I have 2 out of my 4 tattoos done at Golden Lotus by James! Both of the ones he did were the most detailed out of the 4 I have and I love them. He did my first tattoo ever which I was so nervous but he made it such a fun awesome experience. Been brain storming some ideas for my 5th one and can't wait to discuss it with him! Read Less

I've had 2 tattoos done by the talented artists at Golden Lotus. I am extremely happy with both of them. I have to say these guys know how to run a busines and they care about their work. Shop is very clean and they are very professional. If you're getting your first tattoo you can trust these guys not to steer you wrong. Although you need to trust their experience. If they tell you your idea is bad or won't look good trust them. They know! Let them do their job and hook you up with a tattoo you will love when it's done. Read Less

Best first tattoo experience I could've asked for! Jason was amazing, and made me feel very comfortable with the experience. The atmosphere was calm and friendly. The piece I got was so beautiful and very detailed and exactly what I had in mind. I will definitely be returning for another tattoo in the future! Read Less

Wouldn't go anywhere else!!! James is extremely professional and an amazing artist. From start to finish I always feel comfortable, relaxed, and well taken care of. I look forward to enjoying my extensive arm art for years to come and can't wait to go back, back again, and probably back again. Read Less

I've been getting tattooed by Jason (Owner/Artist) at Golden Lotus since it first opened in 2005. His raw artistic talent and vision combined with his professionalism, attention to detail, shop cleanliness and ability to communicate with his clients from concept to finished product can be observed not only in his work but also in the artists he brings into the shop that work along with him. I've seen many shops and Artists come and go on Main Street, the Golden Lotus has stood strong since it's inception and has established itself as a pillar of the community as well as one of the hubs for the Art scene in Oneonta. There's a few choices in town these days, but for myself there's really only the Lotus. Read Less

James is amazing. I have gotten about 95% of my tattoos from him and I absolutely love every single one of them. He's definitely accommodating with his schedule and is very loyal to his customers. He is one of the few artists that I allow tattoo me and I am very excited to get more until I have no more room left. People stop me all the time and ask where I get my work done and I wish that I could refer everyone to him and Jason because there aren't a lot of good artists out there who are awesome, relaxed, creative, inventive and talented like James. Thank you, JAMES! You are awesome!! I'll be coming back soon for my Ganesh!!!!!!!!!! Read Less

I've been getting tattooed by Jason (Owner/Artist) at Golden Lotus since it first opened in 2005. His raw artistic talent and vision combined with his professionalism, attention to detail, shop cleanliness and ability to communicate with his clients from concept to finished product can be observed not only in his work but also in the artists he brings into the shop that work along with him. I've seen many shops and Artists come and go on Main Street, the Golden Lotus has stood strong since it's inception and has established itself as a pillar of the community as well as one of the hubs for the Art scene in Oneonta. There's a few choices in town these days, but for myself there's really only the Lotus. Read Less

I have gotten all of my tattoos done by James at Golden Lotus. James was helpful and understanding while going through the experience of my first tattoo. He was gentle and welcoming and open to my ideas and worked with me to design the perfect pieces! Super clean and always great with follow ups, I recommend James and Golden Lotus to anyone who wants to get an amazing tattoo! Read Less

By far the best place to get a tattoo ! James does amazing work and I will continue to go to him !! I am satisfied with all my tattoos I have gotten done there. They truly do amazing work I would recommend them to anyone😊😊 Read Less

I've been getting tattooed by Jason (Owner/Artist) at Golden Lotus since it first opened in 2005. His raw artistic talent and vision combined with his professionalism, attention to detail, shop cleanliness and ability to communicate with his clients from concept to finished product can be observed not only in his work but also in the artists he brings into the shop that work along with him. I've seen many shops and Artists come and go on Main Street, the Golden Lotus has stood strong since it's inception and has established itself as a pillar of the community as well as one of the hubs for the Art scene in Oneonta. There's a few choices in town these days, but for myself there's really only the Lotus. Read Less

5 stars doesn't even come close to rate my experience getting a tattoo done by James. The experience from start to finish was beyond amazing. He is a true artist, professional and perfectionist. I had a portrait done of my mother, she passed a week prior, James took the time to look at pictures of her to really get details on her features . We also spoke about her life and James captured her essence with his amazing work. Thank you to James and this amazing establishment � Read Less

These guys know what they're doing. If you're looking for a quality tattoo that you will cherish for years to come, Golden Lotus is the place to go. They consistently invest time and passion into phenomenal works of art, treating each piece with the dedication that you would hope for in a tattoo. Read Less

