I can't say enough great things about Big Fish Tattoo! A friend of mine goes there religiously and after seeing the incredible work of Jake Fitz on her, I knew this was where I wanted to go for my tattoo. The space is clean (which is a huge turn on when it comes to getting a tattoo) and the decor is pretty sweet too- with vintage posters, records and memorabilia. They accept walk-ins when possible but I had an appointment set up ahead of time. I was able to tell my tattoo artist what i wanted and he worked with me to create an image I loved. After filling out a quick standard waiver it was time to get down to business. The table was comfortable and although I was a little anxious, Jake made sure i was ready for him to begin and checked in throughout the process. The tattoo itself didn't hurt, which i was surprised by! The music in the background was also helpful, especially with the occasional singing from owner, Dave Hartmann. My friend said they often have a movie on Netflix as well. You can really tell the artists enjoy what they do and are really reputable! I would highly recommend checking them out if your in the market for some new ink. Do note, they are located on the backside of the buildings and not on coast highway itself. If I decide to get any more tattoos I will surely be back! read more

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I have been to Paula four times and more on calendar. I can't say enough good things about her, as you can see from other reviews. In addition, the shop itself is always clean, professional staff and a really good vibe. Highly recommend this place and of course Paula. read more

Dave is the man he got my tattoo done so fast loved the piece and will be back. Thank you to everyone at the shop for being really nice!

I yelp messaged my neighborhood shop and got such a warm reply. I showed up for a walk in. Ari at the desk couldn't have been kinder. Everything was super clean and efficient. Great decor and vibe. I got set up w Levi. Totally appreciate his expertise, straightforward nature, and wonderful mellow demeanor. Levi did an awesome job with great attention to detail. The tattoo is a wedding ring and super simple which means every detail shows. I love it. Came home, showed my wife my surprise, and we are on our way back because she wants the same ring! Here we come Levi!!! Shop is also super awesome. Lots of diversity and just people loving people. Thanks! read more

I had heard about Big Fish Tattoo from two close friends of mine who've been going to Paula for years. So, when I stumbled upon the idea of getting my first tattoo, I knew I had to come here for it. I emailed Paula describing my interest in getting my first tattoo with her, sent her a picture of the design I wanted and asked about the process of putting in a deposit and making an appointment. She got back to me in a little less than a week and we went over the details. She booked me for an appointment about 2 weeks out, which worked out perfectly for me. Paula also said I could either call over the phone to put in the deposit or come by the shop. Because I live in La Mesa, calling in was easier for me. I was really nervous the day of my tattoo appointment, unsure of how I would handle the pain. My friend (one of the girls who's been a frequent client of Paula's) accompanied me that day. Paula was very prompt, friendly and professional. She had the design drawn out and asked about the sizing. I went with her advice on the size as to highlight the details of the tattoo (linework). I reviewed the legal agreements and afterwards was shortly ready to go. Paula's workspace was very clean. It was lined with paper/cloth (???) before I sat down. Paula placed the design on me and asked me to check the placement of it, which was perfect (inner left ankle). Paula had me lay down during my tattoo, which worked best for me, because I get freaked out seeing needles TBH haha! Another artist, Dave, was working on a tattoo for his own client at the same time Paula was working on me. It really helped calm my nerves that they were having regular conversation while I was getting my tattoo done. Also really love that they were talking about the Netflix show, Ozark! I know that pain is different for everyone depending on the placement of the tattoo, the threshold for pain and the design. Thankfully, I'm the type of person to hype up a situation and think the worst, because when Paula first started tattooing, it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated and was totally bearable! There were a couple times where I was low-key cringing when the needle got closer to the ankle bone, but overall, totally bearable. The final product came out even more beautiful than I imagined. Paula's linework and attention to detail is superb. She wiped my new ink down before wrapping it up. Paula thoroughly explained the aftercare process and gave me some Aquaphor on the way out. Thank you so much, Paula!!! I am in LOVE with my new and first tattoo! Nowhere else I would have rather gone to. Highly recommend Paula and the rest of Big Fish Tattoo! Will definitely be back for more ink here! read more

