We contacted 25 Tattoo Shops in Santa Monica, California and hand-picked the best for you to choose from
The Email
The following email is sent to all tattoo shops in Santa Monica, California. The responses to this email will be shown in the “Email Response” section of each shop.
Read the Email
Hi!
I am interested in getting a single-line tattoo on my leg. Something like the cat here: https://www.xotly.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Single-Line-Tattoo.jpg
So my question is:
Do you guys specialize in these kind of tattoos?
And how much does it cost to get a tattoo like that?
Size – 3×3 inches
Is it possible to get colors in the tattoo, like in the example?
Happy to hear back from you guys,
Drew
I also have some other questions, so feel free to answer those:
1. What ingredients in the ink you’d use for the colors in the tattoo?
2. Does color ink causes an itchy rash? I have kinda sensitive skin.
3. Can you perform a patch test?
4. Are you a licensed tattoo artist?
5. In case you did some single-line tattoos, can you share some examples?
Thanks!
Black Diamond Tattoo
| Score: A+ |
Black Diamond Tattoo is a creative and stylish tattoo studio that offers custom designs in various popular styles. Their artists share their love for the culture behind tattoos by creating bespoke pieces to suit each individual’s personality, interests, or background – whether it be American traditional or geometric!
Website Address (213) 699-4703
Body Electric
| Score: A+ |
This tattoo shop on Melrose Avenue is the place to go for modern tattoos and piercings in an old-fashioned setting. Established in 1992, Body Electric has played a prominent role in Santa Monica’s flourishing of body art with their artistic designs that are sure not only show-offs but also make you look great while doing so!
Website Address (323) 954-0408
Broken Art Tattoo
| Score: A |
Broken Art Tattoo has been in operation since 2006, and the artists at this studio are experts with various styles. They offer both color, black & gray, or portrait work; plus, lettering is no stranger to them! Customers can schedule an appointment online via their website.
Website Address (323) 661-4777
Dark Horse Tattoo
| Score: A+ |
You may think that you know what tattooing is all about, but have you ever seen the work of a professional? Dark Horse Tattoo in Santa Monica offers traditional Americana imagery as well as Japanese and Asian motifs. The studio also hosts guest artists regularly to spice up its style for customers with whatever they want!
Website Address (323) 665-7345
House of Ink
| Score: A+ |
This internationally-known establishment has been featured on various media platforms such as TLC and MTV, to name just a few! The artists at House of Ink take great pride in their craftsmanship and how they treat each client like a family member.
Website Address (310) 399-0555
Ink Ink Tattoo
| Score: A+ |
Ink Ink Tattoo is a female-only tattoo shop in Santa Monica, founded over 25 years ago. The founder has extensive experience and prefers working with black ink, but also versatile to some colorwork for clients who want something different from what’s typically seen around town.
Website Address (310) 314-7703
Email Response
Hi Drew,
Thanks for reaching out. I do not specialize in this style, but am proficient at it, as is the other artist here, Gal.
1) when I make colored ink, I use raw mineral pigments, distilled water, isopropyl alcohol and food grade propylene glycol.
2) you should not get an itchy rash unless you have an allergic reaction to the ink itself, or to something you’re putting on it during healing.
3) we can do a patch test. We would have to do one for every color you are considering using, although red is the most common color to cause a reaction. Then we would have to wait several weeks to be sure all colors heal properly and there are no issues. Our minimum to set up a station and do any kind of tattoo is $150.— so this is what we would charge for the patch test session.
4) we are licensed. I have been tattooing for over 30 years. Gal has close to ten years experience.
5) the pictures of the tattoos you sent are linework, but they are not “single needle” (the lines would be much thinner if they were single). I will try to send some examples of linework from my phone. Gal does a lot of tattoos that are just linework.
Hope this helps to answer some of your questions. You have a 1/4,000,000 chance of having an allergic reaction to the red. Reactions to the other colors are less common— so you can manage your risk.
Thank you, and let me know if you are interested in moving forward.
Lincoln Tattoo Company
| Score: A+ |
Lincoln Tattoo Company is one of the newest, most exciting tattoo parlors to hit Santa Monica! With a staff of talented artists and an extensive knowledge of their craft, it’s no surprise that this business has been such a huge success. They can do their custom artwork well from traditional black-and-grey tattoos enforced with colorwork or fine line pieces for those looking for more unique designs.
Website Address (310) 751-6189
MD tattoo studio
| Score: A+ |
MD Tattoo Studio has been in business for over eight years, and their lead tattoo artist and founder commands respect within the industry. The studio specializes in custom tattoos designed to fit any customer’s needs. Somehow they’ve garnered 130 awards too! So, have a look at their website and see why.
Website Address (818) 700-2818
Memoir Tattoo
| Score: A+ |
Memoirs Tattoo is a Santa Monica studio featuring custom tattooing services by artists who work independently. The shop does not accept walk-in clientele, but customers can bring in a guest if they wish – no children or pets, however!
Website Address (323) 272-3870
Ocean Front Tattoo
| Score: A+ |
Ocean Front Tattoo is a Santa Monica-based tattoo shop that provides various body modification services, including ink, coverups, and portraits. They have been providing these services since 2007, with a great list of unique items designed by their artists.
Website Address (310) 314-9934
Rabble Rouser Tattoo
| Score: A+ |
When you want to ink up your skin, make sure it’s at Rabble Rouser Tattoo. From the moment of consultation through tattooing and even aftercare services are provided by their team who have over 60 years combined experience in all things derm-friendly!
Website Address (310) 730-6124
Solid Gallery One
| Score: |
The Solid Gallery One is a custom tattoo studio and art gallery in Los Angeles. The artists, all self-taught female tattooers with years of experience, have dedicated their lives to this craft that they love so much– connecting the contemporary art community through ink!
Website Address (323) 939-3003
Studio City Tattoo
| Score: A+ |
When you’re looking for the best tattoo parlor in Los Angeles, few places will surpass Studio City Tattoo Parlor. The shop has been providing top-of-the-line service since 1992 and currently employs over ten different artists who all hold certification from Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
Website Address (818) 769-4049
The Martlet Tattoo Parlor
| Score: A+ |
The Martlet Tattoo Parlor is such a fantastic place to go! They offer tattoos and artistic services that will brighten up your day. With their classic style, bold colors, or clean designs, you’ll be able to get the perfect tattoo at this Santa Monica studio.
Website Address (323) 962-5213
Unbreakable Tattoo
| Score: |
A customer writes, “I’ve been going to Unbreakable Tattoo for about a year now, and it has quickly become one of my favorite tattoo parlors. The artists at this studio are top-notch – from the moment you walk in until after your session is done, they make sure that everything goes smoothly with no surprises or issues whatsoever!” So, what else to say?
