I came here for my second tattoo. I wanted to get some scars on my arm covered up. Not only did I get a beautiful tattoo, the experience was so great. Tim is such a nice guy and makes you feel comfortable the second you walk in. He truly cares about every person who comes into his studio and he is a fantastic artist. I will definitely be back for more tattoos in the future and I would easily recommend him to anyone. Read Less

My first tattoo experience and I am beyond thrilled! Tim took the time and care to ensure my tattoo dream could be put to paper, and then to skin. He walked me through the process step by step, showed me the sterile equipment as it was opened so I had no doubt, and ensured my needs were met. Tim is an amazing artist, and an amazing tattoo artist! The shop is clean, and the walls are adorned with his spectacular paintings. Read Less

Got my first tattoo done today. I went in there feeling pretty nervous, but the owner, Tim made me feel comfortable and confident about my tattoo choice. My husband and I had a great time talking with Tim; he's very cool. Would totally recommend. I'm definitely going to go back! Read Less

I received a tattoo today. He is so easy to talk to and very welcoming and loves what he does. I would recommend him, he's reasonable, very thorough and makes you feel comfortable  throughout the process to make sure you get exactly what you want. I will continue to see him for future tattoo pieces. Read Less

Great artist and person, this is the 2nd tattoo I've gotten from him now and I love it. He takes the time to make sure you get exactly what you want and then makes sure it's done right. Highly recommend him for anyone looking to get a tattoo and wanting it done right. Read Less

Had a wonderful experience with Tim. Best tattoo experience I've had, Tim has a very light hand and he does an awesome job to make sure you're comfortable in your tattoo session. The time flies by because he's real easy to talk to when you're getting tatted. He was very patient, very knowledgeable in his craft, goes above and beyond to make sure you absolutely love your art work,  attention to details, somewhat of a perfectionist to have art for life. He has great communication and responds quickly with any questions or concerns regarding the artwork. He also offers individual art classes to focus on a person request. Overall, very pleased with my tattoo and will be going back for more ink!! Read Less

I had my 5th tattoo done and I have to say out of all of them this had to have been the best service and environment I've experienced. I will only be going to Tim from now on! He will take the time to sit down and talk about everything. From size and design to how it will look later on and if you plan on expanding it or adding something near it. My boyfriend and I got matching Sharks and he did better than either of us imagined it could look! Read Less

My boyfriend and I went in looking to get similar tattoos. It was his first and he was nervous about pain and not knowing how to handle it but Tim sat him down and explained how it would feel and that it isn't like a normal needle so there's no reason to be afraid. He did an amazing job all the way around! I have never had such a good experience in a tattoo shop. He takes the time to get to know you and how you would like it. I don't think I will ever go to any other artist! Read Less

Tim was amazing!!!  I went in for an intimate tattoo for my boyfriend and Tim was ever so professional. The atmosphere is relaxed and customer service was great. He gave his recommended advice on the tattoo size and I agreed. He put his expertise at hand. Talk about a light hand I barely felt the needle. For my next tattoo I will most definitely be going back. Thanks to Yelp I had chosen the perfect artist. My boyfriend was extremely happy and even happier hearing of what great service I got. Thank you Tim. Read Less

I got a tattoo done by Tim today and let me start by saying I found my new go to artist. Upon arrival I was a little nervous but Tim made me feel very welcomed. We started talking about my tattoo and exactly what I was looking for. It was clear he was very passionate about his work and genuinely cared about the service he was providing. Once we started he made sure I was comfortable and relaxed. He was very neatly set up and professional. I couldn't be happier with not only my tattoo but the experience as a whole. My friend who was there for support ending up getting one as well! I would definitely recommend him Read Less

My review is a bit late!My 45th birthday present was the tattoo I have been wanting for years since my mom passed away!  Tim was amazing he sat with me and talked to me about what I wanted and made sure it was just right!  He understood exactly what I wanted my memorial tattoo is perfect. I loved his set up, it felt very homey and personal, not like your typical "tattoo shop".  My experience was great, Tim explained what he was doing each step of the way and as he opened the needles. He was very gentle, there was no real pain, only slight discomfort. The finished product is exactly what I wanted.I am not from the area but I highly recommend anyone wanting a tattoo in Bakersfield or the surrounding area go to this guy! Read Less

Tim is great artist that actually care about his clients and their satisfactions.  I had my first tattoo done at another well known place here in Bakersfield and was immediately unhappy with the tattoo so I called Tim right away.  Waited four weeks for the first tattoo to heal and finally got it fixed.  It came out looking a lot better after that and I'm proud to show it off to others now.The whole experience was wonderful, wouldn't mind recommend Tim to anyone looking to get their tattoo done. Read Less

I was nervous about getting my first tattoo so I did a ton of research and while looking for places stumbled upon this one. Wow what a gem I found! Tim and Shane are both perfectionists, but in the best sense. They are not happy until your tattoo looks exactly how you want it to look. Tim is a very personable and easy to talk to guy who makes the time fly by. He also gives great tips for newbies. You can tell he has a passion and love for what he does and he's EXTREMELY talented at it. I love the feel of the place when you walk in and all their paintings and sketches are on the walls. I love my new tattoo and have no doubt I won't go anywhere else when I want another. Hands down would recommend no other place. Read Less

