Tattoos at Apollo
Tattoo Shop in Los Angeles
Apollo is a custom tattoo studio on Main Street in Santa Monica, and one of the most-recommended tattoo shops in Los Angeles — easy to reach from Venice, West LA, Culver City, Marina del Rey, West Hollywood and DTLA. Our artists work across black & grey, fine line, color realism, Japanese, traditional, neo-traditional, blackwork and lettering. Explore the styles, ideas and meanings, read the guides, meet the artists, and book your consultation.
Inside the chair at Apollo — watch a tattoo come to life.
Tattoo Styles
Twenty-seven styles, from realism to fine line — compare the look and find your fit.
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Tattoo Ideas
Subjects and motifs with meaning, placement notes and real examples.
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Lore & Meanings
The stories and symbolism behind the designs people choose.
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Tips & Knowledge
Choosing an artist, preparing for a session, aftercare and more.
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Stories & Features
Longer reads on culture, craft and the people behind the work.
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Cover-Up Tattoos
Transform unwanted ink into something you are proud of.
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Tattoo Artists
Meet the team and find the right hands for your piece.
Explore → Fine Line Tattoo in LA
Delicate single-needle fine line work — script, florals and micro-detail that ages well.
Explore → Fine Line Tattoo Artist in LA
Book a specialist fine line artist at Apollo for crisp, lasting delicate work.
Explore → Blackwork Tattoo in LA
Bold solid black, ornamental and illustrative blackwork by our resident artists.
Explore → Realism Tattoo in LA
Photorealistic black-and-grey and color realism — portraits, nature and more.
Explore → Watercolor Tattoo in LA
Soft, painterly color tattoos with the brush-stroke look done to last.
Explore → Japanese Tattoo in LA
Irezumi-inspired Japanese tattooing — koi, dragons, waves and full compositions.
Explore → Traditional Tattoo in LA
American traditional — bold lines, classic flash and timeless color.
Explore → Lettering Tattoo in LA
Custom lettering and typography placed and weighted to read perfectly.
Explore → Script Tattoos in LA
Flowing script and signature-style lettering for names, dates and quotes.
Explore → Portrait Tattoo in LA
Lifelike portrait tattoos of people and pets in black-and-grey or color.
Explore → Minimalist Tattoos in LA
Clean, simple, intentional designs — small line-work that stays sharp.
Explore → Flash Tattoo in LA
Walk-in-friendly flash off the wall — pick a design and get tattooed today.
Explore → Feminine Tattoo in LA
Delicate, elegant designs in a comfortable, judgment-free luxury studio.
Explore → Single Needle Tattoo in LA
The finest line possible — micro detail and delicate shading by single-needle specialists.
Explore → Walk-In Tattoo in LA
Same-day walk-in tattoos when artists are open — flash and small custom pieces.
Explore → Walk-In Tattoo in Santa Monica
Drop in to our Main Street studio for same-day tattoos, subject to availability.
Explore → Tattoo Shop in LA
A custom, luxury tattoo studio serving all of Los Angeles from Santa Monica.
Explore → Santa Monica Tattoo Shop
Our home studio on Main Street — custom tattooing seven days a week.
Explore → Best Tattoo Shops in LA
Why Apollo ranks among LA's best — artists, hygiene and the studio experience.
Explore → Best Tattoo Artist in LA
Meet the award-level artists behind Apollo and find your match.
Explore → Los Angeles Tattoo Artist
Browse our LA tattoo artists by style and book a consultation.
Explore → Santa Monica Tattoo Artist
Local, resident tattoo artists at our Main Street Santa Monica studio.
Explore → Tattoo Near Santa Monica Pier
Walkable from the Pier and Third Street Promenade — custom tattoos and piercing.
Explore → Pride & affirming tattoos
An openly LGBTQ-welcoming studio for Pride, rainbow and identity work — affirming, all year.
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Soccer & football tattoos
Club crests, country colors and player tributes — the beautiful game, worn for life.
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Walk-ins & visiting LA
In town for the summer? Walk-in-friendly tattoos near the Santa Monica beach.
Explore → Cosmetic & Paramedical Tattoo
Restorative cosmetic tattooing in Santa Monica — areola restoration after mastectomy and scar camouflage, consultation-first. Not beauty PMU.
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