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I had a really great first tattoo experience here! Got tattooed by a guest artist, Knarly Gav. The shop was extremely clean and organized, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in getting a tattoo! read more

Marianna is the best! I have gotten 6 tattoos by this talented human so I have been in the shop a few times and I can honestly say they have a great crew in there! read more

nothing but incredible things to say, Dave absolutely killed it and left me with a better version of the inspo i gave. he made my first experience stress free and easy. will only be going here for any future tattoos. :) read more

Big Fish Tattoo - finished tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

This place is amazing. Everyone inside always is genuine and polite and happy to be here. Couldn't recommend it more!

I've been here twice and I have loved every moment of being here!! The first time I came here was to get a simple twinkle star tattoo on my right wrist. The gal who did it was very nice and professional (everything I look for in an artist) and was able to design something very quick of what I wanted. Granted its very small and simple, but she added a few highlights to make it pop and her own personal touch which I was happy about. The second time I came here was this past weekday. I stopped by when they opened and a gentleman greeted me and asked what I wanted. Jordan is the artist that I have been searching for!! Nice and talented, this man can do wonders with his needle!! I got an octopus on my right thigh, and the small deatils he added to the head and shading just makes him pop off my leg. I am so happy I was able to stop by and get inked up by a fellow sea lover!! Jordan is the tattoo artist that I will be sticking with for life!! read more

Had a great tattoo experience here. The atmosphere is very relaxed - which is helpful if you're going to spend a few hours getting a tattoo,,, Jordan provided me with excellent design and placement advice for a quote I wanted.... and I LOVE the result! (picture posted - 'Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness' Alan Ginsberg) read more

Big Fish Tattoo - quote by Alan Ginsberg - beautifully created by Jordan - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Had my second experience at Big Fish...did a few small tattoos on both my wrists about 2.5 years ago with Paula (I believe was her name) and was a great first 'ink-ing' experience. Walked in on my birthday a few days ago and asked if they had time for me that afternoon to create a new piece (specifically a Merkabah) on my right forearm. Jordan was extremely helpful, asked me to send him some examples of what I wanted via email and come back at 3pm to get the work done. Was immediately impressed by the sketches he did when I arrived back later that afternoon and during our conversation even learned that Jordan was an animator prior to becoming a tattoo artist -- not to mention he apprenticed his tattoo skills with a pretty badass old school guy. Conclusion: This guy can definitely make beautiful work. I saw a lot of examples of people who had created similar designs and I was very cautious about what I wanted because online examples showed some pretty horrendous shading jobs. I showed Jordan exactly what I didn't want and he assured me it would not look like that. He did a STELLAR job on the shading and I couldn't be happier with the way the piece turned out. Enjoyed our conversation as well -- seemed like a really nice guy and I'd recommend his service to anyone. Already thinking about going back for another one on the opposite arm :) f#c*king tattoos read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Merkabah Tattoo by Jordan Lefever (jordan@bigfishtattoo.com) | 858.259.7200 - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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I have been getting tattooed by Paula before she moved to California, and she's only progressed and grown since being with Dave at BFT, and I couldn't be more proud of all of them (Caleb, too) about where they have come an where they are going. Keep up the amazing work! read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Unicorn, my dog JB's tattoo, Chevy truck by Paula. Filler by Paula. Pumpkin also by Paula. - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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Jake did my first tattoo in 2018 and two more in 2019! I could not be happier with the results and will only be coming to Jake for my tattoos, especially ones with fine lines! read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Sibling tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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It's easy to become jaded when one has worked many hours at mastering their craft. I've walked into shops only to walk out due to an artist talking down on a costumer. I don't care how good you are I don't want any association with that. The Vibe one gets at BigFish tattoo is a true genuine care for the craft and customer service is top notch. This is a custom shop that prefers to create a masterpiece with and for the client. It's not your average walk-in and pick flash off the shop wall. However if that's what you want these guys can do it. I've been working with them on a full torso piece and it's all original. They take my ideas and work them until I'm satisfied. I highly recommend this shop for anyone who is looking for a custom tattoo by artists who have a genuine love and care for their craft. read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Paula doing her thing. - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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I've had a few tattoos by Paula so far and each time I've been even happier than expected with the design and even happier with her work. Her lines are super straight and clean and her color is A+. Each time I have healed quickly and smoothly. Not only is she an amazing artist, she is the absolute nicest person and really listens to what you are looking for and styles it up to an extra degree. I am more than happy with what I've received and booked to have my arm done in a few weeks. read more

