Jeramie is the man. My tattoo came out exactly how I wanted it to and he even convinced me to get it done bigger than I originally intended to...very glad I took his advice in the end. He was bumpin d0pe tunes the whole time and had me laughing the whole way through. The shop is clean and well-decorated. Two thumbs up, 10/10 would recommend. Thanks again J-man! Read Less

Awesome neighborhood shop w/o the ego other places seem to fester. Swung by to check it out and say hey, then showed up for a walk-in 2 days later. Brought in a sketch and Jeramie was super accommodating w/ suggestions, questions, etc - asked for my input during, and was happy to make a few final touches. Final result was superb and i'll definitely be back regularly. Read Less

Awesome neighborhood shop w/o the ego other places seem to fester. Swung by to check it out and say hey, then showed up for a walk-in 2 days later. Brought in a sketch and Jeramie was super accommodating w/ suggestions, questions, etc - asked for my input during, and was happy to make a few final touches. Final result was superb and i'll definitely be back regularly. Read Less

This is my second tattoo from Nathan and first decent sized tattoo. Nathan is great! He was very mindful of what I wanted and if I had any questions he responded through email very promptly which was helpful. We weren't sure on placement so he tried out a few spots and he gave me good advice and knows what he is talking about as far as the aesthetics of the tattoo and how the body moves with the tattoo.After the tattoo was done, he applied a healing bandage called Tatu Derm which he said aids in the healing process by protecting the tattoo and letting it heal with your body's own fluids and said it is similar to the product used to help burn victims heal from their wounds so you know it is good stuff. It really helped the tattoo heal those first two days when it is so new. I noticed a few hours after the bandage was put on that the ink seemed to weep and there was some fluid which I wasn't sure was normal or not so I popped in the next day and luckily he was there to reassure me that all was good. I felt very cared for. Thanks again Nathan! Read Less

I came to Jeramie to get a rune tattoo on my wrist. It came out just as I imagined it would, straight bold black lines and no mistakes whatsoever. Shop was clean and professional Highly recommended this shop. Jeramie was nice, patient and professional. Read Less

There aren't even words! I loved every part of my visit with Jeramie at his shop. From booking the appointment, to his sketching process, to the shop environment itself... It was all very easy and smooth. Jeramie was awesome to work with. He made me feel relaxed and comfortable from the start, let us pick the music, and clearly took his time to sketch my piece and make sure it was exactly what I wanted. I couldn't have had a better time! I absolutely want to come back. Read Less

Well here's another five-star review for Ben Volt and Scholar Tattoo.I'll start with the shop. In one word: professional. Both for my consult and actual appointment I was greeted as soon as I walked in, and generally made to feel comfortable and welcome. Maybe it doesn't sound like a big deal, but the two other times I've gotten ink the vibe in the shops was either benign neglect or a barely concealed hipper-than-thou condescension. So yeah, when I'm dropping my hard-earned cash for a permanent body alteration, professionalism is a big deal, and Scholar deserves a big shout-out for theirs.Now on to Ben Volt. A great experience all around. This was by far the largest piece I've ever gotten and I was definitely nervous about it, but Ben was chill and professional (there's that word again) at all times. The design was precise geometric blackwork, which I learned the hard way most tattoo artists can't handle, but this piece turned out just as it looked on paper, and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I get a lot of compliments on it too.Geometric blackwork is hard to get done right, and if that's what you're looking for, you should definitely check out Ben Volt and Scholar's before you put needle to skin. Read Less

I had three ultra-thin arm bands done by Matt Mattik and I LOVE them. Matt is seriously a master of fine line tattooing.The whole process from consultation to tattoo was super easy. I emailed, stopped by to put down a deposit and returned for a consultation before sitting down for just under an hour to get the three lines done. Everyone at the shop was nice, helpful and professional.I definitely recommend Matt for fantastic blackwork, especially if you're looking to get super sharp, clean lines. Read Less

