I had an amazing experience at Bell & Iron today! Sophie was my tattoo artist, and is clearly a young up and comer. From my first contact via Instagram and then in the shop, they were friendly, professional, enthusiastic, and patient. They made the whole experience very comfortable and natural, and any nerves I had were gone in no time. This was only my second tattoo and I find the whole experience somewhat intimidating, especially after having a judgmental and pretentious artist for my first tattoo. The time I spent at Bell & Iron was completely different, and I'd recommend this shop in a heartbeat. The owner was buzzing around during my session as well, and I could tell he was also very warm and welcoming to every customer, no matter who they are. I'm sure I'll go back to work with Sophie again in the future! read more

What a delightful surprise! After over a decade away from getting ink, I found Joe Paul's portfolio online and was immediately impressed. From the first consultation, Joe was super friendly, chill, and professional -- collaborating closely to make sure my designs came out just right. After a marathon 8-hour session for four pieces, his precision, artistry, coloring, and textures (which I didn't even know were possible with skin art!) completely blew me away. These were deeply personal and contemplated pieces and he did them justice. I could not be happier with what I get to showcase on my body. No regrets -- thanks, Joe, and keep up the good work!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ read more

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My friend and I came in on a whim to check out some flash, and I ended up getting two tattoos done by Sophie. Big fan. Highly recommend. Truly some of the best line work I've had done. No patchiness or fading. No weeping. Healed up super fast and clean. My friend also got two tattoos from one of the other artists, and hers also healed up really nicely. The shop overall is small, but has a super chill and friendly vibe. Everyone's really nice. 10 out of 10 great experience. Can't wait to go back. read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Great line work - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

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Sophie was an amazing, caring, accommodating, and overall wonderful tattoo artist. I got a large floral piece in a sensitive location, and they did a phenomenal job with the design and maintaining comfort throughout the session. The shop was clean and well maintained. I would definitely get another tattoo here! read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Lo is an absolutely incredible artist and collaborator! She's drawn and tattooed two beautiful thigh pieces for me, and I'm excited to go back for more in the future. In both cases she took a vague idea and blew it out into a full work of art, and patiently worked with me to get every part right. I get compliments on the street constantly! The Bell and Iron shop is clean and welcoming, and always at the top of my list when people ask for tattoo recommendations. read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Tattoo by Lo Gwynn! - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

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Lo is amazing! Totally recommend her! Got my first tattoo at 53, and thought about it for years! Lo was incredible from helping understand what I wanted to bringing it to life. Absolutely love what she did with the design and I was shocked that it didn't hurt, and the recovery was really easy. Her technique is awesome, looks great and pain free read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Octopus tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

I've been following Joe Paul around the Bay for over a decade now and for good reason. He's very professional, makes sure you're happy with the design and placement, keeps his shop clean, has extraordinary attention to detail, and does everything by the book. I've had loads of work done by him and will be going back for more. read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - It's Luigi time! - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

I've only had incredible tattoo experiences at Bell & Iron. Lo is such a thoughtful and talented artist who really takes the time to get the design just right and make sure I'm 100% happy with sizing and placement. She's also really gentle which makes the experience that much better, and her fine line tattoos are just so gorgeous! She's done three tattoos for me now, the latest being this stunning Redwood Tree leaf to signify my time in California and the family I built here. It's healed beautifully and the detailing is so special, I'm constantly getting compliments! read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

I found Joe Paul at Bell & Iron via Yelp a few weeks ago. I got a tattoo in Montreal about 9 years ago and it lost its detail and needed some serious TLC. I met with Joe--he listened attentively to my ideas, and provided his own inspiration. The day I arrived for my tattoo I was in awe of his skills and professionalism. He created a design I could never imagine on my own. I am absolutely thrilled with my tattoo redo. Thank you so much, Paul!! read more

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Lo did an absolutely amazing job on my butterfly tattoo. Not only is her work so detailed and precise, she is such a fun person to be around. She made sure I loved the placement and design before we started and once we started she made sure to ask if I needed breaks/how I was doing. I get stopped everyday by people asking where and who did my tattoo. I will definitely be back to get many more tattoos from Lo! Thank you again read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Can't say enough good things about Lo!! I got my first FOUR tattoos from her and are already planning two more! Would recommend her to everyone especially if you're into fine line tattoos! She took my vision and I couldn't be happier and she is also super responsive and professional! Bell and iron is also very clean- would highly recommend! read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - My first four tattoos from Lo! - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Love Lo! Such a talented artist and such a sweet and caring person. So in love with my piece. read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

I really enjoyed working with Lo, and I love how the tattoo came out! I appreciated having the opportunity to see a draft of the tattoo and offer comments before the appointment. The first draft was exactly what I wanted, so I didn't have any suggestions. I highly recommend Lo for fine line botanical work! read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Snapdragons on inner left shin by Lo, 2.5 weeks healed - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Joe at Bell & Iron is the best of the best. He is such a talented artist, and makes the tattoo experience feel really comfortable. I've gotten 3 tattoos from him and they are all exactly what I wanted. I can't recommend Joe enough! read more

