I went in for a spur of the moment tattoo on my weeding ring finger. Nephti, just wrapped up his client and they closed at 6PM. I walked in at 5:53PM and just walked out at 6:20pm. Took me in and took care of me. Great customer service and amazing skill with the tattoo machine. He brought my idea to life, and made it better than what I had thought it would be. Like they say. Let the artist do his job and you'll never fail. Read Less

Absolutely love this shop. Ric did a forearm piece for me. I went in unsure of how I wanted my design to go. He listened to what I was imagining and was able to ametch up the design quickly to show exactly what I was thinking. Going back soon to have another piece done by him. I've heard great things and have seen amazing piece done by all the other artists as well. Highly recommend Read Less

Dan Juge did an outstanding job on my back piece. Great artist with a great attitude. My wife and I went in to set up an appointment and were greeted right away. Dan answered all our questions.  Great shop.  Dan did a large Ed Roth design on my back and it turned out great. Read Less

I got all three with Kristal. She is an amazing artist and am pleased every time. She is pretty booked up and you will have to wait but it will be worth it. P.S. Leaf in frog tattoo needs to be retouched because got a cut. Read Less

Kristal is an amazing talented artist she has completed a half sleeve and will finish the rest of my arm come September.. heart of gold beautiful person that does beautiful work.. if I could give her 10 stars on yelp I would and to the wonderful individual who left that nasty review about her she wasn't just "ill" she was fighting for her life that's a little different don't you think? I like everyone else waited and understood the situation and she's better then ever and Im absolutely thrilled I got to hug her again Read Less

I've been coming here for the past couple years. Kristal does amazing work. She has worked on original fresh pieces and she has worked on cover ups for me. She is amazing and I literally look forward to all my appointments. She is super busy though so make sure you book plenty far in advanced. I wanted to touch on something else really quick. Early in the year, like about January or something, Kristal was at home and decided to work out. She went and did her vigorous work out and collapsed. She literally DIED on the floor at her gym. People there started CPR and called 911. 911 cake and got her heart beating again and it stopped several more times. The ICU  at the local hospital had her heart beating too....until they also LOST HER. THEY GOT HER BACK AGAIN. She was in an ICU for two months. Two months. The first month she was in a coma and the second month she was recovering. After the two months, she had to wear a cumbersome vest contested to an energy pack that would shock her heart if it stopped again. Just recently, she had to have an internal shocker surgically implanted into her body for life. Needless to say, her family, friends, and co-workers were so worried about her during this nearly 6 month ordeal and they still had time to post the heck out of this all over her social media work sites in hopes of notifying everyone of the unthinkable that she was going through. Even after all this she returned 2-3 months after the initial event of dying several times in a days time. All of her clients appointments were obviously canceled and none had been rescheduled. We all had to re get in touch with her to set new  appointments.I've come across two or three ignorant messages on her social media including one here talking about how they lost their appointments or how she is unprofessional. THIS IS THE MOST UNTHOUGHTFUL, SELFISH, RIDICULOUS WAY OF THINKING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT WAS SO TRAGIC and impacted not just Kristal the person but Kristal the MOTHER, Kristal the WIFE, Kristal the DAUGHTER, Kristal the SISTER, Kristal the FRIEND, Kristal the LOVED ONE. Anyways, as I said, I've been going to her twice a month for a couple years, and I am first hand telling you how awesome of work she does, how professional she truly is, how caring and thoughtful, both in life and with her work, she truly is. NO OTHER TATTOOING HAND WILL EVER INK ME. Kristal, I appreciate you as a person and as my tattoo artist. I love your work, your work ethic, your attention to detail, and your flat out professionalism. Stay strong and FUCK THE HATERS. Read Less

Definitely will not be returning. No level of artistic ability can suffice for a condescending attitude when a client comes to you with an issue. I would rather put my money into a shop who has the same respect for their clients as the client does the artist. Mutual respect is key! Read Less