Ok what I want to say first is that Matt Matik is an incredibly nice guy. We talked before I got my tattoo done and he definitely won me over because I've had a few different mediocre tattoo experiences. I had done my research, saw the Yelp reviews and the Instagram site, and felt confident in my decision.I asked him to do a small geometric cover-up on my wrist. I worked around the corner from the shop at the time so I dropped by occasionally and he didn't have any designs to show me until the day before the actual appointment. The day of the appointment felt so pressurized because I knew I only had four hours. He asked me to come in an hour and a half later than we'd agreed because he needed more time to draw up more design options. Knowing I'd already paid $250 and that I only had four hours, I just felt like we reached a point where I kinda just picked something instead of finding something I really loved. He ended up free handing the design so it would fit my cover up better and as he was doing it we were altering the design, which felt really weird.After we were done, it was clearly not symmetrical, lines that are supposed to be straight are curvy, and it honestly just looks funky. I knew the moment we were done that it hadn't worked out like I'd wanted it to. We originally had planned to do a mirroring piece on the other wrist but I decided against spending another $250 on what would likely be another 30 minute tattoo.Aside from the tattoo part, communicating with Matt was always hard because I had to email through his assistant and we were all usually on different pages. There was also very little follow up so I was supposed to have a check in appointment and I didn't get one.I was really really hoping for a positive, professional experience with Matt that left me with an awesome tattoo and that's not what I got. It sucks because it looks like he usually gets really good reviews! Read Less

Very creative artist! Love Nathan's understanding of Hawaiian tattoo designs. He was able to cover up an old tattoo. If you want a great artist who takes the the time understand your need them visit Nathan! Read Less

These dudes and this shop is hands down the best. I just got a half sleeve done by Matt Matik, who is absolutely one of the best fine line and blackwork tattoo artists in SF and the world. Throughout the whole process, Matt has been super consultative and willing to work with me to make my tattoo exactly what I wanted. During the sittings he is super attentive to your needs and how you are feeling while also keeping a great vibe going in the office.Hands down these are some of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to spend time with. Matt, Jeramie, Ben, Jordan, the whole crew is super awesome. I'm actually pretty sad that my tattoo is done because it means I won't be around there as often!I definitely recommend Scholar Tattoo, and Matt, to anyone wanting to get some amazing blackwork art done. Read Less

After doing some heavy research on artists in the area, I came across Ben Volt and immediately connected with his style. The email appointment set up went super smoothly, and the shop replied very quickly. I finally put in my deposit and was given a date.Obviously the next few months consisted of obsessing over Bens portfolio and following his Instagram. But when I finally found myself in the shop I was greeted warmly by the whole staff and the shop apprentice immediately offered me and my bud tea. Me and Ben went over all of the possible design variants he had prepared and came to a decision without any troubles. Once needle hit skin Ben was really good about talking you through his process so you know whats going on, and the tattoo flew by with awesome music playing in the shop to distract me. After all was said & done, my piece looked amazing. Ben walked me through the aftercare and that was that. I wouldn't be surprised If I found myself back in the shop getting pieces from the whole crew, can't stress that enough. So yeah, just do it, go book your appointment Read Less

Very happy with the tattoo I got there 2 weeks ago. Everyone was really nice, helpful, insightful, and just all around swell individuals. Matt Matik did a great job on my arm and drew a wonderful Haida Totem that all my family friends have been raving about. Truly. Its awesome and he banged it out in an hour. exactly 60 minutes. Impressive. Cheers dude! Read Less

My cousin and I went into the shop to get my cousin's tattoo done.  From the initial drawing to executing the tattoo, Matt was very patient in revising and editing the designs until we felt it was perfect!After getting my cousins tattoo done, I asked if I could jump in and get a simple bracelet tattoo (I had a deposit in but cancelled my appointment because I wasn't sure what I wanted).  Matt took me in right there and free hand drew the cutest line tattoo around my wrist with a small indent towards the back of my hand.  love! Read Less

