If you're looking for a walk in tattoo Los Angeles studio that runs like a working studio and not a kiosk, that's us. Apollo is at 2625 Main St in Santa Monica's Ocean Park neighborhood, open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. Founder Blue Mason has been tattooing here since 2007 — he and the rest of the team take walk-ins for flash, small custom pieces, and touch-ups whenever a chair is free.
Walk-in work starts at the $150 shop minimum and scales by size and complexity. Bring a rough reference and an idea of placement; we'll match the chair to the idea, not the idea to this week's opening. If everything's booked when you arrive, we'll put you on the standby list and call you the moment a slot frees up.
Walk In Today
5000+ clients 
Getting a walk-in tattoo at Apollo is simple
Visit our Santa Monica location during business hours. No call ahead required (though you're welcome to).
Our front desk checks which artists are available and estimated wait times.
Browse flash sheets for pre-drawn designs, or describe your simple custom idea.
Fill out consent forms and show valid ID (must be 18+ for walk-in tattoos).
Depending on availability, get inked immediately or wait for the next open slot.
Walk-in options at our Los Angeles tattoo shop
Pre-drawn designs ready to tattoo immediately. Our flash collection features original artwork from Apollo artists—browse the sheets and pick your favorite.
Simple concepts that artists can sketch quickly: names, dates, small symbols, simple images, short text/quotes, basic line work.
Need a touch-up on existing work? Walk-ins are perfect for quick fixes. Apollo original tattoos may qualify for free touch-ups.
NOT Ideal for Walk-Ins: Large custom pieces, complex designs requiring consultation, sleeves or multi-session work, detailed portraits or realism. For bigger projects, book a consultation.
Apollo is open 8am-8pm, seven days a week. Walk-ins are welcome for flash tattoos, small custom pieces under ~2 hours, simple lettering, and pierces. For larger custom work or specific artist requests, book ahead — most of our artists are booked 2-4 weeks out.
Coming in cold? Bring rough references and an idea of where on your body you want the piece. We'll talk through size, placement, and what's realistic for today versus what needs a custom drawing session. Same-day work that fits in our schedule starts at $150 (the shop minimum) and scales up by size and complexity.
The studio is at 2625 Main Street in Santa Monica's Ocean Park neighborhood. Free street parking and a public lot two blocks south. Walk in any time during business hours — if all chairs are booked, we'll get you on the standby list and call when one frees up.
Clear next step
Just show up—or schedule if you prefer
Recommended first step
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.
5000+ clientsWhat to expect when you walk in for a tattoo
Stop by during business hours. Our available artist will discuss your idea, placement, and sizing.
Your artist creates or selects a design. Review and approve before any ink touches skin.
Full sterilization protocols, fresh needles, premium inks. Everything prepared to the highest standards.
Expert application in a comfortable, professional environment. We take our time to get it right.
Detailed aftercare instructions and ongoing support throughout your healing process.
Plan your visit for the shortest wait
Founder Founder & Master Artist
Blue Mason founded Apollo Studio with a vision to elevate tattoo artistry in Los Angeles. Walk-in clients benefit from his 17+ years of experience.
Artist Artist
Raa is a master of photorealistic tattooing, bringing portraits and nature scenes to life with incredible detail. Clients travel from across the country for his signature hyper-realistic style.
Artist Artist
David brings classical artistry to modern tattooing. Trained in fine arts, he excels at capturing emotion and likeness in portrait work.
Walk-In Friendly Tattoo Artist
Hannah brings fresh energy and meticulous attention to detail. Her approachable style makes walk-in clients feel welcome and comfortable.
Be prepared for your spontaneous tattoo experience.
Pre-drawn designs ready to tattoo immediately. Our flash collection features original artwork from Apollo artists—unique designs you won't find anywhere else.
Browse the flash sheets in person and pick your favorite. Flash rotates regularly, so there's always something new to discover.
View Flash In PersonKeep bandage on for 2-4 hours. Gently wash with unscented soap. Apply thin layer of aftercare ointment. Expect redness and slight swelling.
Light peeling and flaking is normal. Don't pick or scratch. Continue moisturizing. Avoid swimming and excessive sweating.
Outer skin heals. May appear slightly dull—this is normal. Full healing takes 4-6 weeks. Continue sun protection.
Every Apollo tattoo uses 100% vegan ink — Fusion, World Famous, and Dynamic brands. No animal products, no compromises on color or longevity.
See What Our Satisfied Clients Have to Say
"Walked in on a whim during my LA trip and got the best little tattoo! No wait on a Tuesday morning. So easy and professional."
"Love that I can just drop in here. Got my third walk-in flash piece and every one has been perfect. Great selection."
"First tattoo ever as a walk-in. They were patient, explained everything, and made me feel so comfortable. Highly recommend!"
"The flash selection here is incredible—original artwork, not the same stuff you see everywhere. Got mine done in under an hour."
"Came in for a quick touch-up and they squeezed me in between appointments. Apollo originals get free touch-ups—amazing policy."
"Best walk-in experience I've had in LA. Clean shop, friendly staff, talented artists. My spontaneous decision turned out perfect."
5000+ clients
Santa Monica, CA
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 →
Common questions about walk-in tattoos in Los Angeles
No—that's the point! Walk-ins don't require appointments. Just show up during business hours.
Varies by day and time. Weekday mornings often have no wait; Saturday afternoons may be 1-2+ hours.
Small, simple custom pieces yes. Complex designs need consultation and appointment.
You can describe a simple custom idea, or browse our artists' portfolios for inspiration. Or come back another time—flash rotates regularly.
Absolutely not. Walk-in tattoos use the same equipment, ink, and skilled artists as appointment work. Only the booking method differs.
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:
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.
Just show up—or book ahead if you prefer. We're here 7 days a week.
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