No longer a tattoo virgin here thanks to Tanya. I had been contemplating a tattoo for over a year and had an idea in mind. The first artist I approached declined because it wasn't his forte, so I got on google and searched artists. I came across the website for Above the Pearl and loved what I saw. I reached out to Tanya and set an appointment for a consultation. I brought along a rough sketch of what I wanted. She walked me through everything. I appreciate the approach she took and the time she put into designing my tattoo. Tanya was very professional as she talked me through the process. I am in love with my tattoo and it is healing nicely. Thank you for creating something I proudly wear on my skin! Read Less

I repeatedly have positive experiences at Above the Pearl. I've had 3+ tattoos done here over the span of 6 years and I am never disappointed. I come here for her artistry, and professionalism. And above all, she is a genuine person. Highly recommend. About the location: The new location has better parking and a cute coffee shop below. Read Less

Tanya is a fantastic tattoo artist! She is highly professional in all aspects down to the cleanliness of her tools. She makes you feel very comfortable throughout the entire experience from start to finish. She takes her time with the artwork and makes sure you are both on same page before actual needle work is done, which I appreciated. She is up front and honest on her limits of what she is comfortable with and not. I completely trusted her judgement and appreciated her honesty and am 100% satisfied with the overall experience she provided! I look forward to all my future work with Tanya and will recommend her to all my loved ones! Read Less

Tanya is amazing. She's an extremely talented artist, brings a strong sense of ethics and honesty to her work, is impeccably professional and a genuine delight to know. She's given me a captivating piece that strikes me with its beauty daily. She's a gift to the tattoo world. Read Less

I have always wanted a tattoo of Snoopy dancing so finally decided to do it at age 50. Tanya was highly recommended by a friend of mine who has gorgeous art on her body thanks to Tanya. Even though my Snoopy was simple and little, Tanya made me feel like it was very important to her. She is as professional as she is talented. I would not hesitate to recommend her! Read Less

Tanya did a retouch of my husbands tattoo and matching flower tattoos on both of my ankles in 2011. All still have vibrant colors and I get compliments on my ankles all the time and more importantly I LOVE them :) Read Less

I chose Tanya as the artist for my first tattoo based on her gallery of work and her very thorough approach to both the design and planning and to after care. I was not disappointed. The session went faster than I expected, the pain was quite bearable - and she paid close attention to how I was doing the entire time, and the tattoo healed very cleanly and her instructions were easy to follow. Most important, it looks amazing, and everyone who has seen it has exclaimed that it is simply beautiful. I'm very pleased and plan to return to Above the Pearl for my next pieces, and to refer her as well. As a bonus, her studio is completely private, so no strangers will be around while your work is being done. Note that the parking is sometimes very easy and sometimes a challenge, so be sure to read her detailed instructions and arrive a little early. Read Less

I have been going to Tanya for over six years. She designed and inked my entire back piece, and has done both of my 3/4 sleeves. I love her work, and I am constantly getting compliments on it. She is collaborative, detail-oriented, and a very talented artist. Whether you are getting your first tattoo or are covered over half your body, Tanya is a grate artist! Read Less

Tanya is an amazing artist who spends the time to research and sketch out your ideas . Her line work is tight and her colors are super vibrant. She makes time to make sure the art is what you want on your body, she isn't a puppy mill for tattoos. Ive found there is a glut of tattoo shops in Portland now and more than half are staffed by bleary eyed party monsters with no respect for the industry or the craft. I can always count on Tanya being clear headed and raring to go. Tanya has inked a sizable portion of my body I will always goto her for new work and cover ups. Do yourself a huge favor and sit down with Tanya when you think you might want some new ink, she usually has Tea and cookies as well. Read Less

Had my tattoo done about 5 years ago and it looks like it did when I originally got it. Tanja takes her time to make your tattoo beautiful and exactly what you want! I will never go elsewhere (unless she moves away ). I have my next consult scheduled !!!! Read Less

Tanya is amazing! She took my concept and turned it into something more beautiful then I imagined. The coloring and detail is so impressive, and every edit that she made was for the best. All my friends and family can say is "wow!" and "it's beautiful!" I am so glad I was able to trust her with my first tattoo, and she definitely proved herself trustworthy! I already have my second scheduled, and it probably won't be my last. Thanks, Tanya! Read Less

