23 Reviews

Oceanic Tatau

Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Reviews
agaba arnold
5 Jul 2018
REPORT
Geoffrey Feldman
22 Apr 2017
REPORT
Trevor Marshall who owns Oceanic Tatau is one of the premier Tattoo artists in the country. He is known for his Tribal work but also excels as Japanese styles. He fits his work to the individuals bod... Read More
Trevor Marshall who owns Oceanic Tatau is one of the premier Tattoo artists in the country. He is known for his Tribal work but also excels as Japanese styles. He fits his work to the individuals body, hand drawing for the best effect as you move. He is a native of New Zealand and has spent a lot of time among the Maori people there. It will be clear to you when you enter that he knows his stuff and is an original artist. Read Less
Richard Parker
15 Apr 2017
REPORT
amazing artist and craftsman...working with Trevor is simply an honor and the results superb...
Stephanie Nicole Durand
13 Apr 2017
REPORT
Trevor was fantastic to work. His art and talent surpassed my expectations. I think I can say that I have found "my tattoo artist"
Terence K.
27 Feb 2017
REPORT
Love Trevor's work. I'm going back for my fourth sitting next week. I prefer to give him artistic license and have been thrilled with the results.
Terence Kirby
11 Dec 2016
REPORT
I initially found Trevor through recommendations from two friends. I wanted an old tattoo covered and really liked the work he did on them . I've been back three times now and love my artwork . Going... Read More
I initially found Trevor through recommendations from two friends. I wanted an old tattoo covered and really liked the work he did on them . I've been back three times now and love my artwork . Going back in March for a 4th sitting . His studio is immaculate and I am able to surf and train within a week or two of my sitting Read Less
Mark Zedon
22 Oct 2015
REPORT
Very professional, great artist. Got my first tat here and will get my last. Trevor Marshall is the man.
Eric Sadowski
24 Jun 2015
REPORT
Got a tattoo 18 years ago and ran into family health issues making tattooing not an option. 18 years later, I was sssooooo happy to once again meet up with Trevor. He as well as his work is so incredi... Read More
Got a tattoo 18 years ago and ran into family health issues making tattooing not an option. 18 years later, I was sssooooo happy to once again meet up with Trevor. He as well as his work is so incredible and very top notch. Thank you so much Trevor. Read Less
Allison Lahikainen
29 Apr 2015
REPORT
Trevor is top notch. His studio offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere. I can always trust him to take my somewhat confused vision and make it into its own unique, beautifully worked piece of art! One of t... Read More
Trevor is top notch. His studio offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere. I can always trust him to take my somewhat confused vision and make it into its own unique, beautifully worked piece of art! One of the best. Read Less
Dave Kitching
18 Mar 2015
REPORT
Trevor had great artistic skills all those many years ago as a young man in Nelson, New Zealand. Clearly those skills hav developed ova the years 2 where he is now. Awesome matey.
Jim DuVal
18 Mar 2015
REPORT
Trevor is a super fantastic Human being who's passion and sincerity for his work shows in every aspect of his world.
Amy Warren
18 Mar 2015
REPORT
Trevor is an amazing artist, his work is beautiful, helped me design my tattoo, and once it was done it was better than I could have imagined! His attention to detail is exquisite! I would highly reco... Read More
Trevor is an amazing artist, his work is beautiful, helped me design my tattoo, and once it was done it was better than I could have imagined! His attention to detail is exquisite! I would highly recommend Oceanic Tatau! Overall just a great experience! Read Less
Meag Shea
18 Mar 2015
REPORT
Trevor has an amazing eye and skill! He is not only friendly but very patient, and a joy to be around! This is the type of artist you want, who can free hand your ideas rather than stamp them on and l... Read More
Trevor has an amazing eye and skill! He is not only friendly but very patient, and a joy to be around! This is the type of artist you want, who can free hand your ideas rather than stamp them on and leave you very happy. He does amazing work :) thank you for my amazing cover up! Hoping to see you soon again! Read Less
Tom M.
