been coming here for all of my tattoos with Gus. (theplug tattoos) and every time i leave I have a piece that far exceeds the idea i had. hands down one the most talented artists I've had the pleasure of knowing. 10/10 would recommend anyone to get work done by him. read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

the plug is a amazing tattoo artist felt very comfortable for my first tattoo will be back for more tattoos from him

Quality, excellent customer service!!! Doesn't matter if you want an new Tatt or piercing they got u!!! Prices are great given the quality of work I go no where else!!! read more

Highly recommend Ollie the Impaler if you're wanting a piercing. He's got a great personality and really knows what he's doing. He was very friendly and answered all my questions, even though I wasn't the one who got pierced. My friend was nervous and he was very patient with her, and was able to set her at ease. He very thoroughly explained the process to her and did the piercing without causing her any pain. He's also fair priced. He has a very clean space that is nicely decorated all around. Definitely a cool dude, while being very professional. My only complaint would be how hot the place was. It was even humid in there. read more

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My sister and I were walk-ins for two very small, simple tattoos. The artist was friendly, but the experience quickly became concerning and unprofessional. Looking back, we should have paid more attention to the red flags, but we were excited, as we'd been planning these tattoos for two years (she lives 3,000 miles away so we don't see each other much). Because we didn't have an appointment, we were assigned an artist named Jason, who wasn't even listed on the shop's website and had no portfolio available. We assumed it would be fine since our designs were so simple, my sister's was a small 4-inch tattoo on her inner wrist, and mine was a six‑word handwritten sentence on my arm. Before starting, Jason stepped outside to grab his tattoo equipment from his car. That was the first sign something was off. Before coming back inside, he took a cigarette break, and came back smelling heavily of cigarette smoke. Once we were in the room, it was obvious his hands were quite shaky. My sister went first, and her tattoo took about fifteen minutes. When he finished, he folded up a paper towel, not a sterile pad, just the same roll he'd been using to wipe ink, and placed it over her tattoo. Then he wrapped blue painter's tape around it. Not sterile, medical tape of any kind, painter tape that came straight out of his backpack. When it was my turn, he needed six attempts to place the stencil straight, and each time he repositioned it, he didn't bother wiping off the previous placement. My tattoo took under 10 minutes, and afterwards he covered it with the same paper towel and painter's tape setup. As we were leaving, I realized we hadn't signed any consent forms or waivers. When I brought it up, he brushed it off and said it wasn't necessary. For payment, he insisted on cash and pointed to an ATM, even though the website clearly states they accept credit cards. I paid with my credit card since I hadn't brought cash or debit, but he seemed irritated that I didn't use cash. When we got home and I removed the paper towel, I immediately noticed that my tattoo didn't match the handwriting sample I provided. It was supposed to be my late mother's handwriting, and the final result doesn't resemble her writing at all. I understand it wouldn't be perfect, but all he had to do was trace the stencil. Needless to say, my sister and I are both very dissatisfied with the experience. I'm sure the outcome would have been very different with another artist, but it is ultimately the shop owner's responsibility to ensure that all employees follow proper safety practices, maintain hygienic standards, and use sterile equipment. read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo artist covered the tattoo in a non-sterile paper towel and painters tape that came straight of his backpack. - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

Came in for earlobe piercings for my sister and I. Second one for my sister, third one for myself. Ollie was amazing from start to finish. Honest, calm, and professional. Thanks again, Ollie. Highly recommend them to anyone looking to get pierced. read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - My older sister getting her piercing done - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

Ollie the Impaler at Locally Famous is amazing. He walked me through my ear piercing options with patience and care. His training and experience made me feel comfortable. After care is so important to any piercing and based on my line of work, I had to go for a more traditional piercing than what I was considering. I went with two additional lobe piercings versus a cartilage option (there are soooo many different options for ear piercings and he went through all of it with me!!)! Overall, I felt like this was the best decision for me, based off the consultation with Ollie and I'm really happy with the results. This place passes all the vibe checks and I'd recommend Ollie without hesitation. 5 stars all around! read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Added third lobe (CZ stud). - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

My kids got their ears pierced here by Ollie and it was a great experience. Lots of parking and quick service. The shop has an inviting vibe and a comfortable waiting area. Someone came and asked us if we were being helped when we were filling in our paper work. Will be back for myself next time! read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Freshly pierced ears! - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

Went here for my tattoo a couple years ago. Great spot and great crew of artists to help you out. Arne did my tattoo back then and it's still looking good. read more

Haley is such an amazing artist. She really cares about your comfort. I went in for a memorial tattoo. What I left with was 100% better than what I thought I was getting. I can't wait to go back for another tattoo! read more

