Very professional and clean shop. Alice was knowledgeable, attentive, and delivered exactly what I asked for. The quality of the work exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this shop and will be returning for future work. read more

I visited Exclusive Ink to get both of my tragus piercings done. Alaric was nice and friendly, and based on the prep and aftercare instructions he provided, I assumed he was knowledgeable. I believe he mentioned he had been piercing for over a year. Fast forward almost six months later, and my tragus piercings still have not healed. While the swelling improved, they remained very irritated and would still bleed. I initially assumed it was from my hair getting caught or accidentally bumping them. Recently, I decided to have the jewelry changed and went to Studs in San Jose. The piercer there informed me that the jewelry that was used was not the correct one for the type of piercing. She mentioned most piercings should have straight posts, not curved ones like the ones that were used. I was also told the earrings were not hypoallergenic and that titanium or gold is typically recommended for new piercings. Learning this was extremely frustrating, especially after dealing with discomfort and slow healing for months. Unfortunately, due to this experience, I will not be returning and would not recommend this shop for piercings. read more

Exclusive Ink - Earrings Alaric used. - Tattoo Near Me - Salinas, California

They have helped me. Needed my earrings removed for surgery and they helped me with this on a few occasions. Great service b

I love my girl Alice she always give good vibes and it's never a dull moment. She will always be my tattoo artist of choice. The piercing there would be EJ he is always very straight forward with. How he does his work and he always is considerate with the other piercings you may have. read more

Tattoo This review is for Juan Gonzalez and does not reflect all of the artist at Exclusive Ink. Tattoo started off great but about an hour in took a hard right. He started asking me questions about a certain race/ religion (Jewish people) and my view points. He used half truths and specific dates and the Bible to support his idea. However he incorrectly used bible scriptures and historical facts and documentations to support his ideas (the holocaust never happened). "The world would be a better place if there was no Jews" I told him I did not support genocide for any peoples. I noticed he was getting irritated when I answered any of his questions on this topic that did not support his idea so I stopped talking and put my earbuds in. This was EXTREMELY uncomfortable as a female I was in a vulnerable position with a guy who was tattooing me. As soon as another client walked in he started up his conversation all over again so he definitely feels comfortable "preaching" his hateful and hurtful rhetoric. Tattoo: 4/5 Conversation: 0/5 I will not be returning as his viewpoints are disgusting and if I would have known I would never had agreed to work with him. I feel the need to post this to let the community know he is anti-Semitic and not LGBT friendly. read more

Great service the guy who did the pearcing was realky kind and friendly he also did a really good job at doing my nose pearcing. read more

Exclusive Ink - Nose pearcing - Tattoo Near Me - Salinas, California

Ej was quick, helpful, and knowledgeable he took me in 30 mins before closing to get my ears pierced and it only took about 5 mins for both my ears and told me how to care for them. read more

Exclusive Ink - Earring - Tattoo Near Me - Salinas, California

I'm writing this review after my awesome experience at Exclusive Ink. My tattoo was done by Joe V. and I must say he exceeded my expectations! This is my third tattoo with him and never disappointed. His creativity, eye for detail and improvisation skills are off the charts!! I'm really happy with the work and excited to get another one done soon! He works another job so be patient and he will get you in when he can... its worth the wait! All the artists here are extremely talented and give every tattoo design extreme care and attention to make it as unique as possible. They bullshit amongst themselves since they are all friends but aren't the best at welcoming someone walking in but the vibe is good once your there. read more

Just had an amazing experience getting my ears pierced at Exclusive Ink. Shout out to Joe and Ej. Ej answers all the DMs on instagram and mentioned to ask him any questions anytime after our piercing. They were both super patient, listened to where we wanted the piercing and did an awesome job. Can't wait to go back. read more

Been a customer of Daniel's since 2020 and he never disappoints. Always a good time getting tattooed by him and I'm constantly receiving compliments on his work. read more

Just got my second holes re-pierced and the experience was very easy, fast, and I felt comfortable. Both Joe and EJ were extremely kind! EJ was very open about the knowledge on what to do for aftercare and even offered to change out the piercing for free if I felt uncomfortable doing it myself. I will for sure go back here if I decide to get any future piercings done! P.S. I got my first tattoo done by Caesar and it was a wonderful experience! read more

