Came in last minute for a lettering tattoo for 3 friends and was helped out by the very kind and friendly staff. Loved the environment and our artist Kevin was very attentive and efficient. Loved the tattoos, thank you! read more

I got a tattoo here from a guest artist - so my review is based on that experience, not on the actual artists that work there regularly. Shop was nice & clean. Restroom was also clean. I liked the music & decor they had playing during my tattoo, everyone I met was friendly and I had a nice experience here. They specialize in blackwork. Parking is street only, but go figure it's the middle of downtown LA. read more

Update: I've had more time to sit with this experience, the tattoo has since been finished by someone else, and I want to share more details. My tattooer was the shop owner and I believe he should improve his practices. With Rocky and his work, the skin was damaged to the point where portions of the linework have raised ridges and there are blowouts throughout. He tattooed too deeply, there's no fixing that. There was also a lack of attention to my overall comfort and vulnerability. I felt overexposed during my appointment due to lack of privacy and my uncovered torso, etc... and I didn't know how to advocate for myself at the time--I froze. However it is simple enough to put up privacy dividers, wrap a finished portion of the tattoo and allow the client to cover up. The design included a couple elements that I didn't want but he said that I just couldn't see his vision yet so one of those designs ended up being tattooed, which isn't realistic to the subject matter. Looking back a lot of the design doesn't make sense, which is partially on me too, but the mock up and tattoo day of, did differ. If photos or videos of the work in progress are shared, permission should get requested first. I didn't have a problem with him documenting the process at the time, but I was uncomfortable with what was posted to a story. He did take it down when I requested that, which I appreciated, but it should have been a clear question with approval before anything was posted online. He asked if he could take pictures, not if he could post those images. This tattoo was supposed to be a healing cover-up, a way to reclaim part of my body from poor tattoo choices from when I was younger. Unfortunately, the experience was so distressing that I sought therapy to work through it. And sadly, experiences that I hoped to address just repeated. While there are some areas that look okay, the overall result is disappointing. It's a permanent mark I now have to come to terms with. Even if I could afford removal, wanted to take the time, or spend the energy on it, there would still be scars remaining. I am working on coming to terms with the work instead and may possibly make additions or revisions later. read more

The best shop in the universe! All artists are so talented and welcoming. @Juliothemonster is incredible read more

I love this shop. The esthetic is super cool, very goth/ dark wave. The walls are black and they have so much cool artwork, not ur typical tattoo studio that's fersure. The place is super clean and the staff is very nice. I went in to get my blackout work done by Rocky and he did a great job. The black is very saturated and consistent so if this is what you're looking for he is your guy. In the near future I will go back to have him design me a cool chest piece, totally trust this man! Luz also did a heart with thorns for me and it came out super pretty. If you've come across this business I would definitely recommend. Five stars! read more

Josue body slammed my grandma and called her ugly and made her cry which I thought was funny. Other than that, he has done all 20 of my tattoos and counting. I will probably be his walking portfolio since it's been hard finding an artist who aligns with my vision and can compromise on his execution should we not agree on a design. He's also very sure which art piece he is willing to do so he can put his heart into it instead of doing one just for the revenue which I feel is rare nowadays. I've also changed a design 5 times in 1 day and he never made me feel bad for that either and reiterated that it was my body that is going to have his artwork forever so it was my choice and to not worry. The shop is super clean and spacious so you don't feel claustrophobic with people standing too close to you since it's by appointment only. Everyone who works there/their specific tattoo community is super welcoming and friendly and will make you feel comfortable (especially for girls) considering the fact that you're getting stabbed for hours. Also LGBTQ+ friendly. :) They have also offered to walk me to my car so I dont get stabbed by the crackheads outside. 11/10. read more

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I had a great experience with Julio. He's very professional, worked quickly, and ultimately gave me a tattoo I'm very happy with. Also, the studio itself is very cool. read more

I attended an event at the shop and got the most amazing tattoo! Everyone was so helpful and attentive, and the shop was extremely clean and well maintained. I am so happy with my tattoo and staff gave me thorough aftercare instructions. Will definitely be back for another and highly recommend!! read more

Black Serpents - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

BEST SERVICE EVER!! I got a shaded star tattoo that came out so nice! Artist were very understanding and cooperative definitely am coming back!!! read more

Black Serpents - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Excellent work by JC on my tattoo. Such a nice upscale tattoo shop in downtown LA . Very classy and professional establishment can't wait to come back for more ink! Highly and most definitely recommend read more

Black Serpents - Friday The 13 Jason Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you again for your beautiful artistry and care in giving me my first tattoo. I am so happy with the way it turned out. You bring such good energy and spirit to your craft and I appreciate how comfortable JC Trueba made me feel. Thank you read more

Black Serpents - "My Robert smith facets " - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Cristo passed off his work to his unqualified apprentice who is a crap Tattoo artist. Plus not only that but the work is shit my friend is fucked now and they not only fucked her tattoo they figured it was safe to talk shit about my friend in spanish not know she could understand most of what they were saying. But everyone knows the meaning of the word puta and being cuban I filled in the rest of the unwanted sex talk about her. Shop might look cool but all wrong as far as I am concerned read more

