Perfection Tattoo is in a cool house in a cute part of town. The interior has lots of eye candy for its customers to soak in! Austin Gervais did my tattoo. I followed him from All Saints, another tattoo studio I highly recommend. Austin is creative & his passion for his craft comes through on his finished pieces every time. I can't recommend him enough! read more

Chris Trevino's Perfection Tattoo - Tattoo by Austin Gervais - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

So I am reviewing my attempt to patronize this establishment. I reached out by email to inquire about getting a tattoo from Chris Trevino. Response was slow but not more then 48 hours. I got a response back from a Will saying he was Chris's assistant. I inquired about a small piece but that is not to say I wouldn't do a bigger or even a whole back piece. It took asking twice to find out Chris was booked out to January but I didn't get any of my other questions answered. I didn't get any further in booking anything. Guess you can tell the greats like Shanghai Kate and Oliver Peck(whom I have work done by) from the not so greats. read more

Got a small wrist tat back in December 2014 by a guy named Austin Gervias here. When I went in for a consultation to talk about the piece, I told him what I wanted and how I wanted it. He told me the way I wanted it (my tattoo facing me and not outwards) was the "wrong" way. It almost came off as kind of "elitest", like "your tattoo is wrong, but okay, it's gonna be on your skin" which kind of made me feel off-put and dumb. Does it really matter? I mean a tattoo is a tatttoo is a tattoo is a tattoo is a tattoo, no matter what it is or which direction it's facing. My tat had a lettering in it, so when the day came, he showed me some of the original designs he had drafted up for the wording. I decided on one but there was one little thing I wanted to change about it. When I asked him if we could change it, he IMMEDIATELY without a second thought said "no, it won't be correct if we do it that way" and that just kind of shocked me that he would say that to me... and then after a while of uncomfortable silence, he said something along the lines of "but it's your skin so i guess". At that point I kind of just wanted to walk out because I kind of felt like I was being disrespected, but I decided to stay put. Like... really? I get that as an artist you can have preferences but I mean for small things like which way I wanted my tat facing or how I wanted my letting to look, I don't think the elitest sassy attitude was needed. The tatting itself went fine. I just sat in a chair in the back room with my arm on a padded table. At one point, some random dude comes over, doesn't even give me a second look, talks to Austin as he's tatting me, leans over me to get a look at my arm, and then comments on how detailed the tat is, and then walks away. Like I don't know about you but I don't want some stranger ignoring me and leaning over me to look at my tat without giving me a second thought and talk my my artist while I'm getting tatted, like, this is kind of an intimate deal for me. Afterwards, when it was all over, he just shook my hand and that was sort of my cue like "you're done now you can leave". No wrapping my new tat in plastic, no after-tat care instruction, no cream recommendation... nothing. I had to get all that information from elsewhere. This was not my first but my second tattoo, but it had been a while and I needed a refresher course and would have liked to get that information, but I ended up having to get it from other friends instead. I am happy with the way my tat turned out in the end, it was great for the price I paid for it, but my initial reaction to how I was talked to/treated was intimidating and off putting, so I will DEFINITELY not come here again. read more

"If your body is a temple, why not decorate the walls." This is a platitude you come across on Pinterest periodically and it's thanks to Pinterest that I have found so many great ideas for work I wish to have done. While it's great finding the photos of various versions of your ideas, the most important thing you need is the right, skilled tattoo artist. Katja Ramirez is that artist. I was shopping around town trying to find the right person to do the quill tattoo I wanted. I had the photo of the black and grey quill I wanted and the person even had the exact placement I wanted. The only thing I didn't have was the artist. I am not one of those cool chicks with more tattoos than skin so this was also semi-stressful for me. Fortunately a friend recommended Katja. I reached out to her and her immediate enthusiasm for the piece put my mind at ease that I had found the right artist. I went in for a consult that was quick and easy. I lucked out as she had one opening left in the year and it was 3 wks away. So I booked it. On the day of, I was nervous. This was my third tattoo, but definitely the first one that required a consult/appt etc. Katja put me at ease immediately. Because of the tattoo, she asked if I was a writer and then I was off to the races rambling about the project I'm working on. The conversation went on for the entire appt, and I before I knew it - it was done and it was BETTER than I had hoped for. I'm stunned at how well the piece turned out. Katja has a great eye for detail. I talked to her about my other ideas, particularly for a Mehndi tattoo. She told me she even has a book on Mehndi designs. So fyi, if you are into that - see Katja. I'm making a point of this because I did a Yelp search for this before and found nothing. I'm posting a gorgeous (I'm lying) pic I took of the tattoo, but it will give you an idea. It's far nicer in person. Thank you, Katja, for making something that I'll have on me for life WORTH having on me for life. :) read more