I did not have a pleasant time looking to get my first tattoo with this place. When I first came in a lady by the name of Jessica didn't really show interest in helping me with my first tattoo and gave me a "end of the day, just another customer off an assembly line, impersonal" feel. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt, and waited for an emailed design of my tat. Once it got close to my appointment time I got worried and asked her if my design was ready yet. She sent 2 pics of a crappy design of what I wanted with no message of apology. It was already to close to my appointment time to redesign, and i just didn't feel like she really cared. Not only did I decide not to go with this shop, but she got $20 out of me (For a down payment, for first time customers, it case they don't show for appointments). What about tattoo artists who are the same way?! I should get my money back. No dis to the other tattoo artists, but this was my experience with this one. Read Less

Got my second tattoo done this morning. Jessica was very nice and she did an awesome job. Her price was really reasonable. This is my second tattoo done at this place and they are the best.Thank you 12 Monkeys! Read Less

I have had nothing but great service here. Shawn Edwards has done 2 tattoos of mine and they are amazing. I am hoping to get another tattoo done by him. They are pretty fair priced for the quality of the tattoo. Read Less

Probably the best tattoo shop in town. They're so professional, and hygienic. They work with your tattoo idea and adjust so it has the artists personal touch. The cost isn't too much either. If you want a solid tattoo, with fair pay, this is my go to place. My friend got his second tattoo done and I've had my first one done here. Definitely is worth it! Read Less

First tattoo with Lefty. He is a cool cat and very knowledgeable in what he is doing. As this being my first tattoo.. He made it a great experience. I had several people compliment my tattoo from day one. I recommend Lefty if you decide on getting a tattoo. Read Less

12 Monkeys is a cool tattoo shop. The decor and atmosphere is super relaxed. I came In here about a month ago and I had the pleasure of being tattooed by Leana. She is super friendly and fast. She had my tattoo sketched up and to the perfect dimension in no time. I was in and out im under an hour. I will definitely come back here for my next piece one day. Read Less

Kristal did my tattoo - let me just say she exceeded my expectations, times 9012! Seeing her working on social media, I knew she'd do a great job but she did even better than that! She is seriously AMAZINGLY AWESOMELY RAD!! Her work is beyond amazing, clean, shaded and colored well, and she's pretty damn fast! Get your work done with her!!! She's my new go to tattoo chick!! Thanks girl!! Read Less

Go see Kristal!!!-best consultation-best ink-fast -all around great experience. I even got sick in front her once(so embarassing), but she was so proactive, and nice about the whole thing, by the time she was done i had forgotten all about it.I tell everyone i know, and everyone that compliments my tattoo about her bc she puts out amazing work, and a great experience. Read Less

Don't ever get a tattoo by lefty i had a friend who got tattooed by him and he really messed up his arm and chest it looks so bad and he got charged way too much for a piece of crap artwork i was shocked because I heard real good things about him. Maybe it was just an off day for him but tattoos are permanent and should be done well. There was a spot where he just picked up the needle and free handed part of his outline (you can see where the ink stopped an started again and the lines were jacked). When I was there with my friend i also mentioned to lefty a tattoo that I wanted in the future and he dissed my idea basically saying it was dumb. I get my tattoos done by a great artist now and he fixed my friends tattoos as well and he is also reasonably priced. If you want a nice tattoo from here go with Ric he did an amazing job on my brothers tattoo. Read Less

Shawn was my tattoo artist. He gave me an idea to add to the tattoo that I really loved. I won't lie some areas were painful, but he talked me through it. He's an amazing artist, I recommend going to him if you want an amazing tattoo. Read Less

Great place to get a tattoo. Super friendly, clean professional atmosphere. Shawn is very good at making sure he understands your ideas and delivers an awesome tattoo every time. Can't wait to go back again! Read Less