Such a cool shop to go to and Josue is so detailed with his work and friendly. He took his time with my piece and was just straight out fun to hang out with the entire process! The studio is very clean and has a great aesthetic, even though it is located in a busy area of downtown, Josue made sure to direct me to a nearby parking garage that I could park at to ensure my car was safe! I love this place and plan to come more often :) read more

Black Serpents - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The Black Serpents Tattoo Studio is clean and I liked the vibe. Each artist has really great lighting to work with. JC Trueba is quite the tattoo artist. As a true artist, JC is very intentional with the most minute details, which I sincerely appreciated. I was at the downtown LA studio, parking is great over my Tacos Mexico. I really enjoyed the time I spent there & my new ink is an original work by JC. read more

Great tattoo shop love the decor. What I especially loved the most is how clean , well organized and all the safety precautions that were taken before we even got started on my tattoo. You can tell this shop is extremely professional and holds the highest standards. Now onto my tattoo, I had been wanting to get a ying yang kitties tattoo for the longest time, It finally happened :). My artist was JC, he was soo nice took his time with my tattoo. He made sure i liked the stencil before we even got started and made sure the placement was perfect. He took his time with the details and made sure all the shading was even . I could not be happier with my tattoo, I will be returning for another one soon. read more

Amazing shop with incredible artist. Very flexible scheduling. Julio and Rocky are two amazing black work artist. I had a great experience and an awesome tattoo. Shop is clean, chic, and welcoming. Will definitely be coming back for more tattoos. read more

Black Serpents - Death moth tattoo by Julio the monster - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I seen Rocky over here 2x. I was looking for someone who can do blackout and cover up and he was highly recommended. I contacted him through email and he was fairly responsive and able to get me in for a in person consultation. Nice tattoo artist with good vibes. Really happy with the work. read more

First and foremost, Julio is an amazing artist. I really can't believe I am fortunate enough to have his artwork on my arm for the rest of my life. I couldn't be happier with the final product. its 11 days old and is healing perfectly. Exactly the way it should. I had a concept in mind that didn't necessarily work as a tattoo on my forearm. He was patient with me as we traded ideas back and forth until he came up with the perfect solution. When it comes to tattoos the final product is what really matters but it's such an awesome bonus to have a really great experience to remember every time you look at your tattoo. Again I'm very fortunate to have had that awesome bonus to go along with my tattoo. I got the inside of my forearm done from wrist to elbow. It took around six hours and I enjoyed every minute of it. Even the painful ones. Stephanie, his apprentice was there and we had a really great conversation while Julio was busy carving up a masterpiece on my forearm. I really love his shop. From the lighting to the comfortable table and decor. I really can't wait to go back. Such a perfect experience. Thank you Julio and Stephanie. I'll see you both again soon! read more

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Sick establishment in the heart of DTLA that's very clean and tastefully decorated! The artists here are amazing, always welcoming and extremely talented. Josue has been tattooing me throughout all my visits here and I must say it's a painless and exciting process with him. He is able to visualize your idea and bring it to life, you will not be disappointed with his work! read more

Black Serpents - Ripped apart snake done by Josue. - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Where do I start with Black Serpents? I've had such a great experience with them, it's hard to choose. First off, I worked with the Artist Josue (also known as Kinda Gloomy). He was so nice and flexible. I asked to have my dog in a teacup tattooed on my forearm, and within a day, I had a beautiful drawing of my future tattoo. I also forgot to mention, it was my first tattoo. I was a bit nervous walking in for my appointment, but Josue was so quick to calm my nerves about the whole process. I felt safe. After the tattoo started, he felt very gentle and conscious of how I was feeling. Before I knew it, he was done! He was lightening fast. The piece turned out perfect and I couldn't be happier. I started recommending him to all my friends and now my whole friend group has pieces from him. My female friend said that he was so respectful and professional, and made her feel safe and relaxed. She really appreciated how he was throughout their appointment. He's very good about communication, and always has a smile to give. If any of the artists are like Josue, then I have no hesitation giving this place a 10/10! read more

I would first thank JC Juan Carlos on a excellent job. He was very neat and attentive. The tattoo came out nice with bold color still intact. Healed really well. Staff was very nice. I highly recommended this shop. Very elegant!! Great ora!! Thanks once again! Sincerely Bernie!! See you again for sure JC !! read more

All of the artists at the shop are super friendly and welcoming! Josue does a great job designing my ideas and takes the time/edits to make sure we are gonna love the tat. He also has a light hand while still making sure the ink sets in the skin well. All of my tats from him have healed and came out perfect! read more

If I could give more stars, I would. Totally clean and professional. Really friendly and laidback staff. I actually felt comfortable walking in for my first time. Special shoutout to my artist, Josue, who did an AMAZING job at being attentive, checking in my with my pain levels, and overall being friendly. I highly highly highly recommend this shop if you're looking for the highest quality tattoo you could possibly get that'll last decades to come. read more