I have gotten 2 tattoos here in the last few years. The most recent was May 2018 across the top of my foot. Paul was my artist and he was the BEST! He was so friendly and supportive. I knew this one was going to hurt due to the location (my third tattoo overall) but he chatted the entire way and made the experience fun and bearable. It added to the event of getting a tattoo! I would definitely come back and recommend Paul to anyone who asks!! Read Less

I am extremely grateful for Matt Decker for doing an amazing job on my cattoo. As other reviewers have noted, he is an absolute genius.I am not one of those people who just pops into a tattoo parlor and is happy with whatever I get in the moment. I am a perfectionist, who had consultations with multiple tattoo artists and checked out countless instagrams before settling on Matt for tattooing a tribute for my beloved cat. This was only my second tattoo, and it had been over twenty years since my first one. I was a bit nervous about the whole process, but Matt made everything so easy from beginning to end. Here are the things I really appreciated:1) He told me that if I was not happy with the design, we would just go back to the drawing board at no extra cost. 2) He is such a perfectionist he repositioned the stencil four times before settling it in the right place, making sure I was ok with his decision at every step.3) He's fast! 4) He really listens to what you want during consultation and then just magically draws up exactly what you wanted. I didn't even ask to fix any part of his drawing because it was perfect to begin with.5) He made me laugh during the tattooing by singing along to some experimental heavy metal. He literally had the album memorized. LOL. Bonus: His trusted sidekick Dusty is also hilarious. I'm not sure exactly what Dusty's job is, but I think it's to distract people from the pain by making them laugh. At least, that's what he did for me.Thank you, Premium Tattoo, for the amazing cattoo! Meowmeowmeow! Read Less

Walked in today with the hopes of getting a poppy flower on the inside of my finger and they managed to do it on the spot (and beautifully i might add)! Christopher looked at my inspiration photos and drew a poppy on the spot and it was perfection so we made it happen!!! The rest of the guys in the parlor were SO welcoming and made it such a wonderful experience. I WILL be back for more tattoos! Great parlor, great artists, great atmosphere. JUST GO! Read Less

Christopher Victoria did my tattoo. He's super funny and nice and great at what he does. He is a calming person to be around, especially for my first tattoo. He did a great job and then made it even better during the touch up. 10/10 would recommend this place! Read Less

This review will follow an update.  The work alone is  5 stars, period! As of now, I am super in love with how my tattoo is coming out.   Will post a picture once my tattoo is done.   But the work ethic, professionalism, and how much they care to ensure the overall satisfaction of the customers makes this place a 10+!  My artist is Matt Decker, and from the moment I walked in the shop he was as helpful as can be.  I had read the previous reviews about him being super quick and doing a clean job.  But holy cow!! I am on my second session (3.5 hours) and he has made the process go by super smooth.  He's a chill dude straight to the point (as I said before super professional).  DEFINITELY RECOMMEND this place if you're looking to get a new tattoo. Read Less

I'd like to point out that I never leave reviews for anything. This one is delayed but very well deserved. I got a decently sized piece done on my forearm by Matt Decker. Called for a consultation, went in the same day, and completed the day after. His work really speaks for itself. He was able to tweak what I had in mind into something that I loved. This guy's line-work is seriously impeccable and he does it with the quickness. I was amazed at how fast it was done with the quality still clearly shining through when it was finished.Besides the tattoo itself he's a very down to earth dude. Does his thing and makes you feel comfortable throughout the whole process. I'd also like to mention the atmosphere of the shop because the dynamic that they have between all the artists makes you feel like you kickin it with the fam. They are all warm, welcoming, and comedy. Only makes for an even better experience. I get compliments all the time, and always get asked where I got it. I'll definitely be a repeat customer and will send all my people their way with no hesitation. Support your local artist y'all. Read Less