I can't comment on there quality of work because I was never able to get an appointment. I visited the shop with a vision in mind but they were not able to take care of me at that moment. They asked for a deposit of $50 which I gave them and my receipt was one of there business cards with $50 written on it "real professional". I kept calling setting up appointments and showing up to find out my artist did not show up that day. Months went by when finally they told me my artist didn't work there any more and no one knew who to talk to to get my $50 back "how convenient". So instead of putting $50 more down I just took it as a loss. Read Less

My husband and I have been going to Golden Lotus since Feb. 2014 and we found the environment absolutely inviting and friendly. James has been tattooing many pieces for me and did an excellent coverup on my husband. I would recommend James and Jason if you are looking for a quality piece of art on your body. I currently have an arm sleeve that I am getting worked on - all original drawing by James- and I couldn't be happier with what I have so far. I love getting tattooed and I love all the quality work I have received. Looking forward to additional work within the month. If you are looking for an excellent tattoo and are open to amazing ideas of how to make your tattoo idea even better, this is the place for you! Definitely way better than getting stuck with something you are going to hate in a month because you wanted to save a few bucks. Save your money and get a quality tattoo you are going to love and bring that money to these guys! You won't regret it! Read Less

I have been tattooed by 3 different artists at the Lotus, all of which were light-handed, talented, friendly, and very easy to work with. The boys are eager and patient in perfecting and honing in on your desired piece. What's more, the shop is clean, beautiful, and welcoming. I was given input on the music/podcast choice on a couple of occasions, and felt like I was being catered to. Jason and James are at the helm of the ship and they each bring something defining to the table. Many years back, I got an industrial done at the shop. I walked in without an appointment and was pleased with the speed. For any other work I plan on getting, I will be returning to the Lotus for all of it. Read Less

I entrusted them with my 1st tattoo, big mistake my female grim reaper fully clothed now has camel toe, many places have offered to fix this issue but I keep it as a reminder of how people can be so rude. It was NOT in the drawing I gave them or in the template he put on my arm. It was a last minute addition... I'll never grt ink here again Read Less

I have spent many hours in the shop and my wife has as well.  In the past year I have gotten two full sleeves and started on a back piece and have thoroughly enjoyed my experience with this shop and its artists.  Between my wife and myself we have been tattooed by almost every artist that currently works here and due to the amount of time I have personally spent at Golden Lotus I have had plenty of time to speak with every one of them.  Every time I have come into the shop everyone there has been more than friendly and willing to offer opinions and feedback on any questions or concerns I've had, whether they were my artist or not.  I have heard them talk people out of getting tattoos they may regret and offer alternative ideas instead, it's very hard to find a group of people that care that much for their clients theses days(too many artists view us clients as walking dollar signs and are quick to accept any job, regardless of practicality).  When they do so they have always been very respectful to the person they are talking to and not once in all the time I've spent there have I heard them insult a client.  I did not know any one of these people when I first walked into the shop, but I can honestly say that I would be hard pressed to name a more comfortable environment or respectful group of artists when it comes to something as intimate and permanent as getting a tattoo.As far as the cleanliness of the shop is concerned I have never once felt at risk of any health issues, nor have I ever seen any of the artists do anything that have caused me to be concerned.  Everything there is constantly sterilized before and after each use, you will never see and artist there leave any equipment open and unattended, nor will they ever walk away from your work without properly wrapping it first.  They make absolutely sure you know how to properly care for your tattoo before you leave and always ask how you are healing and to see your work any time you return to the shop after that. Any time my wife or I have had any questions or concerns they have always been more than willing to take time out of their day (whether they are at the shop or not) to talk to us and answer any questions we have.Every day at work I have people compliment me on the artwork I wear (and it is art) and I owe that all to the guys here.  When I tell people where I went I always hear the same thing: "they do great work, but they are really expensive."  The last thing I would like to say about this shop is that this statement simply isn't true. I would like to reiterate that I have two FULL sleeves done here (shoulder to wrist on both arms) and I have no complaints about the money I spent.  You may have to pay a little more here than some of the other people in the area, but when you are doing some permanent artwork on your body you absolutely get what you pay for. It is more than worth it to pay the extra $50 and get something amazing done on your body then to pinch pennies and get something that's okay.Golden Lotus is by far the best place to go in the area for your tattooing needs, I have seen many pieces done by other local artists and no one even compares.  These guys here are the best. Read Less

This shop is the best in the area! All of the guys are very professional and know what they're doing when it comes to their work. They're all very talented artists who are very intricate with their work. I would not go anywhere else in Oneonta knowing how friendly and personable all of the guys are. Read Less

