ideas shared about tattoo design and placement. There is incense burning to clear the air and bring calming vibes. There are moments of quiet mixed in with moments of enlightening conversation. Johnny is just THAT dude. Cool, calm, and together. I am so pleased with how my tattoo turned out. The whole experience was pleasant and absolutely worth it. I didn't feel like I was just a customer. He takes pride in his work and wants you to walk away feeling good about his work. As I patiently wait for the right ideas/vision to come to mind, I'm eager to have Johnny add to my arm. read more

Rite of Passage - Original artwork designed by Johnny - Tattoo Near Me

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We had the best experience today at Elizabeth St. Tattoo‼Johnny is AWESOME and does AMAZING ART! We came in to get our special Ying & Yang tattoos.....it was worth the wait for Johnny! We will definitely recommend and return! Thanks Again Johnny read more

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It's been about two months since I got my first tattoo from Johnny and not a day goes by that I am grateful to have had him as my artist. Johnny is extremely knowledgeable, well-rounded, and insightful about his craft which can make your tattooing experience (first time or not) highly enjoyable and relaxing. What I personally appreciated was that he checks in with his clients during the session to make sure that they are comfortable and taking the pain well. He is adaptable to tense moments and knows how to work around them. He has a delicate hand when tattooing, line and shading work is smooth and beautiful. If in the case that the pain is intolerable, he is flexible with going back and forth between high and low intensity/tolerance areas. If you're looking for someone who is easy-going, responsive (within the day, artist are very busy people producing awesomeness!), and hilarious, Johnny is the artist for you. read more

Good vibes, great people! Elizabeth st tattoo made me feel welcome when I arrived. Not like most tattoo places that kinda just look at you when you walk in then look away. I am very happy with the work Johnny did for me. All my friends go there already so that's a plus. Elizabeth st tattoo is my new jam. read more

Rite of Passage - Tattoo Near Me

If you're looking for an intuitive artist who considers their work to be more than just a job that pays the bills and puts all they have into your piece... look no farther :) I really enjoyed my session with Johnny, his work is truly superlative. I gave him a basic sketch and from it he created an individualized piece that had just the feel I was looking for, and placed it very nicely on my shoulder. His space felt clear, he wasn't heavy handed, and he made sure to check in throughout on my pain. And rest easy knowing that if you're worried about your pain threshold, he has numbing products to help you through it that he's tested himself so he knows the extent of what he can do without tearing up your skin. Not only was the final piece clean, but the conversation was... thought provoking.. at least for me. Johnny's definitely a fascinating and talented individual, and if you get your tattoo from him, you'll likely leave with more than just a permanent offering on your body. read more

Johnny is an great at what he does! Awesome artist hands down. I had been wanting to get my first tattoo for about a year now but was iffy about who would do it. I checked out several shops but none really had that comfort or genuine feel. I did more research on local shops and found Empire Tattoo Studios read all the artist bios and looked at their work, Johnny was the winner. I went the next day to see everything first hand met him, sure enough I was reassured he was the one who would do my piece. I got set up with an appointment rather quickly. The finish piece is amazing. He did exactly what I asked for. His work is nice clean and I'd say he has a light hand, since this is was my first tattoo ever ( it goes down my spine) and it didn't even hurt! Johnny is very professional and just down to earth. I would highly recommend. :) read more

I have to say my tattoo experience with Johnny was amazing & exceptional!! Johnny does amazing work & I would recommend him to anyone looking to get a tattoo! read more

Rite of Passage - Koi fish tattoo, still need color by Johnny - Tattoo Near Me

Johnny was incredible...patient and professional throughout the whole process. It was my first tattoo and he made the experience great from the initial consult to the final result and follow-up. The art he created captured exactly the story I wanted to tell and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out. He even checked up on me to make sure it was healing and that I was happy with it. If you need a tattoo, especially an intricately lined design, Johnny should be your first choice. Thanks again! read more