Lo has done all of my tattoos now and I am OBSESSED. She's done forest critters and florals for me. People comment on her beautiful work all the time. I refuse to go to any other artist. Schedule an appointment right now! You'll love her and her work! read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Raccoon reading tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

I absolutely love Lo at Bell & Iron. I met Lo in Feb '23 for one of her floral flash pieces and she's such a nice and lovely person! She's always so bubbly whenever I have gone to see her, even on the late night. She's always just as excited as I am whenever I reach out to her with a new idea. She works really fast but that doesn't compromise her work quality. I'm always surprised in how fast she shades and it always looks amazing! Her quality of work and extremely friendly and helpful personality has made her my go to person for any of my tattoos! I have gone an gotten the hip floral piece in Feb 23, dog ears in July and we worked on my whole arm in four sessions from mid October to early December. The floral bird shoulder tattoo was done on Jan 15th and healed before the two week mark! I've gotten so many compliments from my tattoos and I always make sure to mention her. read more

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I had an incredible experience at Bell & Iron Tattoo and with my artist Lo. The studio was well organized and very easy to find. Lo was so kind and made my tattoo experience very memorable. She made sure that the design was exactly what I had envisioned and the placement and size were just right! I am in love with my tattoo design from her and will definitely be returning to Bell & Iron in the future! read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Joe is an absolute dream of an artist. From the consult to finish, it was an incredible experience for my best friend and me. We got matching tattoos and Joe was super accommodating even as we changed our initial design. Color and line work is perfect, rad variety of music playing (finally a parlor that's not playing thrash metal while I'm getting poked!), fun conversation, and just overall vibes. I can't wait to come back for more work. You can tell Joe loves running his shop and making his clients comfortable and happy I'd give him 10 stars if I could. read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - My new favorite tattoo! - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Joe did my tattoo. He was thorough, thoughtful , a true professional. Super chill and relaxed. Will come to his shop again without hesitation read more

I love my tattoo from Lo! I had a wonderful experience getting a tattoo from Lo! She was great in communicating before the tattoo, through the design process, as well as the day of. Her fine line tattoo style is beautiful and her experience shows. The shop was small but very cute, clean and comfortable. My tattoo has healed beautifully and I can't wait to get my next from Lo. read more

Lo is one of my go-to artists in Oakland. She's not only a beautiful soul, but a very talented artist; she's got some of the crispest, cleanest lines i've ever seen. She's super easy to work with and very well-organized (something I've struggled with working with other artists, so definitely appreciate how easy it is to communicate and plan with her). Bell & Iron itself is a cute, clean little shop on Grand Ave. Highly recommend! read more

Had a great experience with Joe Paul, the owner. Sent him a text with a brief description of what I was looking for, along with a photo. He responded a few hours later and invited me in that evening for a free consultation. Right away I could tell we were on the same page, so I gave him a deposit and left with an appointment two days later. The day of, he presented me with three designs - one which perfectly nailed what I was looking for (the other two were cool too). We then discussed size, colors, and placement - and he got to work! Was just us in the studio, so we listened to 90s-era tunes and had pleasant conversation. About three hours later he finished up. Great service all around - I'll be using him again for another piece I have in mind. read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

The staff was wearing masks and gloves. For the security of all patrons, only the artist and anyone being tattooed are allowed in the shop. The shop was extremely clean too! Between each person, the benches are cleaned down and covered with new protective material. My sisters and I went to get our sister tattoo and only 4 of us were in the shop--my sisters, myself, and our artist Isis. Isis is an incredible artist. She takes her time and makes sure that you as the customer are satisfied with the tattoo. Her line work is amazing and did a good job making sure that me and my sisters were comfortable. 10/10 will be coming here again for when the itch for some new ink arises. Isis made my little sister's first tattoo experience a very positive one. read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Water tribe tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

I sought out Lo Gwynn for my botanical tattoo and am so happy with how it came out! Lo was very patient and helpful with placement if I needed a second opinion and Lo's linework is amazing. The studio was very calm and everyone was friendly - I will definitely come back . read more

I have gotten multiple tattoos by Lo that came out beautifully. They have a light hand and communicate effectively to help you get the best tattoo possible. If you are looking for good clean work Lo is the artist for you! I have nothing but good things to say as the shop is clean and a good environment to be in while reviving your new ink. read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

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I really never write reviews but I am so happy with Lo's work!! This is my second tattoo with them and I have never been more happy. Highly recommend going here and going to Lo :) read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Love booking+collaborating with Lo at Bell & Iron Tattoo:) My idea turned into the coolest design with her! And she makes each part of the process so chill+comfy- i.e. when I couldn't decide on a shading element, she let me wait on it until the last moment, then talked it out with me. I also really appreciate how Lo treats every project- simplest tiny tattoos to 3 hr+ customs- with such care and consideration. read more

