I recently had a medium sized piece done on my forearm by apprentice, Aaron Linaje of his own artwork and he did an excellent job and I'm super happy with the work. I'm definitely getting more work done with him and I recommend anyone willing to give him a shot to definitely do so. Art Realm is a really clean, neat facility with tons of great artwork on it's walls. Read Less

I came in and had a small flash design done by apprentice Aaron! He did such a great job very nice touch. Our consultation was thorough but quick, and the placement is perfect. I loved the whole environment, very clean, and well put together. I can't wait to come back and get some bigger pieces done here! Thanks again Aaron! Read Less

I've been seeing Andrew for several years now and always leave a happy customer. Super friendly, cares about his clients and their ideas. Flexible and understanding. You get a great experience from him and the other talented artists at Art Realm. Oh, and the art gallery is amazing too!! Completing a major project with him soon and immediately coming back to start another! Read Less

I'd started having a bad experience with my previous artist, so when I was ready for my new tattoo, I started looking around on Instagram, Reddit, just a bunch of places, and I came across Art Realm. "Hrmm?" I thought, "I didn't know there was a fancy tattoo/art gallery close to my house!" I kept coming back to Andrew Matela's Instagram, so I knew I had to contact him. I honestly was so frightened to contact any artist due to my previous experience. I figured he wouldn't get back to me for months, so I held my breath and hoped. I was so wrong. He got back to me the next day. We set up a consultation, and I brought a bunch of reference with me. Being a bit shy and awkward, I was so scared to talk to a stranger. But as we talked about my idea, he felt like an old friend. Plus he was pumped! I always thought my other artist hated my ideas, so I was very pleased by his excitement! My first session, I sat 7 hours, my longest sitting I'd ever had previous to that, but it was so easy, because he's light handed, and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. Not only that he was so focused, and didn't waste my time, like my previous artist. I left so happy on my first session! There was a slight snafu with double booking one session, but he felt so incredibly bad, and man, it was better for me anyway because I had a photo shoot the next day. He texted me that evening to apologize again and said he would give me a little discount next session to make up for it. I also had a time I was concerned about healing. I emailed him and he called me a couple of hours later. I called him back and he assured me everything was fine, and said if I had anymore concerns to call or text him with some pictures. Like, "wha?" ... my previous artist would've never done that. So approx 30 hours later, and I'm in love with my tattoo and can't wait to go back for my next tattoo from Andrew! He's got a loyal customer in me (well ... if I can ever get back in again ... haha). Tattoo is Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons with Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal (OMG, how cute is Rhaegal squeee). Read Less

I had a very negative experience with an unprofessional artist, so when I decided I wanted my next piece I started looking around on Instagram, Reddit, online review sites, etc. I'm unsure where I found Art Realm, but it popped up, and I started looking through the artists.I really, really was attracted to Andrew Matela's work. Due to my previous experience I was very discouraged about contacting any artist. I assumed it would be months until I even heard from Andrew, but I was 100% wrong. He got back to me the next day. I was shocked!We set up a consultation, and I provided him with a bunch of references, and he was super jazzed about my idea. He said he'd do some research to better capture a realistic shot. Not only that, he made me feel so comfortable, and being an awkward person, I kind of knew it was a great fit!When I returned for my first session, he offered me a couple of designs. I wanted a portrait, so I really wanted a close up on the face. He drew it up, and then it was around 7 hours in the chair my first session.One difference I noticed from my previous artist is that he doesn't mess around at all ( as in taking calls, long consultations during my session, or just talking to other artists in the shop constantly). He is incredibly professional, and focused.I left my first session in love with the progress, and ready for my next one (even though my leg was throbbing).I think around my third session we had a little scheduling snafu where he'd accidentally double booked. He felt SO bad, but honestly it was better for me because I had a photo shoot the next day. He texted me that evening to apologize again, and said he would take some off the price to make up for it the next session.I also had some concerns about the way it was healing one time, and I emailed him and he called me back and assured me that it was all fine, but if I had anymore concerns, feel free to text or call. It put me at ease.I spent around 30ish hours (I think) in the chair, and it was a great experience and I can't wait to do it again. I'll definitely be a return customer (if I can ever get an appointment again haha). Thanks, Andrew! You're the best! Read Less