I got a cover-up from Nathan yesterday. He did such a great job, that it is important for me to write a review about my experience.I came to Nathan for a Polynesian style cover-up of an old tattoo on my shoulder, which I did not like anymore. He took the initial time for an intensive consultation to discuss ideas and wishes. I asked him for some wishes for my cover-up which I think were very difficult to realize: a Polynesian cover-up which I wanted as small and modest as possible with no bold black. Further, I did a lot of research about cover-ups in advance on the internet and knew it can be challenging to cover without going bold black in that covering area. Many pictures on the internet did not convince me that it was possible to do an effective cover of a old tattoo which contained black parts. So after that research I was concerned that the old tattoo will either not be covered properly or I will end up with a very prominent cover-up. Nathan did an unbelievable job. After a couple of tries of drawing on my shoulder he ended up with a very nice Polynesian pattern, which I liked very much immediately (and I am very picky). He put that pattern over my old tattoo in a very smart way, which integrated the darker parts of my old tattoo into the new one and than he adjusted the pattern and contrast of the new tattoo in a way that the old one basically disappeared. If you do not know that it is a cover-up, you would not recognize. In addition he kept the new tattoo relatively small. So, I think it would not have been possible for me to cover my old tattoo in a nicer and more efficient way.I am very glad that I found Nathan and wanted to say thank you very much. He really made me happy...Best regards,Frank Read Less

Matt Matik is absolutely amazing. I'm so glad that he did my tattoo. Lines are on point, solid and crisp. The entire crew has been great from start to finish. I was the only one in the shop, which made me feel super, super comfortable. He's really easy to talk to and the music throughout was on point :)His pup, Tucker, is also super, super adorable and mellow +200 points :)Matt will definitely be my go-to tattoo artist in the future! Read Less

I had been thinking about getting this particular tattoo for some time now, but decided on a whim to get it while visiting San Francisco for only a day and a half. Jeramie was surprisingly able to fit me in when I called. He not only painstakingly transferred over my handwriting for it, but, adjusted it to look even better than what I had planned. Everyone working there was friendly, fun and more than accommodating. I keep looking in amazement at Jeramie's work...I still can't believe he was able to tattoo the script on my arm as thin as what I wanted. He is awesome. Thank you, Jeramie! And thank you to the rest of the staff for just being rad. Jeramie, when I decide on some super awesome lyrics from New Kids on the Block, I'll be sure and contact you... ;)Alana Tamminga :)Tacoma, WAalanatphotography@gmail.…alanatphotography.com Read Less

Oh man. I'm so pleased with my experience at Scholar Tattoo with Ben Volt (and associates).Some background: I contacted Ben in early January via email to ask about his availability to do a cover-up on an inner bicep tattoo I got on vacation in Florida a few years back (admittedly not the best idea to just go into a random shop and get inked, but I was on a mission after a few major changes in my life and don't really regret getting it...just wanted something that didn't look distorted after my upper arm gained substantial muscle post-tattoo). I'd heard about Ben through a friend, searched out images of his past work (translation: Facebook stalked the shiz out of him), was super impressed with his focus on blackwork, geometric shapes, and abstract concepts. His typography's also gorgeous.So, I started the entire cover-up journey with an email explaining that I wanted a new and improved "cattoo" with Ben's own personal style. Bonus points if he could include the letter A into it in some way (both of my cats' names start with an A, as does my birth name and post-gender transition name; at least I'm consistent with my name choices?).We chatted back and forth for a solid handful of emails. Ben was very upfront about what he was and wasn't interested in creating, which I appreciated. It helped me assess my own expectations and ensure he'd be a good fit for me. In the end, I decided I'd rather have Ben's style on myself permanently, even if it wasn't quite as literal of a cat image as I'd initially envisioned (spoiler alert: I'm so glad I went with my gut on that one).Once Ben and I were done chatting about the initial concept, his partner, John, emailed me to schedule a design consult and actual block of time to get the tattoo. My consult was two days prior to my tattoo appointment. That was the first time I met Ben and actually got to talk to him in person about what I wanted to convey in the tattoo. I also just threw out there that I was autistic so had difficulty sometimes verbalizing concepts that were floating around in my mind. He didn't seem too fazed by this, and he sketched out a few really basic ideas, took a look at the tattoo I wanted to cover up, and said he'd throw some ideas around onto his computer so I had a lot to choose from, come my actual appointment.I was a little nervous leaving the consult without a clear idea of what was going to be put permanently onto my body just two days later but, silly me, I really shouldn't have worried. I got an email on the day of my appointment, letting me know he had some extra time before I was scheduled to arrive, that if I could come in early, he'd devote even more time on the design finalization process with me. Sweet. True to his claims, he had 10-15 different ideas based on what I'd talked about. I pointed out aspects of the designs that I liked the most, and from there he created a new design that incorporated those. He'd given me a choice between a diamond shape and a blockier one for my inner arm, and I initially said I liked the diamond one, so that's what he sketched on me. I can't remember why he sketched the blockier one after (maybe just to see what it'd look like), but I'm glad he did, because I thought it looked even cooler and changed my mind. I was a little worried he'd get annoyed with me, but Ben was super professional throughout, took my change of heart in stride (he was also the one who said the blockier design seemed to work better with my personal anatomy), and printed off a sketch of it.And then we (okay, mostly he) spent the next 60-90ish minutes trying to get it just perfect so that it fully covered my original tattoo and also flowed from my inner bicep to outer arm (there was apparently an issue with distortion on the initial design, so he went through several different ideas to get something that would work).I cannot stress enough how much of a perfectionist Ben is. He won't tattoo something he isn't 100% sure about. He seems to take his profession very seriously in that regard, and didn't seem at all fussed about the time it took to get the design perfect. Then it was several hours of tattooing and enjoyable conversation. Tattoos hurt, but my biggest concern was the sound of the machinery and the lights in the shop since I have sensory processing issues. Ben was great at distracting me though, and I ended up only needing 2 breaks in 4 hours. He never made me feel rushed, never showed any sign of annoyance at some of my (probably seriously dumb) questions. And I ended up with a design that feels both timeless and modern, something I'm thrilled to be able to have with me for the rest of my life. It's unique and evocative, and it tells the story I wanted it to. And for those who don't know the meaning behind it, it's still a really freaking cool visual piece of art. Win-win.I can't imagine having anyone else other than Ben tattoo me after this experience. And I can't wait for my next opportunity to work with him. Read Less

