I can't say I dislike the tattoo I got here, but the service was bad and the tattoo artist himself treated the experience with no regard to the fact he was putting a permanent meaningful piece of art on my body. He just tattooed me while looking away and talking across the room with the other tattoo artists, and at one point I was worried he might make a mistake with the amount he was looking away while continuing to tattoo. The tattoo came out good and I am happy with it but I will not go back here for I feel like I just happened to get lucky and not have my tattoo come out completely wrong. Read Less

This is such a fun place to get tattooed. Clean, sanitary, great staff that keep you laughing while you're getting worked on. Laurent is an amazing artist. He has tattooed me several times and I love his work. I recommend letting him design something custom or something from his flash. You will walk out very happy with a piece of art better than anything you could have imagined yourself. Just love this place. Read Less

I recently scheduled a tattoo for myself and my 2 daughters...we wanted to get something meaningful and decided on their birth flower, a gladiolus.  The 3 of us each wanted something slightly different.  We came in on a Sunday afternoon and were there for approximately 4 hours.  Erik took his time with each one of use customizing our design to our individual specifications we each left with exactly what we wanted.  I needed to come back and have mine retouched and Erik was really aware and responsive of my modifications and it made me feel like it was not a problem at all.  I can't recommend Spider Murphy's and Erik highly enough for ease of scheduling, clean work place, sensitively, artistic ability and all around pleasant experience. Read Less

Just got a tattoo from Bryan at Spider Murphy's and I'm so happy with the experience. He guided me in the whole process and gave me advice on how to make the art work I wanted look the best. I'll definitely go back to him for my next tattoo. Read Less

I went in for my first tattoo today and Erik did incredible! He was so patient and kind (I must have changed my mind about the tattoo/placement 5 times) and made the entire process so comfortable! Definitely will be back for the next one! Read Less

Spider Murphy's is by far, the best tattoo shop I have ever visited.The guys there are awesome: Bryan, Laurent and Eric. Not only are they excellent artists, they are some of the nicest people I have ever met.Kaci who does the scheduling and everything else behind the scenes is pretty amazing herself. Thanks for all Kaci!Bryan Randolph, who has now done four sessions with me, is the best artist I have ever worked with. He's got some seriously amazing talent and wicked creativity. Thank you Bryan for making me not hate my sleeve anymore!If you're looking for your first or your fifth tattoo, go here. You don't know me but trust me on this one. Read Less

Laurent did my tattoo today and Jeremy did my grandmothers! It was a special tattoo to commemorate our dog that passed away. They were absolutely wonderful!!! Laurent, thank you so much! I'm such a weanie with pain and this one was so easy! It was such an easy and wonderful experience! Thank you both!!! Read Less

Erik not only made me cry with giving me the most special tattoo but I even fell asleep he was the most gentle. Wish I lived on the West Coast so I could go back every day. Def gonna plan another piece by him next time I’m in Marin County. Read Less

Great tattoo shop! Clean, good atmosphere, and great artists. I’ve been tattooed by most of them in the shop and they all do really great work and are very professional. I would highly recommend this shop. Read Less

LOVED getting my tattoo done here, my artist was Erik :) he did an exceptional job. He was calming and talkative off the bat. He took my vague design and cleaned it up, and worked with a few adjustments for me really quickly. I did a set of small antlers about the size of a silver dollar on my arm - and he was finished in around 30 minutes! Charged me a really great rate and carefully wrapped it for me before leaving. Also, the shop is really clean, colorful and pleasant - a good atmosphere goes a long way. Happy and would go again! Read Less

Bryan Randolph was my tattoo artist, he took my granddaughters handwriting and tattooed my arm! It's beautiful and he is a kind, gentle soul. Great vibes in this shop!! Theo is one of my favorite tattoo artists as well, but Bryan has done five of my nine tattoos ... I'm a little partial. The shop is clean and everyone is friendly. Read Less

This place is awesome! I started coming in here a few months back and have gotten all my tats from here and from the same guy Brian. Funny,  enjoyable and laid back atmosphere. Love the work done from a simple to more detailed tattoo. Price is always worth it if you wanna get great work done on you. Sometimes I'm excited to get one right then and there when I come inside but since they're always busy you're scheduled in advance and take in mind an $80 deposit is needed for future appointments. Anyway, highly recommend coming here whether it's your first time or just wanna add something else. Thanks again Eric and Brian for a good experience every time. Read Less

