Jaime at Universal is amazing! I won a free tattoo with her and she listened to every aspect of the tattoo that I wanted as a redemption memorial piece for my grandma (my other one has to be covered, it's so bad!) What won the contest was me mentioning that I wanted to get a pray mantis, and Jaime had found one on the front door of the shop. She snapped a few pictures of it, traced it, and that's he little dude we put in there. We did an olive branch because my grandmas first job was picking olives, and my daughter's name is Olive. A California poppy because I'm born and raised in Northern California. And pink azaleas because I had one in the front yard of my child hood home. My experience was top tier, Jaime was awesome and I'm so grateful for the experience. Thank you again Jaime. read more

Universal Rites - Tattoo Near Me - Ashland, Oregon

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I came to Universal Rites in search for a studio that had good vibes and talented artists. My first impressions of the studio were, it's clean, the lobby was welcoming and had good seating with a portfolio of each artists work. I was greeted by one of the Tattoo Artists, Raul. Raul greeted me as I walked into the studio and quickly made me feel at home and walked me through all of the different Tattoo Artists work and booth areas. I left my contact information for a consultation with Raul and was contacted the very next day to begin my tattoo journey. Raul got me into his booth for tattooing the design I chose two weeks later from my consult. I have gotten over 36 hours of tattoo work done in the past. Hands down, my experience at Universal Rites Tattoo was one of my better experiences while getting tattooed. Raul's booth had a super comfortable table to lie on while being tattooed, his tattoo machines are newer models that don't hurt like the older machines used to and his booth was filled with art that he hand painted himself. Raul's work shows for itself, his line work is some of the best I've come across. My tattoo process was seamless, damn near painless and some of the more affordable prices I've come across. I'm excited to keep scheduling more future work through this studio and hopefully try out the other great Artists who work there. read more

Universal Rites - Tattoo Near Me - Ashland, Oregon

Jamie at universal rites is an AMAZING artist! She listens to what I want every time and I always leave with EXACTLY what I had hoped for!She has done half of my ink and I won't go anywhere else! I travel over an our away because she is just that good! I highly recommend Jamie for all of your ink! You won't be disappointed read more

My daughter was turning 18 and with 3 tattoos of her own already she wanted me to have one too. I wouldn't get one in NV though, because I needed one that was state certified (personal reasons, and it's a really great reason but not part of my review) In Reno, tattoo places are a plenty and you could stop by any of them to talk with the artist before you go. Ashland is a solid 4 hour drive from Reno, so it wasn't as if I could just 'stop in' and check them out before I showed up. My husband has a tattoo that he had done here in Reno. The artist did a beautiful job but the guy was a jerk! And he was dirty! I didn't want that for myself. I wanted someone that could relate to my interests and understand (and care about ) the reason I wanted a tattoo. And to also understand and care about my reasons for going to Oregon for a tattoo vs getting one at home - because it mattered to me. That being the case, I emailed a couple different tattoo shop/studios before arriving. After explaining to them the purpose of the road trip to Ashland, Benja Burlingame, the owner of Universal Rites replied with "Ahhh...a family that "sticks" together - "sticks" together! ... Very cool idea, and it's as much about the experience as it is the design." I'd heard back from another artist in Ashland as well, but Benja's comment 'stuck' in my head. We arrived mid day on a Tuesday with intentions of visiting 2 - 3 different artists to interview them and then choose one. Driving into town from the South, I was reviewing the addresses just as we passed 611 Siskiyou and saw the Universal Rites sign. We stopped here first. The walls of the waiting area of his shop are decorated with historical photographs of tattoo work from around the world, including images of native tribes and tattooed ladies. The sofa and all the furniture was new and the walls were freshly painted with warm colors. When Benja finished with his client he listened to what we wanted to do and asked if we'd brought pictures with us. He told us where the public library was and that we could print pictures there and bring them to him. On our way to the library after talking with Benja, my daughter asked "why do we have to see other artists? We like him, let's have him do it." So that's what we did. Even with my daughter having had tattoo's already, he provided 'heads up' for what he was doing as he worked. Before he applied the stencil, he told her that 'if you don't like it (position and orientation), we'll wipe it off and do it again. As many times as you like until you like where it is.' For my tattoo, which consisted of a total of 14 different individual pieces, orientation and spacing and placement were very important. I had him reposition them a couple of different times before I was completely satisfied, and each time I asked him to move/reposition one he was completely cool with it and reassured me that it was no problem. He wanted me to be happy and satisfied with the work. While he worked on each of us, he was very friendly and carried great conversations with us. Before starting the actual tattooing, he let my daughter choose what kind of music she wanted to listen too. I thought this was great because I've been in the shops in Reno and have not cared for the noise they called music. I found it interesting that on the following day, he selected the music to play while he was working on me, and it was exactly what I would have picked myself. Benja runs a one man show currently, but is expecting to expand as he finds more artists that share his philosophy. I'm sure that if by the time you're reading this review, if he has more artists in his studio, you'll find much the same experience we had. Copied from one of his websites Benja states his philosophy: "For me it doesn't matter how big or small a tattoo - how intricate or simple. Many clients come to me with a design ready to go, many have no design at all - only an "idea" and a desire. That's why I have free one on one consultations with my people, to get to know them better and help build a "masterpiece". The more I know about them and their personal situation, the more energy I can direct into their tattoo. No matter who, what, and why - the tattoo process is an intimate one, and I am proud to say that all of my clients become family. I realize that not everyone is "spiritual" and that we all have different ideas and beliefs. I try to make sure people get whatever it is that they want and need out of their tattoo experience - no matter what that is. Some folks just want a beautiful piece done in a relaxed, private environment, others require ceremony and ritual for their personalized religious experience. I welcome all. I judge no one or their tattoos - I am merely here to help transform them.") And with that, I can say I am extremely glad that we found Universal Rites and Benja to provide us with the memory of an experience we'll enjoy for a lifetime - the tattoo is more than just ink!! read more