If you are thinking of getting a tattoo here, I would highly recommend visiting Lo. Their line work is crisp and clean. I have personally had multiple tattoos done by Lo, and I am always amazed by the final result. What truly sets Lo apart is their level of detail and care in each piece. They take the time to discuss your ideas and preferences with you, ensuring that the final design is exactly what you want. Lo always puts out positive energy that makes me feel welcome. I cannot recommend them enough for their incredible skill and dedication to their work. read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Birth flower stamp tattoo created by Lo. 3 - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

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Lo Gwynn was so thorough, walked through everything so she would be a great person to go to for a first tattoo. Although this wasn't my first, she's probably the sweetest tattoo artist I've been to and her work is beautiful! Thank you, Lo! read more

If I could give 10 stars, I would. Lo Gwynn was a dream to work with. She is an amazing artist who is so talented yet humble. Her passion for tattooing is evident based on her portfolio and I am incredibly grateful that she has done my memorial piece. If anyone is looking for a beyond-talented black and grey artist in the Bay, I highly recommend Lo at Bell & Iron. You won't regret it. read more

Lo is an absolute magical goddess who will blow you away with her artistry. I have gotten 6 tattoos from Lo and have zero plans in stopping until I am out of room. Lo's work is not only STUNNING, but they are truly one of the best human's. Lo will always go the extra mile to make sure you are completely happy with everything and has such a calming presence while tattooing. The time flies by! If you are in the market for some gorgeous body art, PLEASE contact Lo. I promise you will not regret a thing! read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

My old tattoo shop in SF went out of business during the pandemic, plus I no longer live in the city. I was fortunate enough to find this spot and am VERY happy I did. Joe (the owner) is the best, and I don't say that flippantly; he's been in the biz for 2+ decades, is quite talented, and is a very professional, genuine, cool guy. I needed a touch up on the custom tattoo Joe did on my arm, he had me come in to assess in-person, we discussed options together, I came back a week later, and he did the touch up free of charge. I can't recommend this place or Joe more. Very clean shop, good vibe, great peeps! read more

Got a tattoo from Drew, of all my tattoos it's already the one I get the most compliments on. I love her work and it was a pleasure be in the shop-- she's professional and attentive but still fun to chat with while having a needle dragged across your skin can't recommend more 10 out of 10 !! read more

Thank you! I had a great experience at Bell and Iron Tattoo! Isis is awesome! I love my Skull tattoo! This is a super cool tattoo shop, with a friendly and down to earth vibe. Highly recommended!!!! read more

Lo was amazingly friendly and accommodating. I had a specific request that I was struggling to figure out and she was incredibly patient and helpful and made the experience really enjoyable. Plus, her creativity was really inspiring. She cared as much about helping me implement my design as she would have one of her own creations. The tattoo process itself was super easy and comfortable and because of her light touch, it healed quickly and without any issues. I'd highly recommend her and will definitely go back to her for my next one:) read more

My friend and I both got tatted by isis. The appointment was planned very last minute, and since my friend drove from socal, isis was kind enough to accommodate for us on the day we wanted the tattoo!! She was so sweet and the tattoo healed very nicely. Thank you so much! read more

I've been coming to Lo for almost all my tattoos for 2 years now and I always walk away very happy with all of them! I appreciate that she takes her time to make her clients feel comfortable and answer any questions. Lo is a very talented artist and has created so many beautiful pieces, particularly her florals and fauna. I will continue to go to her for a long time! read more

This was hands down my best tattoo experience. Lo Gwynn was so thorough and collaborative on every step of the process. I am now almost a month out and the piece is healing perfectly. read more

I went in on the Valentine's day flash sale with my wife and I couldn't have had a better match than Morgan, since I picked a Star Wars design (princess Leia holding her laser gun) and when I got assigned to Morgan, he was wearing a Star Wars stormtrooper t-shirt! He did an excellent work, and it was quite fast and painless. I got it on my left shoulder. Morgan was so nice and sweet all the time, making sure I was comfortable. I really recommend him and the shop and I'm even planning to come back for another bigger piece with him. BTW my wife also got a piece on the same day, with Elle, and later on she came back for more tattoos with Elle and Joe. We really love the energy of the shop, we feel very welcomed here since everybody is so pleasant. read more

Bell & Iron Tattoo - Princess Leia tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Getting a tattoo by Drew was by far the most supportive, collaborative and fun (!) tattoo experience I've had. Drew is a talented and skilled artist and I'm absolutely delighted every time I see their work on my arm. They are professional, respectful and trauma informed. When I requested a slight change to the art during the session, Drew was open, understanding a responsive. It was such a gift to be tattooed by Drew - I can't wait until the next time! read more