We had an appointment with Jeremy, who wasn’t able to come into the office the day of. My friend and I arrived before the shop even opened and Laurent was nice enough to let us in and he fit us in before his first appointment. Quick and easy tattoo! They have an $80 minimum which is more reasonable than other shops we visited. Thanks guys! Read Less

I just got my second tattoo done at Spider Murphy's and I think they are fantastic!  I had my first piece done my Jeremy and 2nd by Laurent.  Both did excellent work!  For my first tattoo there with Jeremy, I came in with a general idea of what I was looking for and he worked up a beautiful design that I am wild about!  His artistry was fabulous and he was very efficient.  My second tattoo was especially simple, but Laurent did not make me feel like I was wasting his time, or it was too lowbrow for him.  He was quick and friendly and really makes you feel at ease.  Couldn't have asked for a better experiences.  I am already looking forward to my next one! Read Less

You can't go wrong at this place! Brian is excellent. He truly is an artist and he listens and uses creativity to make the tattoos fantastic. I lost a pet and Brian helped create a tribute to my loss. I would never get another tattoo from anywhere in the Bay Area unless done here. Excellent professional staff. A+++++ Read Less

Just got a tattoo done by Jeremy and I absolutely love it! He added a nighttime scene to a preexisting tattoo I got from another artist and it came out wonderful! The price was reasonable and the staff was professional and polite. If I ever want another tattoo I would go here! Read Less

Every time I go here I have FUN even though tattooing is a little painful. Theo is so good at freehand work and I love how bold his designs are. I've been working on a huge piece all down my side for over three years and I've never regretted picking him as my main artist. Plus I have to admit it IS fun having a rockstar as your artist - oh hell now I sound like a boneheaded groupie! Read Less

I wanted to leave 6 stars! I have gotten two tattoos from Jay, I brought in my own artwork, from my favorite book, and Jay did an amazing job. He is very talented, friendly, and the shop is up to the highest standards in hygiene, and the price was honest and reasonable.I called and got an appointment the same week, and came back for a second the next week.The shop looks like a magic place, I could sit there and watch and enjoy the atmosphere for hours! I most highly recommend this shop, I went there on the recommendation of my daughter. Read Less

Just had my first tattoo done by Bryon Randolph.  I am so thrilled with the result, even better than what I had envisioned.  His talent, thoroughness, skill, and artistry are unmatched.  I am so proud of the work that he did and how he was able to capture what I was going for while putting his artistic vision in there.  The whole process was easy and awesome.  I was never one to get a tattoo so I was pretty green going into the experience.  Everyone at the shop was super helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.  The place is also super cool and the vibe is very cool.  So glad this place is in San Rafael, definitely one of the more energy rich spots in downtown.  Highly recommend this place.  The other artists work look awesome too.   There were 3 other people getting work done when I was there. Read Less

At 50 years young, I had debated whether to have a tattoo for over two years. I heard great things about Spider Murphy's and as soon as I walked in the door I felt so comfortable that I knew I was going to go through with it. The storefront was beautiful, artistic, clean and friendly. All of the artists were very warm and professional. My experience was sanitary, comfortable and well informed. I was delighted with the outcome even though I only got a small tattoo. I will probably go back for another one and would certainly recommend it to anyone who is interested. Read Less

This place is a joke! Do not make an appointment with these people. They are not only RUDE but they cancel all the time and do not refund your deposit when THEY CANCEL the appointment. A day prior to appointment. They have cancelled 3 times on us and it's now been over a year that we have tried to get in. Layla or whatever her name is, that answers the calls is a no human being. She is disrespectful and acts like you owe her something. Thank GOD the appointments were cancelled. Now we can find a real tattoo shop that knows how to treat people and stick to their commitments. Still trying to get a refund. Layla will not give my message to Eric the store manager. I'm beyond livid with this little girl and this so called place of business. I'd put a NEGATIVE Star but you have to give them something unfortunately. Read Less