I made an appointment with Daniel based on seeing a tiny bird tattoo on a waitress at a local restaurant.  I wanted something small and was a tattoo virgin, so made an appointment.  Daniel was charming, funny, a bit silly, but I liked his style.  When we made the appointment, they were supposed to be no bigger than a business card, he said it was definitely doable, but I received a much, much bigger design on both wrists.Again, at 43, I knew nothing about tattoos.  I was kind of shocked, trying to just stay calm and cool due to the pain of the tattooing.  When finished, I was still in shock.  Daniel (who up and left the owner high and dry to go to another studio in Oneonta) told me to come back when they were healed for the second free seating to blacken them in and I did come back, only he wouldn't schedule me.  He said it needed more time.  He told my young daughter that he didn't like to book non-paying gigs, but I paid up front for everything and of course, tipped.  I have been trying to get an appointment for a year and finally gave one last ditch resort to message through Facebook with, "OK, I'm a newbie to the tattoo world, but every seasoned person I talked to said I shouldn't have to hunt down the original artist for my second seating as I already paid for it.  I will go somewhere else as the black is so spotty, then review you online wherever I can for just blowing off a client.  I needed other work done and will go elsewhere to work with a real professional.  I'm on 5 major sites doing recommendations at a senior level and hopefully can spare some others this type of grief.  It's just silly on your part because I actually have the cash for other projects and you just don't bother answering or giving me an appointment.  Oh well."   This was his reply: "I'm out of state. Ill get back to you when I'm back in the shop, sometime next week. Also you could call the shop at any time and schedule an appointment for a touch up. [He told me before just to message, which I did repeatedly for the first few months.] Which is the professional way to do something, not harass and threaten me on Facebook. [He told me to come in, I did, no appointment, he told me to msg, I did, no appt, I waited a month or more between asking.] Sorry for any delays. But for the record I told you I would touch them up about a year or so ago. So please don't give me Sh*t and slander my name (wich is illegal by the way its called defamation of character). So again sorry I didn't get back to you right away, since yesterday. [He himself admits to not giving me an appointment for a year, so not sure why yesterday was brought in] But you have been dragging this on for over a year and expect me to jump at the whim of your convenience and a dollar. That is not fare to me in the least bit. Now I'm going to get back to the 1100 more miles I have to drive to get back home."In the end, another studio did the final seating without charging me for it, but I learned a lesson and will do my research on an artist before allowing them to permanently mark my body. Read Less

I made an appointment with Daniel based on seeing a tiny bird tattoo on a waitress at a local restaurant.  I wanted something small and was a tattoo virgin, so made an appointment.  Daniel was charming, funny, a bit silly, but I liked his style.  When we made the appointment, they were supposed to be no bigger than a business card, he said it was definitely doable, but I received a much, much bigger design on both wrists.Again, at 43, I knew nothing about tattoos.  I was kind of shocked, trying to just stay calm and cool due to the pain of the tattooing.  When finished, I was still in shock.  Daniel (who up and left the owner high and dry to go to another studio in Oneonta) told me to come back when they were healed for the second free seating to blacken them in and I did come back, only he wouldn't schedule me.  He said it needed more time.  He told my young daughter that he didn't like to book non-paying gigs, but I paid up front for everything and of course, tipped.  I have been trying to get an appointment for a year and finally gave one last ditch resort to message through Facebook with, "OK, I'm a newbie to the tattoo world, but every seasoned person I talked to said I shouldn't have to hunt down the original artist for my second seating as I already paid for it.  I will go somewhere else as the black is so spotty, then review you online wherever I can for just blowing off a client.  I needed other work done and will go elsewhere to work with a real professional.  I'm on 5 major sites doing recommendations at a senior level and hopefully can spare some others this type of grief.  It's just silly on your part because I actually have the cash for other projects and you just don't bother answering or giving me an appointment.  Oh well."   This was his reply: "I'm out of state. Ill get back to you when I'm back in the shop, sometime next week. Also you could call the shop at any time and schedule an appointment for a touch up. [He told me before just to message, which I did repeatedly for the first few months.] Which is the professional way to do something, not harass and threaten me on Facebook. [He told me to come in, I did, no appointment, he told me to msg, I did, no appt, I waited a month or more between asking.] Sorry for any delays. But for the record I told you I would touch them up about a year or so ago. So please don't give me Sh*t and slander my name (wich is illegal by the way its called defamation of character). So again sorry I didn't get back to you right away, since yesterday. [He himself admits to not giving me an appointment for a year, so not sure why yesterday was brought in] But you have been dragging this on for over a year and expect me to jump at the whim of your convenience and a dollar. That is not fare to me in the least bit. Now I'm going to get back to the 1100 more miles I have to drive to get back home."In the end, another studio did the final seating without charging me for it, but I learned a lesson and will do my research on an artist before allowing them to permanently mark my body. Read Less