Zulu was amazing! He started a half sleeve for me and the entire experience was wonderful. He was very responsive when I initially reached out to him via email. He then took the time to speak with me via telephone to help with the planning process of my tattoo. At the appointment, everything was incredible. The studio is private and secluded. You're the only client he works with, so there is no additional traffic. He is intelligent, experienced, and a great conversationalist. I've gotten numerous compliments on my arm already. Yes great and you need to see him if you want an incredible, tasteful piece of work. Read Less

Zulu is a fantastic artist with an unparalleled work ethic. He truly cares about his clients and bringing their imaginations to life through his work. I will highly recommend Zulu to anyone seeking high quality, original, and professional work. The experience is both relaxing and professional, veering away from the cookie-cutter biker themed shops found in most parlors. Zulu's demeanor and knowledge is impeccable, offering deep thoughts and conversation to turn the process of receiving your tattoo into a memorable experience that I know any client will fondly reflect on well into the future. I couldn't have picked a better artist and person to complete my first large tattoo! If you're on the fence who should leave a permanent mark on you, then stop and consult Zulu immediately! You will not be disappointed! Read Less

What an amazing experience. My first tattoo and I am so glad I was able to connect with Zulu and become a part of the tribe. He is a master of his craft, informative and deliberate - from the inks he uses to the application of a design that you will love for all time. I would highly recommend him to anyone and remain grateful for such an incredible experience. 5 stars are not enough. Thanks, Zulu! Read Less

What an amazing experience. My first tattoo and I am so glad I was able to connect with Zulu and become a part of the tribe. He is a master of his craft, informative and deliberate - from the inks he uses to the application of a design that you will love for all time. I would highly recommend him to anyone and remain grateful for such an incredible experience. 5 stars are not enough. Thanks, Zulu! Read Less

Zulu is an extremely talented world class artist. He truly “brings the tattoo out of you”. There is nothing he cannot accomplish with a machine in his hand. As for his studio, it was very peaceful, calming, and clean which is in stark contrast to the traditional tattoo studio with ear piercing music and a million distractions. When you are in Zulu’s chair you are the only one that matters. I cannot wait for my next visit. If you are considering a tattoo contact Zulu you will not be disappointed. Read Less

This review is way past due. Last year, I was absolutely devastated over the loss of Prince, and I needed something to help me heal... something permanent... a tattoo! I wanted to have "him" with me in some way for the rest of my life... enter ZULU. I am a hairdresser, and a wonderful client of mine said to me one day as we were discussing tattoos, "there's nobody on earth I'd let tattoo me other than Zulu". This is HIGH praise coming from this particular woman, so I looked him up. As soon as I went to his website, I felt an energy that I can only describe as "this is it, this is my guy", I knew it immediately. Browsing through his work, I was blown away. His meticulous attention to detail is unmatched. He is an ARTIST of the highest degree. His website images don't do justice to the work- I don't think any picture of his work can do his art justice. You *have* to see it to believe it. I had a consultation with him, and shared with him images of things I liked, and things I'm drawn to, but mostly I wanted him to create it. Several days later, he sent me an image of what he came up with, and it was a slam dunk, just as I knew it would be. It took 3 sessions to complete, and it is a MASTERPIECE. I love the art on my forearm so much it's stupid. I get so much attention because it's so incredible. I even met Prince's band The Revolution, and they were blown away! Wendy and Lisa couldn't stop touching it! Anyway, you get my point, right? So here's another thing... Zulu himself is an amazing human being. He and I had the most wonderful conversations and now he's my friend forever. Choose Zulu as your artist and you'll have more than just a tattoo, you'll have a masterpiece. Read Less

This review is way past due. Last year, I was absolutely devastated over the loss of Prince, and I needed something to help me heal... something permanent... a tattoo! I wanted to have "him" with me in some way for the rest of my life... enter ZULU. I am a hairdresser, and a wonderful client of mine said to me one day as we were discussing tattoos, "there's nobody on earth I'd let tattoo me other than Zulu". This is HIGH praise coming from this particular woman, so I looked him up. As soon as I went to his website, I felt an energy that I can only describe as "this is it, this is my guy", I knew it immediately. Browsing through his work, I was blown away. His meticulous attention to detail is unmatched. He is an ARTIST of the highest degree. His website images don't do justice to the work- I don't think any picture of his work can do his art justice. You *have* to see it to believe it. I had a consultation with him, and shared with him images of things I liked, and things I'm drawn to, but mostly I wanted him to create it. Several days later, he sent me an image of what he came up with, and it was a slam dunk, just as I knew it would be. It took 3 sessions to complete, and it is a MASTERPIECE. I love the art on my forearm so much it's stupid. I get so much attention because it's so incredible. I even met Prince's band The Revolution, and they were blown away! Wendy and Lisa couldn't stop touching it! Anyway, you get my point, right? So here's another thing... Zulu himself is an amazing human being. He and I had the most wonderful conversations and now he's my friend forever. Choose Zulu as your artist and you'll have more than just a tattoo, you'll have a masterpiece. Read Less