Yes it's true, I got my first tattoo! I did plenty of research before I decided to work with my artist, Ben Volt, at Scholar Tattoo. I looked through Ben's previous work and learned that he had prior experience with script and fine lines. I researched his old shop 2Spirit Tattoo and discovered he had excellent Yelp reviews. After speaking with Ben I knew that he was a great match. I originally scheduled my appointment when Ben was still working at 2Spirit, and was later informed that he moved to Scholar Tattoo with a few other artists from his old shop. The switch went smoothly and Ben informed me of his new location prior to our appointment. Scholar Tattoo is in an excellent location on 22nd Street, between Valencia and Guerrero, in San Francisco. When my friend and I arrived we were offered water and tea while I filled out some final paperwork. Afterwards, Ben and I played around with the size and placement before he began. I had no idea what to expect because I heard that rib tattoos are incredibly painful. Now perhaps I have a high pain tolerance, because it honestly was not bad! I was actually fairly surprised how manageable it was. It was almost as fun as my trip to 32 Dental last week! Seriously though, the pain was totally manageable. Never let someone convince you to get a tattoo in a different spot because it may or may not be less painful (everyone is different.) It took about an hour or so for Ben to finish and he did a wonderful job. When Ben was done he gave me instructions for proper care. I have been washing the area with a fragrance free soap and applying aquaphor about three times a day since I got it four days ago. I will continue to clean and take care of the area for the next few weeks until it has completely healed. Ben made the whole process extremely easy and also very enjoyable. His main focus is on blackwork and dotwork tattoos, so I appreciate that he was willing to do script for me. I love my tattoo and if I ever decide to get a one again I will definitely return and see Ben Volt at Scholar Tattoo. In fact, I may be there sooner than I planned because my friend loved it so much that she wants to get her own tattoo. Talk about great service. Thanks again Ben! :) Read Less