This is a delayed review, but i got my tattoo from Matt Decker at Premium Tattoo in Oakland around New Year's 2017.I was looking specifically for a tattoo artist in Oakland who knew how to tattoo color on dark skin. Unfortunately, I was unable to find anything really satisfactory from the portfolio of artists I looked through, so I decided to focus on design styles I liked and ended up at Premium Tattoo in Oakland.I was only in town for a few days around the holidays and was worried they might not have time to fit me in... not only did they have time, but they did it on the same day as my initial consultation! I went in at the opening (11am) came back around 3pm, tattooing started at 4pm, and I was gone by 6pm!I had commissioned an artist to do the primary design of the piece, but was unsatisfied with the framing. Matt agreed and told me if i came back in a few hours, he would have the updated design with art-deco, California inspired framing ready and could tattoo me right away! I was so impressed when i saw the final design and really loved all of the details and lines that Matt added. It really enhanced the original design in a way i didn't expect but fell in love with. I also appreciated Matt's patience in finding the perfect position for the tattoo which covers the side of my left thigh up along my butt.I thought the design was quite intricate and was expecting to be there for quite a while, but Matt is a HUSTLER! He designed the tattoo super quick, and had me tatted up and ready to go even quicker! I ended up spending less money than i imagined for what i thought was a complex, detailed, and rather large design. Also, the movies playing in the studio and the free candy were a nice distraction from the pain! Oh and the healing process was expectantly itchy but smooth.Although i was initially looking for something with color, i walked away in pain, but in love with my new tattoo! 8 months later, I still get excited everytime i see it. Would totally recommend and would go back to be tatted by Matt again! Read Less

Matt was a complete professional, as well as a down to earth hang out buddy while I was getting my tattoo. Our visions for the piece originally differed, but he was both flexible and educational so we could co-create an exceptional tattoo. He worked quickly and gently, and I really appreciated the other staff (aka Obi) being around for flair commentary. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and am in love with my tattoo. Yes, you will pay more than you thought, but you should pay for top of the line art. I will be back!! Read Less

Matt has been tattooing me for 17 years now. The experience of getting tattooed is beyond what is left in your skin to me. I need a soulful and spiritual connection to the person permanently changing my physical body. Matt decker is a kind, gentle, and truly creative man. I have had the joy of watching him progress in his life and craft. He may not be what you want him to be but he is one of a kind. He does Great work and this is a great business to support. Read Less

I got my first tattoo done here by Matt the owner and he is absolutely amazing! Beautiful work and very fast, (which doesn't surprise me as he has been in the business for 20+ years!) I was very impressed by his skill and how personable and funny he is. Even though I was a little nervous about getting my first tattoo, he made it into a great experience. This is the ONLY shop I will come to for any tattoos. Another plus, his shop is clean and full of his amazing art work, which of course is not only a testament to this guy's creative genius but makes sitting in a chair for a length of time getting a needle poked into a you a thousand times, a much more enjoyable experience! Read Less

I've gotten 3 fantastic tattoos from Matt Decker over the past 7 years and so excited to get my next one. The first session was a cover up which I waited 20 years to find the right artist to work with. The result was gorgeous vibrant roses with a touch of Old Oakland style that Matt is  a maestro at. 7 years later, it is still vibrant as the day I walked out. He tattooed my roller derby team with our logo recently. It was an awesome day at the shop! PLUS, Matt is quick and has a way of making you feel at ease. I can't wait for my new piece in 2 weeks. Thank you Matt! You're a class act! Read Less

Disclaimer: this review is not about any of the actual artistsI came at 9:45 for the abortion fundraiser flash tattoos and was told I'd be on the wait list and/or my appointment would be at 5. I was the last space of the day and there were hella people behind me. Mind you, I'm from Fremont so I spent my entire day waiting in Oakland in case of a call. At 3:30 I called to check the status of the appointments and the lady on the phone (who took my name down) told me they were running 30 minutes behind but if I came at 6 the artist nick (who I heard approve me in the background) could do mine. So I show up promptly at 6 and the girl at the front is just sitting there staring into space until I told her I was here for my tattoo. I don't think she realized I called because she said everyone was tired and they weren't doing anymore. I informed her I was the one who called earlier and she said if she hadn't called me that it wasn't going to happen. So I asked why she didn't call and she said she got too busy but she meant to call. Okay but one minute ago you were spacing out? She said all the artists were too tired and only 3 people were ahead of me. These are flash tattoos,which are small scale, each appointment window 30 minutes long; how long could it possibly take with several artists? It's also a charity event and they didn't close until 7. No one could drink some coffee? That's really inconvenient and you could tell the front desk girl didn't give a shit about it. Didn't offer to reschedule, talk to the artists, or offer me anything for my troubles. If you're going to have someone managing the logistics, make sure they're professional and courteous. This doesn't deter me from trying to snag an appointment with the artist Kiki but I definitely have beef with the other employee. Read Less