Today I got my first ever tattoo and James was amazing.  Upon first meeting him,  he had a positive and easy going attitude. Plus he was willing to answer all my silly first time tattoo questions. He created a beautiful watercolor paper crane design that was even better than what I pictured in my head. The whole experience was fantastic and WAY less painful than I anticipated. The studio is very open and filled with beautiful artwork. Next time I get a tattoo,  I will 100% be going back! Read Less

Chris is absolutely amazing! I found him years ago on Instagram and I’m so glad I did! Every piece he’s done for me is as if he read my mind on exactly what I envisioned. The whole shop is full of insanely creative people, and everyone is nice and makes you feel welcome. As long as I’m in Austin, I’ll never go anywhere else for a tattoo. Read Less

Gorgeous shop. Comfortable and clean with an amazing variety of art that really shows off the artists abilities. James Hall is the bees knees! He's brilliant, creative, and his work speaks for itself. I'm kind of a stickler for details and he was cool with it and great to work with. We went back and forth about a large deer tattoo and by the time he was done he was pretty much an expert on white tail deer. I highly recommend James and encourage everyone to check out the shop. Read Less

I have been getting tattooed by James Hall for over 2 years now. He is a great guy and an amazing tattoo artist. I started with my a half sleeve with him 2 years ago and now am 1 appointment away from from completing a full sleeve and am already thinking of my next tattoo with him! He is a super Friendly guy that makes you feel super welcome in the shop. He has always been super helpful with all post tattoo care about if it's your new tattooing.I completely recommend James Hall and Art Realm. Read Less

This shop is super classy, clean, and full of amazing artists. I love he modern, gallery feel. We've been seeing James Hall for several years now and love every piece we have by him. Parking is phenomenal - no walk at all. I'll definitely continue to come here. Read Less

Hands down best shop in Austin. James is my artist & he is not only an incredible tattoo artist he's also an awesome guy. Whenever i come to get work done by him i always feel relaxed & at home (which can be hard sometimes in tattoo shops). His creative instincts are always on point & i know i can trust him with any concept or idea i throw at him! The shop itself is gorgeous. Light, open, comfortable, & clean. Make sure you check out the gallery while you're there to see some stunning art pieces as well. You seriously will not regret getting tattooed here. Read Less

I found James in 2013/2014 when I moved to Austin. I had something that I needed covered up. Not only did he have an impressive portfolio, but he didn't recommend covering up with flowers (like a few others had). He asked me what direction I was leaning toward and asked for some ideas. What he came up with, from only the few ideas I had given him, was perfect. He is the only artist I see now. He has a great and varied style. A super creative mind. And is an incredible artist (not only on skin, but on canvas too). Starting from the cover up, we have worked on a handful of pieces on my thigh, right arm, and are halfway done with a sleeve on my left arm. The studio houses many great artists with many great styles. The space is relaxed and open. Everyone is very nice and they all have a good relationship with each other which makes for a great environment and place to spend a few hours. Read Less

James Hall is absolutely amazing! He has done most of my tattoos and I trust him with any new idea I have for a tattoo. His work is absolutely gorgeous and he is so easy to talk to. So much so I've let him run free with the design for my floral half-sleeve that I can't wait to get finished up. Never once have I felt like anything was unclean or unprofessional and the atmosphere is always really comfortable. I'd recommend Art Realm and James 100% :) Read Less

I have been working James on my sleeve for almost a year now and I could not be happier with my results! I am constantly complimented on how clean the line work is and how pretty my designs are. Most importantly though my sessions are fun and I always feel like there is good communication between us about what exactly should be done. The studio and everyone in it have also always been very welcoming and friendly. Overall a wonderful experience. Thank you so much James!! Read Less

Art Realm is a collective of creative, hard working and talented artist. James Hall has a knack for taking ideas from clients and collaborating to achieve the best possible tattoo piece that is unique and a permanent work of art. He is all for collaboration from clients. But more importantly he is quick to respond in emails. If you're looking for fine tattoo art, look no further than Art Realm. Read Less

A+ tattoo studio & gallery space with a solid lineup of tattoo artists- each are unique, thoughtful and do beautiful work. I have been tattooed by James Hall and I can't wait to have more work by him in the future! I highly recommend this place for high quality tattoos. Also drop in to view the fine art, also by the tattoo artists :) Read Less

