Tattoos are a highly expressive form of art that can represent your passions, dreams, beliefs, and philosophies. Professionally designed tattoos can transform your body into a striking masterpiece. If you are planning to get inked, then you should rely on an artist who can turn your concept into artwork with precision and creativity.
American Tattoo San Diego performs high-quality custom tattooing and piercing services in a clean and sterile environment. We have a team of artists who are well-rounded, imaginative, and experienced. Also, our veteran-owned shop in San Diego, CA offers the best military pricing in the area. We always want our clients to get tremendous value for their money.
American Tattoo San Diego performs high-quality custom tattooing and piercing services in a clean and sterile environment. We have a team of artists who are well-rounded, imaginative, and experienced. Also, our veteran-owned shop in San Diego, CA offers the best military pricing in the area. We always want our clients to get tremendous value for their money.
Services
At American Tattoo San Diego, client satisfaction is our utmost priority. We want our clients to feel absolutely pleased when they walk out of our shop, knowing that they have made the right decision in choosing us. Also, we have extensive experience in the tattoo industry, as we have been in business for more than 12 years.
Are you thinking about what kind of tattoo to get at our shop in San Diego, CA? You might find inspiration in the portfolio of American Tattoo San Diego. Our gallery showcases various custom tattoos that encompass a wide range of styles and themes. Every sample accurately reflects the innate talents of our artists.
Justin of American Tattoo San Diego hails from Denver, CO and started tattooing more than four years ago. Since 2018, he has been working at our shop in San Diego, CA. Justin specializes in black and gray portraits; black and gray as well as color realism; and American Traditional styles. He is versatile in other styles too.
Mikale of American Tattoo San Diego is a Texan who began tattooing in 2014 and piercing in 2016. He started working in our San Diego, CA shop after he moved to the state in early 2017. Apart from designing custom tattoos, Mikale also has a portfolio of original designs and flash that you can choose from.
American Tattoo San Diego is happy to share with you some useful information about taking care of your new tattoo. Getting inked in our San Diego, CA shop is just the beginning. You need to be aware of basic aftercare to ensure that your tattoo comes out amazing once it has fully healed. You might be tempted to remove skin that is starting to peel and flake away.
Reviews (24)
Thu N.
Aug 17, 2021
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I really appreciate how this shop handles piercings for minors. There was some strict requirements paperwork wise but I appreciate that because I wouldn't want my child just randomly getting piercings either. Big shout out to Josh aka BIG PAPPA FLUFFY! He was extremely professional and detailed oriented, that really eased our nerves because he walked us through the entire piercing process. Usually ear piercings aren't treated this way since it's more common? But the entire time Josh was clearly announcing what he was doing allowing us to being able to visualize his movements while
Winnie C.
Dec 08, 2020
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Mae Saeed
Nov 06, 2020
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Abigail M.
Oct 09, 2020
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Came here because my new piercing (that I got done somewhere else 2 weeks ago) fell off and I needed help putting it back onto my ear lobe. The piercer checked my temperature before entering the shop and washed his hands and changed his gloves after touching his equipment. Very COVID friendly! He explained to me what he was going to do with my partially closed lobe piercing and even disinfected my earring that fell out of my ear. I was unable to catch the piercer's name but I recommend this place for piercings! He was kind and made me feel comfortable.
Juliana C.
Sep 13, 2020
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Audrey K.
Jan 24, 2020
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If I could give less than a one star I would! My ear piercing came out 2 days after my piercing while at dinner. I went to the bathroom and had blood all over my face my ear and my chest. I contacted the tattoo shop when I got home and was assured that someone would call me the next day. They didn't. I called them on my way home from work, spoke to the guy who did the piercing and was told that I was supposed to check the screw to make sure it was tight. I told him that he never told us this nor did the after care instructions state this. His response, dead silence. This company sucks
Emilio B.