Had a Bad experience with a specific tattooist, Daniel Nava who scheduled an appointment with me and my Girlfriend, charged us 150 for the down payment and ended up Going to an event out of town the same day as our appointment which was for our 5 year anniversary, tried to contact him several times through 1 Instagram account and through the number on his instagram, but wouldn't reply, then I messaged him through my instagram and he answered but continues to ignore the other messages, he said we could reschedule for later that week and when I agreed and sent him the details for tattoo, nothing, it's been over a month now and he still hasn't messaged back. I wouldn't recommend him as a tattooist as he is very unprofessional. read more

Exclusive Ink - Tattoo Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Joe is fantastic! All the artists were friendly, social which made for a comfortable experience. My sister and I both inked by Joe who doesn't have a heavy hand, talked to us through each others sessions making time fly by. Look forward to going back! read more

See all

Got small finger tattoo and top of my hands tatted by Carlos,as it was healing and extra is slowly coming off ,slowly started noticing lines here and there were not connected.need to fix top of my hand and my fingers as soon as it fully heals,but not here.need it done right.tatts on my fingers the ink was kind of just sitting on top of my skin similar to marker. read more

Exclusive Ink - Got this fire tattoo by Carlos.going to get this whole thing redone by different shop. - Tattoo Near Me - Salinas, California

I got my first tattoo here. I had been wanting a sunflower on my side for some time and I got exactly what I wanted. Daniel was super friendly and made sure that I wasn't hurting too much, as it was my first. I will definitively go back for my next one there. read more

Exclusive Ink - Sunflower tattoo on my side ribs - Tattoo Near Me - Salinas, California

I got both my portraits done by Juan Gonzalez and no matter where I go, people stop and ask who did my work. I have a colored portrait on my upper arm of my mom and a black and gray piece of my grandma in the inside of my forearm with colored orchids. Juan is an amazing artist and he works really fast and efficiently. I definitely recommend him if you're looking into getting portraits. Don't settle for anything until you have done your research. Getting cheap tattoos doesn't mean you'll get quality work. You get what you pay for so do the research. I entered my mom's portrait at the Stockton convention in Oct 08 and won 2nd place. I was up against someone else who has a whole sleeve from Juan and he brought all the original pics so he won first place. Next time, I'll be sure to bring in the original picture. read more

Hey it was well worth the trip from the East BAy and I'm sure we will be returning in no time! I got my husband a tattoo for his birthday....it's a portrait of his lil' sis who passed away 7 years ago when she was 23....this tattoo is very special and after about a year of researching we found the "Chosen One" a very talented artist named Juan Gonzalez. He is super talented and is reassuring with his cool & confident aura. We were impressed how fast he works...all we gots to say if you want quality and efficiency this is the spot!! This is place ROCKS!!! Ya BOYYEEEE! read more

Exclusive Ink - Fredo's Tattoo of his lil' sis Trina - Tattoo Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

I'm very happy with how my tattoo work went. Joe V. was so professional. Very clean, sanitary and thorough. I look forward to getting a follow up done with Joe. read more

Got a map of Europe with a compass done from @vexrone aka Carlos. Dude does great work. From what it seemed all the artist there don't think you could go wrong. Clean shop, good music. Carlos took his time and his attention to detail is great. Cool dude as well. Getting more work done from him. Will be making this into a full sleeve. Hit up Carlos for your next tattoo. read more

See all

I had my ink done by Joe Aspacio and he did an awesome job! I drove all the way down from SF because it's worth it! The shop gives a good impression because it is well lit and looks very clean. My ink healed and started the chafing phase in about 1 week and the result is awesome. He listens very well with how I wanted the design to come out and he is very accommodating. I will definitely come back again. read more

Originally I booked an appointment for my mom at Indian where I had gone previously we booked a month in advanced, double booked and so I looked for someone else My friend recommended Fabian My mom and I made an appt with him, he was late. No biggie we just looked at all the ink and ideas they had. And he warned me he was running late a half hour before w E even got there When my mom got her first tat, he did great. Printed traced it, and added everything she asked for. He took his time a and was very thorough. He spent maybe 3 hrs on her. As I sat waiting I realized I wanted one too... I asked him not expecting him to say yes. And he asked what I wanted, a little earth on my wrist. And he agreed. Hell effing yeah. Asked me if I wanted anything else and I didn't know when he finished I asked for a crescent moon. And he made it happen. Spent good time on it and did exactly what I asked The place was super clean. I saw him and the other artist change the needles, sanitize their work space and change their gloves if the got on the the computer or something. His price was super reasonable for the time effort and talent. And he's easy going which I can't say I've had the best luck with. read more