Ollie the Impaler is the best piercer you'll find in San Marcos!!! My friend and I came in, (I got my nose pierced and she got her belly button pierced) and we were both super excited because we've been trying to get pierced together for weeks but have been unable to find a good piercer. I remembered I came to Ollie 2 years ago for a nose piercing and he was just as friendly and has the warmest welcome for every client! My friend was terrified of getting her belly button pierced due to ptsd watching all of her friends pierce her belly button in the bathroom, bleeding, screaming, kicking due to the pain they endured by using a sewing needle. Ollie made our experience fun and calming, he reassured my friend that it would be a quick process that she would barely feel. Same for me! We had so much fun and will definitely be coming back for our next piercing. I don't think you'll find another piercer around who is as personable and warm as Ollie. If you're not sure about the piercing you want, get it! Life's too short and you can always take it out if you don't like it! read more

Gus was so nice and so patient! Me and my friend went to him for a walk in and his artwork is insane! 100% would recommend going to him. Everyone in the shop was so friendly as well! read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

This place is a tattoo lovers dream!! Whoever had the idea to take a corporate salon booth rental place (think Sola, Phenix) and turn it into a tattoo shop is a genius. Such a cool vibe! Walking in, felt nothing like your run of the mill parlor - but like a fun tattoo paradise where you could chose your own adventure. So I chose my own adventure, and wound up scoring an appt with the artist I literally IG stalked this morning, by pure chance. (I recommend you follow Locally Famous on insta, pick an artist and book with them directly- I just have good luck with day-of tattoos. My art was hand drawn by Oscar Gudino (insta handle _gudinotattoos) and we spent 3+ hours together, with my hubs, laughing our butts off to his streaming tv, and even got to experience a new fave show! I've got a handful of old "friend of a friend" tats, in fact most of mine are. But I'm getting older and I don't want to mess around with someone's garage. The space is very clean, the vibe is fun. Everyone we encountered today was really fun and friendly- when I called looking for an appt, Piro answered the phone. I told him what I was looking for, and when I arrived, he referred me to Oscar. Clearly there isn't a vibe of competing for appts, but just going with your gut and helping someone find their tattoo person. (Which the owner, Gordo, promises on their website and I found to be true) My new tats are INSANE. The amount of care Oscar put into this job - he literally drew a straight line down all 10 fingers before starting his freehand drawing. I'm so impressed with the quality of work, I had to post tonight. I couldn't hold back my excitement and blurted all the other projects I want to get on the books with him. Lost my chill and everything. My heart is full, each of these symbols has a personal meaning for me; and because I fly by the seat of my pants with "meaningful tattoos" my results.... Vary? Glad to have met Oscar, and looking forward to giving him all of my money. If you are looking for GREAT tattoos. Highly recommend. If you're not willing to pay for the artists time and prep, please stay away from this place and keep getting flash tattoos or tattoos from a friend of a friend. read more

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Really great! We had Ollie for our piercings, and he did a wonderful job explaining the process and care throughout our experience. He was calm but also cracked some jokes to make us feel comfortable. You could tell he is very trustworthy, will definitely visit again! read more

Ollie was great and so gentle. If I decide to put earrings back in I will definitely go back! Great service!

Walking in the shop is really big and so pretty looking! The artists were all nice and helpful regarding what I was getting and who was doing it! I did a $100 get what you get and Fernando did so amazing and added onto the picked flash and I'm so obsessed. read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

Love the piercer very much, always gives me the perfect piercings, amazing after care instructions, and even provides his own piercing wash that works great! read more

We took 5 minors to get their ear piercings and Ollie could not have been more wonderful. It's a great price and a clean room! Ollie made all the little girls feel so calm and he explained everything step by step and we didn't feel rushed at all. Would 100 percent recommend taking your littles here! The girls have been planning for their 10th birthday and I'm so happy we found this place!!! Thank you so much Ollie for making an unforgettable experience! read more

Now that a full 90 days have passed since my daughter's last piercing she is all healed up and ready to re-pierce. Today we went back to Ollie to get her ears pierced correctly. From start to finish, he was gentle, patient, and kind to my (awkwardly nervous) kid. He kept her calm and happy, talked her through every step, and helped make sure her earrings were placed in just the right spot on each lobe. The piercing itself was quick and carefully done, with completely sterile tools, gloves, jewelry, and surfaces. After the piercing, Ollie took plenty of time to walk us through after care instructions and answered any questions we had. My daughter was all smiles with a lollipop and beautiful titanium earrings as we walked out. Thank you, Ollie, for a wonderful piercing experience for my sweet girl. I highly recommend him for ear piercings for any age kids. read more

Arnie is absolutely incredible! I sent him a photo of an idea I had and he made it come to life. I love that he added some of his own creativeness to my tattoo. Very easy to book with Arne and he made the whole process easy from start to finish. I also like the vibe of the tattoo shop. Bathrooms were extremely clean and had some wonderful decor. Can't wait to book my next appointment! Prices are extremely fair and the work is stellar read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

