After months of back in forth I got my first tattoo at SOC from Gilbert. He and the staff could not be more professional and the finished product came out exactly like the original design. Look no further if you want great talent and great people. Read Less

This was my first big tattoo, the other being a 2 minute small symbol, and I was pretty nervous. Gilbert made the whole process run smoothly and him and all the other staff I met were all super nice. I gave him a picture of my cat to work with and I was worried it would be hard to find someone who could get it just right as my cat has kind of a unique face. Gilbert nailed it and I'm even more in love with the piece now than when I left the store. I'm definitely coming back when I get my next one and I'm definitely saving up to give him a bigger tip than I could give this time, the work was ABSOLUTELY worth it. Read Less

Bunni was awesome! This was my first tattoo and it was so easy to talk to her. She took my idea and reference photos and worked with me on the design. I'm in love with my tattoo and I completely intend to go back to get the rest of my sleeve done. Read Less

First let me say that I went in there with this blob of just black and green ink I have had for around 19 years to cover up. Bethany is just fantastic! She took my drawing I brought with me (which most artists snubbed) and made it wonderful. I could not have asked for a better artist! Not only that but every one there is warm and friendly. Very relaxed environment, I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door. Very clean shop. Will go to her from now on!!!! Read Less

After doing ALOT of research on places in Albuquerque and even my hometown of Los Angeles, I decided on SOCT to complete my very first tattoo. I went for a consult with Beth and was so pleased about how attentive and patient she was  with me and my million questions. I took a complete tour of the facility and asked to see all equipment and spore reports to assure sanitation practices were up to code. Everything was individually packed and new and all reports came back with no issues. This was the number one concern I had about getting a tattoo so it eased my mind to know how clean it was.I explained to Beth everything I wanted in my small wrist tattoo and was worried it wouldn't be big enough space to get it all in but my god the woman worked magic! I'm so pleased with the results and also love that they let you come back within 2 weeks for touch ups free of charge. I am so happy I went with SOCT and trusted them with my first and only tattoo that I've been wanting for over 4 years. Read Less

What a great shop!  My artist was Beth. She was a phenomenal artist, professional and all around awesome person. I was in town visiting family and also celebrating 20 years as a cancer survivor. She was able to schedule me in and create a beautiful custom piece for me. The shop is clean and so comfortable. The rest of the staff is great too you can tell they have a great team here. If you want a quality custom tattoo done this is definitely a shop for you. I highly recommend Beth! This was my eighth tattoo so I don't work with just anyone. Quality shop, with amazing staff, a must check out if you are in town or live here and want your own beautiful piece of art. Read Less

I have been to many tattoo parlors over the years.   I am pleased beyond words.   I contacted the shop for custom work.  The results were beyond my expectations!    This is where you go for custom work.   No flash here.  I give a big shoutout to Bethany for an awesome custom design. Read Less

My daughter got her first tat yesterday from Krissy. Very professional and really helped her not be nervous. Went the extra mile for her. And kudos to the staff for being so great, friendly, and Bethany even took the time to color with my granddaughter! Highly recommend these ladies! Read Less

I think first impressions are everything when it comes to a business and this place is everything. Nice artists, nice faculty, nice vibes, everything. Got a sentimental piece done here and I plan on continuing to come here for next tattoos. Read Less

Everyone is absolutely amazing and so flinging flanging talented. Super friendly and clean. Arianna Shelton is the best! Make an appointment as soon as possible to go talk to these super fabulous ladies. Read Less

Had great and mostly tear free time getting my piece done at SOC. Bethany took great care of me. Especially considering the shop is closed on Mondays but she came in regardless and executed! Definitely a 5 star experience! I love the piece I got and everything about the shop. See you again soon'ish! Read Less

This was by far the BEST tattoo experience I have ever had. Everyone is friendly and fun, but professional and damn good artists. We had the pleasure of working with Bunni and Bethany. Amazingly talented ladies! Plus, they have a bowl of dum dums at the counter. I will be back for more work soon. Read Less