I don't think I can rave enough about Ben Volt. But I guess I can take you through the timeline? Yeah, sure, let's do that. So.July 2014 - Find Ben Volt's Instagram! Right off the bat, I loved his aesthetic. It's so different and bold and not everyone's cup of tea. Thankfully, it is mine. September 2014 - Book the appointments! BART'd over to his old shop, booked a consultation for late November and an appointment for an early December Tuesday appointment, which means that my cousin and I waited nearly two months for our tattoos. Ben is definitely in demand, and he doesn't take it for granted. He is also nottttt cheap. But, as one of my fav signs that I saw from Scholar says - "Good tattoos aren't cheap, and cheap tattoos aren't good!"November 2014 - Consult! I had this vague idea - a geometric E.S. - and he sketched on his writing pad some typography set within a diamond shape and bam, I liked it. He said that he would do his magic in Illustrator and have some images to review on the day of our appointment about a week and a half later. He also said that he was readily available via e-mail or phone call if I had any thoughts or tweaks that I wanted to make. I e-mailed him the next day with a quick request, and he responded right away saying that he'd apply it to the design. Easy peasy, which is great, since I have trouble with appearing nit-picky (which I am, ooooop).December 2014 - TATTOO TIME.I get there, he shows me a dozen versions of what he thinks might work, and we edit, edit, edit until we find something that we both love. It was suchhh a good process, you guys. It was genuine, dynamic, and he did a great job of emphasizing that my opinions/feelings were most important (it is my forever and ever tattoo after all) while taking into account his tattoo experience, skills and aesthetic.We decide on a couple of designs, He prints both of them on two sizes. We pick one, do the stencil, aaaaand we begin on my first tattoo. Heads up - I AM A CRIER. ONE TIME, I CRIED DURING A THREADING SESSION. Anyway. I didn't cry! In fact, it really wasn't that bad! It was like a very, very strong vibration on a single point. That hurts, but it's not thaaat bad. Ben talked to my cousin and I throughout and was as gentle as someone can be when repeatedly jamming a needle with ink into your skin.ANYWAY. ALRIGHT. THIS WAS REALLY LONG. And I am obviously losing it because I have given into caps lock. So. I love my tattoo. I never in a million years would have been able to design it on my own, and I am so grateful to Ben Volt for letting me carry his artwork with me wherever I'll go. I don't think I could've chosen a better person to go to for my first tattoo. If you're considering a tattoo, check out his Instagram and go for it! It will be 110% worth it. Read Less

I was in San Francisco for a weekend conference and happened to have some free time on my hand on a Sunday afternoon. I decided with my friends that I would get a spontaneous tattoo, taking an idea that had been baking in my head for a couple of years. My initial search in the heart of Mission wasn't fruitful. The tattoo places either didn't take walk-ins or the gallery wasn't impressive enough for me to risk a part of my body for. I then stumbled upon Scholar Tattoo, tucked in a rather residential and unnoticeable neighborhood.When I walked in, the artist there (I feel horrible that I forgot his name, but he has very large nose rings) greeted me enthusiastically. We chatted about my idea, he reacted positively, and after I skimmed through his gallery, I decided that this would be the place.I showed the artist a picture I got from the web as the basis for my inspiration, which was a black and white magnolia flower. It took him about 15 min to work on the sketch and the stencil, and we started the process.The artist chatted me up throughout the hour-long session - since it was my second tattoo, I came rather prepared for the pain and it actually didn't bother me much at all, thanks to the delicate work of my artist. He took a rather thorough approach, checking both up-close and at a distance until he was sure that he delivered the image he had aspired in mind. The final work was outstanding and exceeded my expectation.I would recommend this place. Read Less

I got my tattoo finished up at Scholar tattoo by Matt Matik. He had started it at another studio but recently moved to this one. I really dig the change. the interior of the place has a great vibe, i especially loved the hand painted biblical-style mural on the ceiling, gave me something interesting to look at while laying there for hours. Because this was just a finishing session, I already knew Matt was awesome and felt confident in his abilities. He has always taken my feedback and tweaks with humility and truly wanted me to be completely happy with the design and tattoo, which I am. I couldnt have asked for a better artist to work with. Everyone at Scholar was super nice and professional, really great friendly atmosphere. Because of the placement of my tattoo, I had to have my top off and boobs out. I felt really comfortable the whole time, and everyone did their best to make sure that was so. this shop is great, full of super talented, friendly people! I'm going to wear this tattoo out proudly! Thanks again, guys! Read Less

I got my tattoo finished up at Scholar tattoo by Matt Matik. He had started it at another studio but recently moved to this one. I really dig the change. the interior of the place has a great vibe, i especially loved the hand painted biblical-style mural on the ceiling, gave me something interesting to look at while laying there for hours. Because this was just a finishing session, I already knew Matt was awesome and felt confident in his abilities. He has always taken my feedback and tweaks with humility and truly wanted me to be completely happy with the design and tattoo, which I am. I couldnt have asked for a better artist to work with. Everyone at Scholar was super nice and professional, really great friendly atmosphere. Because of the placement of my tattoo, I had to have my top off and boobs out. I felt really comfortable the whole time, and everyone did their best to make sure that was so. this shop is great, full of super talented, friendly people! I'm going to wear this tattoo out proudly! Thanks again, guys! Read Less