Loved my experience with David. He really took his time to make a great tattoo that fits with what i already had. Very pleasant and clean environment. Will definitely be getting more work done! Oh and the art on the wall was stunning. Talented artists! Read Less

Nick Baxter is an incredibly talented artist! I'm beyond pleased with my tattoo and will definitely be going back for more. If you're not into tattoos, but love art, you should still visit Art Realm Tattoo. The artists that work there have several pieces on display and I believe some of them might even be for sale. Read Less

My tattoo artist works here and she's great. Clean. Everyone that works there is chill and very talented. Appointment only shop so no annoying walk-ins. Nowhere near a strip of bars so, again, no annoying walk-ins. The tattoo artists also have original works hanging up on the walls in a gallery setting. Read Less

My wife and I both got tattoos yesterday and we could not be happier. Cora did both of ours and we are both super proud of the work and the overall experience. The shop was super clean and everyone in the shop really seemed to love what they do. Our next tattoo will certainly be in the same location and we loved our artiest. Thank you Cora for the great work you did!!! Read Less

Chris Hedlund did a portrait of my beloved kitty! The experience was perfect from start to finish. I found Chris on instagram - he was amazing to work through the process and didn't flinch when I sent him 15 pictures of her. The tattooing process was great- he put me at ease and wasn't too heavy handed or rough. We took a couple breaks and every time I got to peek at the work I was just amazed. I receive endless compliments on it. The artistry, lines, color work are all better than I could have dreamed. Photos are day of and healed months later!! Read Less

Andrew did an amazing job with a portrait of my tortoiseshell cat. He was extremely professional and paid VERY close attention to detail. He took great care in determining exactly what I wanted for my piece and exceeded expectations in the final product. Andrew came forth with much creativity and a great execution. He was extremely kind and made the time in chair fly by with great music and a stunning gallery to entertain the eye and mind. I would highly recommend Andrew and his team at the Art Realm for anyone looking for unique custom piece by true artist who truly care about creating worthwhile for their patrons. Don't just believe my word, check out their portfolios. These humans are great at what they do! Thanks again, Andrew! Read Less

I reached out to Andrew about embarking on a journey to get my first tattoo. Within a day of my email inquiry I received a personal phone call to discuss the concept and to make an appointment for a consultation. From the get go Andrew was engaged with each detail of my vision. Upon meeting with him I was immediately at ease. He is a kind and truly talented individual and it comes through in his work. I spent 6 hours in chair for my first session, but the time flew by. Andrew was extremely respectful and conscientious all through out both my sessions. In addition to being taken care of by an artist and generally kind human, the Art Realm is an inviting space. With various pieces of art work throughout the gallery it was easy to get lost in the beautiful images while at my sessions. The space is pristine, eclectic and quite hospitable. My tattoo ended up even more beautiful than I could have imagined. It is large portrait of my tortoiseshell cat, Dr.Dre. Andrew took care to make sure the details (and she is very unique) remained true to my baby. Thank you SO much, Andrew. I will absolutely be a returning customer and will always keep you as my  #1 referral for custom pieces! Read Less

I was tattooed by Chris h. He was very nice and offered to tighten up the lines. The second run through helped somewhat. However, I am disappointed with my tattoo. Very heavy handed. My tattoo has very noticeable raised scarring practically on all the line work and there are some blowouts. This isn't my first tattoo and haven't scarred like this. Decided to start laser tattoo removal. Yay me Read Less

Christopher Hedlund turned my ideas into something so much more than I could have ever pieced together in my head! In 2 sessions he turned my forearm into a work of art. He was gentle, and patient and made me feel super comfortable. I have received compliment after compliment on my outline alone and I can't wait to show off the color. Read Less

David turned my idea into a beautiful piece of custom artwork. The shop was clean and inviting and the vibe was awesome. All of the artists here are extremely talented. I highly recommend Art Realm if you are looking for a place to get some amazing custom work done! Read Less

5 stars are not enough! For sure this gem is the BEST in Austin. The atmosphere is gorgeous! The artists are sweet and MEGA talented....Like serious art Gods. I will never go anywhere else! Chris created magic on my arm & I cannot wait to add to it! Bonus: Picnik is just blocks away, so feast before or after your session! Read Less