Oct 11, 2019
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I'm very creative but it's hard for me to explain it or get my ideas on paper. Erik did all the work for me, and came up with a design to. My tattoo an design came out more amazing then I was imagining. If you want awesome work at a affordable price. This is the place! Thanks again for the great work! I will be back soon
Nicole Bishop
Sep 27, 2019
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Amazing tattoo shop! My husband and I started coming here for tattoos and both love our tattoo artists. I always go to Claire and he sees Eric. Both are very talented, as are all the artists here, and they always give us exactly what we want. Claire did my very first tattoo on my neck and, even though it was simple, I was pretty nervous. We talked most of the time and it really helped me relax, I barely felt a thing. We have been back many times since- my hubby is working on a sleeve and I’ve been getting varies tattoos here and there. I love bringing an idea in and seeing the direction Claire
Edie'S. Weeks
Sep 27, 2019
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Sy S.
Sep 27, 2019
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Hey everyone, a bit late sorry been busy, but went there on friday the 13 to check on tattoos. My brother told me of a deal like most tattoo shops were doing 20 buck tattoos, went in and was immediately greeted. First off greeted with a smile and very polite, a huge plus for me. Explained why I was in there and she told me they weren't doing the 20 buck tattoos, but a flash deal. No worries, I checked there flash deals and wow. I was amazed on the whole selection. A bit about the shop is it's not big, but not small. I've been to other shops and some were huge, and some were small
Bianca Foster
Jul 26, 2019
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Rusty did an amazing job! Him and Claire were very informative and patient. This was my very first tattoo and my nerves were through the roof but this team made it easy and helped design and make my vision a reality. Thank you guys I love my piece and will forever cherish it. If you are looking for a place, especially a first tattoo I highly recommend.
Elise H.
Apr 15, 2019
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Rusty did an incredible job on my tattoo (which isn't within his preferred style). I got exactly what I wanted in the end. He also has a very light hand. I would definitely use him again and would recommend him highly. The only reason that I'm not giving this a 5 star rating is because his communication skills are a bit lacking, but not so much that it will affect your appointment with him.
Summer Artaud
Jan 13, 2019
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I got a small and simple tattoo here that my tattoo artist completely butchered. He messed up and went way off the outline. It was such a simple design I didn't think anyone could mess it up which was why I chose this place because it was the closest tattoo shop near my home. The artist also charged $120 for the tattoo which should have been way less. My friend has a tattoo three times the size of mine that was very well done that cost the same as the one I got. I am very disappointed someone could not care enough to be careful when giving someone a tattoo rather than rushing through it. I strongly
Brianna Trujillo
Dec 12, 2018
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I got my first tattoo here and my experience was great I recommend this place one hundred percent! amazing shop amazing artist amazing piece I was so happy with my finished tattoo I am most definitely coming back here for my second piece I will recommend this place to everybody I know! thanks Justin again! Your are talented man!
Chino X.
Oct 07, 2018
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I went in to add some clouds to my arm and was told that I would be seeing Rusty not because he was the most qualified to do clouds but because he was up on the rotation. I told and showed Rusty what I wanted and he said it would be no problem, in fact he would just due it freehand since it was so simple. In staid if light fluffy clouds like I asked for I got what looks like dirty broken spiderwebbs. I already had clouds so this was supposed to tie everything together but instead made my arm look like crap. It is the worst job I have ever seen. When he was shading the tatt I couldn't tell
Ri
Sep 30, 2018
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Dina S.
Aug 05, 2018
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Awesome experience tonight at this location. Erik really cared and took the time to give me exactly what I wanted.
The whole interaction with the staff right from the start was nothing but positive. I let the front desk know I needed a very special quote commemorated on my lower arm, I asked who is best at script and recreation of exact handwriting, and they told me ERIK. I'm so glad I put my arm in his hands! It's only been a few hours and my piece has already made people emotional. I have been told several times already that the writing is so true to life, it looks like the originator
The whole interaction with the staff right from the start was nothing but positive. I let the front desk know I needed a very special quote commemorated on my lower arm, I asked who is best at script and recreation of exact handwriting, and they told me ERIK. I'm so glad I put my arm in his hands! It's only been a few hours and my piece has already made people emotional. I have been told several times already that the writing is so true to life, it looks like the originator
Erica H.