25 Jun 2014
REPORT
Trevor is an incredible artist! I came to him with a pretty tricky cover-up request, and I couldn't be happier with the result. The level of detail and skill he employs in his tattoos are totally unpa... Read More
Trevor is an incredible artist! I came to him with a pretty tricky cover-up request, and I couldn't be happier with the result. The level of detail and skill he employs in his tattoos are totally unparalleled. Really glad I made the drive from Boston to work with him, and looking forward to more in the near future. Read Less
Richard H.
4 Nov 2013
REPORT
Trevor is fantastic. Truly high quality work. Very professional. Certainly the best in the area!!
Amy M.
25 May 2013
REPORT
Been to Trevor for 4 tattoos.  I brought in photos for a couple and he free handed one that was a cover-up.  All of his work is brilliant.  I trust him implicitly.  I've recommended him to friends and... Read More
Been to Trevor for 4 tattoos.  I brought in photos for a couple and he free handed one that was a cover-up.  All of his work is brilliant.  I trust him implicitly.  I've recommended him to friends and people who have complemented his my tattoos.  People ask me why I still go to to New Hampshire now that tattooing is legal in Mass.  If you find a great artist you stick with them! Read Less
Sue T.
23 Feb 2012
REPORT
I can't rate Trevor high enough. He's an amazing guy and a spectacular artist. 100% worth every penny.I have both arms half sleeved in fairly traditional Japanese style and they make me incredibly hap... Read More
I can't rate Trevor high enough. He's an amazing guy and a spectacular artist. 100% worth every penny.I have both arms half sleeved in fairly traditional Japanese style and they make me incredibly happy. I get complimented like crazy on the quality of the detail he put into both pieces.My only regret is I haven't been able to save up enough cash to get another piece started. :) Read Less
Melissa G.
23 Jan 2012
REPORT
Two fantastic experiences with Trevor. The first was on my husband's upper arm/shoulder. Paul needed to cover up two small unfortunate tattoos acquired in his youth so Trevor designed a tribal motif t... Read More
Two fantastic experiences with Trevor. The first was on my husband's upper arm/shoulder. Paul needed to cover up two small unfortunate tattoos acquired in his youth so Trevor designed a tribal motif that not only covered his existing tattoos completely but also flowed beautifully with his muscle structure. His tattoo truly appears to have grown out of his body organically rather than looking like art just stamped on a bicep.A few years later in 2009, I had Trevor tattoo three tribal turtles swimming up my back, from hips to mid-back. Not only is the design more than I could have hoped for, but Trevor handled some physical issues of mine with patience, respect and grace. Due to neurological issues, tattooing near the bone caused unexpected amounts of muscle spasm, tensing and extreme pain. I continue to be thankful that he treated me so kindly and did such amazing work on such a challenging canvas ;)Thank you, Trevor! Read Less
Felicia M.
6 Dec 2011
REPORT
I had been looking for a few years for an artist who could draw realistic, lifelike Bird of Paradise flowers for a tattoo that I wanted on my arm.  Most places had just flash drawings of them, or I di... Read More
I had been looking for a few years for an artist who could draw realistic, lifelike Bird of Paradise flowers for a tattoo that I wanted on my arm.  Most places had just flash drawings of them, or I didn't think that their lines were fine enough on their custom work, or they were too far to drive considering I knew it was going to be a multi-session piece of work.  I had been to a number of tattoo shows, and finally came across Trevor's booth at a tattoo show in Maine, probably, oh, 6 or 7 years ago now.  As I was looking through his portfolio of work, I came across a picture of a woman's leg that had been gorgeously tattooed with Birds of Paradise.  Stop right there, I have now found my artist.  I asked Trevor about the work, and he said that oh, I may know whose leg that is - none other than Juli Moon.  Well now... if Juli trusts Trevor to ink her leg, I can certainly count on him to do a great job on my arm!  I was not disappointed. The work I had done was obviously entirely custom.  I brought in many different pictures of bird of paradise flowers, pointing out the aspects of each flower that I really liked, and Trevor took all of those different flowers and combined it into a beautiful half sleeve of three of the most gorgeous bird of paradise flowers I've ever seen drawn as a tattoo.  The colors on each of the flowers are exactly the colors of a real flower.  Their shape, the flow of the petals, everything - it is totally realistic looking.  The shading makes them pop - I get so many compliments on this piece.   Beautiful, tiny outlines that have stayed thin and precise for 5+ years.  I do my part, though, and keep it out of the sun as much as possible, or use sunscreen if I absolutely have to go without sleeves.  If I were to get another tattoo at some point, I would certainly go back to Trevor.  The only part that I didn't like was the studio he was working out of, Jim's in Seabrook.  Kind of sleazy shop.  It looks like Trevor has now moved, so that takes care of that. Read Less
Diana G.
