Shortly after opening the studio, Carol Oddy and Cesar Enciso decided to take a leap of faith and remove the traditional flash (pre-drawn designs) from the walls and use the empty space as a gallery for local artists, becoming Ithaca's first primarily custom tattoo shop/art gallery. In 2007 they decided to move to a better location, and since then have been situated at 126 W. State Street across from the Historic State Theater.
Over the past ten years the shop has hosted guest tattoo artists from all over the country, and has developed a reputation as one of the best tattoo shops in the area. It still hosts rotating gallery shows, and is firmly committed to supporting the community that has allowed it to flourish. Medusa Tattoo's most recent addition is Dan Trocchio, who relocated from New York City in 2020.
Over the past ten years the shop has hosted guest tattoo artists from all over the country, and has developed a reputation as one of the best tattoo shops in the area. It still hosts rotating gallery shows, and is firmly committed to supporting the community that has allowed it to flourish. Medusa Tattoo's most recent addition is Dan Trocchio, who relocated from New York City in 2020.
Services
He meticulously researches every character or object he is asked to draw, so that the resulting designs express not only the physical qualities, but also the personality or inner nature of whatever the tattoo is. Her approach uses the natural shapes and contours of the human body as an integral component of the work, and both her large scale and smaller pieces reflect this.
Carol Oddy was born in Durham, England. She moved to the United States in high school and went on to get her BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University. After she graduated, Carol ended up in Madison, WI, and in 1993 began her tattoo apprenticeship at Steve's Tattoo. After working there for eight years, she felt the need to push her art in a different direction, and in 2002 she and Cesar Enciso opened Medusa Tattoo Studio in Ithaca, NY.
Appointments require a deposit, which starts at $80, but may be more, depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo. We get a lot of questions. The most efficient way to ask is to press Control+F and search for the keyword in your question. No. Medusa Tattoo is owned and operated by tattoo artists, and we stick to what we really know.
Reviews (10)
Chris Bode
Jan 04, 2020
Report
Clean, safe place with some very talented artists and genuine people. I visited 7 different tattoo shops looking for a place that I liked and trusted before finding Medusa’s. I was planning a custom piece that really meant a lot to me but needed an artist to flush out the design. Cesar was the first artist I talked to who was interested in what the piece meant to me. He wanted to know the story and emotion in order to really capture it in the art. Everyone here is very professional and actually care about what they do. They take to heart that their art will be on someone forever and want each
Bonny Renner
Jan 02, 2020
Report
I have been a client of Medusa Tattoo for over 10 years, and I have detailed pieces from both Cesar and Carol that frequently receive compliments. Cesar and Carol are talented, sincere, down-to-earth artists who take great pride in their work and who care deeply about their clients. I am proud to wear their art, and I look forward to receiving more in the near future!
Jen Romain
Sep 18, 2019
Report
Carol and Cesar are not only amazing tattoo artists, but they are amazing people. They are family people who make you feel so very comfortable and right at home. Their level of talent is out of this world and worth every single penny and more you spend! I have been going to Medusa since 2000 and people still ask if my work that was done way back when is new because the color and lines are just that good. If you want something custom, a portrait, something unique, and amazing artwork...go...now...go now!
Jamie Brown
Sep 06, 2019
Report
Reiley Schoen
Aug 23, 2019
Report
Cesar and Carol are phenomenal artists and human beings. Creative, attentive, compassionate and caring. I have had a number of large pieces done by them both and always had a professional and pleasant experience. I appreciate their knowledge and expertise when it comes to details and placement. The shop is clean and bright and their walls have art from local artists as well as cool metal monster sculptures. Carol and Cesar are welcoming and you are sure to wear a stunning piece after your appointment!
Theresa Maine
Jul 30, 2019
Report
I have gotten 2 tattoos from Ceasar at Medusa Tattoo Studio. I have gotten so many compliments on them. They are awesome! I got my first one at 48 yrs old and my second one at 50 If you want good work go to them. They will go over with you throughly of what you want and they do awesome cover ups with really bad tattoos from other artists. I plan on getting another one very soon and will only go to them. Thanks again for my tattoos.
Amanda Munson
Jul 19, 2019
Report
After years of debating and saving and changing my mind, I went here to have my first tattoo done by Carol and I love it! My idea was a jumbled mess, but she was able to take all the ideas I had and make them work together so well! And everyone was very nice and the atmosphere was nice and mellow. I would definitely recommend them!
Connie D.
Jul 11, 2019
Report
Medusa Tattoo Studio is a fantastic choice if you want a great piece of art to be proud of for the rest of your life. The studio is always spotless and the artists are both knowledgeable and talented. Carol and Cesar are dedicated professionals, both are extremely gifted and super creative. Highly recommended.
Melissa Pollack
Jun 29, 2019
Report
Cassandra X.
Jun 24, 2018
Report
Very satisfied repeat customer. Any time I see a tattoo I like on someone in this area, the person invariably tells me Carol did it. Great work, fair prices, cool honest folks, can't go wrong. Could complain about parking but that's Ithaca's fault not Medusa's! Really cannot recommend highly enough. Been going almost once a month for about a year reworking and adding to my chest and sleeve and very much looking forward to having something amazing done from scratch.