I'm on a little mini va-ca and my brain says, "Let's go get another tattoo." YES! You know once that bug bites, it's gonna itch until you get some ink. So, I Googled and found 3 places close; Insight,... Read More
I'm on a little mini va-ca and my brain says, "Let's go get another tattoo." YES! You know once that bug bites, it's gonna itch until you get some ink. So, I Googled and found 3 places close; Insight, Frontline and Oceanside. All had decent reviews, looked clean and were open. I went in order from closest to farthest and let me tell you, 3rd time was THE CHARM. I have 8 other tattoos. I know (give or take) what a tattoo costs. With drawing it up, signing the paperwork, paying, putting on the stencil, redrawing the line straight 3 or 4 times, me saying "wait, I need to pee," cleaning my arm, doing the tattoo, cleaning it off and wrapping it up, telling me the dos and donts and then saying thanks, tipping and petting the dog at the insurance place next door, I was out in 53 minutes exactly. I know because I texted a friend as I was walking in and took a pic as I was walking out. 53 minutes. The first place I went wanted $250. If I had tipped 20% (customary) that would have been $300 for 53 minutes. The Harley Davidson mechanics don't charge that much! The 2nd place was quoting $170-$220, but didn't want to give me a solid number, didn't do a draw up, and seemed reluctant to do exactly what I wanted. No go. I'm not gonna force someone to tattoo me, that probably wouldn't end well. They were polite and the place was clean, but I got the feeling they weren't into it. I was almost gonna give up at 2 but I REALLY wanted the tatt. So in the car I got... Drove to Oceanside Tattoo, "The arcade." Very nice neighborhood. Receptionist was super friendly, I didn't get her name. Long, dark hair, glasses. She got a general idea of what I wanted and called the artist, Chris Earnhart. He talked to me for a couple minutes, got a better idea, drew up the tatt, came back, gave me my estimate and said he was ready if I was! Point me in the direction of the paperwork! I am over 18 and not drunk! Let's do this! He was quick, friendly, made some small talk, not overly chatty. He is good at his craft. His line work is neat and straight and he redrew a stencil line a few times until he and I were both happy with it. No complaints. The shop was clean, the music was good and not too loud. Parking in the area is tricky. There is a LOT of don't park here at such and such times, one way streets, etc. So be careful! I totally recommend this place. When I want (NEED) another tat I will come here again and I live about 75 miles away. Thanks so much Chris and Oceanside! Read Less