19 Sep 2011
REPORT
I have worked with Trevor once now on a tattoo that I got several years ago on my foot, and have sent him several people based on that work alone. He is simply amazing. A fantastic, true artist. I wen... Read More
I have worked with Trevor once now on a tattoo that I got several years ago on my foot, and have sent him several people based on that work alone. He is simply amazing. A fantastic, true artist. I went in with an idea of what I wanted, and he free-hand designed something better than I could have imagined. I have been consulting with him recently regarding a piece that I am planning on getting in December, and had the chance to see his "new" studio in Portsmouth. The last time I worked with him, he was in Seabrook. His new studio is really nice, well set up, and suits him much better. If you are serious about tattooing, and want an original piece of art in the neo-tribal / polynesian, oceanic or Japanese styles, he's your man. I can't recommend him highly enough. As Cory said, "If I could give him 111 stars I would." Get your next (several) tattoos here. Read Less
Siam T.
10 Jul 2011
REPORT
The updated address for Oceanic Tatua can be found here: oceanictatau.comThis is a long review, but getting a tattoo is a long process and deciding where to get one should also be a long and well thou... Read More
The updated address for Oceanic Tatua can be found here: oceanictatau.comThis is a long review, but getting a tattoo is a long process and deciding where to get one should also be a long and well thought out process. People don't regret tattoos; they regret bad tattoos. Careful planning and research will prevent regret. Tattoos are becoming more and more popular in the United States and the world, but it is their esoteric quality that makes up a large part of its appeal. Getting a great tattoo will set yours apart from others. All the tools and resources for this research are available online. Here is the story of my process. Last year I searched for a tattoo artist to work on a sleeve for my left arm. The subject matter was a relatively obscure Asian reference, and not part of the vocabulary of most tattooists working in the United States or Asia. I found a French artist working in California, who was one of the few artists familiar with this family of design motifs. The distance between Sacramento and Somerville made it necessary to do perhaps more work than would generally be suggested in two sessions over two days, totaling 12 hours. The healing was not optimal, but still the tattoo was so well designed by the artist that its overall appearance maintained it's aesthetic value and its place as a "great tattoo". That much tattooing was indeed a rite of passage and I'm proud of myself for bearing it, but I wouldn't do that shit again, if I had a choice. That paragraph was meant to underscore my determination in getting the right tattoo and what I was willing to do to get it, after what was literally a global search for the right artist. Other artists that I looked at included: Jondix, Tomas Tomas and Thomas Hooper as well as other lesser known, but skilled artists. My main problem, at the end of the day, was geography. Beyond New York, the northeastern United States has many good tattoo artists, but not many that practiced the level of blackwork tattoo that I was looking for. Trevor Marshall, in NH, is at that level.After a trip to Southeast Asia, I was able to obtain the references that I needed to continue my journey into what the tattoo artist Jondix refers to as "Holy Trauma." Trevor studied the references for two weeks and I put aside my instinctive desire to help with the planning. I am an art director by trade, and work at a very high level for a globally recognized industry-leading brand creating advertising and video pieces. My professional history is relevant here, because Trevor is not cheap; but it is very true that you always get what you pay for. I am also a formally trained graphic designer and an able documentary photographer, and as of late, an amateur tattoo critic :). That being said, I put my leg in Trevor's hands; I was determined to give minimal input. Trevor will certainly work with you, but keep in mind that he knows better than you do, and that he has your best interests in mind.In my young career as an art director, I have worked with many great talents, but the ones that have been most influential to me are, for a lack of a better term, of a respectable age. Trevor was doing this shit when a "sleeve" was still just a part of a shirt, and it really shows. Trevor is known for drawing directly on the skin, a nerve-wracking process when the client himself is so used to rounds and rounds of edits and re-dos in his own work. But it might as well been drafted using Adobe illustrator; I could see that he was using manual and internal guides, rules, grids, and using visual balance (the "eye-ball method") to compensate for mathematical balance, because as he explained, "the human body is not symmetrical." When I saw the completed drawing, I was immediately satisfied. For almost three hours I:  1. Failed my attempts at rhythmic breathing techniques 2. Was unsuccessful at implementing my Buddhist upbringing in a real life situation.  