Chris Trevino's Perfection Tattoo - Blk & Grey Quill Tattoo by Katja Ramirez - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Expect a long wait! He is the best in the business. Commitment phobes need not apply. I am telling you the truth when I say it took over 2 years and 126 hours under the needle to finish my whole back. (see photos) If you are the type to break dates especially at the last minute this is not the place for you. It is common to wait in line on "booking day" at the front door well before opening time. First come, first serve get the best appointment times. He then only books out 6 weeks at a time (usually because he flies back and forth between Austin and his shop in Japan) So even if you are one of the works in progress each and every appt is worth it's weight in gold because he only books time for you every couple of weeks. People fly in from all over the world to get work done by Chris, so if you are lucky enough to be chosen to get work done by this amazing artist you better take it seriously, because if you don't he won't even consider working on you. His time is precious, and he will not commit to the work unless you commit as well. He works fast and furious, so the truth is he can do one of these amazing works in half the time it would take most other artists. Not to mention the $$ commitment too. I did pay for each sitting as I went (which helps) however when all was said and done I know I spent 5 figures getting my masterpiece. I wear it with honor, I am glad he chose to commit to my piece of work. Everything he does is custom and drawn directly on you by hand so it fits every curve of your body. (again see pics) If you are a sun worshiper NO NEED TO APPLY! read more

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I received my first tattoo from this shop 22 years ago and won't go anywhere else in the states. After doing half sleeves back in 1998, I moved to Japan. I had a piece done on my back by Hiriyoshi 3 on Chris's advice ( if you don't know Horiyoshi, look him up). Moving back to the states, I waited until 2007 when I relocated back to TX to start my back piece as Chris is the only one with the experience, knowledge of tradition and artistic skill to do and integrate my existing work in. As I can only get down to Austin every 5 or 6 months, it has not been finished but it is awesome, and gets better every 5 hours I spend on my stomach. Give him an idea, get on the six month waiting list (and once you start you will get spots every month or so to get finished - I just can't get away more frequently) and let him create a masterpiece for you. read more

Chris Treviño. Horimana. This is a different level of tattooing; something much more art and magic than ink and needles. Chris began tattooing a 3/4 sleeve with Unryu Kuruo--thief turned warrior/musha--and a dragon. The dragon curls around Unryu and goes from my forearm up onto my chest. As has been said before, Chris is intense. He works fast and takes his craft seriously. Do your research, and then let Chris go. Show up on time and let him work. You'll not regret the incredible result. You'll spend a ton of time and money over many months. It'll hurt. That's part of a great tattoo; it just is. But you'll be rewarded with a truly traditional Japanese tattoo in the legacy of Horiyoshi 3, not a Western interpretation or imitation. This is another level, and it's worth it. read more

Chris Trevino's Perfection Tattoo - This outline is from my first session with Chris (Horimana). The 3/4 sleeve also has a full dragon from forearm up onto my chest - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Katja Ramirez is a genius. I've had two sessions with her so far on my phoenix and it looks awesome. I cannot wait to get it completely filled in. I've received tons of compliments on it and even my Mother (who detests tattoos) says it's beautifully done. Anyways Katja is really accommodating, patient and very meticulous which is a really good quality when it comes to super detailed tattoos like Phoenixes. Anyways I HIGHLY recommend her, she is in very much popular demand so you might have to book your appointment a few months down the road. It is absolutely worth the wait. Perfection 100% lives up to it's name. read more

