Santa Monica Tattoo Artists

Award-Winning Artists | All Styles | Free Consultations

Apollo Tattoo Studio features talented tattoo artists in Santa Monica specializing in every major style. Our Santa Monica tattoo artists have years of experience delivering exceptional custom work, from delicate fine line pieces to bold traditional designs. When you visit our Santa Monica location, you can browse artist portfolios and choose the perfect artist for your vision.

We encourage consultations with our Santa Monica tattoo artists before larger projects—these conversations ensure your design comes out exactly as you imagine. Whether you're seeking fine line, realism, traditional, or any other style, our diverse team has the expertise you need.

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  • 5+ Artists
  • 5000+ satisfied clients at Apollo Tattoo and Piercing Studio 5000+ clients
  • 4.9 Google rating
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8am to 8pm (7 Days a Week)

4+
Artists
8+
Styles
5,000+
Tattoos
5,000+
Happy Clients

Artist Specialties at Our Santa Monica Studio

Our Santa Monica tattoo artists bring specialized expertise across all major styles.

Fine Line and Single Needle Artists

Delicate, precise work using ultra-thin needles for intricate designs. Perfect for botanicals, minimalist pieces, and detailed small tattoos.

Artists: Hannah, Blue

Traditional and Neo-Traditional Artists

Bold outlines, classic imagery, and timeless American tattooing style with modern influences.

Artists: Blue, David

Blackwork and Geometric Artists

Solid black ink designs, patterns, and mathematical precision for striking visual impact.

Artists: Blue

Realism and Portrait Artists

Photorealistic tattoos that capture likeness and emotion with stunning accuracy.

Artists: Raa, David, Blue

Styles Our Santa Monica Tattoo Artists Specialize In

Explore the range of tattoo styles available from our talented Santa Monica artists.

Fine line tattoo by Apollo artist in Santa Monica

Fine Line

Ultra-delicate single-needle work for botanicals, minimalist symbols, and elegant designs. A specialty of several Santa Monica artists.

Black and grey realism tattoo by Apollo artist in Santa Monica

Black & Gray Realism

Photorealistic portraits and nature scenes with incredible depth and detail. Our realism artists are among the best in Santa Monica.

Traditional tattoo by Apollo artist in Santa Monica

Traditional

Bold outlines, classic imagery, and timeless American tattooing. Our Santa Monica artists honor the roots of this iconic style.

Color realism tattoo by Apollo artist in Santa Monica

Color Realism

Vivid, lifelike color work that brings portraits and imagery to stunning life. Expert color matching by our Santa Monica artists.

Bold blackwork tattoo by Apollo artist in Santa Monica

Blackwork

Bold, graphic designs using solid black ink for maximum contrast and visual impact. Geometric and ornamental specialties.

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Book With a Santa Monica Tattoo Artist

Schedule your consultation with our talented artists

Instant Confirmation Receive immediate booking confirmation and follow-up details by email.
Artist Matching We help route your tattoo idea to the best-fit artist and session type.
Clearer Service Fit Visible appointment options replace the old dropdown-and-wait experience.
Consult Or Book Choose a consultation first or go straight into a tattoo session if you are ready.
★★★★★ 4.9 Google Rating
5000+ Happy Clients
20+ Years Experience

Recommended first step

Tattoos at Apollo

Reserve your tattoo session and let Apollo confirm the right artist, timing, and scope.

Tattoo bookings are a reservation, not the full session length. After you book, we will follow up to confirm your design details, quote range, and the total time needed for your piece so everything fits your vision and the schedule.

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Keep it simple. Pick the most relevant path and continue inside the same panel.

When you choose an option, the next step slides in from the side so the whole flow stays inside one panel.

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Tattoos at Apollo

Reserve your tattoo session and let Apollo confirm the right artist, timing, and scope.

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Tattoos at Apollo
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Book Online (310) 331-0605
5000+ satisfied clients at Apollo Tattoo and Piercing Studio5000+ clients
4.9 Google rating

How to Choose Your Artist

Our simple process for finding your perfect Santa Monica tattoo artist

1

Review Portfolios

Browse our Santa Monica tattoo artists' work online or in-studio. Each artist has a distinct style—find someone whose aesthetic matches your vision.

2

Book a Consultation

Meet your artist before committing. Discuss your ideas, ask questions, and confirm you're comfortable. Consultations at our Santa Monica studio are free.

3

Create Together

Your artist designs a custom piece based on your input. We collaborate until you're 100% satisfied with the design before tattooing.

Artist Recommendations by Project Type

Match your tattoo project with the right Santa Monica artist

Small & Delicate Work

  • Fine line botanicals and symbols
  • Script and lettering pieces
  • Minimalist and micro tattoos
  • Best artists: Hannah, Blue

Portraits & Realism

  • Photorealistic portraits
  • Nature and animal realism
  • Memorial and tribute pieces
  • Best artists: Raa, David, Blue

Bold & Traditional

  • American traditional designs
  • Neo-traditional and color work
  • Tribal and blackwork pieces
  • Best artists: Blue, David

Meet Our Santa Monica Tattoo Artists

Blue Mason Founder

Blue Mason

Founder & Master Artist

Blue Mason founded Apollo Studio with a vision to elevate tattoo artistry in Santa Monica. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in fine line work, photorealistic portraits, bold tribal designs, traditional pieces, and stunning cover-ups.

ExpertiseFine Line, Realism, Tribal, Traditional, Cover-ups
Since 2007
Raa Realism Expert

Raa

Realism Specialist

Raa is a master of photorealistic tattooing, bringing portraits and nature scenes to life with incredible detail. Clients travel from across California for his signature hyper-realistic style.