And 3. Fell short of trying to analyze and rationalize the pain away. It was mad rugged, son. Mad rugged. But when I stood up in front of the mirror, I was immediately doing some mental financial planning. This was only the start. I can't wait to see this through! The stroke of the outline is so sharp and dramatic, that you could almost cut your finger running your hand over it. The turns look as if they were made with a Bézier curve. Based on his portfolio, the fill will be just as impressive. He may not remember this, but almost fifteen years ago, when I was a blue-haired 18-year-old raver, he tattooed my right shoulder. The shading on that piece is still a solid jet black, solid evidence of the lasting permanence of Trevor's work. I recommend Trevor highly for his high level of artistry and craft that he performs in a clean and modern studio in the beautiful city of Portsmouth New Hampshire.Also: I suggest that you grab a meal here streetfood360.com before your tattoo. I find that a good meal a tattoo helps with the process. Read Less
shamus l.
22 May 2011
REPORT
I spent a lot of cash and travel time getting tattooed by Trevor and was really disappointed in his work.  He seemed distracted and disinterested during the two sessions I had with him and the tattoo ... Read More
I spent a lot of cash and travel time getting tattooed by Trevor and was really disappointed in his work.  He seemed distracted and disinterested during the two sessions I had with him and the tattoo itself was poorly drawn, poorly inked and took far too long to heal.  I am an artist, both abstract and figurative, and felt I gave him a pretty a wide berth in terms of creative license.  I now have an expensive tattoo that I need to get fixed in order for it to meet my lowest expectations... A tattooist friend can't even begin to cover up the work that Trevor did 2 months ago because it still hasn't healed properly while the tattoos I've gotten since then are healed just fine.  I truly question the man's integrity. If I could rate his work at no stars I would. Read Less
Cory M.
18 Feb 2010
REPORT
This is your guy if you want a well done, custom, tribal tattoo.  If I could give him 111 stars I would.  I had a 10 year old tattoo that was pretty shitty looking, but I'm really attached to the mean... Read More
This is your guy if you want a well done, custom, tribal tattoo.  If I could give him 111 stars I would.  I had a 10 year old tattoo that was pretty shitty looking, but I'm really attached to the meaning of it so I didn't want to totally cover it up with something different. During my consult with Trevor, he came up with a solution in less than 5 minutes.I am so happy with his work.  I've learned over the years that a good tattoo artist doesn't only need to know how to draw on skin.  They also need to put the ink in just deep enough, but not too deep. This part is just as important, but seems to be a whole lot harder for most people.  Just in case I'm not being clear, Trevor Marshall knows how to do both of these things.  Really well.  I can already tell by the way it's healing that it was done right.If you are one of those people who likes to brag about how cheap your tattoo was, go somewhere else and have fun living with a piece of crap on your body for the rest of your life.  Or you could learn from my mistake and do it right the first time.  Seriously, guys.  Go see Trevor. Read Less
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(603) 431-2025
801 Islington Street
Portsmouth New Hampshire 3801
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Wednesday
Wed
11:00AM-18:00PM
Thursday
Thu
11:00AM-18:00PM
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Oceanic Tatau

Portsmouth, New Hampshire
(23)
801 Islington Street
Portsmouth New Hampshire 3801
Wednesday
11:00AM-18:00PM
Thursday
11:00AM-18:00PM
Friday
11:00AM-18:00PM
Saturday
11:00AM-18:00PM
Sunday
11:00AM-18:00PM
agaba arnold
5 Jul 2018
REPORT
Geoffrey Feldman
22 Apr 2017
REPORT
Trevor Marshall who owns Oceanic Tatau is one of the premier Tattoo artists in the country. He is known for his Tribal work but also excels as Japanese styles. He fits his work to the individuals bod... Read More
Trevor Marshall who owns Oceanic Tatau is one of the premier Tattoo artists in the country. He is known for his Tribal work but also excels as Japanese styles. He fits his work to the individuals body, hand drawing for the best effect as you move. He is a native of New Zealand and has spent a lot of time among the Maori people there. It will be clear to you when you enter that he knows his stuff and is an original artist. Read Less
Richard Parker
15 Apr 2017
REPORT
amazing artist and craftsman...working with Trevor is simply an honor and the results superb...