Chris Trevino's Perfection Tattoo - This the completed phoenix leg piece, by Katja Ramirez at Perfection. - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Chris Trevino has talent that is unmatched. He is a perfectionist, which is definitely to the advantage of the person getting the tattoo. I am in the process of getting two full sleeves done (will add photos when I am done), and I really enjoy his dedication to the art. I was open with my tattoo and I feel so privileged to have a piece of his art on my body. I just have one sleeve outlined, and that alone has gotten non-stop compliments. I can only imagine how great these tattoos are going to turn out. Chris is a great guy on top of all that. I am so happy he chose me to get this tattoo! read more

This is where you go when you decide to get your grown-up tattoos. No little cartoon characters or glib hipster crap or tribal--just the best Japanese-style tattoos in America. Search Chris Trevino's name and you'll find all the tattoo masters raving about him. He's a senior craftsman, so be prepared to get something big, amazing, and expensive. It's worth every penny. He can be a little gruff, especially if you try to bother him with something below his caliber. Also, do not bother bringing in a specific design for him to tattoo--what he comes up with will be 100x better. Ready for your grown-up tattoo yet? read more

I've been getting tattooed for 16 years now, and been going to Chris for the last 7 or 8 years. I'll never go anywhere else as long as he's in business, which I'm sure he'll be in for a long time. If you want something quicker or Non-traditional Japanese, then there are other artists at Perfection that are more than capable of fulfilling your needs. Carlos Truan, Bob Moreau, and Carnie Marnie are their names. I believe Bob taught Chris to tattoo many years ago in San Antonio, so that should be plenty testimony right there. I've got my whole back (including rear end and thighs), half-sleeves and chest plates done by Chris, with more scheduled for next month. Like Heather B. says, you need to commit some time and cash for Chris' artwork. I can honestly say he's one of the best in this country, let alone Texas. We're lucky to have him. Even if you decide to not get work done there, you should go by the shop to see the amazing artwork on the walls and ceiling of the studio. I'm talking paintings and prints, not tattoo flash, which they have very little of there. You might see me on the table! read more

I just called this place at 4:15 and someone answers "hello", I asked if it was the tattoo place because he seemed annoyed to answer the phone. Hey said "yeah" it an irritated tone. I asked if they did piercings and the man screamed "no" and I hung up. I can't y'all. read more

I was doing some research on tattoo artists in Austin to try and find the right guy/gal for my next piece. I'd read good things about Perfection and after looking through Katja's online portfolio I knew she was the one. I sent her an email and she responded very quickly and was able to see me the next week. When I met with her she knew exactly what I wanted and was just a cool, down to earth chick. When I got my piece done, at first we thought it would take two sessions, but Katja was kind enough to stick it out and work a little later to get it all done in one sitting. Her detail is awesome--I got a hummingbird and have gotten tons of compliments on how life-like it is. The colors she uses are gorgeous as well--which was one of the reasons I was so drawn to her work. I'm definitely coming back for more work with Katja! P.S. She's also super trusting because like an ass I forgot to have cash on me when I got the tattoo and had to run to an atm afterwards to pay. Of course I was coming back, but she didn't know that... This shop is cash only, by the way :) read more

first off, i knew of perfection through a friend of mine, who told me it was a great shop but that they didn't do walk ins. i found out its true, it is a great shop, but they do walk ins, just ask for bob or katja! the shop is an incredible monument to tattooing with all the cool artwork and old flash, and the guys and gals there are really knowledgable about their trade. i wanted an old school black and grey piece and got something even cooler than i had imagined from katja ramirez. apparently she just moved here from NY Adorned in Manhattan and landed at Perfection. i got my ribs tattooed, which was no fun, but katja was really cool and pretty merciful! the tat is amazing, and need less to say, i will be there again soon...as soon as i get some more cash! she does some jap stuff too, as well as old school color stuff. i think i might get an old sailor tattoo on my thigh next. she is not really booked up yet, since she just got there, so walk ins are definately welcomed. if she is busy, i am sure bob or carlos could hook you up as well. all in all, a pretty friendly spot, lots of great art, great tattooers, and true, it is a serious tatoo shop, but don't be intimidated. katja drew up my piece in one day and i got it tattooed the next, but she said littler stuff could be done in a jiffy. so check it out, looks like perfectiion has ALL the bases covered in tattooing styles, AND they do walk ins too! read more