Great Convos. Good tips for newbies. AMAZING artist. Love walking in and seeing his artwork on the wall. Love my tattoo! Tim is the best. Definitely going back for the next one! Wouldn't dream of going anywhere else. Read Less

I have been in love with my tattoo since the day Tim tattooed me. People are always raving about the color and the perfection of the piece. I live in LA and I will drive all the way to Bakersfield before I would let anyone else touch my tattoo. Read Less

I am so happy that I chose Art for Life to get an old tattoo covered up! I worked with Shane and he made it a great experience from start to finish! I brought in an example of what I wanted and he worked with it, making a beautiful custom piece just for me. He is very creative, professional, and caring. He always made sure I was happy throughout the entire process. My new tattoo is outstanding, you can't even tell there was a tattoo there before! If you want a great tattoo by outstanding artists in a clean, comfortable environment, you need to go to Art for Life! Read Less

Just got my first tattoo done this weekend by Tim, and YES it was a fantastic experience. It's so apparent that Tim is an artist with a passion for what he does, and a love for making connections with the people that come to the studio. I actually live out of town (Santa Barbara) but am from Bakersfield, and when I was looking for a place to get my ink I thought Bakersfield might be cheaper (I'd also read a lot of mixed reviews for the SB places)- that's when I saw all the stellar yelp reviews for Art for Life, and all I can say is that the reviews are all true- Tim puts you at ease, making sure he sticks with what YOU want and is very thorough in giving recommendations and explaining how and why he's going to do something. I very much get the sense that every tattoo Tim does has the same amount of importance/significance- if it means something to you, Tim's going to make sure it looks absolutely perfect and that you're happy with it forever.I know this won't be the last tattoo I get from Tim! Read Less

I got a recent piece done by Tim, and all I gotta say is he did an amazing job. From the prep work all the way through following up a few weeks later, he always made sure that I got a tattoo that I loved. It was my first tattoo, and he made sure the whole process was extremely comfortable. I'll definitely be going back to get more work done in the future. Read Less

I got a sentimental piece done by Tim. He is amazing and really makes you feel comfortable. He works with you and gives his professional recommendation about tat location, size, etc. The atmosphere is chill and Tim is a super down to earth guy. I'll never get tats done anywhere else from now on. Make sure you call and make an appointment. He is accommodating and def worth every penny. Read Less

Tim is such a professional when it comes to art and tattoos. I recently went to see him regarding a new tattoo idea I had. He talked me through it thoroughly and gave me ideas and suggestions that enhanced my ideas and made my tattoo so much better. Tim took the time to discuss and then actually do my tattoo. He is such a positive person, and my experience with him puts all other artists to shame. I highly recommend him, and I would personally not go to anyone else. If you want a tattoo to stand out and of high quality look no further. Clean and comfortable premises are a bonus to this wonderful establishment. Read Less

I don't have a previous experience to compare with since I'm a first timer. But i have to say my experience here is rather very pleasant. Tim is a talented artist, easy to get along with and professional. He will work with what you wanted from start to finish and makes sure you are completely satisfied. He has a light hand and did an amazing job on the design I wanted that requires many tiny colors. His place is clean, comfortable and private. He uses disposables so there is no issue of contamination. If ever you decide to get a tat consider this place and you will not regret it. I have gotten so many compliments on mine even from tattoo haters. Also, his price is fair and reasonable. Read Less

I am not sure I will go any where else for a tattoo. Tim was amazing, took his time and made sure this was something I would want for the rest of my life. I walked away loving my  piece of art. Not your typical tattoo shop it was well worth my time!! Read Less

Tim is phenomenal! He is incredibly thorough in the planning process, and when it comes time to do the deed, he does everything he can to give you exactly what you want. I will definitely be going back to him for more tattoos! Read Less

My experience here was amazing! Tim and Shane both spent a good deal of time working with me to design my tattoo. They do not stop on the design till it is perfect! Very knowledgable and fun. Great art!!! And they will take in and apply any suggestions you have. I absolutely recommend them if you are going to get a piece done. Great Pricing! Great Work! Read Less

I was introduced to Tim by a friend. This is not your usual tattoo shop. This is more like an art studio tattoo shop. I felt extremely comfortable as did my husband and his work is outstanding. Something you would proudly wear FOREVER!!!! He takes his time making sure it is what YOU want not what he wants to put on you. I will never go anywhere else and I'm having him cover my other work I have had done he is that good!! 5 stars doesn't even give him enough thumbs up. I highly recommend his work. Read Less

I was introduced to Tim @ Art for Life Tattoo by a friend of mine. He did a piece for me that other artists were reluctant to do (due to the nature of the line work). He did such an awesome job I got way more than I had expected! He then did a cover-up for me. He's now working on my sleeve and my has done a number of pieces on my husband. I've been to a number of other shops and have experience with other tattooists and Art for Life is by far the best! No only in terms of the art but also customer service. Tim is also great about ensuring your tat is perfect before he sticks it on you. If you're in the market for a tattoo artist be sure to reach out to him - you won't be sorry! Read Less