Stephanie Nicole Durand
13 Apr 2017
REPORT
Trevor was fantastic to work. His art and talent surpassed my expectations. I think I can say that I have found "my tattoo artist"
Terence K.
27 Feb 2017
REPORT
Love Trevor's work. I'm going back for my fourth sitting next week. I prefer to give him artistic license and have been thrilled with the results.
Terence Kirby
11 Dec 2016
REPORT
I initially found Trevor through recommendations from two friends. I wanted an old tattoo covered and really liked the work he did on them . I've been back three times now and love my artwork . Going... Read More
I initially found Trevor through recommendations from two friends. I wanted an old tattoo covered and really liked the work he did on them . I've been back three times now and love my artwork . Going back in March for a 4th sitting . His studio is immaculate and I am able to surf and train within a week or two of my sitting Read Less
Mark Zedon
22 Oct 2015
REPORT
Very professional, great artist. Got my first tat here and will get my last. Trevor Marshall is the man.
Eric Sadowski
24 Jun 2015
REPORT
Got a tattoo 18 years ago and ran into family health issues making tattooing not an option. 18 years later, I was sssooooo happy to once again meet up with Trevor. He as well as his work is so incredi... Read More
Got a tattoo 18 years ago and ran into family health issues making tattooing not an option. 18 years later, I was sssooooo happy to once again meet up with Trevor. He as well as his work is so incredible and very top notch. Thank you so much Trevor. Read Less
Allison Lahikainen
29 Apr 2015
REPORT
Trevor is top notch. His studio offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere. I can always trust him to take my somewhat confused vision and make it into its own unique, beautifully worked piece of art! One of t... Read More
Trevor is top notch. His studio offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere. I can always trust him to take my somewhat confused vision and make it into its own unique, beautifully worked piece of art! One of the best. Read Less
Dave Kitching
18 Mar 2015
REPORT
Trevor had great artistic skills all those many years ago as a young man in Nelson, New Zealand. Clearly those skills hav developed ova the years 2 where he is now. Awesome matey.
Jim DuVal
18 Mar 2015
REPORT
Trevor is a super fantastic Human being who's passion and sincerity for his work shows in every aspect of his world.
Amy Warren
18 Mar 2015
REPORT
Trevor is an amazing artist, his work is beautiful, helped me design my tattoo, and once it was done it was better than I could have imagined! His attention to detail is exquisite! I would highly reco... Read More
Trevor is an amazing artist, his work is beautiful, helped me design my tattoo, and once it was done it was better than I could have imagined! His attention to detail is exquisite! I would highly recommend Oceanic Tatau! Overall just a great experience! Read Less
Meag Shea
18 Mar 2015
REPORT
Trevor has an amazing eye and skill! He is not only friendly but very patient, and a joy to be around! This is the type of artist you want, who can free hand your ideas rather than stamp them on and l... Read More
Trevor has an amazing eye and skill! He is not only friendly but very patient, and a joy to be around! This is the type of artist you want, who can free hand your ideas rather than stamp them on and leave you very happy. He does amazing work :) thank you for my amazing cover up! Hoping to see you soon again! Read Less
Tom M.