After years of procrastination I finally decided on a tattoo. And I am so grateful that I waffled for all those years, because if I had not, I would not have found Above the Pearl. After looking at Above the Pearl's website and Facebook page photos, and those of many other shops in the greater Portland area, I decided to go see Tanya. I came in with ideas and Tanya brought them to life, she is the best! The art is amazing, I wanted to run up to complete strangers and say ""want to see my new tattoo?"" Actually, I still have to suppress the urge at times. I am just that happy with how it came out. Tanya's shop is clean, quiet and relaxing and she is just a great person. Good tunes on the iPod too! Really I can not say enough about what a great all around experience it was. But hey, want to see my new tattoo? Read Less

I am beyond impressed. I shopped around for my first tattoo artist for a good solid 2 months, with a very specific design & placement in mind for the past many MANY years. After I saw Tanya's portfolio on her website, I figured she would be my artist, but I still had to meet with her first. A couple days later, as my tattoo is currently in the healing process, I can say I am more than happy with my decision. If you aren't in any immediate need for a tattoo & can patiently wait for the best quality work you'll find in Portland, definitely give Above The Pearl your attention. It's a lifetime commitment after all, might as well get the best possible service available. The day of my appointment, she had numerous variations of my design ready for me to choose from, all were what we had discussed during out prior consultation. Her small & personal (not to mention welcoming, it has a good vibe) studio is very sterile & comfortable, and she made me feel calm & relaxed during the whole process. Keep in mind this was my first tattoo! It almost felt like I'd been through it before with how great of an artist she was, she really communicates well with her clients. None of my friends have ever heard of this place, but they all got their work done in a rush... If only they had known & been patient. I will certainly be recommending Tanya to anyone looking for only the highest quality work available. Looking forward to getting more work done by her in the (hopefully [very]) near future! Read Less

The tattoo process was amazing... it is my 2nd tattoo and I expected much more pain but Tanya has an amazing touch! I am so happy with the end result, her design took my idea to the next level. Above The Pearl is an amazing place, highly recommended! Read Less

I met with Tanya, of Above the Pearl Tattoo. I felt comfortable with her and her parlor felt right. I liked the secure building, her sanitary parlor, her artwork and the finished look of her tats. I felt very comfortable and decided to have Tanya do my work. I provided a design for a horse which I created some 30 yrs ago for one and concepts for a celtic cross. Tanya worked up the designs and alternates. I had both done the same day, and they are healing well. I am very happy with the ink. When I saw the finished cross done, my first wtd was ""perfect"". The hosre tat is finally on my arm where its belonged for years. Thank you Tanya! I look forward to another tat done by you, soon. Read Less

Tanya is such a professional! My husband and I had a consultation with her for an idea we had. When we returned to see the final design and have the tattoo she really did exceed expectations...we were thrilled! Tanya is very clear with her instructions for aftercare, the tattoo healed perfectly. We are already thinking of ideas for our next tattoo with Tanya & Above the Pearl Tattoo! Read Less

Tanya just covered up an old tattoo on my shoulder with an amazing new shiny one, and she did a great job! Tanya is a great artist, she came up with the art from a few ideas I gave her and I loved her design. She's also a very nice person to talk to, she made me feel comfortable and checked on me often while she worked on my back for 3 hours. I can tell she takes her job with pride because it shows in every step of the process. This is definitely not a walk-in type shop, the studio is nice and clean and very private. I would definitely go to Tanya again and I highly recommend her studio. Read Less

Went to Above the Pearl back in October to get my second tattoo. I knew what I wanted, but it was a somewhat complicated design (lots of circles, little straight parallel lines, etc). Tanya was fantastic. Professional, clear with communication about how my idea could be achieved, and excellent with execution. My tattoo has completely healed by now and still looks great. Highly recommended! Read Less

GREAT TATTOO EXPERIENCE We met Tanya at a tattoo expo in Eugene and were impressed by her art and the crisp execution of her designs. We decided she would be perfect for our tattooing needs. After a thorough consultation to define exactly what we were looking for in our new tattoos, Tanya produced preliminary art for my wife and I that was exactly what we were looking for. Tanya executed the designs perfectly creating a fantastic parrot for me and a vibrant butterfly for my wife. The colors are super vivid and we couldnâ??t be happier with our tattoos. We enjoy looking at our tattoos every day and consider ourselves lucky to have made Tanyaâ??s acquaintance. Read Less