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Got my tattoo done by Paula. She was on time, prompt and professional. She explained to me what to expect (pain level, duration, etc.) The artwork is beautiful. I had to wait a while to get an appointment with her but I am so glad I waited. Highly recommended. read more

Went in a few months ago to get a simple word, this is the healed photo. Jake is super friendly and took really good care of me. The line work is super clean, didn't blow out over time, and healed great. 10/10 would recommend Jake and Big Fish! read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Healed tattoo from Big Fish - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I have been going to big fish tattoo for over 6 years now and have logged some 120 plus hours of tattoo. My first tattoo was done by Dave Hartman and I honestly believe that if it wasn't for my relationship with him I wouldn't have any tattoos. I am continuously impressed with his work and the caliber of tattoo artists that he has in his shop. Each artist has a specialty and there is nothing that they can't do. It feels like a family at BFT and I can say honestly that I will probably never get tattoo'd anywhere else. read more

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If you're looking for a clean, cool, and welcoming tattoo shop, you've found it. I've gotten tattooed by Jake and Paula, both of whom are immensely skilled and artistically talented. They really only hire the best artists, and they draw a diverse crowd. Their Friday the 13th flash sale days are packed but so fun. Highly recommend! read more

Great experience! Went in yesterday and met with Angel. We discussed what I wanted and I emailed him pics of what I was thinking. Went back today and after a little more discussion he got to work! I love how accurately Angel interpreted what I was looking for. Highly recommend. Very professional establishment. read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Super clean, comfortable, welcoming. Very cool vibe. Honestly I've been to a number of shops, this is the nicest that one I've ever been to! Everyone seems super awesome, but Marriane Barrientez has been my go to for a bit. She has an extremely gentle hand and is very considerate. Healing is always a breeze and it's a total treat to get work from her and at this shop. read more

Chris Sullivan is amazing! I was a walk-in with a cover up request and small rib typography piece. Chris captured my vision for my foot cover up piece BEAUTIFULLY...I connected with his sketch immediately and knew I wanted him to do it. He was able to get me started away and 3hrs later, both pieces are perfect and I am over the moon with his work. Also took amazing care of me. THANKS, CHRIS! read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I have been getting tattooed by Dave Hartman at Big Fish for over a decade now and I have a lot of ink. I can't say enough good things about the shop from Dave becoming a good friend over this decade to the cleanliness of the shop to the atmosphere BFT has from the other artists and enviroment. Make sure to get a wave in to Paula and Jake while your there. (Amazing people and artists as well) Not only have I trusted BFT for my tattoos but my wife and two of my adult kids have been tattooed there as well and are begging me to schedule them for more. Thank you Big Fish for doing what you and being there all these years. If you're in search for a shop I guarantee this is your spot. read more

Immediately upon entering you're met with a bright lobby decorated with art. Really gives the impression of cleanliness and hygiene. Jake worked with my brother and I to work on sibling tattoos. He was so incredibly patient with us - making changes on the design and setting up for 2 clients in 1 appointment. He did a fantastic job. It was such a calm experience and his needle work was not at all painful. The finished product was beautiful and both of our expectations were exceeded. Jake's rate was more than fair. I definitely would recommend this studio to others, and foresee myself coming back in the future! read more