25 Jun 2014
REPORT
Trevor is an incredible artist! I came to him with a pretty tricky cover-up request, and I couldn't be happier with the result. The level of detail and skill he employs in his tattoos are totally unpa... Read More
Trevor is an incredible artist! I came to him with a pretty tricky cover-up request, and I couldn't be happier with the result. The level of detail and skill he employs in his tattoos are totally unparalleled. Really glad I made the drive from Boston to work with him, and looking forward to more in the near future. Read Less
Richard H.
4 Nov 2013
REPORT
Trevor is fantastic. Truly high quality work. Very professional. Certainly the best in the area!!
Amy M.
25 May 2013
REPORT
Been to Trevor for 4 tattoos.  I brought in photos for a couple and he free handed one that was a cover-up.  All of his work is brilliant.  I trust him implicitly.  I've recommended him to friends and... Read More
Been to Trevor for 4 tattoos.  I brought in photos for a couple and he free handed one that was a cover-up.  All of his work is brilliant.  I trust him implicitly.  I've recommended him to friends and people who have complemented his my tattoos.  People ask me why I still go to to New Hampshire now that tattooing is legal in Mass.  If you find a great artist you stick with them! Read Less
Sue T.
23 Feb 2012
REPORT
I can't rate Trevor high enough. He's an amazing guy and a spectacular artist. 100% worth every penny.I have both arms half sleeved in fairly traditional Japanese style and they make me incredibly hap... Read More
I can't rate Trevor high enough. He's an amazing guy and a spectacular artist. 100% worth every penny.I have both arms half sleeved in fairly traditional Japanese style and they make me incredibly happy. I get complimented like crazy on the quality of the detail he put into both pieces.My only regret is I haven't been able to save up enough cash to get another piece started. :) Read Less
Melissa G.
23 Jan 2012
REPORT
Two fantastic experiences with Trevor. The first was on my husband's upper arm/shoulder. Paul needed to cover up two small unfortunate tattoos acquired in his youth so Trevor designed a tribal motif t... Read More
Two fantastic experiences with Trevor. The first was on my husband's upper arm/shoulder. Paul needed to cover up two small unfortunate tattoos acquired in his youth so Trevor designed a tribal motif that not only covered his existing tattoos completely but also flowed beautifully with his muscle structure. His tattoo truly appears to have grown out of his body organically rather than looking like art just stamped on a bicep.A few years later in 2009, I had Trevor tattoo three tribal turtles swimming up my back, from hips to mid-back. Not only is the design more than I could have hoped for, but Trevor handled some physical issues of mine with patience, respect and grace. Due to neurological issues, tattooing near the bone caused unexpected amounts of muscle spasm, tensing and extreme pain. I continue to be thankful that he treated me so kindly and did such amazing work on such a challenging canvas ;)Thank you, Trevor! Read Less
Felicia M.
6 Dec 2011
REPORT
I had been looking for a few years for an artist who could draw realistic, lifelike Bird of Paradise flowers for a tattoo that I wanted on my arm.  Most places had just flash drawings of them, or I di... Read More
I had been looking for a few years for an artist who could draw realistic, lifelike Bird of Paradise flowers for a tattoo that I wanted on my arm.  Most places had just flash drawings of them, or I didn't think that their lines were fine enough on their custom work, or they were too far to drive considering I knew it was going to be a multi-session piece of work.  I had been to a number of tattoo shows, and finally came across Trevor's booth at a tattoo show in Maine, probably, oh, 6 or 7 years ago now.  As I was looking through his portfolio of work, I came across a picture of a woman's leg that had been gorgeously tattooed with Birds of Paradise.  Stop right there, I have now found my artist.  I asked Trevor about the work, and he said that oh, I may know whose leg that is - none other than Juli Moon.  Well now... if Juli trusts Trevor to ink her leg, I can certainly count on him to do a great job on my arm!  I was not disappointed. The work I had done was obviously entirely custom.  I brought in many different pictures of bird of paradise flowers, pointing out the aspects of each flower that I really liked, and Trevor took all of those different flowers and combined it into a beautiful half sleeve of three of the most gorgeous bird of paradise flowers I've ever seen drawn as a tattoo.  The colors on each of the flowers are exactly the colors of a real flower.  Their shape, the flow of the petals, everything - it is totally realistic looking.  The shading makes them pop - I get so many compliments on this piece.   Beautiful, tiny outlines that have stayed thin and precise for 5+ years.  I do my part, though, and keep it out of the sun as much as possible, or use sunscreen if I absolutely have to go without sleeves.  If I were to get another tattoo at some point, I would certainly go back to Trevor.  The only part that I didn't like was the studio he was working out of, Jim's in Seabrook.  Kind of sleazy shop.  It looks like Trevor has now moved, so that takes care of that. Read Less
Diana G.