Chris Trevino's Perfection Tattoo - katja ramirez tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Katja Ramirez is my artist and will always be my artist!! I definitely recommend getting ink from her! As far as the shop goes it's a nice clean shop with nothing but professionals working there! A definite must if you want quality tattoos done! read more

Chris Trevino's Perfection Tattoo - Enter the dragon by Katja Ramirez - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

I don't even know why I waste time on shitholes like this. Like trying new places I guess. I got turned down by the owner for something 3" x 4". Really I wanted to see his work be cause im looking for an artist for an entire sleeve on my left arm. Try before you buy theory I guess. Thanks for turning down a good paying customer, Chris. I need a good artist because you'll be working on the same arm as Annie Frenzel...if you don't know her...look her up. read more

Truly an experience that will change your life. True fine art on the body. I'm excited to have started my journey with irezumi an I couldn't be happier with Chris trevino aka horimana guiding the way. read more

Chris Trevino's Perfection Tattoo - Beginning of snake sleeve. - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Chris is the man, he is truly truly talented. his pedigree and portfolio speak for themselves. I'm in Houston but have absolutely no problem making the drive for work like this. he's the man. read more

Katja R just finished my back piece entitled "B's Wild Ride" (my third tattoo) She took my ideas and transformed them into an incredible work of body art that has received a steady stream of the highest compliments from all those who've seen it. She is an awesome artist with a great personality that makes the "needle time" fly by. The clean and comfortable shop and other artists, Chris and Bob, only add to the incredibly positive experience. I couldn't recommend Perfection Tattoo and Katja Ramirez any more highly! read more

Chris Trevino's Perfection Tattoo - May 2013--Back piece by Katja - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Ask for Katja, you won't regret it. Her work is amazing. She did a beautiful phoenix for me (which extends from my left shoulder to my hip bone). She's so personable, which is something I loved because I never once felt awkward around her, even when I had to strip naked from my waist up. She really concentrates when she works, so you don't have to feel compelled to talk to her the whole time. I just listened to my ipod. She's pretty busy, so expect to wait about a month before you could go in for a session. My bird gets a lot of compliments because of the quality (A++). She's a bit on the pricey end but totally affordable. I mean, what do you expect? Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good. read more

Best tattoo artist in the USA. Show respect. Sign in shop says, "Good tattoos are not cheap, and cheap tattoos are not good."

I searched for a year for the best artist that fit my style and would listen to what I wanted. I found Briza at Perfection and not only is her work perfect (which means a lot to a somewhat first timer who is OCD) her personality and bedside manners are the best. I swore I would only get one, but everything I look at the work I start thinking about what Briza could add to my piece because her work is so good! read more

Chris Trevino's Perfection Tattoo - My arm. Go big. Go home. - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

I had a black and grey tattoo done with Katja and she was great! I love my tattoo and have received nothing but compliments on her work. Katja is an excellent artist, she took my idea and made a beautiful design. Throughout the process, she was personable and great to work with. read more

I got a great color tattoo on my upper arm 20 yrs ago by Chris and it still looks great, you can't go wrong with this guy he is awesome and the best. read more

DON'T GIVE THEM A DEPOSIT! I put a $200.00 deposit down in March, told I was on the list and it would likely be August, then December, now who knows when? When I asked for the deposit back they said no and I might as well "stay on the list"? What list. It's very unprofessional to take money, not book appointments, and then to have a really "whatever" attitude when you go back to talk to them. I'm not a newby, have one arm piece and was looking to have the other arm piece done. Certainly the $200.00 should have accounted for something? Regardless of artistic ability, I would never trust them now to do any tattoo. BEWARE! read more