This is a great shop with friendly artists and lots of interesting decor and books around the shop that are cool to check out while you wait. Marianne Barrientez is an awesome artist who really takes the time to listen, clearly puts a lot of thought into the pieces that she does, and is super friendly! She has a very light hand and does beautiful, clean work. Highly recommend! read more

Great place! Good Artists! I recommend to anyone that wants good art work for life :)

Dave did my first tattoo! Thank you guys for being the local shop that KILLS it with the service and most importantly the tattoos. I've been following these guys for awhile now on Instagram which is why I decided to get my first tattoo from this shop. I'm a Solana Beach local and wanted to go get my first tattoo at a local shop. This place did not disappoint. Making an appointment was easy, everyone I chatted with was really friendly and as far as my actual tattoo, Dave did an awesome job and I LOVE IT! Will be saving for my next one, and recommending this shop to anyone looking for new ink. read more

If I could, I would have given 0 starts. Jake did my tattoo a year ago, right before I moved over seas. I was very excited about the tattoo and he ensured me that he would make it perfect. This was my third tattoo and my two others had been taken at another shop and after healing they were still perfect and exactly how i wanted them. I met Jake and after a lot of back and fourth because we did not agree on how i wanted the tattoo, he started. I know that different places on the body(thickness of skin etc) have different pain scales but it was extremely painful and i asked why, he said that was just how it was. I walked out of the shop happy with the result. after a couple of weeks the tattoo completely fell apart. The lines started floating and was completely smudged, to the point where it's hard to even read what is says. I am horrified with the result, i am embarrassed to show my tattoo that initially ment so much to me. A month later I went into a tattoo shop(in my country, Norway) with my friend and the artist looked at my tattoo and asked my what in the world had happened, and that it looked like shit. He told me that the artist (Jake) had done an uneven job, but also gone way to deep into my skin which makes the lines blurred and smudgy. I am a student and have saved all my money over the last year to try to do laser, because I dont want it on my body. Just came from a laser appointment, a specialist for tattoo removal, she had never seen such a bad job, and a tattoo looking like mine. The before and after photo are really horrible. I would NEVER go back, and would rather not have the tattoo than to have what i have right now. Be careful with who you let do your tattoo. Ps, not sure how to add the photos to the review, but I added before and after photos on my page. read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Hours after the tattoo was taken - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

First time being tattooed at Big Fish and must say I had a great experience. I have been tattooed before... numerous times before... But I really enjoyed the service at Big Fish and getting to know the artist. Paula, Angel, Dave, Mike, and Jake are all really nice people. As for the tattoo, I choose Mike Lopez. Like I said, I have been tattooed numerous times by many different people. I am not sure if it is Mike's technique or the gun/needle he uses, but I have never had a tattooed that healed this nicely. I mean, the design is awesome. The work is awesome. But I am so impressed at how well it is healing. read more

Been tattooed here twice, once by Jordan and once by guest artist Knarly Gav. Always impressed by this shop...they're tidy, efficient, kind, and helpful...and on top of all that, they're incredible artists! Love Big Fish :))) read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Big Fish is all about friends, community, and good tats :) - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Emailed a photo of my dream tattoo. Walked in and met Jake who consulted with me, was able to make adjustments and turn the tattoo into a reality. What an amazing tribute to my fight against cancer. Jake nailed it. I'm so in love with my first tattoo. I will be back read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I'm sorry to have to be the one to break the 5-star bubble of Big Fish Tattoo, but it ain't all what it's cracked up to be. At least not for me. I've heard a lot of hype about Dave, so I decided to try him out. I gave him some freedom in making choices regarding my tattoo, which I have come to regret. What I thought would happen is that, because of the hype, the tattoo would turn out amazing no matter what he did. A lot of people proclaim that Dave is amazeballs! I beg to differ. Perhaps he's good at a certain style, one that I don't like. But I digress. I thought he'd at least check in with me about color choice, design, etc. When I asked for changes to be made, it wasn't like, "Sure man, this is your tattoo! Let's do it up the way you want!" But instead was more like, "I guess, if that's what you want." After the tattoo is all said and done, I see uneven lines, areas where the outline is thicker and areas where it's thinner (no consistency), and there's even some scarring under the tattoo (raised skin). There is also good color choice and good work within, but again, it's just not consistent. And it's just not 5 stars. I feel bad leaving this review because I like the people there, but I personally do not like the tattoo, and want people to be able to see another opinion. read more