I started with a piece of artwork that I wanted to translate into a tattoo. After looking at various online reviews I contacted Tanya based on outstanding reviews. We met to discuss the concept, and with her help we made changes to the image that resulted in an even better design that I had imaged. We met again after she had created a basic concept for the tattoo, at which time we tweaked the image to its final form. The end result tattoo is outstanding with excellent detail. Tanya works with you every step of the way to make sure that the final result is what you want, and a great looking tattoo. Read Less

Tanya did a wonderful job on a new tattoo for my husband and a cover up tattoo for myself. She is clearly passionate about her work, and cares that her clients get exactly what they want. Her studio is very clean and bright, and it is clear that she maintains strict hygiene measures. After our tattoos, Tanya sent us home with clear, specific, easy to follow after care instructions. My tattoo healed beautifully! I am so happy with the tattoo I received at Above the Pearl, it makes me happy every time I see it and have gotten many compliments from friends and family. If you want a quality piece of art that you will have for a life time then Above the Pearl is the place to go, it is well worth the wait! Read Less

My first tattoo.... Had an initial mtg. to share/review ideas on artwork I had brought to her. A few days prior to tattoo work, Tanya met with me briefly to show me various artwork she had come up with, & she nailed it. The entire experience was nothing but positive. From very first contact to set our initial appt., the work itself, & through her communication regarding aftercare everything was absolutely great. Tanya is experienced, talented, patient, & absolutely creative. Her shop is extrememly clean & comfortable (can't beat her ipod music shuffle either). I have had many compliments on her work already, some from others who have had their work done elsewhere. A+ experience & atmosphere. Tanya is a true talent, and just as important, simply really good people :-) I'll be back to see her for my next one soon......she's made a lifetime customer out of me. I don't often do these reviews, etc., but a tattoo is personal & permanent and I just felt I had to share this with others. Thanks Tanya. Joe Read Less

This was my first tattoo. Tanya was very helpful through the whole process and answered all of my questions. She gave her advice on what she thought would look better than what I had planned and she was right! My tattoo had a lot of detail and nothing was missed. WHEN I get my next tattoo I know where I will be going. Thanks again Tanya! Read Less

I thoroughly enjoyed having Tanya do my first tattoo. She did fabulous work with the script and gave wonderful advice. Do know that she will be striaght forward with you so if you need fluff you won't get it here, but if you want high quality work first and foremost this is the place! Read Less

At 45 years old I decided to get my first tattoo. After searching online I found Above The Pearl Tattoo. I really like the quality and attention to detail Tanya put into her craft. I guess when your tattoo turns out better than you ever imagined it is easy to say ""outstanding work Tanya!"" Read Less

Tanya did an amazing job for my first tattoo. I came with a concept and she worked with me over a series of scheduled conciltations to make sure I was getting exacly what I wanted! Her professionalism and approach to hygiene are top notch! If you are looking for custom tattoo work - look no further! Read Less

I'm 66 years old and just got my first tattoo. I looked at a lot of portfolios and chose Tanya because I liked her work, I liked her approach to hygiene, and I had to make an appointment-no walk-ins here. Although I drew my own design, she provided several variations with colors that she suggested. Now, when I look at my forearm, I'm surprised and pleased. I can't imagine having anyone else do any future tattooing. Read Less

I have wanted a tattoo for a long time, but was afraid to try as all my associates related their bad experiences and talked about the pain. When Tanya came up with the drawing all I could think of was just how good she was. Then the day of the tattoo she made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I was amazed at how easy the process was. The colors are fantastic, the imagery is perfect, and the tattoo fits my personality. I am proudly showing it to my friends, and I will say that the ones that already have tattoo's are very jealous as to how much better the quality of Tanya' work is compared to other artist's. If you are going to try a tattoo, you owe it to yourself to try tanya. If you already have a tattoo, you owe it to yourself to seek her out and get a new one buy the very best. After all, if you are using your body as a canvas, shouldn't you use the best artist... Mitch McDougal Read Less