I recently got my third tattoo from Gilda, but it was the first at her and Jon's new shop! The location of Lady Octopus Tattoos is convenient--right off the main drag in Clarendon and easily walkable from the metro. The studio is pleasing to the eye and all decked out with Gilda, Ellie, and Jon's own artistic creations and collections, which makes for an authentic experience. Most importantly though, the environment is welcoming and comfortable to be tattooed in. Jon is responsive and professional in setting up appointments and ensuring all things are aligned come tattoo day. As for the tattooing process, I highly recommend simply providing Gilda with just basic ideas and then letting her talent take over from there. I urge you to open up conversation with Gilda, ask her for her thoughts and opinions, allow her to be honest about her feelings on things. Leverage her professionalism. I watched Gilda sketch the design for one of my tattoos right in front of me (in awe!). We discussed ideas on the fly and Gilda would incorporate as she saw fit, or take a thought in a more sensible direction. For this last tattoo, Gilda even free handed additions to the stencil on my back after we reviewed it in the mirror together! Most times, Gilda will even have prepared sketches to bring to the table and work off of upon your arrival--she thinks about designs for your tattoo in advance of your appointment. A tattoo from Gilda is the prime example of customized and unique! Not only are the results top notch (Gilda's lines are sharp and the tattoos age fantastically), but getting a tattoo at Lady Octopus is fun. If you were to walk in and view a tattoo in progress, you would see laughing and chatting throughout. Gilda has a light touch and checks to make sure you are comfortable as she works. The tattoo is complete before you know it due to Gilda's efficiency and how enjoyable process is. Go say hello to Jon, Gilda, and Ellie! read more

Gilda Acosta, the owner and artist extraordinaire behind Lady Octopus (formerly of a prominent DC tattoo outfit) is an artistic genius and amazing person. Not only does Gilda place beautiful art for a lifetime on your body, but her easy going, quick-to-smile personality puts the tattoo experience over the top. I admit I'm not very good at the pain part of getting ink, but Gilda is great at putting me at ease, is patient when I need to take a break, and I often end up so lost in interesting conversation or laughter that I forget I'm getting tattooed (at least temporarily, until my stupid nerve endings remind me what is going on...). Finally, Gilda has a remarkable talent for translating my ideas and half-baked thoughts into a tattoo - I've trusted in her artistic vision repeatedly, and have *never* been disappointed; the outcome is always way better than I had imagined before the consultation. I have gotten three tattoos from Gilda so far (more to come - having the tattoo is well worth the pain), and there is no other tattoo artist I would go to in the DC area. read more

Amazing experience! Could not have asked for a more sophisticated, hands-on, and comfortable experience from the minute I walked in to seeing my finished tattoo for the first time. I got 3 simple letters, initials of a loved one I lost early in life. Although the design was simple, the meaning was important as I wanted a symbol to my guardian angel on my left shoulder, always looking out for me, having my back, close to my heart. Gilda was so receptive and creative in discussing what we could do, where we could do it, and how it might look once finished. I felt completely confident and comfortable, and that was vital to what I needed out of this experience. After the fact, I had little to no irritation, itching, or discomfort in the recovery phase. I HIGHLY recommend Lady Octopus to anyone who wants a high-class experience that truly translates to artwork on the body. Thank you Gilda and the rest of the team! read more

So many wonderful things to say about Gilda and Jonathan, that I don't know where to start! First of all, this is not a tattoo shop (and I've been in many), but more of a tattoo studio. For the nervous client, there are sooo many positive vibes flowing from this place that one would feel immediately at ease. And also, the wonderful and beyond cool smooth reggae music playing in the background adds to the "chillness" of the atmosphere. I had the honor of working with Gilda for the first time yesterday evening and I'm truly looking forward to our follow up sessions. What she drew up for me was exactly what I had envisioned. And her ideas are extremely artistic and creative. And her linework? AWESOME!! The professionalism exuded from both Gilda and Jonathan are beyond compare! If I could give Lady Octopus 10 stars, I would. Thanks again for a marvelous tattooing experience. You guys are the best! read more

I am so glad I found Lady Octopus! From the moment I walked I was greeted by Jon who set up my appointment, give an estimate for the piece I was wanting, and took care of all the paperwork ahead of time....he was so helpful & friendly. My artist was Ellie who I can't say enough good things about! She is AMAZING! She was so incredibly friendly, talking out the piece I had in mind, and helped take my mind off the process with great conversation. She was genuinely interested in the meaning behind my tattoo, and was so easy to talk to. I had a small piece done, but was so impressed with how skilled Ellie is! From the employees, location, artistic skill, and incredible cleanliness of Lady Octopus, I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone looking to have a tattoo done!! read more

"P-Funk, Uncut Funk, the Bomb." After jamming to over 70 P-Funk concerts, it seemed appropriate for me to get P-Funk as my first tattoo. After extensive research, I selected Gilda Acosta of Lady Octopus to be my artist and she was the perfect choice! Gilda encouraged me to take my vision as far as I could take it and then she brought it to life. The finished product exceeded my expectations. Not only is she a gifted artist with precise fine lines but her warm personality and gentle needle touch made my first tattoo experience quite comfortable. It was meant to be as she and her business partner are P-Funk fans and she even played P-Funk music as a got my tattoo. My P=Funk tattoo is a conversation piece, I was uncut, and Gilda is the Bomb! read more