I was on vacation in San Fran looking for a tattoo when I cam across Nathan Emery.  I was highly impressed with his traditional Hawaiian tattoos.  I was interested in a quarter sleeve where I currently had an abstract Egyptian tattoo.  I wanted a sleeve that would dress the space around and down my arm with the Egyptian tattoo at the core.  Nathan and I met, discussed where I wanted the tattoo, and how I wanted the meaning from my Egyptian tattoo to be carried over into a design similar to his Hawaiian technique.  At that time he began explaining the different meanings behind all the various bands and styles used in traditional Hawaiian tattooing.  Together we embarked on a journey of understanding and meaning.  I asked that Nathan freehand a tattoo using bands and a design that would captured the themes and meaning we discussed.  The kicker, as many of you might know is a sleeve no matter the size takes time and Nathan was fully booked that day.  I was only in town for another day and it was going to take about 7 hours by his estimation.  We talked and he said he'd come in on his day off to do the tattoo.  I was moved by his commitment and at that point knew I made the right decision.  I came in the next day, and sat for 7 grueling hours at the end I had the most meaningful tattoo of all my ink.  Nathan is a true tattoo artist, the kind people wish and hope for when they are seeking a great tattoo.  The connection between him, the tattooing, and the customer's vision is unparalleled.  During the session we took a break, ate together, talked, and bonded.  If I could give Nathan 10 stars I would but 5 is the most yelp will allow me to give.  I am planning to fly back have the sleeve taken down to a half and who knows we might just keep going.  Nathan stays in touch, offers a one time touch up, and is very good to his loyal customers.  He takes great pride in his work and it shows. Read Less

Had my first tattoo done here by Matt Matik tonight. It was way better than I expected. Meaning, I was freaked and he made me at ease and confident in every move that went on. He gave great advice, listened well and was superb. He let my boyfriend sit by and keep me occupied whilst documenting the experience. The shop was fun, clean, welcoming and comfortable - great experience overall. Plus you can walk a few blocks and get a celebratory beer (which is exactly what I did). Read Less

Owner messed up my girlfriends simple $80 tattoo and then blamed us for being difficult. With so many great tattoo shops in the bay this is not one to get something that's supposed to last the rest of your life. One of the worst experiences ever.Read Less

Owner messed up my girlfriends simple $80 tattoo and then blamed us for being difficult. With so many great tattoo shops in the bay this is not one to get something that's supposed to last the rest of your life. One of the worst experiences ever.Read Less

About a year ago, I began my search for what I would consider to be the ideal artist - one who cares about the art they put on somebody else's body, who will make suggestions to improve upon your ideas, and who will basically just be an artist when they work with you as opposed to somebody who is just churning out replications. After searching through MANY tattoo shops, I finally came across Nathan, who embodies the characteristics I spoke of earlier to a pin. Nathan is a trustworthy artist, and I felt comfortable telling him to be an artist and to basically have his artistic-way with the 3/4 sleeve I've gotten from him. He does phenomenal hybrid-traditional Polynesian artwork, and every experience I've had with him has been thoroughly enjoyable - overall I'm extremely glad that I went to Nathan for this work, and I would recommend him to anybody who is looking to work with a creative, trustworthy, and honest artist - and I look forward to getting more work done with him. Thank you Nathan! Read Less

Words cannot express what i think of your artistic eye or brain. I appreciate you making my idea (for my tatt) into something mind blowing! Making it the way it is, turning out, it's spectacular, a forever, sick ass, fuck yeah, incredible, beautiful piece! I'm totally in love with my tatt! Thank you SO MUCH! Read Less

Having several pieces of work spanning several years of Nathans career, I can honestly say I am always happy with the outcome. I often come to him with what I think is a great design, and have been blown away upon his redesign. His knowledge of traditional themes, cultures, and processes, along with a killer chunk of artistic talent, and a great imaginative flair, one can not go wrong with Nate behind the gun. I personally guarantee a long and happy relationship, and look forward to many more years of quality tattooing.Aloha! Read Less