I rode into NYC on a cross-country motorcycle trip, and knew that I wanted to get a tattoo, but was only going to be in town for a day.Fabio (Terra Xim) at Acqua Santa agreed to get me in for an appointment that day, on short notice. The results were amazing. The shop is super clean, well-decorated, and professional looking. It's small, but it's bursting with tons of personality and you can tell that the folks that work here are true artists.The way the shop is hidden, it's like finding an awesome secret. I explained a custom design idea to Fabio and he completely threw himself behind it, coming up with a couple of sketches and being open to giving me advice based on his own artistic sense. In the end, I totally put my trust in him and he created something awesome. I ended up getting a tattoo much bigger than what I originally intended because I loved the design and how it fit on my body. He also gave me excellent advice on after-care. It was an incredible experience and I'd get another tattoo in NYC just for an excuse to visit Acqua Santa again. Thanks y'all. read more

What else can I say that hasn't been said already...? Joao Paulo is THE MAN to go to for a piece of art, not only in NYC, but throughout the globe. His artistic abilities he possesses, then transitions to tattoos are second to none! I was the type that was waiting to find the right artist to perform a 1/2 sleeve I had in mind, and when I met Joao I knew he was the one! His Japanese work is one of the best in the world...without a shadow of a doubt! To make your tattoo experience even better, the Aqua Santa Tattoo Studio is very clean, laid back, and ultra-professional, and it's all capped off with the fact that JP is a super cool, just regular guy that you feel like you've known your entire life! If you're thinking about getting work done...look no further. Joao Paulo is the real deal! I'll be back soon for more work!! read more

INCREDIBLE at his craft!!!! JP does awesome work. He immediately made me feel comfortable and confident when I first met him a few years back to get my Japanese work done. I had a half sleeve done and came back about a year later to have a full sleeve done on my other arm and came out 100% satisfied both times. I gave him my ideas of what I wanted and brought it to life. Incredible colors, clean lines, smooth shading and kept true to what traditional Japanese work is supposed to be. JP makes you feel at home and comes off extremely sincere and passionate about his work. Keeps the shop totally clean which is always important. I've passed along his contact info several times to people asking me where I got my work done so the feedback has always been positive. Highly recommend JP, no questions about it!! read more

I'm 66 years old and I finally decided to get my first tattoo, it was a very personal and meaningful. My husband of 44 years of marriage pasted away last he was my rock my everything I needed and wanted to honor him and just have him with me always. This was the place they took their time and we came up with the perfect tattoo my husband was a scuba diver he loved the ocean and his ashes are in the place he loved. I love the beach as ND loved his looked when he came back here we was happy and he was always amazed at the beauty that was his place of sanity. So now I have my scuba diver husband with me always. I loved the time the respect and thoughtfulness they all showed me and to be very honest it didn't hurt and it's healing perfect. Thank You and I recommend anyone to Aqucasanta anytime. read more

João Paulo (JP) Rodrigues has been tattooing me for last 3-4 years, and I can attest to being a disciple. He first won me over with an amazing Maori back-piece that still gets rave reviews to this day. He followed that one with 2 sleeves, 1 lower leg tattoo, and a second large back piece. Needless to say, I find his work to be exceptional. If you are looking for amazing Japanese, Polynesian, or Maori style tattoo work in NYC, JP is your guy. The best part of the Acqua Santa Tattoo experience is the shop atmosphere. JP is incredibly worldly and fun as hell. 6 hour sessions fly by shooting the shit, watching Brazilian football (soccer), and listening to music. You simply couldn't ask for a better atmosphere to relax, get tattooed, and have a good time. read more

I did a lot of looking around when I was looking for the right spot for my latest tattoo as it was going to be a cover up and I wanted it done right. JP was the only guy I contacted in both NJ and NY who responded with a personal touch rather than the typical rigid sales response. I wanted to get into the Japanese style and when I went to the shop and saw the artwork on the walls I knew it was the right place. So here we are 15 hours in the chair later, having recently completed my latest piece and all I can say is that JP is the man! The shop is always full of awesome people and its always a good time. If you're looking to get custom work done or you're in Manhattan definetly check out the shop, you wont be disappointed. read more

I met JP by walking into a shop he worked in about 4 years ago looking for another artist that worked there. And my luck JP was the only person there at the time. THAN GOD!! he first fixed a bad dragon 3/4 sleeve i had. I was so blown away what he did with this tattoo and him being an overall standup guy that i immediately booked to do another Koi fish 3/4 and chest on my other arm!!! and once again he knocked it out the park!! I get stopped wherever i go by stranger asking where did i get my work! i walk around with a stack on business cards in my wallet lol.. Now once again i will going back for another chest piece next month!!! If you are looking for a topnotch ink JP is the man to see!!! Rich M! read more

I have to say my tattoo that Joao Paulo Rodrigues created on my back has made me so confident about myself and my body image. First and foremost, its beautiful, unique and perfectly executed. I have a Japanese canvas on my back, my buttocks and my right hamstring. Secondly it has covered scarring that was due to the chicken pox when I was 21 years old. Joao Paulo Rodrigues not only made me feel good about myself but he has created something to cover what has made me feel sad, self conscience, and insecure. Now, thanks to Joao Paulo Rodrigues and Acqua Santa Tattoo, I love to go to the beach, I feel confident about walking around nude and raise a few eyebrows. read more

