Paper Crane Studio
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
Paper Crane Studio
Founder Mikey Vigilante and his industry-leading artists provide outstanding service through raw talent, genuine care, and decades of experience. As one of the best tattoo studios in Long Beach, we offer amazing customer service in a relaxed setting. Our tattoo artists specialize in an eclectic array of styles.

We are committed to creating meaningful art that provides you with a lifetime of pleasure. We leverage traditional tools and the latest technology in our approach to custom tattoos. Senior artist and studio founder Mikey Vigilante brings over 20 years of worldwide industry experience to Paper Crane.
Services
We bring the full force of our stylistic expertise and industry experience to your one-of-a-kind piece at our tattoo studio. Your artist will work one-on-one with you to design a custom tattoo that reflects your aesthetic and is tailored to the individual flow of your body. We always treat you and your tattoo as our priority.
Paper Crane Studio offers custom tattoo work by some of the most talented tattoo artists working today. Our artists are hand-selected for their expertise and professionalism, with eclectic stylistic specialties and unique aesthetics. Whatever your vision, we have a team member to bring it to vivid life.
To ensure that your tattoo looks as beautiful down the road as the day you got it done, proper aftercare is a must. Your new ink is an open wound that needs to heal-and the final outcome of your tattoo depends on a few basic rules. To ensure your tattoo heals properly, please follow your artist's personal recommendation.
Reviews (22)
Bob W.
Bob W.
Jan 01, 2022
Report
Been working with Mikey over at Paper Crane and I've had several sessions with him. His work is detailed and excellent. Prices are reasonable for the quality of the work I received. I've been getting great advice on the type and placement which has been extremely helpful with my decision process. I'm a disabled vet and he's gone out of his way to accommodate me. I highly recommend this studio, good vibes every time I go there!
Rosaura S.
Rosaura S.
Dec 13, 2021
Report
Honestly im pretty disappointed i asked for an appointment and was told to reach out to an artist and was turned down, but wasn't even given the opportunity for another tattoo style. there are plenty of tattoos i want done but they chose to decline the tattoo I wanted and didn't even offer to do one in another style, to me it just seems like they don't want the business so im moving on
Sharon E.
Sharon E.
Nov 21, 2021
Report
Don Sellers. He's the man. Talented af artist. Although he worked on a small piece, the detail he was able to put in this art I am so thankful for. I had a "butterfly" on my thumb that didn't look like one and was washed out, faded and just needed to basically be re-done. See before and after! THANK YOU DON! I'll be back to have you finish my leg sleeve!!
Ghostlyjoy
Ghostlyjoy
Oct 31, 2021
Report
I've gotten pieces from Joy and Suzanne and am getting a piece from Don next week. My goal is to get work from every artist here. They're that good. Mikey's crew not only produces beautiful work, they are incredibly genuine and passionate humans that are a delight to spend any amount of time with.
You can feel how much love is put into this place from the moment you walk through the door. Truly, I couldn't recommend them enough.
Mandy W.
Mandy W.
Oct 07, 2021
Report
Laura is not only a truly lovely and empathetic human, but a wonderfully talented tattoo artist. I worked with her for a foxtail pine tree tattoo on my forearm, just my second tattoo (the first being very small) and one that holds meaning for me. She worked with my reference photos and my ideas perfectly and was very open to adjustments and alterations! It felt like a truly collaborative process. The tattooing itself was calm and welcoming, and her work turned out amazing. I'll be sending my friends and loved ones to Laura 10 times out of 10!
Kelly M.
Kelly M.
Jul 13, 2021
Report
An elite collection of artists in fin downtown long beach.
Loved that they listened and took care and time. Wonderful experience, I'll be back!
Jk I.
Jk I.
Jun 26, 2021
Report
I was excited, this place came highly recommended. Initial email contact was cool, but when it came to actually scheduling an appointment it took almost 3 weeks to get a response and time from Suzanne. Sent a follow up email with question about tattoo, that she never answered. Ok fine... must be busy. Waited over a month for this tattoo, and less than 24 hours later I don't like it. I asked for a small amount of color, it's waaay too much and the color is off. I have multiple tattoos, big pieces, and this little one with so much meaning, I don't like. The color looks flat, it
Kimberly G.
Kimberly G.
May 24, 2021
Report
I had the honor of being tattooed by Joy on Saturday and it was absolutely the best experience I could've had. She not only was very sweet with me the entire time, but she took time to talk to me about the other plans I have for my arm and took that into consideration when we were talking over the placement and sizing, never making me feel bad for expressing what I was looking for. We were bouncing ideas off each other so effortlessly, it's like she was in my mind and knew exactly what I wanted and my pieces came out more beautiful than I could've ever asked for. Joy is such a beautiful
Caitlin Kaneshiro
Caitlin Kaneshiro
Apr 19, 2021
Report
Hands down the best experience I've ever had getting a tattoo. Suzanne was welcoming and friendly and made me feel so comfortable throughout the whole process.
Super clean and warm atmosphere. Above all, I love my tattoo so much, and Suzanne killed it on a tatt that I've been waiting to get because I wanted it to be perfect. Very happy, will definitely come back here for all future ink.
Thomas Tom Glover
Thomas Tom Glover
Apr 13, 2021
Report
I set a tattoo appointment with Joy when I found out that she does Norse/Celtic style tattoos. Joy is amazing! Great artist, very knowledgeable and engaging. Totally recommend her if you are looking for Norse/Celtic style art.
Robin B.
Robin B.
Mar 30, 2021
Report
I didn't know anything about Paper Crane Tattoo except I liked the name. For sometime I had been thinking of a sleeve Tattoo. I had a idea of what the meaning of the the tattoo was but really had nothing as far as the art work. I made an appointment with Mikey the owner and tattoo Artist. My first impression was how friendly everyone was and how closely Mikey listened to me explaining the meaning of what I wanted a two headed snake because no matter how beautiful the things are around you don't ever forget about the snake in the grass! Mikey asked me to give him a few days and he would
C. W.
C. W.
Jan 31, 2021
Report
I've been looking for a tattoo shop that has worthy artists. I'm so excited to have found this studio. My experience was stellar and I am extremely satisfied with the outcome. My tattoo artist Daniel, definitely captured exactly what I wanted. I can definitely say I will be returning to Paper Crane Studio and recommending them to my friends. If you haven't been there, then I definitely suggest you arrive early enough to find parking.
Yazmina R.
Yazmina R.
Dec 30, 2020
Report
Hello, I must apologize for my delay in posting my review. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Joy at Paper Crane Studio. I had surgery the year prior and I was looking for someone to work with/not against the scar. You see, it wasn't to hide it or cover it up, but to honor it and treat it as such.