I have had multiple tattoos completed over the years in many different shops throughout the USA and Europe and I have never met a more talented artist than Zulu. He spends the time to get to know what you really want in a tattoo and has the talent to deliver flawless artwork. But it's not just his beautiful artwork that should take you to his doorstep; Zulu is an amazingly kind and funny person and makes the experience of getting a tattoo truly memorable (in a really good way). I'm honored to be part of the Zulu Tribe. Read Less

He was an awesome man! My Tattoo is beautiful. Everyone that sees it can't believe how amazing the colors are and how realistic my red tail hawk feather looks. I definitely would recommend him . Thank You So Much 😘 Read Less

I was terrified for my first tattoo, but loved Zulu's profile so I came in. Zulu was incredibly nice and professional. His studio doesn't look anything like a traditional tattoo parlor and has a pleasant vibe. He talked to me about my idea and made an incredible design beyond my expectations. His shading and attention to detail were incredible! Even though he has experience doing much grander things, he never made me feel less than for my small tattoo. It took two hours and the pain level was very reasonable. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a good tattoo. Read Less

We first went to Zulu for an incredibly important tattoo as it was for my husband who lost his precious daughter quite unexpectedly and tragically. He didn't really know what he wanted - just something special - so we told Zulu a bit about Jody, the young woman she was, what she liked, etc, and also sent a picture of her. He designed an original piece of beautiful art to commemorate her. He also incorporated some butterfly leaves we found in her wallet. This was his description of the tattoo:Lotus - Buddhist symbolThe roots of the lotus plant are stuck deep in the mud, but it still grows above murky water and blossoms into a beautiful, sweet-smelling flower. The lotus can be analogous to how we rise up from our sufferings to reach enlightenment, beauty and clarity.I wanted to physically represent Jody but we are only using symbols...therefore...there are 2 piercings on the lotus petals; the lotus representing her physical body rising up through the mud of this world...the butterfly wings representing her spirit being free.Butterfly - I used the wing you sent...Transformation of the soul.Just as the caterpillar struggles to change its form to a beautiful butterfly so do we and eventually leave our bodies to become beautiful unlimited spirits.Rose Quartz CrystalPromotes unconditional love, forgiveness, infinite peace and compassion. It creates harmony in relationships and teaches us about the true essence of love. It purifies and opens up the heart allowing us to express our emotions. It reduces stress and tension, allowing us to express love, sensitivity and compassion towards ourselves and others. Rose Quartz brings a deep inner healing, enhancing self love, self trust, self worth and self confidence.Crystal is in shape of teardrop.Tears represent the balance of joy and sadness.You may cry tears of sadness when missing her, but you also cry tears of happiness when you think of the joy she brought into your life.We have since gone back to Zulu for two beautiful manta ray tattoos to commemorate an amazing trip our family took last summer. We still have 4 more family members in line to get the same tattoo. We could not recommend Zulu more highly not only for the artist he is, but the human being. Read Less

I am inked from head to toe with tattoos from many different artists across the country, but nothing could have prepared me for the amazing experience I had at Zulu Tattoo Austin!! - Zulu is not only an absolutely phenomenal artist, he's also one of the kindest people I have ever met. He treats his clients with so much warmth and respect, and makes you feel right at home - Zulu Tattoo Austin has such a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere, it's like visiting a day spa....you won't believe it till you experience it! - I have never been so pleased or received so many compliments from any other tattoo I've ever gotten. The quality of Zulu's work is mind-boggling. A true artist in every sense of the word!! Forever grateful to Zulu for his incredible work, and I can't recommend him highly enough!! :) Read Less