I've been greally tying tattoos from Jon since I was 19. I'm 25 now. I will never get another tattoo by any one else. I tried several shops prior when I was 18. Every artist only cared about the money. Jon takes his time. I love letting Jon freestyle tattoo on me. I go every month now. Read Less

I love this shop the atmosphere is great the people are nice I went in today for my birthday to get a tattoo and Leanna did a amazing job I highly recommend 12 Monkeys tattoo shop you won't be disappointed... Read Less

Just got my first tattoo at age 65 and my daughter got the identical one Shawn Inked me and Lefty ink my daughter they are both amazing they did an amazing job thank you to both of you it made my birthday Read Less

12 monkeys was a perfect experience of a day , their studio was first class, the artist are second to none and I wouldn't consider going anywhere else , Thank you so much to Lefty and Leanna (hope I spelled it right ) , you guys are the best and I'm in debt to you for the rest of my days !! Read Less

I love Krystal more than anything!!! I've always heard or horror stories about Tracy local shops, but they had a Friday the 13th special and I couldn't pass up on that. Krystal was attentive and gentle. I have leukemia and I'm wheelchair bound, she generously helped me in and out of my chair and took extra precaution with wrapping up my tattoos because I am susceptible to infection. She took her time and was in no rush. I love how my tattoo came out. I had a great time chatting with her! She has officially became apart of my top tattooers in my book. Read Less

I had a Winnie The Pooh tattoo yesterday in remembrance of my parents I had a great experience Lefty did an awsome job and I love how laid back and clean and professional it is in here I will definitely be back Thank You! Read Less

I had an old rose tattoo covered by Krystal and she did an amazing job . The shop was very clean and inviting. She is a true artist and I would highly recommend her. I love my new tattoo and have had many complements on it. Read Less

First thing I'd like to point out, the inside of the shop is amazing! Their place looks so professional and so much better than the ones I've been to. It made me feel more relaxed than nervous. The one that tattoo'd me was Kristal and she is so sweet and amazing. I came in to get a tattoo fixed that was butchered by a different artist. She did her best to work with it and it came out great! So much better than before. Not to mention, she worked super fast. I didn't expect to pay so little. Definitely a sign of a pro! I wish I came to her first because she's really good with "girly tattoos" (as the artist before her called it) and judging by the way she redid my tattoo, I know she would've done a kickass job. Next time I get another one, I'm definitely going to her first! Read Less

The shop was nice on the inside and the artists' work looks awesome, however their customer service is horrible. After multiple emails (some with vague responses some completely ignored), driving over an hour to talk to the artist in person, and direct messages on social media (that show they were read) just trying to either get a quick sketch or get scheduled, it's been over a month and I'm still ignored. It's really a bummer because Jon's work looks amazing but they clearly don't want or need my business. Read Less

I went on on Friday June 3rd to get my second tattoo. I went to 12 Monkey's for my first tattoo. I was really impressed by the work my the artist, Shawn. I would recommend this place to my friends interested in getting a tattoo and to anyone looking to get a tattoo. Read Less

Super disappointed. Went in to schedule an appointment and was asked to email pictures so I did, 10 days later no response. Guess they have enough clients and aren't taking new business. Heading back to the bay I'd rather make the drive then to get treated like my business isn't welcomed. Read Less

Lefty is by far the coolest and most professional artist I have had at 12 monkeys! He's a very talented artist who can do practically anything you ask. Very very clean and very professional environment. Wouldn't go anywhere else. I would trust any one of there artists but lefty is for sure the man! Thanks guys and gals for always delivering! Gotta say this is the best shop in tracy/actually anywhere! Read Less