I sent images of what I wanted and photos of the area I wanted to tattoo. Not only is Joy a tattoo artist, but a Reiki practitioner! She was extremely professional, patient and responsive. She is an art instructor and hand drew my artwork and we played with the image till it was what I
Mikey Anderson
Mikey Anderson
Dec 02, 2020
Report
I don’t think I can say enough good things about this place. Joy did my tattoo and she was beyond amazing. I know that I was probably a super annoying customer because I’ve been having some anxiety problems, but she was literally the most accommodating and kind woman I’ve ever met. She did an amazing medusa tattoo on me that has quickly become my favorite part of my body! Joy was so light handed and my tattoo is beyond beautiful, I honestly cannot offer enough praise for how amazingly patient and genuinely caring she was. I have zero hesitation in recommending this place! I don’t think
Samantha Mendoza
Samantha Mendoza
Sep 26, 2020
Report
I LOVED my expierence here. I came in for a cover up tattoo. I emailed them they set me up with a tattoo artist quick. From my consultation to setting up an appointment to getting my tattoo it was amazing. My tattoo artist was Don. He helped get rid of something I didn't like looking at anymore and made it into something beautiful. So professional, friendly made me feel comfortable. Zero judgment definitely coming back.
Stephanie Lutz
Stephanie Lutz
Sep 20, 2020
Report
Awesome shop. Clean. Friendly Artists. I feel like they're a step above your average tattoo shop. Lindsey Morehead did Ink for both my friend and I and she 100% captured both concepts perfectly. Free touch ups for up to one year. And they're open on Monday's which was hard for us to find. I and my friend will both be going back this summer for more tattoos when I come to visit🤘😎
Lori R.
Lori R.
Sep 15, 2020
Report
I found Joy's Instagram and immediately knew I wanted her to do my moon tattoo. We had a consultation over the phone, it took a few months to reschedule due to covid but I was finally able to come in and get it done. Joy showed me her design and after changing some details I was happy with the design. She made sure I was comfortable and it was probably less than one hour. I love my new tattoo!
Rashi B.
Rashi B.
Aug 16, 2020
Report
I was a walk in on a random Saturday afternoon in December. I had a brief idea of what I wanted and I am glad I was connected with Jackie when I arrived. She went back, drew the design and I was very impressed! She gave me a brilliant tattoo that looks absolutely gorgeous. I am definitely going back to Jackie once the pandemic ends/quarantine is lifted!
Paul Hensler
Paul Hensler
Aug 12, 2020
Report
Great place I had a sleeve tattoo done by Mikey the owner and artist. Mikey asked me what I wanted and I really wasn’t sure except that I wanted a two headed snake. He took it from there, on my next visit he showed me the artwork that he had designed and it was perfect. I could not be happier with the outcome. It’s a great shop! Everyone in there couldn’t have been nicer to me I felt like I was with good friends throughout the experience. Mikey was professional yet friendly and had nothing but my best interest throughout the process that took many visits. The day we finish I could not have
Laura
Laura
Jul 01, 2020
Report
Mikey did a fabulous tattoo on my arm...he's a very nice Guy that cares about his customers..I love the bunny tattoo, it is so awesome...also it heals so fast...
The studio is very clean and the people who work there are all very kind and it is a very great atmosphere.
I would for sure come back and get another tattoo when I am back in Long Beach one day!
Thank you Mikey!!!
Mila D.
Mila D.
Sep 04, 2019
Report
Prior to deciding on having my first ever tattoo done here, I've visited/done a solid amount of research on other tattoo shops. I've always felt a bit intimidated when visiting other shops. None of them stood out to me.

From the friendly individuals, to the overall positive atmosphere, you really can't lose here. I-for years- have been wanting to get something in memory of my first dog and best friend Cookie, so I decided to get her paw print done here. Joy did a phenomenal job; I was nearly in tears after seeing the end product, and her kind demeanor throughout the process made
Rosemary Garry
Rosemary Garry
Aug 27, 2018
Report
This studio has an amazing experience. From the decor, to the friendly staff, to the care they take in making sure you’ll love your tattoo. I love Joy’s style and cannot thank her enough for the gorgeous tattoo she gave me in memory of my father. It was easy and fun!