ExpertisePhotorealism, Portraits, Nature scenes, Black & Gray
Since 2012
David DaVinci Portrait Expert

David DaVinci

Portrait Specialist

David brings classical artistry to modern tattooing at our Santa Monica studio. Trained in fine arts, he excels at capturing emotion and likeness in portrait work and color realism.

ExpertisePortraits, Color realism, Memorial pieces
Since 2014
Hannah Newman Minimalist Expert

Hannah Newman

Minimalist Specialist

Hannah brings fresh energy and meticulous attention to detail to our Santa Monica studio. Specializing in delicate fine line work, script, and minimalist designs, she creates pieces that are both subtle and stunning.

ExpertiseFine line, Script, Minimalist, Small tattoos
Since 2025
Santa Monica Tattoo Artist Consultation

Artist Consultations in Santa Monica

What to expect during your consultation with our Santa Monica tattoo artists:

  • Portfolio Review: Look through your artist's work together
  • Design Discussion: Share your concept and inspirations
  • Sizing & Placement: Get expert recommendations
  • Accurate Pricing: Receive a detailed quote
  • Schedule Your Session: Book your tattoo appointment

Consultation Cost: Free at our Santa Monica studio

Book Consultation

Tattoo Aftercare Timeline

Day 1-3

Initial Healing

Keep bandage on for 2-4 hours. Gently wash with unscented soap. Apply thin layer of aftercare ointment. Expect redness and slight swelling.

Week 1-2

Peeling Phase

Light peeling and flaking is normal. Don't pick or scratch. Continue moisturizing. Avoid swimming and excessive sweating.

Week 3-4

Final Healing

Outer skin heals. May appear slightly dull—this is normal. Full healing takes 4-6 weeks. Continue sun protection.

Vegan Tattoo Ink

Every Apollo tattoo uses 100% vegan ink — Fusion, World Famous, and Dynamic brands. No animal products, no compromises on color or longevity.

What Clients Say About Our Artists

See What Our Satisfied Clients Have to Say

★★★★★

"The tattoo artists at Apollo Santa Monica are incredible. Blue's attention to detail on my portrait was unreal—looks exactly like the photo!"

MC
Marcus Chen
1 month ago
★★★★★

"Best tattoo artist experience in Santa Monica. Hannah understood exactly what I wanted and made it even better than I imagined."

JT
Jessica Torres
2 months ago
★★★★★

"The artists here take their time to get it right. Hannah's fine line work is absolutely stunning—so delicate and precise."

EW
Emily Watson
2 months ago
★★★★★

"Found my forever tattoo artist at Apollo Santa Monica. David's color work is museum quality. Worth every penny!"

RM
Ryan Mitchell
3 months ago
★★★★★

"What sets Apollo's artists apart is how much they listen. They really collaborate with you on the design."

SK
Sophia Kim
3 months ago
★★★★★

"The most talented tattoo artists in Santa Monica, hands down. The quality of work here is exceptional."

DP
David Park
4 months ago
Book Online (310) 331-0605
5000+ satisfied clients at Apollo Tattoo and Piercing Studio5000+ clients
4.9 Google rating

Visit Our Santa Monica Tattoo Artists

Apollo Tattoo Studio Santa Monica

The Apollo Tattoo Studio

Santa Monica, CA

2625 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

(310) 331-0605

Get Directions →

Working Hours

Monday8AM - 8PM
Tuesday8AM - 8PM
Wednesday8AM - 8PM
Thursday8AM - 8PM
Friday8AM - 8PM
Saturday8AM - 8PM
Sunday8AM - 8PM

Call Now To Speak With A Santa Monica Tattoo Artist

(310) 331-0605
Blue Mason, founder of Apollo Tattoo Studio
5,000+
Happy Clients

Meet The Founder

Apollo was founded by Blue Mason in 2007. With 20+ years of body art experience, Blue brings master-level expertise to every piece. Read Blue's story →

Santa Monica Tattoo Artist FAQ

Common questions about our Santa Monica tattoo artists

Review portfolios to find an artist whose style matches your vision. Our Santa Monica team can also recommend artists based on your design concept. Each artist has unique specialties—from fine line to realism to traditional work.

Absolutely. Book directly with your preferred artist or ask for them when scheduling. We encourage clients to browse portfolios and find the artist whose work resonates most with their vision.

Each Santa Monica tattoo artist has specialties. We have artists for fine line, traditional, realism, Japanese, blackwork, and more. Our diverse team ensures we can match you with the perfect artist for your style.

During consultations at our Santa Monica studio, you'll review portfolios together, discuss your design concept, get sizing and placement recommendations, receive accurate pricing, and schedule your session. All consultations are free.

Yes! Walk in to our Santa Monica studio anytime during business hours to meet our artists and discuss your ideas. For guaranteed time with a specific artist, we recommend booking a consultation appointment.

Where our clients come from

Apollo sits at 2625 Main St in Santa Monica, a block from the beach and easy to reach from anywhere on the Westside. Here's roughly how long it takes to get to us for tattoos and piercings:

Parking

There's metered street parking on Main Street and Ocean Park Blvd, plus a public lot on 2nd Street a short walk away. We recommend giving yourself an extra 10 minutes to park on weekends — Main Street gets busy with the farmers market and beach traffic. If you're running late, text us at the studio and we'll hold your appointment.

Ready to Find Your Santa Monica Tattoo Artist?

Book a free consultation to meet our artists and discuss your vision.

Book Consultation (310) 331-0605
★★★★★ 500+ 5-Star Reviews 4.9 Google Rating

Recognized in Santa Monica's Most Loved 2025

Tattoo & Piercing Studio

Santa Monica's Most Loved 2025 badge for Apollo Tattoo & Piercing Studio

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