My review is for both the shop and for my artist RicWhen I first walked in I was greeted by artist Shawn Edwards, he was in the middle of a tattoo. He said hello and asked what I was interested in and told me to talk to Ric, he already did a tattoo on me a few years back (my sons middle name and birthdate). I told Ric what I was interested in getting and he was interested in what I wanted which made me happy cause he was going to take care of me, I gave him the basics of what I wanted and where I wanted it, he then did a basic outline of my arm, I then gave him he liberty of doing it his style, took down my number, set a date, left a deposit with him. About 4 days later I went into my appointment and got my ink. Ric was there showed me the work and then we proceeded to start the session, about 4 hours was gone and I was extremely happy with the tattoo. Fast forward about 2 weeks after my tattoo was healed I had the bug to get another tattoo, I went in and saw Ric again, he greeted me, checked out his previous  work and he was happy with it, I told him what I wanted next and again he was happy to help and draw up a design, a few days passed and texted me a picture of what he came up with. Even though it was just a penciling of what I wanted I was even more excited for the upcoming appointment. The experience was the same as the last. Rick brought me to his station, got his materials ready, had me get into position for the tattoo and made sure everything was comfortable. This tattoo was done in About 6 hours. Again Ric was excited for what he was doing and the design, I got what he likes doing, this tattoo was the same I gave him the liberty for the design. I just told him what I wanted and the colors. The shop is beautiful, the artists make you feel welcomed, they get to you when they can, you can check out the other artist work in their books, they gave your basic flash art on the wall, custom paintings for sale. The prices were great and not ridiculous, I'm happy knowing that Ric takes pride in what he does and I'm happy with what I paid, can't wait to think of something else to get and see Ric again. Read Less

I've had numerous tattoos done at 12 Monkeys.  This review is primarily about the shop, but I'll address my artist as well.The shop itself is the most professional I have ever seen.  It's impeccably clean, and it looks more like a fine art studio than a tattoo shop.  That's a big plus in my book.  As for the artists, I've only had the pleasure of having Andrew Soldana do my tattoos. I couldn't  be happier with the work he has done.  He works with me on each piece to get it exactly how I want it.  I have a themed sleeve, and getting the pieces to fit and harmonize with each other and the sleeve as a whole is a feat in itself.  Andrew knocks it out of the park every time.One customer on Yelp was really critical of Andrew's cover up work for her.  She quite obviously doesn't know the difficulty in doing a cover up piece.  Not only do you have to design something that's two to three times the size as the piece being covered up, but inks aren't completely opaque.  They are translucent.  Lighter colors on top of a dark color or black won't work well on a cover up.  The person who had the cover up done chose a floral design with bright colors.  There is only so much an artist can do with that.  It's virtually impossible to cover the original black band the gal had with bright colored flowers.  No tattoo artist in the world can completely cover black with reds and blues.  It is just not possible. Read Less

12 Monkeys is a awesome tattoo shop. They are clean, professional, and fun. Best of all, they know their stuff and will make sure to get you to the right artist for your style. I was referred to Lefty by a good friend of mine. We set up a consultation to correct some old ink I had done by another shop. Lefty worked with me to correct what I had and add on to my existing tattoo. He was patient with me and we worked together to create something I'm very proud to have tattooed on me. Very happy with my whole experience, start to finish, and I will definitely be back. Thank you! Read Less

Kristal has done just about every piece on my body and I wouldn't have it any other way. She is incredibly talented and recommend her to anyone who asks. I'm currently 1.5 hours away from her but will still make the trip. She's worth it. The shop is so cool inside. Pieces of artwork from the tattoo artists everywhere. Which is important. People need to know that they just shouldn't run to anyone for a tattoo. They need to be an artist first. They need to know and understand art not just know how to put a needle in someone's skin. And that's the feeling that I get when I walked in there. Everyone that works here is an artist. From experiencing Kristal to looking at the others art on the wall and amazing examples of tattoos in the artists books I can without a doubt tell you that you should get your ink here! You won't be disappointed! Read Less

One star only because I have to give a star. Horrible cover up done by Andrew. I've heard great things about John and should've went with him but chose Andrew because of a piece I saw in his book. When I went back because the tattoo underneath was clearly visible, he saw no problem with his work. Should have known then not to let him continue but did and ended up with a muddy mess of color on my arm....so so upsetting. Read Less