Matt designed and executed a memorial tattoo for me 6 1/2 years ago. He listened to my story and designed EXACTLY the most beautiful and meaningful piece I could have wanted. I love it still..and it is bright and beautiful still too. He was also kind and thoughtful with me at a time I was still deeply grieving. Since then I have seen many pieces of his work on friends and family and they are all outstanding. Read Less

I had the pleasure of getting to work with Lawrence to make my vision for a floral shoulder piece come to life. I have never in my life met a more intelligent, kind and all together amazing person. He made me feel comfortable the entire sitting, and constantly checked in to make sure I was doing okay. The shop was clean and organized, and I will 100% be going back for my next tattoos. p.s. it was my first tattoo and it was so great omg? Read Less

Lawrence is a wonderful artist who gave me a very positive, professional, and clean tattoo experience. He listened to what I wanted and walked me through the design. He was super patient, thoughtful, and thorough when I went back for a touch up, and ensured I left with a perfect tattoo. He listened to me and I ended up with a beautiful, totally unique tattoo that I LOVE. Not to mention he has great energy and made me feel very comfortable through the whole experience. Thanks again Lawrence! Read Less

Love this shop, been here multiple times and always working with the artist to tattoo more work on me. Willing to work with what you want and always making sure you are happy! Top shop in the Bay Area for any design you are looking for! Read Less

Premium Tattoo, and Lawrence Edwards were a pleasure to work with! This was my first tattoo experience and I felt welcome and right at home from the first email, to the first consultation, all the way to actual tattooing.Lawrence is great! He is very friendly and knowledgable. He listens very well and takes everything into consideration while providing constructive feedback. During the tattoo he makes sure you feel comfortable and right at home.I'll be returning as soon as possible and recommend anyone else to check Premium out! Read Less

2 years ago I came here on a recommendation from a friend who has his body covered head to toe in tattoos. I came in to see Danielle. She spent the time with me on the consultation and didn't rush me. Answered all my questions I had regarding the tattoo. Once we talked, she went over drew it up and showed me for approval. Once I approved the tattoo it was go time. Time for Danielle to pop my tattoo cherry. Danielle's work is very smooth. She is very friendly and will ask how you are doing throughout the whole process. Today I went back and got my second from her!! She is that good. Everyone in the place is nice and friendly. They are picky with there work. It might look right to you, but they will keep on working until it is what they think looks the best. Parlor is clean, nice waiting area for people that come with you as they are not permitted back by the stations. I will come back here anytime I want to get a tattoo. Read Less

Came in earlier today for my first tattoo with Lawrence.  He was super nice, made me feel right at home and had me all settled and ready before our scheduled appointment time.   He was very kind and constantly asked if I was comfortable/would like a break. Finished a beautiful big rose on my forearm in a little over two hours and it's beyond gorgeous.  Highly recommend the establishment, and Lawrence to anyone wanting to get work done. Clean station, amicable artist. 10/10 Read Less

Amazing work, super professional, good prices. Went in for a consultation sent up an appointment for two weeks later. I sent Matt over my ideas via email and he captured exactly what I wanted. Their after-care advice is the best I literally had a scab-free post tattoo. They all know their sh*t. I love that they all have their own styles and don't compete for customers. I originally wanted something done by Dani but she suggested Matt instead because what I wanted was more his style. His line work is clean and precise. I'm going here for all my future tattoos! Read Less

Hands down one of the best shops around. The artists are unbelievably talented and professional; I honestly cannot say enough good things about this shop. If you want a high quality artist then you need to stop in at the very least. Read Less