Best Fucking place!! It took me a lot of shitty tattoos to finally be ready to try and find a good tattoo artist and I truly could not brag about this place more! It's basically your personal girlgang goals!! Don't be jealous just come and support the ladies! Their boss papa is so Fucking nice and supports all the gals in pursuing the best art they put to their names! Truly so clean, friendly, open and overall just genuinely nice people. I don't know their walk in policy but my tattoo artist is Ari, and she fucking kills it! I put a 40 dollar deposit ( because there have been people who don't show to appointments, as well as their artist like pay them for their time) also don't forget to tip! For real tho! Everyone I met here was nothing but warm and accepting I know where my home away from home is for tattooing! Oh and the apprentices that they have are fucking great!! Shout out to everyone doing them at shadow of comfort because those people realized way before I did " if you don't do you no one else will!" You guys are Fucking amazing #girlganggoals #ari #papaboss Read Less

I have several tattoos from many different artists and last night I went into shadow of comfort and I got a Japanese rising sun tattoo done on my chest by Stephanie Malan. Any compliments and good things that I could say about her as an artist would fall short compared to the amazing professional job that she actually does. Her style her personality and her professionalism made my experience exceed my expectations. Her lines are extremely precise and clean and her tools are the latest as well as the inks she uses. Another thing that made her different other artists is the fact that she's an antropology student with an amazing knowledge and understanding, very Ah-Doc for her profession. Overall a 10+ Read Less

I can't say enough good things about SOC. It's a nice, clean studio with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Bunni is a top notch artist who turned a well loved, but old and faded, tattoo into a true work of art. Aside from the impressive portfolios of the artists, what sold me was the professionalism and friendliness of everyone there; kind of a rare thing in my experience. SOC has a great group of folks working there and made the whole experience enjoyable. I'm definitely going to visit again to have more work done. Thanks for a great experience! Read Less

I can't say enough good things about SOC. It's a nice, clean studio with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Bunni is a top notch artist who turned a well loved, but old and faded, tattoo into a true work of art. Aside from the impressive portfolios of the artists, what sold me was the professionalism and friendliness of everyone there; kind of a rare thing in my experience. SOC has a great group of folks working there and made the whole experience enjoyable. I'm definitely going to visit again to have more work done. Thanks for a great experience! Read Less

I can't say enough good things about SOC. It's a nice, clean studio with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Bunni is a top notch artist who turned a well loved, but old and faded, tattoo into a true work of art. Aside from the impressive portfolios of the artists, what sold me was the professionalism and friendliness of everyone there; kind of a rare thing in my experience. SOC has a great group of folks working there and made the whole experience enjoyable. I'm definitely going to visit again to have more work done. Thanks for a great experience! Read Less

bunni is absolutely the best, the rest of the staff is amazing also, very helpful and they all really make you feel comfortable. The work I got done was exactly what I had hoped for. This place should come highly recommended to all. Read Less

I stopped into an auto parts store and the girl behind the counter had an incredible tattoo. The color blend was amazing. I asked her where she got it and she told me. As soon as I left, I went to Shadow of Comfort Tattoo and found the artist. I scheduled an appointment with her. She took pictures of the tat that I wanted work done around. When I showed up for the appointment she had photo-shopped her design and she solicited my input. The colors and blend she did on my skin are astounding. I was so happy with her work that I had her do the other shoulder. Now we are working on a back piece. Her name is Beth; and though I jokingly call her "The Queen of Pain", she is very gentle and articulately detailed. She is a master and totally amazing. All of the artists there are very professional, super friendly and when you go through the door you are met with courtesy and great beautiful smiles and hearts. Read Less

I stopped into an auto parts store and the girl behind the counter had an incredible tattoo. The color blend was amazing. I asked her where she got it and she told me. As soon as I left, I went to Shadow of Comfort Tattoo and found the artist. I scheduled an appointment with her. She took pictures of the tat that I wanted work done around. When I showed up for the appointment she had photo-shopped her design and she solicited my input. The colors and blend she did on my skin are astounding. I was so happy with her work that I had her do the other shoulder. Now we are working on a back piece. Her name is Beth; and though I jokingly call her "The Queen of Pain", she is very gentle and articulately detailed. She is a master and totally amazing. All of the artists there are very professional, super friendly and when you go through the door you are met with courtesy and great beautiful smiles and hearts. Read Less