I've had a great experience here, and can't wait to go back! The artists re all really talented, and well worth the money. Not to mention their excellent customer service - once, I made a scheduling mistake and went there when I only thought I had booked an appointment in advance (but actually hadn't), and they still managed to get me on the schedule for that day, just to be nice. I got my latest piece done by Marjorie, and it looks great! The tattoo itself was based on an illustration in a novel, so what I wanted was very specific. I was so impressed with her ability that I ended up asking her to add some customization that turned out amazing! I had a great experience all around, and highly recommend them to anyone who asks. read more

Gilda has been tattooing me for years, she has done 9 different tattoos on me. Her work is incredible . She is truly a magician when is comes to line work. I visited her new shop and was amazed. It's a beautiful space with a friendly inviting energy. I have been tattooed by many different artists all over the states. I have never found anyone better than Gilda. Not only is she an amazing artist she is one of the kindest most thoughtful people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I wish I could give her place more stars than 5. I am one very very happy customer and will continue to be until I run out of space for tattoos :) read more

Gilda has been working on a half sleeve for me for several months now and we're almost finished. She is a brilliant artist and I searched for a long time before I found her. I truly do feel like I'm now a walking work of masterful art. Aside from her amazing skills, she is also super kind, nice to chat with, and just generally chill. I think it's important for tattoo artists to have a good bedside manner so that the positive energy flows into the art while you're getting it done. I am sad that our project is ending and I'm already brainstorming a new one, partly so I can visit Gilda again. Highly recommend! read more

Gilda is a true artist. Whether it is bringing your tattoo idea to life or creating a truly unique one of a kind piece, you will not find a better skilled artist, who is also personable and willing to discuss any options or concerns to ensure your level of comfortability. I was privileged to be finishing up my back tattoo on the day of the grande opening of her shop. Lady Octopus, is an eclectic mix of an industrial chic shop that will make you feel in good hands, literally, whether you are receiving your first or 100th tattoo. (Check out the photos of watercolor French Lady and Octopus & Mermaid tattoos) read more

Gilda did an amazing job on my tattoo. The whole experience from booking the appointment to getting the tattoo was awesome. Johnathan and Gilda were always very friendly, responded very quickly to emails and answered all of my questions honestly and in detail. The atmosphere was laid back and very clean. I will absolutley go back to get more tattoos and recommend this shop to any of my friends. Thanks so much for the great tattoo and great experience! read more

I have been a client of Gilda's (pronounced Hilda) for years. She has done more than 50% of my tats. Gilda's botanical work is why I originally started going to her. After she did both of my shoulders, one in magnolias the other cherry blossoms, I knew she was my artist. She is always awesome on all counts: friendly, creative, willing to collaborate and has a gentle touch. I am so psyched she has opened her own store front! read more

My first experience getting a tattoo and what I will only know as my best!!! Jonathan and Gilda were amazing!!! Even though I was originally so nervous, they made me feel safe, at home, and so relaxed. Gilda's work was EXACTLY as I wanted it even though I didn't even know it was physically possible to get the detail of my service dog's paw print!!! I am so thankful and so grateful!!!! Thank you again Gilda!!!! read more

I love this place! The atmosphere is very welcoming and relaxing but super professional. Gilda is an amazing artist and I really appreciated that she was so easy to communicate with and you know that this is more than a job for her. She seemed very passionate about her work. Super happy with my tattoos! I have gotten so many compliments on how clean and beautiful they are. I cannot wait to go back for more! read more

Their customer service is outstanding. First time ever getting a tattoo and there is no other place I would be comfortable going to. It is very clean there and a cut above the rest. I have visited other shops and highly recommend Lady Octopus over any other. Nothing compares to their professionalism, cleanliness, highly gift artists, and how the owner runs his shop. Thank you! read more

Shop is conveniently located and very pleasant and clean. Since this was my first tattoo, and although it was a small tattoo, I was a little nervous, but the staff was very reassuring. I had a pic of what I was looking for and was more than pleased with the end results. Fely used the pic but added touches to it that took it beyond what I was expecting. read more

Stop looking, Lady Octopus is the ONLY place to go for a tattoo! The owner is a proud Arlington native and extremely nice! The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Olena is an incredibly talented artist who worked with me to get exactly what I asked for and it is beautiful! This place really cares about its clients and that matters! read more

Huge congrats to Gilda on the opening of Lady Octopus! She did a tattoo of mine nearly a decade ago, and I sought her out for my latest. She did a fantastic job and has such a sensitive eye for color. Lady Octopus has such a chill, relaxing vibe. You'll be planning to come back for your next piece even before you're out the door. read more

Fantastic work, beautiful studio. I got 2 tattoos and there was little pain, no recovery or healing issues, hardly any redness even right after. Gilda is so talented and has the academic credits to boot, with a masters from The Corcoran school of art and she's sweet, smart and can provide excellent guidance! read more