Joao is one of the best tattoo artists in NYC hands down. I have gotten a full back piece done by him and his work is absolutely incredible. All over the world i have gotten compliments from every type of person raving about the quality of the piece. I am extremely happy with it and look forward to more tattoos by Joao in the future. Not only is he a really cool and fun person, but he is a true artist as well. The tattoo process has been a life changing experience and i am so lucky that i chose Joao to do the piece. If you are looking for a real artisan tattooer who can do high quality custom work, or whatever you want, go to Acqua Santa Tattoo. read more

I was looking online for a Japanese style tattoo artist in NYC but was having a difficult time finding the right one. When I stumbled upon an image of a Japanese style dragon tattoo online, I showed it to a co-worker of mine, coincidentally he recognized the artwork and told me who the artist was(JP). I immediately called Acqua Santa and made an appointment. When I met JP, I immediately knew that he was the artist I was looking for. Really cool guy and his artwork is amazing!!!! I have at least 2 more sessions before I finish my sleeve but I'm happy with the progress so far. I highly recommend going to Acqua Santa for all your tattoo needs. read more

Professional , friendly and fun. A remarkable day in our lives. We found the place based on a tip from a friend and we were positively surprised with the experience that starts the moment you find the basement and start exploring to get in. Terra Xim and Lee were friendly, open-minded and upbeat that helped us relax, while experiencing great professionalism in their service. Certainly this is the place I plan to be tattooed in the future. If you are planning to get your first tattoo as I did or go with some friends , this is your place! I'm sure the positive energy and these awesome guys will take very good care of you! Go triangle! read more

I got my first tattoo (a leg sleeve) in August 2011. Joao Paulo was great at making me feel comfortable. As the weeks went buy we formed a strong connection revolving around music and our Brazilian heritage. I went back to him earlier this year and we finally completed a full sleeve on my left arm about 2 weeks ago. I could not be happier with the tattoo, but more than that, I'm happy I got to know him as a person. I will probably never stop getting tattooed. Warning: dont get tattooed by JP unless you want people stopping you on the street every day saying how amazing the work is. You will not be disappointed. read more

I highly recommend getting work done at Acqua Santa Tattoo. The artists (Joao Paulo and CJ) are truly amazing at their craft. I have been working with CJ for the past 5+ years. He helped me make two pieces of Picasso artwork into amazing tattoos. I truly admire CJ's work ethic and artistry. I also have to say that the atmosphere at Acqua Santa was great. The guys are laid back and have a great sense of humor. It's a very professional place without the pretentious vibe of many tattoo shops. If you are looking to have a positive tattoo experience and want beautiful artwork, this is the place for you. read more

I met JP and we spoke about what I want to get; for personal reasons I couldn't make it at that time and I went back after more than two years and he remembers me, it was unbelievable, I didn't have to tell him too much about what I want he just came with something and start doing it, the result is an amazing piece of art, JP very professional and is a trully artist, he puts so much passion on his work; the studio: clean and spotless, JP and Gabriel make you feel like you are visiting some friends that you know for years, great experience and no doubt that I'm coming back . read more

JP is by far one of the best tattoo artists I have ever worked with. He was able to fix another tattoo artists mistake and turn it into something beautiful. Visually talented and an amazing artist. I ended returning to him 2 more times and still have a few more visits to go before my piece is done. All you have to do is give him an idea, where to place it and he does all the rest. I've recommended him to many people! He does not let any person down. There are at least 10 people I know who have gotten tattoos from him and they all plan on returning. read more

I had a wonderful experience having my tatoo done by JP! Its was my first tatoo and he was very patience and super nice to me. He worked on my tatoo design and made it look just perfect. I am coming back in a couple days to have my second tatoo done and I can't wait. The studio is super clean and it looks amazing.This is the perfect spot to get your tatoo, with a artist that is professional, creative, fun, has tons of experience and cares about how you are feeling and what you are expecting from your tatoo experience. read more

I had a good experience at Acqua Santa Tattoo. My tattoo was CJ. I've gotten a tattoo from him before and I was very pleased with his work so I contacted him and got my second tattoo from him, again very pleased with the tattoo I got. What makes this tattoo parlor unique and good is that it intimate and provides a comfortable setting that help calm your nerves as your getting a tattoo done. I recommend this place to those looking for a well done tattoo in a venue that is both comfortable and quaint. read more

I found JP after seeing his artwork on a friend of mine. Two years ago, I went to the shop to get my first piece, and I've been traveling by train or car from Virginia to get tattooed by him ever since. I come from a very tattooed city, and everywhere I go I'm told how beautiful his artwork is and meet disappointed faces when I say my artist is in NY. There's no other person I'd ever go to! Not only is JP an amazing artist, he's an awesome person, and his shop is as clean and as well kept as it gets. read more

I consider myself very lucky to have discovered JP Rodriques and Acqua Santa Tattoo. JP has worked on me for over four years and I'm completely blown away by his work. JP listens (consider me old fashioned but I think this is a rare quality these days when everybody has their noses stuck in their phones) and listening leads to collaboration which results in beautiful tattoo work that isn't only unique but seems tailor-made to my body's proportions and my personality. Simply put, JP is the best! read more