Exclusive Ink - Artist Fabian 11/7/14 - Tattoo Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Be careful who you try to get a tattoo by.... 0 star absolutely unprofessional I tried to get a tattoo done by Daniel and THANK god I didn't!! the universe didn't allow this to happen not because his work.. I did research I talked to a few people who recommended Daniel I looked up his page on Instagram the whole 9 and I liked what I saw but it's unfortunate because he is very unprofessional has 0 communication skills with his client (me, I can only speak for myself) and I refuse to put my money into someone's pocket who doesn't respect my time or my effort to receive a service by him...Being in the service industry as a hair dresser I completely understand mistakes and over booking what I don't understand is the no communication to make his client feel validated...we had an appointment set up in September with a deposit down but got canceled after the shut down because COVID which I completely get so we set a "new" date in December the day before my "appointment " I texted and asked if we were still on for the Friday we set up and he told me he forgot to put me down and was booked.. ok fine I give the benefit of a doubt and he push it to January never officially confirmed a day so it was left at that I didn't hear from him... he finally messaged me in March letting me know things got crazy which I get so I was hopeful we were finally going to get to my appointment He started asking what days work for me I gave him my days and nothing so I finally gave up... he never wanted to tattoo me which is fine but don't waste my time. Guess that's how he likes to run his business best of luck Daniel!!! read more

My wife wanted a tattoo and has had work done here before and it was great. This time we gave a $100 deposit and scheduled her appointment. Later I get a text from the artist saying he needed to cancel the appointment and reschedule for another time. It got to be such a headache because all he offered was when she was working. She had already scheduled time off to get it done on the time she wanted in the first place. Joe will not refund the deposit even tho he cancelled the original appointment. read more

A newer artist at the shop gave me a price for a tattoo and after the first session I paid him in full. He lagged to set up my next appointment and cut that one short because his friend came in and asked for something. Now he hasn't replied in months to finish the work. read more

Exclusive Ink is a great place to get a first tattoo or even to get a tattoo at in general. The employees were friendly and the one who owns the shop had done my first tattoo on my birthday, me and my mom had gotten matching tattoos. It was really fast and good pricing!! I highly recommend this place. read more

See all

I came twice to get my nostrils pierced. It trips me out how they run their shop. Im pretty tattooed and pierced and have been to a handful of shops. So i guess you can say i have a firm grasp on shop etiquette as a client. We got no welcome, everyone just stared like we were bothering them, and it took a soild 15 min before some one acknowledge that we were standing there. I have been to this shop several times but always refused to get any work done because of how rude they are. The front desk is always a mess, i wish they had a front desk person that just delt with customers. I get that not everyone is a people person but at least have someone nice who can do all the paper work and welcome customers before that have to deal with these grumpy artists. All shops that ive been to previously have had a front desk person. I like my piercings but i wish i would of got them done else where. A place i felt more comfortable at and would want to keep giving my business to. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. Recommended by a friend of a friend. Went there to get a nose piercing. I repeatedly told the piercer that I needed a longer stem because I previously had it done and had to take it out because the ring wasn't the right fit. He "inspected" my nose and said it would be fine. Pierced it. Today is Day 4 and my nose hurt and still swollen. I knew why - the jewelry. I called starting at 10 am (when they open) and no one answered for 2 hours so I drove there. When I got there, a tattoo artist said that the piercer is in SF and not available. I said that's not acceptable to be completely out of reach for customers who need help and that the piercer needs to correct the problem - even if it's a phone call. He was nice but still dismissive. After that exchange I decided I didn't trust this place anymore and went to Cody at Vaughn in Monterey. BEST decision ever. The tattoo artist from Exclusive eventually called me back to relay a message from the piercer: just take it out. That's it. No apology, no "let's try to fix it" - nothing. No solution, just wanted me to do it myself. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THAT SUGGESTION. That is not professional piercer, that is a RETARDED thing to do four days after a piercing. And by the way, do you know what happened when Cody took out the shitty nose ring from Exclusive? I bled all over the place, Carrie style. GUSHING BLOOD. So, if I had taken shithead's advice, I would've bled everywhere unexpectedly and I would've gone fucking ballistic. Luckily, Cody was awesome enough to keep me calm, blood all over my face and neck aside. Do not give Exclusive Ink business. They do not care about their customers. read more

