I have been wanting to get this song lyric tattoo for years but wasn't sure of the placement or of a good font artist. After literally researching for 3-4 years I found Yvonne on Instagram. I went in for my consultation & then made an appointment for a couple of months later because her books are usually full & I can see why. She's a major perfectionist so you know you'll be in good hands. She definitely exceeded my expectations. Thanks Yvonne!! Read Less

If you want your tattoo to come out looking great, I definitely recommend for you to get it done here. All their tattoo artists are really talented here. My tattoo artist was Eric, and he was awesome. Super chill, and funny. He made the session comfortable while he was working on my tattoo, and he even cracked a few jokes. He truly did an amazing job with my tattoo. Definitely would go back to him, and I recommend getting your tattoo done by Eric. Read Less

A particular line from Regina Spektor's beautifully haunting song, "Open", has resonated with me ever since I first heard it- "Potentially lovely, perpetually human." Being that I'm someone who constantly tries to do better and never feels quite -enough- they're words that I could never say too many times to myself, that I'm only human, that I can't do or be everything (and that's okay). When I decided I wanted these words as permanently engraved into my skin as they were on my heart, I wanted just the right artist to do it.After scouring the Internet for shops in the area for a bit, I came across Outer Limits, the oldest tattoo shop in America. Even more impressive than this claim to fame are the artists of this shop- each one skilled tattooers with their own defined styles. Initially I chose Yvonne La for her clean, crisp text and blackwork/dotwork. In January 2017 we had a consultation to talk about the details of the tattoo, at which point she had a finger injury. She suggested other artists to me, but I said I would be okay waiting it out a bit for her to heal up if that was okay with her (I'm a little stubborn and once I get my mind stuck on something it can be a little hard to get me to change direction, haha). She agreed and I placed a deposit for an appointment in late March. March came around and she contacted me to let me know she was not in the right condition to be doing as big of pieces as mine at the time. Once again, she suggested a couple other artists who might be interested in my piece, one of which was her coworker, Laura Wangerin.Laura's work is intricate with floral and geometrical aspects, and she often uses dot work for shading. After looking at her work on Instagram, I was confident she'd also create a piece I'd be proud to wear, so I contacted her and made a consultation for July and then an appt for late October. But with time I got a new job and my days off changed, so I had to change appt dates again...to January 2018. And then in January, Laura came down with the flu and we had to move the appt again, this time just by a week (at this time she offered me an hour of work for free, which she honored at the final appointment and I greatly appreciated). But that day came and we finally began the tattoo! You can imagine my excitement when we got those lines down on my skin after such an incredible wait lol. Laura presented me with the piece all ready on transfer paper.Let me tell you, it was STUNNING and no changes were necessary, so after double checking the spelling she transferred it onto my skin in just the right position and we got started. She warmed me up with a few lines to get me used to the feeling of the machine and then got right into the work; for those of you who haven't gotten a tattoo before, the feeling is akin to a cat scratching your skin, just deeper and constant. In the first session we got the outline and a bit of shading done and a couple weeks later, at the second session (which we almost had to reschedule because I had it down on my calendar incorrect, but Laura graciously worked me into her schedule, and for that I am so so grateful), it was complete!Here we are about a year later and I have a piece I still constantly get compliments on, but, most importantly, one I am incredibly happy to forever wear on my skin.During the process of scheduling and rescheduling the appointment, someone said to me that, "maybe the world [was] trying to tell [me] something", as if I wasn't meant to get this tattoo (My eyes rolled so far back into my head). But now that the work is done, I'll give them that, if anything, the world was trying to tell me that all good things come with time.Thank you, Yvonne, for working with me in the initial stages and recommending Laura to me. Thank you, Laura, for the incredible work and being such a laid back, friendly person to be tattooed by. And thank you to the front desk people for helping schedule this stuff. You guys are all incredible and I highly recommend this place. S**t happens, but waiting for this tattoo to come to fruition was more than worth it. Read Less

Went in today to get my very first tattoo!!!! Experience from the first time I walked in to the end of my session was awesome. Eric was my tattoo artist and he was amazing. Made me feel so comfortable and helped me thru my experience. I would recommend this place  to anyone wanting to get a tattoo being there first time or going back for more. It was well kept and clean for the history of how long this place has been there for. Highly highly recommend. Read Less