Hola, I have been to four different tattoo artists around NM and I will only go to Gilbert for the rest of my work. His attention to detail is incredible! He is one of the best artists in the country, seriously. I take an unorganized list of ideas thinking, "there's no way anyone will understand this", and a day or two later he presents something incredible! He has always captured exactly what my thoughts have created and always takes it to that next level. He is friendly, professional, and his studio is immaculate. He also has a soft hand and douse not hurt nearly as much as other artists I have been to. Thank you Gilbert! Read Less

I've been getting tattoo art for 24 years. I've been to many shops. I can saw without a doubt this is by far one of the most professional, clean and hospitable shops I've ever been to. BAMA my artist is a true artist and has passion for and enjoys her work. I am so grateful to have found Shadow of Comfort and will continue to be a repeat customer. Read Less

Gilbert did the most beautiful Ganesh tattoo for me.  Everywhere I go, everywhere, people compliment me for it.  The image is so detailed and Gilbert designed it based on several images I provided, which he improved drastically.  I don't think I would ever use a different artist!! Read Less

I was so nervous about getting a larger tattoo.  Gilbert put me completely at ease.  His work is quick, accurate and beautiful.  He did a large lotus flower with Tibetan calligraphy in brush strokes.  It looks better than the original and better than I had even imagined. Read Less

Gilbert is beyond world-class.  I've been getting tattoos for 22 years now.  I just finished my 23rd tattoo.  I have art from all kinds of tattoo artists, from all over the country, some famous, some not.  Let me tell you why I travel from California to Albuquerque for my tattoos:1.  Gilbert is a professional artist, not just a tattoo artist.  He was a Marvel Comics artist for 20+ years.  He has been an art director for a number of large companies.  When you deal with Gilbert you are dealing with a professional.  No attitude problem.  No constant rescheduling.  He shows up on time and works hard.  If you've been tattooed elsewhere, you will notice the difference -- it's a "customer service" thing that you don't often encounter in the tattoo world.2.  Gilbert can tattoo anything.  Usually, tattoo artists are primarily good at one thing -- portraits/photographic work, or the more "creative," cartoonish work.  Gilbert can do both well.  If you have an idea and express it clearly he can make it into artwork.3.  Gilbert has genuine creativity.  Some artists just copy.  They insist that you bring a drawing.  They do what you tell them and nothing more.  They'll simplify your ideas so they can go home early.  Spend some time with Gilbert and you will understand what I mean.  There is fire and emotion in his work.  He is the only artist I've tried to hire to paint one of his tattoo drawings to hang on my wall.  It's that good.4.  Don't tell Gilbert, but he is under-priced.  Tattoo artists at his level (and believe me I know) charge at least $50/hour more -- if you can even get an appointment.  For example one of the renowned local artists I've seen in Orange County (where I live) has a 6 month wait list.  Gilbert is better and you can get an appointment!  He is a great unknown, but I don't think that's going to last.5.  Gilbert is also technologically way beyond 99% of the tattoo artists you will find.  This comes from decades as a professional graphic artist.  He does his drawings on the computer.  They look like they are hand-drawn or hand-painted.  He can make changes to the drawings in an instant using the computer, so your work will look exactly the way you intended.  He can superimpose the tattoo image on your photograph so you can see what it will look like before anything touches your skin.  How many tattoo artists do you know who do this?  It is a real advantage.I could go on, but I won't.  All I can say is that you'd better hope he stays in Albuquerque because he is it. Read Less

Not your typical tattoo shop. Clean, open and friendly. Down to earth people, pool table and cable for when you are taking breaks.  Most importantly artists that are talented, accommodating and detail oriented.  The best new shop in NM! Read Less