I searched online for hours to find an artist in Austin to create a specific idea for me. After stumbling upon Andrew and scheduling a consultation with him, I knew he was the one I wanted to do the piece for me. My tattoo came out great! Andrew is not only an amazing artist but also a cool dude; made my 8 hrs session easy. I've never seen any tattoo like this and have gotten lots of compliments. I can't wait to get more tattoos from him! Read Less

Andrew is a great artist and can create beautiful works of art based on just a few meetings. The place is clean and relaxing, with half of the studio dedicated to art while the other half is all tattoo work. The overall experience was enjoyable and I will be back in the future. I had a tribal armband I got when I was 18 that needed to be covered up and I was lucky to find a diamond in the rough with Art Realm Tattoo. Read Less

I can't say enough good things about Andrew and Art Realm tattoo. I love everything about my tattoo, the realism and the detail are over the top. I'm very impressed and I already want to have Andrew do another piece for me. Read Less

I came here for my first tattoo. My friend is visiting and we wanted to get tattoos. I am so happy with the outcome. The owner Andrew did my tattoo and was very professional. He talked me through everything and took the tattoo very slow. I was very impressed and I'm so happy. Thank you!! Read Less

David Handy is a professional and exceptionally talented artist.  I contacted several shops around town, but he was the only one to respond in a reasonable amount of time, which was fine with me because they were my top choice anyway!  I went in spoke with David about what I was looking for, and we made a plan to start ink the next day.  On Tattoo Day, he had a sketch ready.  He was quick but thorough.  My new piece turned out exactly like I hoped.The studio itself is great.  It was clean and laid back,and they had some fun movies playing the whole time I was getting tattooed. I'm already planning my next piece and hope David will be available to do it! Read Less

Andrew Matela and company are hands down the most talented and professional tattoo artists in the city. The rates are very fair, and every artist is friendly and accomodating. The studio itself is pristinely clean and welcoming, and doubles as an actual art gallery, studio, and workspace. This is a place for serious creativity and collaboration on your tattoo. Highly recommended! Read Less

Clean shop! Great art and work! Andrew is an amazing artist. Andrew did a tattoo for me, it was everything I expected! He was great on incorporating everything that I wanted and made sure I was satisfied with the finished product. Andrew was also so helpful with the aftercare, I had so many questions as it had been years since I had gotten a tattoo. I will definitely return when I'm ready for another one. Read Less

This is such an amazing studio. I've had the privilege to be tattooed by two of the artist at this shop and I will continue to get all my work done here. They continuously sharpen there artistic knowledge and stay active in the art world. The shop is also an art gallery and you can truly see how much emphasis they place on the art value of a tattoo.Andrew has completed and entire sleeve on my arm seamlessly. I'm in love with the art and get complements daily. He helped to bring my ideas to life. He works very hard to place the tattoos in a way that they flow naturally with the bends and curves of your body. That is something I never would have thought to do and was impressed with the placement of my tattoo. He has also taken on an incredibly hard, irritating and unreasonable cover up for me. No other tattoo artist would attempt to cover it up but after a couple years of persistence he has finally started to tackle the project and I couldn't be more excited.David did a chameleon on my foot and was impressed with how light of a hand he had and how efficiently he worked. He worked with me on the sketch and made small changes as requested. I was impressed with his professional manner and incredibly satisfied with the tattoo. After two years I decided I wanted to get a mirror image on my other foot. Well the skeleton version of the chameleon. He was very patient in recreating the same image all over again and it looks so perfect you could say they were created together. He is also an amazing tattoo artist.I know there are two other tattoo artist in the shop and although I haven't been tattooed by them I know that Andrew and David would not bring in a new artist unless he had incredible skill. This is the place to go for a custom tattoo that you will be proud to show off. Read Less

I've gotten many tattoos from many studios and this is by far my preferred artists. I got my first piece when the guys were at Billy cannons and it just amazed me about the price I paid and the quality I got I was shocked! You want to have something you love because it will be with you for the rest of your life and these guys genuinely care about that and give you a piece that you will absolutely fall in love with!! Hands down without a doubt you're safest bet! Love these guys!!! Read Less