I went in here, the people seemed disinterested and vaguely rude. My wife got a tattoo here and it was a huge hassle to get it done. Compared to other placsd i just havent felt welcome here. I wouldn't recommend it. Read Less

If you're looking for floral work, you will find no better than Laura (Instagram: laura_wangerin). I went in for a coverup, and my expectations were beyond exceeded. She has a soulfulness that is present in her work, and at $175 per hour, you're getting more than what you pay for. Good work doesn't come cheap, and Laura's is excellent. Laura is a pleasure to work with, and I'll be back for future pieces. Read Less

I cannot say enough good things about this shop, the quality of those working there, and the art I have acquired! The shop is clean, full of cool things, and the process for booking a consult and appointment was efficient and straightforward. Matt is super attentive, answers questions promptly, and is super nice!The artist I am working with, Laura Wangerin, is absolutely delightful. Not only is she incredibly skilled, but she has a way of explaining what elements of a design will/won't work in a truly collaborative process to really design something amazing. Scheduling with her is efficient, and she goes out of her way to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Plus she is so fun and genuine to talk to- I really look forward to my sessions with her!My tattoo ended up being more challenging than I intended it to be, but Laura has been so patient with me and tackled it _like the boss she is_.The shading and depth paired with the clarity and precision of her line work is truly amazing. I am over the moon with it, and her guidance on the design has surpassed my wildest expectations. Trust your artist, people! Every artist I have met at the shop is incredibly talented, and they all have such a great dynamic, the vibe in the shop is awesome to see. Highly recommend this amazing place  and the incredible people that work there! Read Less

Came in August to get more work added to my leg. I set the appointment 2 weeks prior with Eric Branchfield, I gave him my idea and he worked something up I really liked. Place had goodVibes and nice people. Very comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. I would definitely recommend Eric or any artist at that shop. If you're thinking about trying this place out I would definitely say try it out! I will be coming back! Read Less

Reference a review before me in regards to a bad experience, I too had an awful experience here. I showed up for my appointment excited to see the artwork. Everything was great at the consultation but it wasn't until after I left the shop that it all went downhill. I couldn't get a hold of my artist. I called the shop and sent emails numerous of times. No response . So now I'm out money and still can't a hold of anyone. I would t recommend this shop to anyone Read Less

Could not have asked for a better experience! Shay Bredimus is not only insanely talented, but a true gentleman, up to date in sensitivity training, has a gentle touch and is a total babe! We had an real spiritual connection - like my own personal tattoo Jesus. Everything from the laid back yet professional ambiance to the hospitality of the staff - Shay and the team at Outer Limits exceeded all my expectations. Read Less

Andrew was phenomenal! I had my first tattoo and of course it was a 4 hour ordeal (go big or go home, haha). I had no idea what to expect, but he walked me through the whole process and answered all of my questions. Not only did he create an incredible image from what I presented to him, but he exceed my expectations by making that image come to life on my arm. He powered through the whole thing with only one break, even though he was sitting all contorted (this guy is like 6'6"!). When were finished he took me through the drill on keeping it clean and allowing it to heal. My buddies at work that have tatts were totally impresses with the image, color and attention to detail. They were also  amazed that there was no inflammation or redness in and around the tattoo, so this guy know what he's doing! Read Less

I've been here twice now, once to sit with my boyfriend while he was getting tattooed, and once to get one of my own. I got my work done by Brandon, and he put in so much effort and turned an idea I had into an amazing piece that I love to death! Everyone here is so nice, the artists are AMAZING, and the place is clean as can be, without feeling sterile and cold.  I love the art I received, and love my boyfriend's piece as well. I will definitely be returning for more work in the future! Read Less