Did my research online and based on both the quality of the work I was seeking and the reviews from others, decided to add Chris Trevino to my list of potential artists. Called on a Monday and spoke with Bob Moreau and discussed the work I was after. Mainly some cover-up work of some tattoos on my chest and right shoulder that are some 25 years old, and by now badly faded. Having gotten the existing tattoos so long ago ago now, they were not what I originally wanted and Chris seemed to be the perfect candidate for finally righting this wrong. Two follow-up calls later, and having most of my cursory questions answered, I set up an appointment with Bob to speak with him and Chris about the work I wanted done that Wednesday. Popped in at the scheduled time and immediately noticed Chris was right inside the door as I walked in. I introduced myself and explained why I was there, and that I had spoken to Bob over the two previous days about what I was seeking. Chris, who couldn't even be bothered to get up and make a proper introduction looked at me as if I had a third eye, and as if he was completely unaware that his co-worker and former shop owner's name was in fact "Bob". It was right around this point that I had decided I would not be donating any of my hard-earned cash to the Chris Trevino retirement fund, but what the hell..I'd let him humor me for a few moments. I removed my shirt and explained what it is I was after. Chris' immediate response was that I would have to have my existing work removed via laser, and that what I was asking for (what still seems to me to be a rather basic traditional dragon with accompanying symbols representing certain points in my life) was simply not possible. Hmmm, I thought to myself, having already been to two other artists the week previous who claimed covering up my existing work would be "absolutely no problem" I was a bit baffled. I was even further floored by the fact that after spending nearly a week looking at photos of almost exactly what I was after, (some of which being shots taken of Chris' own work online), that he was telling me what I wanted was simply not possible. Chris looked at me in all seriousness and explained that if I wanted a tattoo from him, it would really be up to him what he put there, and not really up to me, and that I should "look at his books". At this point, I realized I was just wasting my time and as I type this, I am still laughing inside at that particular statement. For a little perspective, I am someone in my mid-40's and have acquired a good 8 or 9 tattoos over my lifetime. As a young lad born and raised in Southern California, I spent more time in tattoo studios in my youth than I care to admit. Much of this time was around people such as Jack Rudy, Mark Mahoney, Joe Vegas, Bob Roberts, and Mike Brown...any one of which I would without hesitation classify as true professionals and artists in every sense of the word. This experience with Chris simply left me dumbfounded and wondering how he, in spite of himself, has managed to become so popular. To each their own I guess? I'll be finding someone else to give my money to, even if it means hopping a plane and paying a visit to some old friends. read more

Be very careful here! I placed a deposit of $300 over a year ago and have been trying desperately to get a response from Chris to no avail! Now the number to his shop is disconnected. I plan on heading down to Austin and contacting BBB if I do not get a refund. read more

Chris Trevino is widely considered to be one of the best Japanese style tattoo artists in the world.

Just had a tattoo by Bob Moreau, founder of Perfection. It turned out to be perfect, indeed. He was extremely gentle (it really didn't hurt) and imroved greatly on my original design. The 3 hours I spent with him went fast because he is also so nice and easy to talk to. I really can't imagine a better outcome or a better experience. And I absolutely love the tat. Highly recommended. read more

Katja is amazing. I brought her a very detailed designed and she nailed it. I am so happy with the work. If she is booked out for awhile wait it is totally worth getting it done by someone this good. read more

i knew i wanted a large piece to fill my back so i wanted to make sure i found just the right person to do it. i went to quite a few places around austin but nothing ever felt right. finally, i went in to perfection when carnie marnie was doing a stint there and the rest is history. marnie was great to work with and very patient with me. i love the place, the people, and of course, my piece. i get comments all the time about the line work and the quality of my tattoo. i love it and will always go back to perfection and carnie marnie for any other work i get in the future. read more