Every artist working in this shop is incredibly talented! The shop is clean and comfortable, the staff are friendly and professional, and the art gallery is beautiful and ever changing. I highly recommend this studio and gallery to anyone. Read Less

I got my first tattoo when I was 18. Then waited about 9 years to get another. I ended up getting quite a bit of work. I get compliments on it all the time. Someone even thought it was fake as in the detail was so great. I definitely recommend going here.  Especially if you want something unique. Read Less

Andrew Matela is not only a true fine artist, but also an incredibly talented tattooer. The studio is very chill and inviting. Andrew is not only eager to make sure you are happy, but he also has such fine attention to detail, that there is never a chance you will be unhappy! Read Less

In my opinion one of the cleanest shops in Austin. Super friendly staff & a amazing art gallery! Came here to get my 1st tattoo and now I have a whole sleeve done by them. Wouldn't go to another shop in Austin. Read Less

Andrew Matela did my Maleficent Tattoo!  He's great!  He is so professional and friendly.  The price was very reasonable, and the shop is beautiful! I did a lot of research before deciding on Andrew, and I'm so glad I did.  This is by far the best Tattoo I have, and probably the best I've ever seen on anyone!  I get compliments every time I go out.  Thank you Andrew!  I'll never go to anyone else! Read Less

Grass is one of the most talented and amazing artists I have had the pleasure of getting art from! I came to him with a simple concept for my grandfather who passed. He was the reason for my love of writing and one of my most vivid happy childhood memories of him was blowing dandelions and making wishes. I wanted to intertwine these important memories and factors of my relationship with. I came to Grass with the idea of an old school typewriter with some grass and weeds growing out of it, and my grandfathers name DOB and DOD on the scroll of paper. Grass drew it up and delivered 10 fold! I've loved it from the moment he drew it out. It's one of my favorite tattoos to show off. Read Less

In my opinion one of the cleanest shops in Austin. Super friendly staff & a amazing art gallery! Came here to get my 1st tattoo and now I have a whole sleeve done by them. Wouldn't go to another shop in Austin. A+++ in my book Read Less

AMAZING EXPERIENCE! I had a straight six-hour session where he created the most beautiful tattoo I have ever even SEEN much less had! I am already being treated like a magical faery goddess for having his beautiful art on me, and I'm loving it! Super personable, friendly, and respectful! None of the "too cool for school" attitude or being flirtatious, it was so nice to just be treated like a potential friend that he talked about his girlfriend with rather than a piece of meat!! I will spend the rest of my life crowing about how I have an "Andrew Matela" piece, I don't doubt that he will be a game-changer of the tattoo world! A TRULY COMMISSIONED ART PIECE! Read Less

WOW! It's difficult for me to put into words how amazing my experience was. First of all, I found this place "randomly" driving by while in town for ACL. Austin is a really special place for me, so I wanted to get this very personal tattoo in the place that means the most, but I wasn't sure who to have the work done by. Something about this shop grabbed me, so I stopped in. I have never seen a tattoo shop like this, it is an art gallery! I was absolutely blown-away! Great ae...sthetics, clean and very professional. I could really tell the owners put their heart and soul into the business. Andrew was working on a client when I walked in, and happily took the time to have a discussion with me. I was also able to see the work he was doing and couldn't have been more impressed. Andrew is a realist and a visionary. And he's a little bit psychic because he picked-up on something I would never have thought of but once he put it together it was the obvious remaining piece of the puzzle! Also, he was very accommodating because I was on a pretty tight schedule and had to leave town soon. I really can't say enough good things about my experience, the shop, and Andrew (I didn't meet David but I'm sure he's awesome too). If you're considering this shop, just do it! You won't be disappointed. I love my new body art and will post a picture as soon as it heals. Love and light! See More Read Less

I made an appt for a consultation and walked out with a gorgeous piece of art. The experience was painful to me but David kept me engaged to where it was bearable. David has turned my dark days that where displayed on my back into a gorgeous piece of my favorite pass time, Watching the hummingbirds! David helped me to close that Dark, Dark stain, completely get rid of that person and to help me close a chapter of my life and took me to freedom & life. The atmosphere with the customers also being close friends says a lot about business. I highly recommend these artist for your next tat. Read Less