I walked in on Saturday, 4/21, at around 1:30. Justin was available to do some work that time. He answered all my questions, had great suggestions, and did exactly what I asked for. My tattoo isn't complicated at all but I wasn't just going to trust anyone to do it. While Justin is one of the newer artists at this shop, his personality and professionalism caused me to not have any second thoughts... He knew what he was doing and made sure I liked what he created for me. I'm an easy customer to deal with but can get pretty picky. Justin did not give me the opportunity to be picky at all because he got exactly what I wanted. I love how this place is hygienic and EVERYTHING used it BRAND NEW! It's funny how they have signs everywhere that say "Pardon our dust..." but it wasn't dusty at all. I would know. I'm highly allergic and I did not have any reaction!Of course, the restroom was something I took note of. It was clean, tidy, and neat. My overall experience was awesome and I will definitely come back for my next tattoo. And I will make an appointment this time, to make sure I get Justin to do the work! Read Less

Super nice. Very helpful. Looking into my first tattoo done everyone was very nice, answered all my questions and helped me out. Place is an awesome bit of history. Go check it out, you won’t be disappointed. Read Less

Love this place! I spent several months looking online for an artist who I thought would be able to take the image in my head and put needle to skin to make it a reality. I sent a few emails, but never got a reply. Having exhausted all options around me (Seattle) I thought about trying some back home in SoCal. I came across Outer Limits Tattoo and the work of one artist caught my eye.... the super talented Laura Wangerin. I sent her an email saying basically "hey, love your work. Got an idea for a tat. I want to put my moms ashes in the ink. Oh, and I live in Seattle." To my surprise, Laura emailed me back and said none of that would be a problem. I booked my appointment several months out for Dec 23rd, as I would be in town for the holidays. When I arrived for my appointment, Laura remembered I was flying in and asked how my flight was. She took me to her station in back. She showed me what she was thinking in terms of design, size and placement. Everything worked for me so she fired up the stencil and she got to work. 4 hours later, she said she was done and I got to see the finished product. She had exceeded my expectations in every way. In my head, I had set the bar high for what I wanted, as this tattoo was very sentimental to me. Laura crushed it! I can't thank her enough. I will be going back for more work.Laura isn't a fan of a crowd while she works and self described "not a talker." If you want someone who will be your bff while they work, Laura probably isn't for you. If you want someone who puts every bit of effort and concentration they have into their work to make sure it's done right, then Laura is absolutely who you want!The shop itself is easy to find. Plenty of parking at the parking structure a block away. The shop is in a good area, and very clean. The gang at Outer Limits was friendly from start to finish. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking at getting top notch work done. Read Less

Went in on Nov 8, 2017 to get my very first tattoo, had an idea what I wanted and how it was going to be done, The tattoo had to be done in 2 sessions which I didn't mind. I'm very pleased with how my tattoo was done, it came out really good. I want to thank Tasi who was the artist who tattooed me that day, very friendly patient and really professional specially since she had to do a lot of circles on my back fore-arm including the shading part as well lolz. I definitely plan on coming back for my second tattoo, did a lot searching for a good parlor and this was the best place with highly qualified experienced artist. I definitely recommend Outer limits and would suggest anyone wanting to get their tattoos done or first timers like myself to come here, you won't regret it. Read Less

Best tattoo shop in Long Beach in my opinion with the most talented artists. Every artist there is extremely talented beyond belief. I've gotten other tattoos in Long beach and I regret not coming here first. If you want a great Tattoo, you go to Outer Limits. Read Less

My experience with Outer Limits Tattoo began about 1.5 years ago, when I first reached out to Kari to request a spot on her waiting list.  I'd been thinking about my piece for years, and had scrubbed all manner of reviews, portfolios & "Top 10" lists both in California and out as I looked for the perfect artist to take it on.  One name that popped up again and again was the "World Famous" Kari Barba.  After a series of simple email exchanges, she agreed to take the job if I was willing to wait until the following year on her waiting list.  The piece was to be a black & gray leg sleeve, an octopus with tentacles reaching upwards to my thigh.As it's difficult to estimate the number of hours such a piece will take (healing speed, skin tone, etc. are all variables), we booked 12 appointments in advance, figuring I'd visit once a month and finish the piece sometime within that year.I was able to get in a few months early, due to a cancellation on her books, and recently finished the piece.  Kari was incredible - I felt privileged to watch as she freehanded the outlines of the piece each session, she was sensitive to the more painful areas around the knee & shin & went above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable throughout each long day.  The other artists seemed to treat her as something between a friend and a mentor, which says so much as each of the artists are tremendously talented.  The atmosphere was comfortable & friendly, with the receptionists never failing to offer food & refreshment as we took the occasional 15 minute break.  As for the tattoo itself, It's better than I could have imagined - the texture looks something akin to a photograph if viewed up close.  I'm stopped regularly 1-2 x/week as passersby ask to view it, one of the progress shots was featured on the front page of Imgur, and most of all it carries incredible significance for me.My wife will be visiting JoRell next month to start an incredible water color tattoo (see his portfolio, the vivid colors & linework are amazing), and I'm already looking forward to my next piece with Kari.Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about my experience, I've nothing but a 10/10 to give my experience at Outer Limits Tattoo.  The photos below are in-progress, and casually taken.  Will post healed photos of the completed piece when I can. Read Less