I give it a three because ... Well here's the story ... I've been wanting to get a naval piercing for over a year. So one random day, I decided that I should get one sometime soon but I didn't want to do it alone so I asked my boyfriend's sister if she was gonna get a piercing. She wanted a lip piercing, so we made a deal that we'd go together. We looked on Yelp to see what places we should go to and which accepted Visa. We were supposed to go somewhere else, but we ended up going to Exclusive because the piercer of the other place was available at around the same time the Exclusive was. Plus, the price was going to be at around the same amount anyway; $50 for both. I came with my boyfriend, his sister, and his cousin. We felt pretty welcomed. My boyfriend's sister and I filled out some papers and then we were set to go. The piercer was the guy with the big gauges, and he has a painting of himself on the wall. Well, there's a lot of paintings on the wall, but yeah there's one of himself. Anyways ... Now the naval piercing wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was actually pretty quick. Just make sure you chillax especially if you don't like needles. I just closed my eyes and took deep breaths. The lip piercing seemed pretty quick as well. Also, make sure you tell the guy what kind of jewelry you want because he'll just put on whatever, well whatever looks nice. So the piercings went well ... But when it was the time to pay ... he straight up just said he doesn't take cards but all we had were cards. BUT it clearly says on their Yelp site and on their windows that they take Visa and whatnot ... So we had to go all around the world, from bank to bank, and her house and back ... just to find a way to pay for the piercings. That took about an hour, hunting for a way to pay. It was a mission, but they should at least have a sign that says they don't take cards or take off their signs and change their info on Yelp. Ughh. But then again, it could have just been that day. BUT STILL! Why would you have those signs if you don't take them?! For any of you reading this ... I suggest calling and asking whether they take whatever you're going to pay with because I'm not sure if the "not accepting credit or debit" thing is only for piercings. YUP! read more

Let me just start off by saying I think the professionalism in this shop is at an extreme low. Went with a friend a shortly after she turned 18 too get her first professional tattoo, it was a walk in so we expected too wait longer than if we had made an appointment. We were helped somewhat quickly and we were led too a computer too search for something my friend wanted rather than having someone sketch it out. After my friend had found what she was looking for the artist who was helping us totally disappeared for 30min+. When we finally found him, my friend let him know she had found something and he told us he needed too finish a tattoo on someone else and then he would get everything ready so we sat in their waiting area for a while until everything was ready to go. Expecting too sign something and show proof of identification, he just started tattooing. Although my friend was a legal adult and it was legal for her too get tattooed, they did NOT check for her proof of identification and that is a big mistake. She could have been 17 or even younger and they failed too check so if they are willing too break rules such as this major one just so they could make quick money, I wonder what other kind of sketchy things they are doing in this shop like possibly not properly sterilizing their equipment which could lead too exposure of blood born diseases. Also the artist was extremely inappropriate and unprofessional it was so off putting I really didn't even feel like sitting besides my friend because of how disgusted I was by his lack of professionalism. Hopefully they don't "accidentally" tattoo minors and engage in inappropriate conversations with them. I will never come back here with anyone one else because I would never approve of anyone getting tattooed here. At least the tattoo came out alright-ish. Definitely nothing special especially since she had too pick the image right out of Google images rather than having someone sketch it out. read more

just called this place because i was interested in getting a new nose ring. Supposedly they have nose rings there for sale but they cant sell them to me for some unknown reason? say what? The people working there dont seem to have a clue! read more

I love my tattoos and cannot explain how happy I am with Juan, He is the best and will not change tattoo artist. the following pictures are all the tattoos I been getting after my first review. read more

See all

Five stars for *Daniel*! I got a very simple finger tattoo, but I totally loved it, better then i expected! Daniel is very very friendly, made sure I was satisfied with his GREAT work! Definitely will be coming to him from now on. read more