Paula is great! This place is affordable and they make you feel really comfortable! I will be coming back for my future pieces and telling everyone to go here for their tattoos!! read more

Big Fish Tattoo - My moon dreamcatcher - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

This tattoo shop is fantastic. Small, clean with three artists-one is a woman which always impresses me. I've had two tattoos done here. Both are dates in Roman Numeral form. The first was done by Gavin, who is no longer there in March 2012. The second was done in February 2015 by Jordan. Both turned out fantastic, and I'm feeling the need for a third... So Big Fish here I come... read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Tattoo done on the inside of my left wrist by Jordan in February 2015. - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I Love my tattoo Paula! Thank you soooo much. You are a true artist and put my image to my arm. This was my first tattoo at age 61 and I don't know why I waited so long. I'm already thinking of my next one! Thank You. See you again! read more

Piling on to the Paul love. If you want an artist who... - listens carefully and respects you - is a clever problem solver - brings artistic vision that enhances your design - has *amazing* precision and flawless lines - is personable and charming - will fill you with confidence and put you at ease ...then Paula is the artist for you. As an added bonus, I've been inked at Goodfellas, Slave to the Needle and Avalon and Big Fish is hands-down the cleanest shop I've been in. read more

5 stars for Big Fish Tattoo, I'd give them even more if i could. This shop Rocks, Its got good energy, its nice and clean,they play good music, but most importantly they are professional and they do good work! My friend got a beautiful Tattoo from Christian Buckingham there, it was exactly what she wanted but Dave Hartman is "my man" I get compliments daily on my tattoo wherever I go, and I've had people tell me its the best tattoo they've ever seen ,it's very detailed.I love it and I love Dave Hartman :) and Big Fish Tattoo! read more

Big Fish Tattoo - Dave Hartman/Monarch - Tattoo Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I was a devoted customer of 454 Tattoo for nearly 2 years. After spending over a thousand dollars on piercings (which all got infected...go to Enigma in PB!) and tattoos, some of which were less than satisfying, I gave up. I love the tattoo culture so this was very upsetting to me. On a whim, a friend's mother told us to go in to see Dave's new shop, and I knew who he was, and who Champ was as well from my 454 days. WELL EAT YOUR HEART OUT 454. I have never gotten a more professional and well done tattoo, not to mention how NICE everyone at Big Fish is. The sarcastic not-so-witty banter of my previous tattoo experiences was nowhere to be found, thank god! As for the tattoo, it is PERFECT, healed up right away and I get more compliments than on any other tattoo I have had. If you live anywhere within San Diego county, this is the place to go. And even if you don't, make the trip! read more

Big Fish Tattoo is awesome! From when you walk in, you can tell all the artists take their skill seriously. Jordan just did identical symbols for my brother and I and it came out great! He offered an idea of how to make our symbol pop out more and we loved it! His skill with lines is awesome! And he is just a cool dude, no ego. We are both so happy with our tattoos!! I would highly recommend Jordan and Bish Fish Tattoo to anymore looking for quality work, professional artists, and real talent! Thank you for much for making a dream come true for us! Kristina read more