Xyborg had my friend and I in and out for piercings in about 20 minutes. She got her Monroe redone and I got my flat and conch. I was very picky with where I wanted my conch and Xyborg was very patient! I think we drew the mark like 5 times The set up was clean and quick, great price point for the area, super nice dude.Thanks again! Read Less

I had some work done at that location in 1985 when it was Known as Bert Grimms, Dave Orlowski did a piece on my left bicep, still looks good to this day, I am really glad Kari bought that shop, (I have been a customer of Kari's shops for years, Twilight Fantasy years) Its a piece of history, not only Tattoo history, but a part of Long Beach (where I live) that is one of the last remaining pieces of how LB was, What SHe has done has done nothing but honor the history of tattoos/tattooing, I will always forever be a customer. Read Less

This review is for Brandon Flores, who i chose to do some color work, big mistake. I ended up getting abandoned half way through. Sure, it was me who told him i wouldnt be coming back, but this was only after he cancelled on me three times in a row, took me off my scheduled reoccuring appointments, stopped responding to my text and appeared to have no interest finishing what he started. My leg is ruined because he lost interest in finishing the job and was completely okay with leaving his work half ass complete. I wasnt even a rude or demanding customer, i always gave him the freedom to do what he wanted and only offered my input when he asked. It was clear he really lost interest in the piece when his work wasn't going the way he planned. When i presented him the idea he was all happy and seemed excited, then half way through he acted like it was an inconvenience to him. Read Less

Great tattoo parlor! The staff were friendly and nice. We came in as a walk in and they worked with us to find times to get our tattoo's done. They have an interesting room with the history of their tattoo parlor as well to check out.Read Less

I went in with a idea off a t-shirt and Geary set me up, it came out better than I could have hoped for.He is fairly new to long beach and hope to see him around for a while, because I know I will be back! Read Less

BACK IN 1993 I HAD A CUSTOM TATT DONE ON MY LEFT SHOULDER, IT WAS A COVER UP ALSO. IT TOOK AWHILE TO DO IT SPREAD OUT OVER TIME. THEY USED NEW NEEDLES EACH TIME I CAME IN FOR WORK. THEY TOOK PICS OF IT BEING DONE, BEFORE-DURING & AFTER IT WAS DONE. THE PICS WERE OUT UP ON THEIR WALL AS CUSTOM WORK & I WAS TOLD BECAUSE IT WAS CUSTOM WORK NO ONE ELSE COULD GET IT WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM ME & THE ARTIST THAT DID IT, SO UR CUSTOM WORK IS SAFE. AT THAT TIME THEY USE TO HAVE FREE TOUCH UPS, I DONT KNOW IF THEY DO IT NOW. THE NAME HAS CHANGED ROM TWILIGHT FANTASY TO THIS ONE , BUT IT STILL THE SAME GREAT OWNER & PLACE. IVE GOTTEN GREAT COMMENTS ON THE WORK WHEN I USE TO WERE TANK TOPS & SLEEVELESS SHIRTS. ILL BE GOING BACK SOON FOR A TOUCH UP WHETHER OR NOT I HAVE TOO PAY, THEIR THAT GOOD Read Less

I love my tattoo and their work so much, I will be getting my second tattoo in a week. The anaheim shop is where I went but after looking at their web site i'm convinced and impressed with all their portfolllios Read Less