I'm shocked to see any negative reviews on here. Spider Murphy's and its artists are as good as it gets in my opinion! I have had 2 tattoos done by Paul Dobleman. Paul is seriously AMAZING! I would compare his skill level to that of the likes of Beethoven, Mozart or Bach. He's kind of genius! I only say kind of to keep him humble, lol. I have also seen many other tattoos performed by Paul; ALL the same level of GREATNESS! His line work is 110% on, shading unique stylistically and flows gorgeously, and subject matter all with complete integrity and sheer grace! His style is "umbrellaed" under "traditional" or "classic" but it is so much more than that. Anyone who can arrange an opportunity to have work done by Paul won't be sorry. They said back in the 60's Andy Warhol wasn't worth a damn- He sold his 32 canvas collection of the "Campbell's Soup Can" for $1000. They just recently sold for $15 Million. I think Paul Dobleman really has that "special something". Who knows, maybe your arm will be worth a few million one day!!! Read Less

I respect Aarons honesty...I came in wanted the red string of fate on my pinky.  He mentioned that I shouldn't do it because it fades and honestly I don't think he wanted to do it...I came in w an 80 gift certificate I won at a BREAST CANCER fundraiser.  I still want that tattoo.  I don't want to ruin his reputation..."he quoted that himself" Read Less

I love this place. Paul did my very first tattoo a few years back and it still looks great. Had my most recent one done by Laurent. He did an amazing job. He will be doing more in the future for me. Highly recommended this shop, any of the artist will do great work! Read Less

Aaron both designed and inked my latest tattoo. I had spent about five hours finding what I thought was a cool combination of tattoos to make a unified piece, with the intention of having someone ink it on my upper left arm and left pectoral.I went into Spider Murphy's, got a very friendly and genuine-seeming greeting and showed my plan to Aaron. He very kindly and without judgment told me that while he understands what I'd bring this, what looks great on a flat piece of paper doesn't take into account the specific lines and contours of your individual body. He took my deposit and I came back a few days later to see what he'd come up with, prepared for a 50% chance, at least, that I would want alterations. I'm very picky about what goes on my body, and this was going to be my biggest (not saying much though) tattoo and most meaningful - celebrating 20 years since I'd started the video game business that has defined me as an adult and that I continue to love and work on.I was blown away. So awesome! No alterations needed at all. He just -nailed- it. And then he proceeded to turn my arm into tenderized meat for 2.5 hours, for which I forgive him. My tattoo turned out incredibly well and I love it. I was definitely nervous to get such a large (by the standards of my previous tattoos) piece of ink but no regrets at all. I'm thrilled.Thanks Aaron! I'll be back for my next one.P.S. Someone named Brad K, below, is whining like a little b**** because Spider Murphy's refused to ink a Confederate flag on him. That makes me love this shop even more. Read Less

It's taken me a year to do a review but I have been getting tattooed by Bryan Randolph for a couple years now and he is Awesome and has great humor!Every tattoo he has done for me has been great and the line work is perfect! He did a cover up/sleeve for me last year and I love it. I never go a day without someone complimenting it.. Even older grumpy people like it :) ANYWAYS thanks Bryan! I'll be coming back soon! Read Less

When my grandma passed away a few summers ago, I decided to get a tribute tattoo in her honor, and knew I wanted it on my right shoulder... in color... covering up a black outline of my zodiac symbol I had gotten in the same spot when I turned 18. I went in to Spider Murphy's to talk to Matt Howse, as I had heard and seen what great work he had done with color tattoos. When I got there, the only two things I could tell him were where I wanted the tattoo and that I wanted it to be a rose (my grandma's favorite flower). When I came back a few days later to see what Matt had drawn up, it was perfect... exactly my style and so beautiful that I knew my grandma would have thought it was gorgeous (even if it was inked permanently on my skin).Matt worked on it for somewhere between 2-3 hours and was extremely sweet to me when he knew I started to feel antsy and uncomfortable. He let me leave the shop and walk down the street to get myself something to drink, and trusted me fully to come back. Then, when I got back on the chair he kept talking to me to keep me distracted. When he was finished, I was terrified that my old tattoo was still going to be visible or that it wouldn't do my grandma justice.Three years later, and my tattoo is still as perfect as the day I got it. NONE of the colors have faded, and it's still as vibrant as ever... reminding me even more of my grandma and how she will never let her memory fade. I don't know how Matt did it, but he is truly an artist. Not only did he do an incredible cover up-- he brought a piece of my grandma back to life. Read Less