Love this place. Been there 3 times now. Personal appointments, no other people waiting or comming in durring your visit. The owner is real cool people and does great work. Vary reasonable prices. Cash only. Read Less

I just got my third tattoo by Advance.  The first and second tattoos I got were Advance coming to the rescue to fix someone else's messes. Now I got to get a full piece by Advance, and of course he did a wonderful job. I read a lot of real nice reviews about Advance and they are all true.  His shop is exactly the kind of place you want to get a tattoo.  And Advance is just as nice as everyone says he is.  But best of all his quality is amazing.  He is truly an artist.  I won't go anywhere else for my work.  Thanks Advance!! Read Less

I have had all of my tattoo's done by Advance. I couldn't be happier with the craftsmanship put into each piece, whether I came in with my own drawing or we collaborated on what I was looking to have done. The atmosphere is inviting, personal and professional. I am always recommending Advance to family and friends, in fact Advance has given my wife her first Tattoo as well.... Thanks Advance, for being my Tattoo artist for the last 20 years! Read Less

Advanced does such great work. I felt comfortable through my whole experience, the prices are great and the work is the best I've had done. I would recommend Advance to everyone I know and I will continue to go back to him for future pieces. Read Less

Love coming to get my tattoos from this man! So passionate about his work and ALWAYS treats me and my family like his own. Not to mention we all have a blast when getting tattoos by him. I would recommend him to anybody. The tattoos are great quality and affordable unlike most tattoo spots. Book him before he gets to busy � Read Less

Top quality work at a very reasonable price. I can't think of anywhere that you can get the quality of work for the prices charged. I took my son for his first real tattoo and got one myself for less than $450. This guy has been in the same place more than 20 years. One man shop by appointment only. Bring your own design or have him help you out one together. Read Less

Best Tattooist in the Bay for 3 decades plus - right!!! Advance gives the true meaning to tattoo artist.  His charisma and charm continues to be one of his greatest assets along side his Artistry and evolutionary creations ... With only being tattooed by him twice I'm over due for a nice sleeve or full back.  I definitely recommend Advance for any work you are looking for.... Original the better.  He works with you to come up with what looks fantastic.  He is a genius at what he does.Allot of the time when talking with other artist they refer to him not just on his work but his time in the business.  Being in Fremont for as long as I can remember... Advance is an icon.I've got friends and family who have incredible work done by him.  His best stuff is seen on his Facebook page... And in his shops albums.He is by  appointment only.  Don't be pushy or rude either ... He doesn't like that.  So my last words for Advance is this ..."...if you don't have ink from Advance on your skin, then you truly haven't gotten the tattooed by the Best." Chasity 2016By appointment only. Read Less

Just this afternoon I had tattoos done by Advance. I had areole tattoos done 8 years ago by my plastic surgeon after breast reconstructions. They had faded horribly and I wasn't happy. I received a recommendation to try Tattoos by Advance by another plastic surgeon so I called for an appointment that afternoon. Advance has a one-room shop and works by appointment only. His shop is clean and comfortable, and private and he put me at ease immediately as we discussed what I wanted. We decided to add a hummingbird and he showed me a few drawings to get an idea of what I had in mind. Picked one out very quickly and he got to work.  He checked on me pretty often to make sure I was doing alright. All in all it was a really good experience. I'm definitely going to recommend him to my breast cancer survivor friends and anyone else who might want a tattoo. Thank you, Advance! Read Less

I got my first tattoo by Advance 2 years ago and have not regretted it. As a first timer, I was terrified and asked a ton of questions and he answered all of them without making me feel stupid. Definitely a better experience than I had while scoping out the "big name" places in Fremont. He's also clearly very experienced, more so than some of the "cool" young artists at the other studios (not doubting their talents, but there's no denying the credibility of a dude who's been tattooing for over a decade). Unlike the other places, where they quoted me outrageous prices to just tweak a very minor detail on a very simple tattoo, he told me "I can draw that in ten minutes. No charge." as if it was ridiculous to even suggest. Definitely would recommend it over all the instagrammable locations in the city especially for his reasonable prices and expertise. If you're a rebellious teen getting your first tattoo, he won't bullshit you about all the embellishments you want that are a bad idea and will just cost you more money. Read Less

Advance is a very nice guy and he has a really nice little shop that's clean. However, my tattoo has many flaws and I regret getting it. The lettering is very shaky and unfortunately for myself it's on my body forever. Read Less

Last night I had my sixth tattoo done and my son had his first.  Advance is the absolute best.  I strayed over to Inkies once and will never go back.  Advance is professional, knowledgeable and reasonably priced.  That, and I really enjoy talking to him.  Let me tell you, if you are going to spend 4 hours with someone while being tattooed, it has to be someone you enjoy talking to.  I highly recommend him! Read Less

Advance does amazing work. He did my first tattoo on my 18th birthday! My mom brought me to his shop because she has been going to him for years. Loyalty. Pricing and times are totally worth speaking with him about your piece, he is up front about how much everything is as well as how long it should take. Plus, you get a private session. Advance enjoys the art of tattooing rather than how much he can make from it. I appreciated how much care he took into making my tattoo look awesome! Highly recommend! Read Less

Quick, simple and easy, pricing is awesome! compared to other shops that charge alot money, other shops quoted me $275 and $400, got my ink for $150 that i wanted, these other shops cuz of where they are or name or artist charging alot, Tattoos By Advance is great and private Read Less

Great artist!  After seeing a friends ink Vance had done, I called him to make an appointment. He called me right back unlike the last place I went to. Three tattoo's later I am very happy. He also touched up an older one I had.  It's a clean and private office. He's also very flexible with appointment times. Vance is the best!  I won't go anywhere else. Read Less