I just wanted to say how grateful I am to Johnny and his beautiful work. I went in on Friday on my lunch break to get my first tattoo on my middle back and I am so pleased with my tattoo. He made me feel very comfortable. I was nervous that it was going to hurt but honestly, I felt very relaxed. The Vibe in his room is so tranquil and almost forget i was getting a tattoo - I felt as though I had been talking to a friend I've known for years. Thank you Johnny for my very first tattoo! Everyone who has seen it has been in love with the clean, crisp lines & the detail to the Lotus. read more

Rite of Passage - Tattoo Near Me

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First time at this shop and I loved it. Johnny has done 2 tattoos and a sleeve on me. We have just recently started my other arm (sleeve). I don't know much about the other guys in the shop although they all seemed very nice. Johnny is not only a amazing artist but a man like no other. He's an awesome talented individual.If you want a tattoo and maybe a meaningful conversation this is your guy. I trust him 100% . I never know what I'm getting till I get there. I give Johnny full freedom to do as he pleases and he's never disappointed me. 6 years after my first sleeve and I still get complements on how great it looks. I will never go to another shop or another artist. Thank you Johnny for being so fantastic. read more

My tattoo experiences with Johnny is always exceptional. The shop is clean & his station is immaculate. I would definitely recommend Johnny Arias to my family & friends. He is very professional & does amazing artwork. Johnny's outgoing fun personality makes you feel welcome in the shop & comfortable working with him. The pride he has as a tattooer shows in his work! He designed my tattoo idea & it's one of a kind! read more

I just got my first tattoo yesterday and could not have had a better experience than the one I had with Johnny!! From my initial communications with him and my silly questions about pain management, Johnny was always very responsive and more than happy to answer any questions before the big day. The shop is very clean and everyone there is super chill and cool; you feel the sense of community among all the tattoo artists which I thought was pretty rad. Johnny's work area was everything I could've asked for: clean, organized and above all: relaxing! He had some incense burning which helped with the nervousness and he was awesome at coaching me with my breathing during the first few minutes of tattooing which made all the difference in getting through it! Of course I was dreading the pain and bleeding that is usually associated with getting a tattoo, but Johnny's technique and super light hand made my worries disappear within the first couple of minutes. There was barely any bleeding and the pain was not nearly had bad as I had anticipated, despite getting my tattoo on my rib cage which I hear is one of the more painful areas of the body. I cannot say enough good things about Johnny!! He made it an awesome experience and I would definitely recommend him to first-timers and tattoo veterans. He does amazing work and I will definitely be coming back if I decide to get more ink! Definitely worth the drive out to Riverside from wherever you may be in SoCal! read more

Johnny did an amazing job on my tattoo and is a really good person to go to if you have anxiety! Definitely will be getting more work done by him. read more

Got another tattoo done by Johnny today....As, previously, unbelievably super cool job!!! His work is way above anyone else in the business! What a really nice guy too! I can't say enough about the quality work you can count on from Johnny...He's an expert , a professional, an artist, and a true gentleman! I will never have anyone else, except Johnny, do a tattoo on me!!! I now have the BEST celtic butterfly tattoo anyone has ever had!!! Thanks J~~YOU THE BEST!! read more

This write-up is long over due. I have had not only the pleasure, but the honor as well of getting a tattoo by Johnny Arias, not once but on 5 different occasions. Johnny is a true professional in the art of tattoo. Johnny's work area is spotless and orderly which is just one indication of many that shows his professionalism. Another thing I like is he will tell you that something you may want doesn't look right and offer solutions that work. He is such a down to earth guy he makes you feel right at home and comfortable from the time you arrive. He keeps you at ease the entire time he works which helps, especially when he is working 5-6 hours on you. Johnny is a true artist and is able to draw your vision and work with you to come up with what you want. His technique of inserting the tattoo has left me with terrific line work and color that will stand the test of time. I love them all and can't wait for my next. Being under an hours drive from Johnny I would never get a tattoo from anyone else, he is a reliable, passionate, professional tattoo artist. If you are thinking of a tattoo, Johnny is the artist to go to, you won't regret it ever. read more