Got my second tattoo here yesterday by the same artist that did my first tattoo. If you like realism pieces, you have to check out @rustemtattoo on IG. He's one of the best in the game! I was extremely happy with my experience at Sashatatooing Essential. I am going to break this review down from the Artist and then the shop:
Artist: Rustem (@rustemtattoo)n: 5/5
Ru is a master of his craft when it comes to realism tattoos. This is the second time I have went to Ru for a masterpiece of a tattoo.
He is professional, keeps his work station clean, is nice to talk to and easy to work with. He is so detail orientated that he can really make your tattoo come to life. His prices are extremely reasonable for the quality of work he puts out. When he's working as a guest artist, he prefers to get the work done as quickly as possible. The tattoo I got done this time, we finished in 1 session (10 hours in the chair!) He is a machine!! The first tattoo I got from him we did 2 back to back days 8 hours each day.
This time, he was a guest artist here in SF for 2 weeks and hopefully he comes back to this studio in the future! For now, he is based in Miami, FL. But, even if he never came back to SF, I would fly to Miami to finish my full sleeve from him.
Studio: 5/5
This was my first time at this studio and it was a great experience. There is plenty of room in the studio for your bag/backpack. There is a nice waiting area and a nice little kitchen with a fridge and microwave that you can use. The staff were very friendly! The manager/owner keeps the kitchen stocked with coffee, teas, gums, candies, snacks and waters for you to have during your session. The studio was very clean and the tables were very comfortable (they even have little head pillows for you to use!) I had my upper inner arm done, so I was laying down the entire time and my back never got sore. They had bluetooth speakers that were synced all throughout the studio with good playlist playing throughout the day. There is a lot of natural light that comes through as well giving the space a nice open feel.
Parking: 5/5
There is a ton of free 4 hour street parking areas right in front of the studio. After 6pm, there is no time limit. This is a nice change from some of the expensive garages you find in the downtown area. This studio is close by the Chase Center so parking was not as crazy as it is in downtown and there is not nearly as much foot traffic.) The area is clean and you feel safe parking your car there for an extended period of time.
Overall, I had an excellent experience here at this studio. All the little touches you may not find at other studios, made the experience here above and beyond. Of course I will go wherever Ru is. But, I hope he comes back to this studio in the future!! read more