19 Sep 2011
REPORT
I have worked with Trevor once now on a tattoo that I got several years ago on my foot, and have sent him several people based on that work alone. He is simply amazing. A fantastic, true artist. I wen... Read More
I have worked with Trevor once now on a tattoo that I got several years ago on my foot, and have sent him several people based on that work alone. He is simply amazing. A fantastic, true artist. I went in with an idea of what I wanted, and he free-hand designed something better than I could have imagined. I have been consulting with him recently regarding a piece that I am planning on getting in December, and had the chance to see his "new" studio in Portsmouth. The last time I worked with him, he was in Seabrook. His new studio is really nice, well set up, and suits him much better. If you are serious about tattooing, and want an original piece of art in the neo-tribal / polynesian, oceanic or Japanese styles, he's your man. I can't recommend him highly enough. As Cory said, "If I could give him 111 stars I would." Get your next (several) tattoos here. Read Less
Siam T.
10 Jul 2011
REPORT
The updated address for Oceanic Tatua can be found here: oceanictatau.comThis is a long review, but getting a tattoo is a long process and deciding where to get one should also be a long and well thou... Read More
The updated address for Oceanic Tatua can be found here: oceanictatau.comThis is a long review, but getting a tattoo is a long process and deciding where to get one should also be a long and well thought out process. People don't regret tattoos; they regret bad tattoos. Careful planning and research will prevent regret. Tattoos are becoming more and more popular in the United States and the world, but it is their esoteric quality that makes up a large part of its appeal. Getting a great tattoo will set yours apart from others. All the tools and resources for this research are available online. Here is the story of my process. Last year I searched for a tattoo artist to work on a sleeve for my left arm. The subject matter was a relatively obscure Asian reference, and not part of the vocabulary of most tattooists working in the United States or Asia. I found a French artist working in California, who was one of the few artists familiar with this family of design motifs. The distance between Sacramento and Somerville made it necessary to do perhaps more work than would generally be suggested in two sessions over two days, totaling 12 hours. The healing was not optimal, but still the tattoo was so well designed by the artist that its overall appearance maintained it's aesthetic value and its place as a "great tattoo". That much tattooing was indeed a rite of passage and I'm proud of myself for bearing it, but I wouldn't do that shit again, if I had a choice. That paragraph was meant to underscore my determination in getting the right tattoo and what I was willing to do to get it, after what was literally a global search for the right artist. Other artists that I looked at included: Jondix, Tomas Tomas and Thomas Hooper as well as other lesser known, but skilled artists. My main problem, at the end of the day, was geography. Beyond New York, the northeastern United States has many good tattoo artists, but not many that practiced the level of blackwork tattoo that I was looking for. Trevor Marshall, in NH, is at that level.After a trip to Southeast Asia, I was able to obtain the references that I needed to continue my journey into what the tattoo artist Jondix refers to as "Holy Trauma." Trevor studied the references for two weeks and I put aside my instinctive desire to help with the planning. I am an art director by trade, and work at a very high level for a globally recognized industry-leading brand creating advertising and video pieces. My professional history is relevant here, because Trevor is not cheap; but it is very true that you always get what you pay for. I am also a formally trained graphic designer and an able documentary photographer, and as of late, an amateur tattoo critic :). That being said, I put my leg in Trevor's hands; I was determined to give minimal input. Trevor will certainly work with you, but keep in mind that he knows better than you do, and that he has your best interests in mind.In my young career as an art director, I have worked with many