May 07, 2018
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Hai N.
Jul 26, 2017
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Best line work ever. The focus, attention, feed back and options that MIKALE delivers, givss you a great sense of professionalism that tattoo artists should have. I definitely see myself coming more because even my.referral buddis have nothing but.compliments towards his work....ask for mikale if u seek original, artistic work, he always accepts ideas and.either gives u what u want, or his artistic vision can either work with you or guide u towards what you want....ask for mikale the visionary
1000% satisfaction over here
1000% satisfaction over here
Kayla D.
May 08, 2017
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Went in to get my first tattoo here! Everyone made it a wonderful first experience. My friend recommended me to go and it was definitely a good choice! Everyone was very welcoming & kind. Kelly did my tattoo and was AMAZING!! Pain was legitimately a 3/10. She was very helpful in terms of what size I wanted it & made me feel very comfortable. Would definitely recommend anyone to go here. :)
Adelaide Zaker
Oct 31, 2016
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They take walk-ins but also were able to set up an appointment for me as soon as i wanted which was great and set up a touch up appointment. The artist also drew up a custom sketches for my tattoo ideas. All of their artists there are extremely sweet and professional and the shop was extremely clean and i watched them set up for my tattoo and they were sterile and precise. I have also been able to get quite a few piercings and the prices were fair and the jewelry was all good quality.
Charmaigne J.
Jun 10, 2016
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So glad I came here! I spontaneously got my nose pierced and Rusty made my experience so comfortable and fun! And pretty lady in the front, I'm sorry I didn't catch your name!, but she was sooo kind and helpful too. Whole process was really quick and didn't hurt at all! Tho I did shed a tear a little haha. Everything is cash only. They do have an ATM inside with a $3 surcharge. I'll definitely be coming back for when I get my tattoos. Thanks for everything team!!!! You guys all rock!
-Charms
-Charms
Tanya W.
Apr 25, 2016
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I spontaneously wanted my nose pierced and found out my friend was getting his tattoo done that day. I asked if anybody was available and Rusty was able to take me in.
I rushed over but in the back of my mind I wanted to turnaround and go back home cuz I was to chicken to go ahead with it. When I arrived the vibe and energy of everyone that worked there was just welcoming and awesome.
When it was time to pierce my nose Rusty put my mind at ease and he did such a great job I barely felt the needle. It's been about 3 weeks now and my nose is healing fine. I accidentally pulled my nose ring
I rushed over but in the back of my mind I wanted to turnaround and go back home cuz I was to chicken to go ahead with it. When I arrived the vibe and energy of everyone that worked there was just welcoming and awesome.
When it was time to pierce my nose Rusty put my mind at ease and he did such a great job I barely felt the needle. It's been about 3 weeks now and my nose is healing fine. I accidentally pulled my nose ring
Sara B.
Jan 10, 2016
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I got a tattoo here tonight by Kelly and I absolutely adore the tattoo.
The entire staff were more than helpful and very welcoming and friendly. I wasn't sure what I wanted but Kelly was very patient with me.
This is my first tattoo here and I can tell you, one of the best tattoos I have ever had done. The detail in my tattoo is phenomenal. I will definitely be back for more art work! I have no idea why there wasn't a line for tattoos because these people are very talented at what they do!
The entire staff were more than helpful and very welcoming and friendly. I wasn't sure what I wanted but Kelly was very patient with me.
This is my first tattoo here and I can tell you, one of the best tattoos I have ever had done. The detail in my tattoo is phenomenal. I will definitely be back for more art work! I have no idea why there wasn't a line for tattoos because these people are very talented at what they do!