After a few years of searching for an artist and design, I was very happy to find Zulu. This was my first tattoo, not only did he do a brilliant piece, but it was honestly one of the most comforting experiences I've ever had. Aside from the email communication, the initial visit set the atmosphere for an amazing journey. When entering his studio, you are greeted by an array of art work, relax music and serene environment. Expecting heavy metal, the smell of cigarettes and a hunger over tattoo artist, I was surprised by what Zulu has created as a working space. Zulu is truly an amazing brother and artist. He was patient with me and worked for a while adjusting to my military schedule. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. The tattoo turned out amazing and I continue to get tons of compliments. He took his time with alignment, spacing, and advice on how the art would appear best on my body. Although you can read the reviews and imagine what my time was like it really does no justice, it is an experience you must try for your self. Read Less

After a few years of searching for an artist and design, I was very happy to find Zulu. This was my first tattoo, not only did he do a brilliant piece, but it was honestly one of the most comforting experiences I've ever had. Aside from the email communication, the initial visit set the atmosphere for an amazing journey. When entering his studio, you are greeted by an array of art work, relax music and serene environment. Expecting heavy metal, the smell of cigarettes and a hunger over tattoo artist, I was surprised by what Zulu has created as a working space.  Zulu is truly an amazing brother and artist. He was patient with me and worked for a while adjusting to my military schedule. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. The tattoo turned out amazing and I continue to get tons of compliments. He took his time with alignment, spacing, and advice on how the art would appear best on my body. Although you can read the reviews and imagine what my time was like it really does no justice, it is an experience you must try for your self. Read Less

Zulu is quite well known as a tattoo artist. Depending on your taste and style, you may fancy him a talented man. His work and portfolio is limited or focused compared to several artists today. He charges a substantial amount of money for his time - while working on drawings, actually tattooing or discussing next steps. It's all on the clock.I understand this is a business, but he is interrupted several times throughout the visit and time isn't deducted for that. His wife/Manager doubles as a bully that won't let you communicate directly with him when she says the appointment is over or Zulu needs a break. While the work itself was mediocre - I'm still debating about covering it up despite the hefty (way overpriced) cost because the overall experience was horrible. I don't even want to look at the piece due to the way they treated me.I would never recommend anyone to this shop or to any business venture Zulu or Khani are involved in. They need to learn how to respect people, manage their schedules, and problem solve more effectively. I tried for months to directly resolve this issue. Only now am I drafting a review to let them know (and others) - they could have made everything okay if they were decent, humane, kind people. But, they aren't. They are driven by ego and money. With so many talented artists these days - do yourself a favor, find someone who will appreciate your business and treat you with respect. Read Less

Pinky is AWESOME and so very talented! She's a perfectionist (not a bad trait to have in someone who is putting something on your body permantly) and listens to your needs. She fixed an old, outdated tattoo of mine and made it into something beautiful that I can now be proud of. The facility is small and cozy and very private which is a huge plus for me and the tattoo gun she used was ultra quiet! Overall GREAT experience. Can't wait to go back to her! Read Less

Pinky just gave me a saguaro cactus tattoo and I couldn't be happier!  It turned out better than I had ever imagined.  It was really comforting that she offered to give me breaks throughout the 2 hour session, though I chose to just brave through it.I HIGHLY recommend Pinky at Zulu Tattoo Read Less

Professional, clean, cozy... And I can't talk Ms. Pinky Rae up enough!!! She has such a beautiful style, spends time and thought on her artwork and has such a great presence and passion. Hold out for this studio, you won't regret it!! Read Less

Pinky Rae is simply magical.  She is a phenomenal artist. She listens, which is KEY in a tattoo artist.  Pinky Rae has created multiple custom pieces for me, and each one is soooo beautiful!!!!The location is comfy and welcoming, and nestled away from rowdy and high traffic areas. Zulu and Khani have created a sanctuary and culture of creative beauty with their Zulu Tattoo Austin location.  Hands down.. BEST OF AUSTIN. Read Less

This shop is amazing, classy and professional; a perfect marriage of art and business. Zulu's love and respect for his art are apparent immediately. His work is so great and you can tell he really cares about the quality and giving you artwork for a lifetime. His wife Khani was wonderfully supportive and helpfully before and after. I recommend them for anyone wanting a wonderful piece given with care and attention. :-) Read Less

Had my first tattoo done here.....and it was the best experience of my life! Roni was a complete professional and explained everything that was going on and the after care. I also had great conversations with him during the tattoo. I am extremely happy about my tattoo and will be coming back for other tattoos! Read Less

Seriously, folks. Zulu is among the best artists I've met. His love for the art shines through his work. His space is peaceful, super clean, and quiet. Zulu himself is just an awesome guy. I'm coming to him for all of my future ink and will certainly be recommending him to others. Read Less