It's been a long journey since 2022, and here I am in 2025 still going through tattoo removal. I've held off on writing this, but I think I'm finally ready to share my experience. I originally went to Mary to get a tattoo of a paper crane with "Mary" worked into the design. I had gotten a small tattoo from her before, and she was super nice and warm -- which is what made me comfortable going back for a bigger piece. When I arrived for this session, she seemed friendly and welcoming at first, but her vibe shifted. She was kind of cold and dismissive once things got going. Looking back, I should've taken that as a red flag to maybe not go through with it, but I brushed it off. I gave her several reference photos and she drew something up. During the session, I chose not to look because I wanted it to be a surprise -- but I was still checking in, asking questions like, "The blues are going to be really light like the photo, right?" Just trying to make sure we were aligned on the look and colors. When it was done and I finally saw it, I was shocked. It didn't look like the reference at all. The lines weren't straight, some looked blown out, and the light blues just looked muddy... and it looked disproportionate. It had none of the delicate, clean feel I'd been going for. It honestly looked like something done by a beginner. I kept telling myself maybe I'd get used to it or it would look better once it healed -- but the more I looked at it, the more I hated it. Within a few weeks, I was already looking into laser removal. The clinic told me I had to wait about two months for the tattoo to fully heal before starting, and I did. Then I began my removal journey, which I'm still going through today. It's been tough, but the tattoo has faded a lot, and I'm finally starting to feel like myself again. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I think I paid around $220, including a drawing fee. One of my best friends is a tattoo artist, and he once told me something I'll never forget: "Good tattoos ain't cheap, and cheap tattoos ain't good." That definitely hit home for me after all this. Just sharing my story -- along with my reference photos, Mary's drawing of what she will be tattooing, what she actually tattooed, and the progress from my laser sessions -- in hopes it helps someone else avoid the same experience. read more

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I found Mary's work on Instagram and am so glad I did! I was immediately impressed by her floral work, as I had never seen anything like it. There was a 4 month wait from when I scheduled to appointment day (like doctors, restaurants, and specialists, a long wait list means you've found the best). She sent me my sketch a couple days before the appointment. Mary's studio is peaceful and professional. I brought headphones and was amazed that we were done in approx. 30+ minutes. Girl is QUICK at her craft! The price was incredibly fair for the beautiful work. It's been 3.5 years and the tattoo still looks good as new! (With proper care-all of Mary's clients know you wear SFP for LIFE) I ended up referring my best friend to Mary, who's now gotten several tattoos done by her! I highly recommend her to everyone-especially if you're looking for floral and/ or color. She's an incredibly gifted artist that I was fortunate to find! read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

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Lucid Illusions is my go to Tattoo studio. I've been going to Mary since my very first tattoo. The new location on Senter Rd. San Jose is so beautiful. I was so impressed when I went for my new tattoos in June. So, glad I found Mary because i honestly wouldn't go anywhere else. She knows exactly what I want. She's super talented, patient, gentle, clean & knows what she's doing. Definitely a place you can trust and affordable too. Worth every penny. I'm always getting compliments on my tattoos especially my latest. Thank you Mary! read more

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Super happy with my tattoo! Thank you Mary for making my vision come to life. This tattoo took 8 years to finish because I've moved out of state, and it was hard to find an appointment that fits my schedule when I do visit CA. Mary is incredibly quick! We finished within 3 hours plus she was able to do a sibling tattoo for me too! I would definitely recommend Mary to anyone who is looking for a tattoo artist! The shop still requires you to wear a mask inside, and to sanitize your hands when you enter. I appreciate that a cooking show was on while I was getting my tattoo done, definitely made the time go bu faster. And if you didn't want to watch, there was also two birds that can keep you entertained (they were eating the whole time lol) read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

I've been going to Mary for a while now and i absolutely love her. She's professional, honest and very hygienic. I'd come back a million times. read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Latest tattoo. - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