Called in for 3 people to get different tattoos and greatly under estimated how complicated the tattoos were. Carlos fit two out of the three in, in his packed schedule. He was very accommodating and worked with us. He did a great job on both pieces. Definitely recommend this shop to anyone in the area. read more

Jaun Gonzalez is hands down one of the best portrait artists in the world. Its beena while.since he did.my tattoo its still amazing. I keep up on his work and it just keeps getting better. read more

Five stars for Ivan, ZERO for Fabian. Ivan did mine, and it was awesome. He was polite, professional, listened and I ended up with a better tattoo than I had expected when I first figured out the design I wanted. He even gave me a great deal (so I left a bigger tip). My girlfriend on the other hand had an awful experience. We went together, so this is all on the same day. Fabian was dismissive and even rude, interrupting her condescendingly when she tried to explain what she wanted. Nobody mentioned price but he treated her like this was her first time and she had said something like "I only have X amount of money." Not once! He was unnecessarily rough and obviously didn't care about the finished product. The only time he hung around and even made eye contact was when she pulled out her wallet to pay him for the crappiest treatment she'd ever experienced at a tattoo shop. I'd leave one star if it were just for Fabian, but Ivan was SUPER AWESOME and you should still check this place out! read more

Awesome work, specifically by Carlos based upon personal experience. I am not a regular customer and I have no tattoo on my body except the brows. After a nail spa esthectitian botched my brows touched up, I had a permanent facial expression. . Carlos was recommended. He was kind, honest and cautious. He took his time to draw prior to ensure alignment. He was able to fix the work and enhance the brows. Whew!!! This is my face, Lord have mercy, and I just could not imagine looking awkward longterm. Exclusive INK worked it out!!!! Yeeesssss! read more

I got my first tattoo here and it was amazing. They do fair prices, very careful with their work, and will cooperate with you to where exactly you want it and the size of it. Cesar did my tattoo and he did an excellent job! I'm definitely coming back here if I want another tattoo. :) read more

Exclusive Ink - My first tattoo was a success, thank you so much Cesar!! - Tattoo Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Juan is one of the best artist I know. He has found his talent and his god given gift of art. Michael Angelo could paint my ceiling but only Juan can tattoo my skin !!!! I get compliments all day on his portraits! I'm lucky they will last my lifetime! Exclusive Ink is for serious collectors of art. It is an honor to display his art for my lifetime ! read more

See all

My first time at Exclusive Ink but not my first tattoo, this would be my 4th tattoo. I went to Joe that was recommended by a friend and I was very impressed, I went in on Wednesday for a consultation and booked the appointment for Thursday the next day. I love my tattoo, Joe did a great job. It was somewhat painful but Joe was quick and thorough. I am going back to have Joe touch up a tattoo I had done a few months back. I can't wait! read more

Exclusive Ink - I got this tattoo on the right side of my waist by my hip, somewhat painful but I love it! Joe did great. Can't wait to go back - Tattoo Near Me - Salinas, California

I got my first tattoo here about two months ago and I had a bad experience my tattoo artists was Ivan and I am very disappointed by the experience. I looked for months on different artists around the area to get my tattoo because I really was hoping to cover up a scar and wanted to be sure it was done by someone who knew what they were doing so I spoke to Ivan and agreed on a date and time he ask for a $20 deposit so he could sketch something for be based on references I sent and I sent him $100 so he could see I was very committed into this. He had agreed to send me a sketch before the day so that I could see it and the night before my appointment for the tattoo I still had not received anything so I txt him but he didn't respond. The day of the tattoo he made me wait about half an hour before he showed me the sketch and I didn't like a few things so he Changed once we agreed on something he tattooed me and everything went well after the tattoo was healed and the eximente calm down I took a good look at the tattoo and noticed some mistakes and I ask Ivan if he could fix them but it appears he's mad about the few things I pointed out and rudely agreed to fix them and we agreed on a day but he rescheduled me and I have made different attempts to contact him but he doesn't answer my calls or texts. I am very disappointed because this tattoo is not what I expected and he doesn't want to fix it up. The expectation from the reality was very different and I look back into it and I realize he probably didn't put the time to sketch anything until the morning of the tattoo appointment and he really didn't sketch anything he just traced it which is not what he had talked out. Now my only concern is if my tattoo Can be fixed!? read more