3 days ago my husband and I got tattoo's from 12 Monkeys. Our artist was Shawn. These were our first tattoos and he makes the experience great! The sanitation process is all put in the open. You can watch them clean everything before your tattoo. We showed Shawn what we wanted and he drew it up better than what we wanted and my tattoo was done in 10 minutes and my husband's was done in 45 minutes. I would never let anyone, but Shawn do my tattoos. He is super friendly and helps you not be so nervous to get your tattoo. Saturdays they welcome walk ins and to pay they are Cash only. My tattoo was $80 My husband's tattoo was $100 Read Less

I gotta say, you get what you pay for. They may be a little pricey, but it's worth it. Jon saved a really bad start from another artist in town. He took some really blatant mistakes and camouflaged it so that no one notices. Of course I can point it out to people and then they see it, but if I don't point it out, it's invisible. Really great work, I'll definitely stick with Jon for all my future work.Read Less

Got a tattoo from Andrew and I love his work. After a few months it looks great and I am pleased with how it turned out. The colors are vibrant and it turned out exactly how I expected it to!  I always get compliments on my tat! Thank you Andrew, I'll be back for another from you!Place is very sanitary and spotless! Exactly how a tattoo shop should be! The other artists are all friendly and are willing to help you out. All the artists have their portfolio out where you can take a look at some of their work.Prices are reasonable!! Read Less

Maybe its not 12 monkeys fault for the infections maybe its people who 1. Have nothing better to do and post bitter remarks pertaining to 12 monkeys. Reason being less recognition for them and more on somewhere lousy. 2. People just don't know how to take care of tattoos. 3. Sometimes people's bodies can't take the ink. Simply because its not natural. Read Less

Too expensive and not good enough work. These guys used to be great 4 - 5 years ago but lately they been f-in up. I don't know whats going on but the work is not what it used to be and the prices they are charging now is ridiculious. In this economy instead of being a lil cheaper they are over priced. Read Less

I got a tattoo 3 weeks ago that was $500 and its still not healed yet, It looks infected and I was charaged alot for it. Every time I go to them to see if my tattoo looks ok, they tell me not to worry about it and it looks fine.I dont think it looks fine, I went to 3 other shop for opioins to see if its infected (Yes) and what something like what I had cost, the most that I was quoted was $260. They (12 monkeys) fooled me with their fancy awards. I really though they knew what they were doing. Very disappointed Read Less

To everyone considering 12 Monkeys Tattoos: Go into the shop and check it out for yourself. They don't get Best of the Best in Tracy every year and Best of San Joaquin County 2009 for nothing. I seriously question the validity of the poor reviews written. Don't believe them. Made up. For 11 years now 12 Monkeys has continuously proven themselves with a great bunch of artists doing award winning tattoos. They have a super clean shop. All single use needles. All guys are certified in bloodborne pathogen training and comply with all safety procedures. They have a huge following and people don't keep coming back for nothing. Just check it out for yourselves Read Less

I got a tattoo at 12 monkeys.. I dont see what the big deal is my tattoo was over priced.. and it got infected.. i had to go to the doctors...Now i have this huge bill.. and they wont even help me pay for it.. im a marine mom.. and all they wanted to do was get my number on me knowing my husband is in Iraq... Read Less

i went in there once and they wanted to charge me like 200 bucks for a(what i thought would have been a $50 tat) tattoo. plus they weren't the kindest people in the world. many of my friends have been in there as well and said that they have no respect. Read Less

i got a tattoo here told them the idea of what i wanted and after it was done it turned nothing like what i wanted. they added in stuff i didnt even want on the tat so it wasnt what i wanted it turned out how they thought it hould be and im the one stuck with it for the rest of my life. DONT GO THERE! Read Less