great talents, but the ones that have been most influential to me are, for a lack of a better term, of a respectable age. Trevor was doing this shit when a "sleeve" was still just a part of a shirt, and it really shows. Trevor is known for drawing directly on the skin, a nerve-wracking process when the client himself is so used to rounds and rounds of edits and re-dos in his own work. But it might as well been drafted using Adobe illustrator; I could see that he was using manual and internal guides, rules, grids, and using visual balance (the "eye-ball method") to compensate for mathematical balance, because as he explained, "the human body is not symmetrical." When I saw the completed drawing, I was immediately satisfied. For almost three hours I:  1. Failed my attempts at rhythmic breathing techniques 2. Was unsuccessful at implementing my Buddhist upbringing in a real life situation.  And 3. Fell short of trying to analyze and rationalize the pain away. It was mad rugged, son. Mad rugged. But when I stood up in front of the mirror, I was immediately doing some mental financial planning. This was only the start. I can't wait to see this through! The stroke of the outline is so sharp and dramatic, that you could almost cut your finger running your hand over it. The turns look as if they were made with a Bézier curve. Based on his portfolio, the fill will be just as impressive. He may not remember this, but almost fifteen years ago, when I was a blue-haired 18-year-old raver, he tattooed my right shoulder. The shading on that piece is still a solid jet black, solid evidence of the lasting permanence of Trevor's work. I recommend Trevor highly for his high level of artistry and craft that he performs in a clean and modern studio in the beautiful city of Portsmouth New Hampshire.Also: I suggest that you grab a meal here streetfood360.com before your tattoo. I find that a good meal a tattoo helps with the process. Read Less
shamus l.
22 May 2011
REPORT
I spent a lot of cash and travel time getting tattooed by Trevor and was really disappointed in his work.  He seemed distracted and disinterested during the two sessions I had with him and the tattoo ... Read More
I spent a lot of cash and travel time getting tattooed by Trevor and was really disappointed in his work.  He seemed distracted and disinterested during the two sessions I had with him and the tattoo itself was poorly drawn, poorly inked and took far too long to heal.  I am an artist, both abstract and figurative, and felt I gave him a pretty a wide berth in terms of creative license.  I now have an expensive tattoo that I need to get fixed in order for it to meet my lowest expectations... A tattooist friend can't even begin to cover up the work that Trevor did 2 months ago because it still hasn't healed properly while the tattoos I've gotten since then are healed just fine.  I truly question the man's integrity. If I could rate his work at no stars I would. Read Less
Cory M.
18 Feb 2010
REPORT
This is your guy if you want a well done, custom, tribal tattoo.  If I could give him 111 stars I would.  I had a 10 year old tattoo that was pretty shitty looking, but I'm really attached to the mean... Read More
This is your guy if you want a well done, custom, tribal tattoo.  If I could give him 111 stars I would.  I had a 10 year old tattoo that was pretty shitty looking, but I'm really attached to the meaning of it so I didn't want to totally cover it up with something different. During my consult with Trevor, he came up with a solution in less than 5 minutes.I am so happy with his work.  I've learned over the years that a good tattoo artist doesn't only need to know how to draw on skin.  They also need to put the ink in just deep enough, but not too deep. This part is just as important, but seems to be a whole lot harder for most people.  Just in case I'm not being clear, Trevor Marshall knows how to do both of these things.  Really well.  I can already tell by the way it's healing that it was done right.If you are one of those people who likes to brag about how cheap your tattoo was, go somewhere else and have fun living with a piece of crap on your body for the rest of your life.  Or you could learn from my mistake and do it right the first time.  Seriously, guys.  Go see Trevor. Read Less
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