I've been going to advance for a couple of years now. He is my fathers artist and I was in dire need of a new artist because my original artist moved out of town. I was getting a phoenix on my leg and was getting quotes from local artists. I tried the notorious Inkies with the quote of 450 for 3 sessions. I figured they'd be pricey.So when my dad took me to advance he asked for 120 for the same bird and to this day will not change the price of any tattoo I get.He truly enjoys art over money- that I can appreciate. Read Less

I can't believe I have not written a review for Advance yet!!! I have gotten 2 tattoos done with advance he is a great person and artist! He did my big star on my right leg and my mockingjay on my left leg last year my husband surprised me to get my mockingjay done and advances prices are very reasonable! He also touched up a tattoo I have oh my right arm the tattoo on my arm I had for at least 8 years and it was horribly faded looked dead pretty much! And advance fixed her up and she looks good as new again! The place I went to for my arm tattoo was twisted illusions in Hayward I went to phap he's a nice guy but I really do not like that he doesn't want to actually draw anything! He always has to have a reference to do a tattoo at least advance will give u ideas and his opinion to help you! Thank you Advance you know we will be back soon! Read Less

Tattoo by advance is the only place I will go for my tattoos. He turned my nightmare tattoo that I had gotten from somebody else, into something beautiful. I am so happy with Vance's work. He is easy to talk to and funny as heck. I trust him 100% and that is hard to find these days. Read Less

I have about a dozen Tattoos and most of them are by Advance. He does excellent work and I haven't seen a style that he was NOT good at tattooing. From tribal to old skool to portraits. His shop has always been a fun place to be and he keeps it very clean. I have taken many people to Advance's for tattoos over the years because I know his work is solid and no one has ever been disappointed.Read Less

Amazing guy, did a band of ivy around my ankle. It was reasonably priced and only took 45 minutes. I had the option of squishy-squeezy toys if I needed them (I did, he is slightly heavy-handed, but it's worth it for the beautiful art). I will definitely be going back, maybe for some lettering. He's very funny, too. I did a quick drawing of what I wanted and showed him. He looked at it and said "Yeah, I can definitely do that. Much better, but yeah." Definitely at the top of my list. Read Less

Vance helped me with plannin my half sleeve I got the grim reaper the tree of death and the bay bridge on my arm , and he helped me create one big nice piece. It took about 8.5 hours and about 2 sessions I liked the way it came out, im thinkin about gettin my next piece from him as soon as im ready with my 2nd half sleeve I didnt get mine colored ,  I alwayz get complemented on my tattoo and I alwayz refer people to vance , Keep up the good work vance Read Less

I can't see myself going elsewhere after meeting Vance.  He's experienced, friendly and willing to help you create the perfect tat.  You can expect a relaxing atmosphere, sanitary conditions and results with vivid colors.  By appointment and cash only is well worth the mild inconvenience.  I already planned out my next three with him and completely trust his artistic abilities.  He's up on current tattooing styles and since he's been around for a few years can tell you what works and what lasts.  You'll get quality work that won't need a touch up anytime soon.  I drove past his spot twice before realizing it is in the suites next to Salsa Picante No 2, with parking in the back.   Also, he doesn't watch Miami Ink and I respect him for that.  In many shops tattooing has been glamorized and the art and history forgotten. Read Less

Had my best friend bring me here for my 18th tattoo, and it's one of my best. Vance is a true professional, but also loves to joke around. The shop is small, and you wouldn't know it was there unless someone told you about it (trust me, I used to work less than a block away, and lived slightly further for years and never knew the place existed). The price is originally what convinced me to go, as I got my tattoo quoted for less than half what another shop wanted for it, and the quality of work came out better than the other shop did. I'll definitely be coming back many times. Read Less

I was referred to Advance by a friend.  She has all her tattoos done by him.  My best friend and I went in, talked to him about what we wanted and came back a few days later for our sessions.  He was very professional, is extremely talented at what he does and made my friend feel at ease (this was her first tattoo).  This was my 2nd tattoo and larger and more detailed.  I paid way less for a bigger, more detailed, way better quality tattoo with Advance.  If I ever want another one, I'm definitely going to Advance and recommend if you are looking around for a great tattoo artist, look no further.  Advance is your man! Read Less

I was referred to Advance by a coworker years ago. My sister was visiting from NY and we decided to get sister tattoos. Kind of matching but not really. We got them on our lower backs on opposite sides so if we stood heel to heel they would line up. Advance worked with us to ensure that we were getting what we wanted. Both tattoos were unique, which he did freehand. We were very pleased with the results. If you are looking for a new piece of wearable art then Advance is your artist. Read Less

I'm one of those people that look forward to my birthday each year. I love the special treatment, having my loved ones around to celebrate, and I'll admit it, the gifts are always an extra bonus. John, my BF is a great gift-giver. I like that his presents are thoughtful and not generic. This year one of my gifts was a trip to the tattoo parlor for my 2nd tattoo. Although I'm no ink addict, I had talked about wanting another tattoo; an emblem from the Filipino flag.  Initially we'd chosen SF as the spot. But after quotes of close to $200 for a tattoo the size of a quarter, we decided to go elsewhere. Enter trusty old Yelp. Turns out an artist who's been on the tattoo scene for well over 15 years was right in our neighborhood. I got a great vibe from Advance right when I met him and made an appointment for the following week. Needless to say, I'm very pleased with the end result. While pain is part of the process, Advance made the rest of my experience as "painless" as possible. Not only does my tattoo look exactly as I hoped it would, he did it for a fair price! Read Less

What do you want in a tattoo artist? First of all you want an artist, Advance is first of all an artist and the finished product shows it!I just had the finishing touches put on a tattoo he did last year and to say I'm impressed is an understatement. Read Less