My daughter has gotten her ears pierced by a couple different people but none of them were as AWSOME as Ollie The Impaler!!!! He pierced her left Rook and Tragus and she had such an amazingly fun experience with him she HAD to come back today for the shop's Friday the 13th sale to get her Right Tragus pierced by him! If your looking to get a piercing and a handful of good laughs then you HAVE to stop by Locally Famous Tattoo and see Ollie The Impaler!!!! read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tragus and Rook piercing by Ollie the Impaler!! - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

Ollie was awesome!! Got my flat piercing and compared to my conch (one by a different piercer) it actually felt like nothing Ollie did it so quick. They did such a good job. Hours later feels like nothing. Very happy :) read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

Love this place! Everyone here is super friendly and super talented. I've been tattooed by a few artist here but i've been ongoing with Tristan. he's super friendly and is great at making custom art. if you want something original he's the guy to go to. the piercers are super nice here too i've gotten a few and they will always help with changing out jewelry no charge . seems like a fun family here. read more

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I called and got to come down same day . Really good Vibes amazing service and experience!! read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Amazing experience and really good service !! - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

I've been getting tattooed by Gordo for about seven years! I love getting tattooed by Gordo! He is a rad guy to hang with an excellent artist and just an all around good dude! I always leave stoked on my new piece! Nice clean shop the other artists are cool people as well! Definitely recommend Locally Famous! read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - 5 year old tattoo by Gordo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

Thank you again Aleksey Ponomarev for the absolutely awesome job you did on my tattoo... thanks for taking the time to work with me to find exactly what I wanted, and for creating the drawing ahead of time... I absolutely love it and I truly could not be happier. read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - by Aleksey Ponomarev - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

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Got my nostril pierced by Ollie and he is such a quick and fast piercer. He walked me through it and things went smoothly.

My boyfriend and I had an amazing experience at this shop and greatly appreciate the hospitality of everyone we encountered whilst here! Super sick aesthetic inside and clean environment. I want to give a special thank you to the artist Sophie, who was more than welcoming, attentive, and genuinely focused on fulfilling all of our needs & exceeding our expectations when bringing the pieces we envisioned to life!!! Booking an appointment was super painless as well, I highly recommend stopping by and paying Soph a visit!!! You can check out some of her work over on Instagram @Art_by_spazzo :) read more

I love this tattoo shop! I've gotten 3 tattoos all by Shyanne and I love them all! I found them on Instagram and followed Shyanne and I am in love this shop is super clean and I'm has a really good vibe! I can't wait to get more tattoos from Shyanne! read more

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I got pierced by Ollie. Very professional! and explained everything as he went along. Really happy with the experience overall. This shop is huge and very clean. Will definitely come back! I love my new helix piercing :) read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

Super sweet ! And did amazing on my snake tattoo Definitely going back for another tattoo read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

I go to Haley Rogers and I followed her to this shop from a shop in fallbrook. She is absolutely AMAZING and has done all of my 8 tattoos. Everyone there is super nice and very attentive. I always feel comfortable when I come in. I highly recommend coming here and haley as well. read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - a few of my favorites that she has done - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

Gus aka the plug did my fine line tattoo and I couldn't be any happier! The response time, quality, honesty and perfection was more than I had expected! I highly recommend him! read more

I'm very pleased with the professionalism and talent of the owner Gordo who fixed my bad butterfly tattoo and took me last minute as my artist had cancelled my appointment. I love my purple butterfly . THANKS Gordo read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

I got my nipples pierced here and they did amazing! Ollie was my piecer and he was very patient with me and kind. Honestly could not have asked for a better experience. Prices here are super amazing (if you get two it CAN be cheaper then one maybe) Very patient and reminded me to breath which is VERY important when getting a piercing so I am thankful. He also gave me gummies and water after so my blood sugar went back up because you really do get lightheaded and unable to move for a few minutes after the piercing.... Anyways can't submit a pic of nipple piercings cause that's weird but they did amazing 11/10!! read more

By far the best tattoo experiences I have ever had!! I've gotten tattooed by Gus (the plug) before and he always goes above and beyond to make sure we're comfortable! I only go to him from now on. He let us pick the music playing and gave us some candy as well. His line work is amazing and the tattoos never disappoint! I definitely recommend!! read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

This is definitely the biggest and nicest tattoo shop I have ever been in or seen and everything looks new. I've had my best tattoos done here which is why this is the only place I go now. They've taken me as a walk-in multiple times and they have always been on time with my appointments as well. Not really anything negative to say so thank you LFT much love. read more

I don't remember who it was who did my hand but awesome lady she had clean line work and i was very impressed read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - hand tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

STOKED!! I have had a whole bunch of tattoo ideas and I had nowhere to start on design wise. I reached out to Tristan and he took my ideas and completely transformed it into something I never would've imagined. Truly breathtaking how he took my ideas and put it all into one piece. I couldn't be more ecstatic with how everything turned out. Tristan was amazing and I recommend him every time you need a tattoo! So excited and thank you again bro! read more

Locally Famous Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Marcos, California

Got my septum pierced and Ollie was really nice, they walked me through the process and aftercare instructions. It was also very clean inside read more