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Benja was fantastic; my sister, niece and I decided that we wanted family tattoos. We were in Ashland for the Thanksgiving holiday and Benja scheduled us in the day after Thanksgiving to accommodate our schedule. Two of us were getting our first tattoo and Benja could not have been more thoughtful and caring for all of us. He was professional, patient and kind. His drawing and accuracy on all 3 tattoos was spot on. We asked him to replicate someone's penmanship, cursive and style of caricature drawings; he nailed all of them! The business was super clean and comfortable. I cannot say enough good things about Universal Rite Tattoos and Benja; thank you Benja! read more

I had an appointment with Raul and it went so well! I don't do well with pain and I usually need something to distract me during my sessions. He was helpful, fun to talk to, and very professional. I plan on coming back for my next tattoo fix! read more

Universal Rites - Geometric Plague Doctor mask with shading, by Raul. - Tattoo Near Me - Ashland, Oregon

Benja is unbelievable. I came in with just a very general idea and he drew me up a beautiful piece. The session took me over 4 hours and he made the time fly by. An awesome guy for sure. I LOVE my tattoo. GET YOUR TATTOO HERE. You will leave with some seriously creative, quality artwork. read more

Universal Rites - Golden Gate Bridge by Benja - Tattoo Near Me - Ashland, Oregon

Benja really rocked my forearm tattoo and I was so impressed at how he makes most of his inks. He is very conscious about using natural pigments and having the best products available. I was so nervous about getting another tattoo after the previous one I had got a severe infection...but the one Benja did for me healed smoothly in less than a week! I'll be coming back for more at some point I'm sure :) read more

Best tattoo shop in Ashland. Very kind staff that is eager to help you & does great work. Not a moment of uneasiness from the time I walked in to the time I walked out. Would highly recommend getting work done here. read more

Wow!!! I had the most amazing tattoo experience at Universal Rites w/ Benja. I wanted a ring tattoo, which is mostly symbolic. Many artists refuse to do such lover tattoos (which I get.) let alone hand tattoos since they fade so badly over time. Regardless, after Benja showed me his own hand tattoos and how they have worn over time (as is natural, with all the use and abuse hands get..) I insisted I was okay with that, and he understood the tattoo was purely symbolic. Benja showed so much patience with the constant redrawing and restenciling I needed to make sure my three little lines were perfectly spaced and placed straight. He nailed it:) It was an amazing tattoo experience, after care was explained thoroughly and I felt confident leaving the studio. Not to mention, Benja is a great guy with a fun, intelligent, and creative personality. The studio has great energy. The decor is awesome (Star wars painted bathroom, anyone?!) and Benja has all his licenses and awards proudly displayed. I had the most wonderful experience! I will absolutely be back for more! I also ran into the other tattoo artist, Raul, who seemed like a great guy, and his portfolio is also stunning. All in all, if you're looking for a tattoo that you will cherish forever, Benja is the guy to go to! Did I mention he guarantees all his work, so touch ups are free? It was obvious to me from the get-go that Benja cares about his work, his customers and his finished product more so than most. read more

Universal Rites Tattoo in Ashland is a great tat place, and Raul is THE BEST! He is a great artist, efficient and creative, he is kind and considerate and trustworthy. I HIGHLY recommend him. So much gratitude. read more

I got my second tattoo here the other day. Benja did an amazing job! He was extremely friendly, helpful and did exactly what I wanted. The picture is from a few hours after I got it done. For sure coming here for the rest of my tattoos! :) read more

Universal Rites - Tattoo Near Me - Ashland, Oregon

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Benja gave me my first tattoo and it was a dream!! I got a big thigh piece with a lot of linework, and it was incredible. Benja is an amazing artist with such an incredible eye for detail. He absolutely crushed the design and placement and I'm absolutely in love. All of my friends are heavily tattooed and I feel so proud when I still get complements on the linework. Incredible artist, vibe, reasonably priced. A lot of people said just go to SF or Portland, but I can't imagine going to anyone else. read more

Universal Rites - Pictish/Irish/Trinity Design compiled and executed by Benja. - Tattoo Near Me - Ashland, Oregon

After reading the other yelp review and having a reference from a friend, I decided that Universal Rites was the perfect place for me to get my first tattoo! Being a newbie, I was of course a bit apprehensive, but Benja was so accommodating and friendly, I immediately felt a sense of comfort and ease. He made the consultation process smooth, and when the time rolled around for me to get my tattoo, I was more than ready. During the actual tattooing he was easy to talk to, which made the process more bearable, and it was just all-around great getting to know him. On top of that, he is an ARTIST. Truly talented with a pen as well as a needle. Universal Rites is a FANTASTIC place to go, and I highly recommend it to anyone, whether you're getting your first tattoo or your tenth. read more