So this was my first tattoo, and honestly, this turned out better than I had expected. I highly recommend Mary to anyone looking in the Bay Area for a tattoo! I was nervous, but also super excited. I got an ouroboros symbol from Full Metal Alchemist. I saw that Mary had done the tattoo design before with her other clients in the past. I loved the sharp flawless lines, and this turned out much better than I had expected. Disclaimer: I suffer from chronic vertigo so certain movements, or laying down for a while can trigger a dizzy spell for me. When I disclosed this to Mary she was super accommodating and very sweet. She made sure I was comfortable on the chair during my tattoo. She even went out of her way to prop the chair to a level I was comfortable with. The whole time she was tattooing me, she put on the anime one-piece, while talking to me. It was a good distraction, and it made me feel like the whole process was a breeze. Overall I highly recommend her to all my friends. Mary is very talented at her craft and genuinely cares for her clients. read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - The Ouroboros symbol from Full Metal Alchemist is on my left forearm. Photo by Mary. - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

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This review has been way overdue. I have been looking for a tattoo artist to do two of my requests for a while. However, I wanted to connect with an artist who also understands why I wanted my tattoo. I'm glad I met Mary through a mutual friend and connected with her. Mary is an amazing artist and worked with me to have my pieces made how I wanted it to be. Before the session, she explained the process and provided post-treatment care instructions. During the session, she made sure I was calm and relaxed throughout. She made it seem like it was not painful at all, especially if you never had a tattoo before. After the session, she reiterated post-treatment care and made sure I was satisfied with my tattoo. Maybe I'll get another one soon. I recommend Mary for your next tattoo! read more

Originally found Hao through a mutual for a smaller piece, but ended up browsing other options for a while. Then one day, I randomly felt like getting a spine tattoo, and he ran with it, which I really appreciated. He asked me to send over some reference photos to get a feel for the vibe I wanted, and we scheduled a date to go over the idea and take some measurements. Hao was super nice and welcoming, and you can tell he really pays attention to detail. We set the tattoo date, and as expected, I got the design the day before the appointment. I had a few questions, and he answered them all and was really reassuring. The day of the appointment went great. We got the paperwork out of the way, did final measurements and stenciling, and throughout it all, Hao kept checking in with me to make sure I was doing okay, plus he made me laugh a few times, which helped lighten the mood. He was super professional and extremely detailed. This was my first bigger piece, and I think it turned out amazing, especially considering I went into it just knowing I wanted "a spine tattoo" without any solid idea of what it would be. I'd 1000% come back to Hao again and would definitely recommend him to my friends. The studio was really clean, and there were tons of cool designs and fun little stickers around too. read more

I've been to Mary for many years not only for my tattoos but my hair too! She not only makes her clients feel comfortable and heard, but puts her heart and soul into her work and is always bringing your ideas to life! Time flies by when you're working with Mary because she's honestly super funny, has a great vibe, and before you know it you've not only had great conversation but beautiful ink on you as well! I've recommended Mary to a lot of my friends and others who get curious when they see one of my tattoos and ask who I've gotten work done from. They've also enjoyed their experience with her! 10/10 as she'll always be someone I trust with my body and my ideas, who'll always take the care and time to work with you! read more

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The shop is cute and super clean. The staffs were really nice and friendly also very talented. I had my forearm tattooed by Grace. She guided me through the whole process, was super understanding and answered all question that I had. With her suggestions and talents the tattoo turned out even better than I expected . I can't wait until this piece finishes. Shout out to Grace and Lucid Illusion until next time. read more

My sisters & I wanted to get another sister tattoo and we wanted it to be perfect! We wanted our parents' business logo, but wanted it done a certain way. We met Mary for a consultation a few months ago and talked to her about our vision & showed her some examples. Let me tell y'all something... Mary understood the assignment! She really brought our vision to life & it's honestly so beautiful. She did the tattoo for the three of us (each in a different location). Overall, it took like 1.5 hr?? Honestly can't remember bc time went by so fast. She's so easy to talk to and even let us watch some Turning Red & hang with her bird, Puff. Highly recommend her for tattoos. Pls note that she is quite popular & very booked out! But you know, some things are worth the wait! Thank you so much, Mary! This tattoo is very meaningful to us, so we really appreciate you! read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - This is the tattoo after 4 days! It's beautiful! - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

Really really enjoyed my sessions with Mary and also Hao! Easy to reach out and make appointments. There can be a little bit of a wait but it's because they are popular! Def worth the wait. Picked up some flashes from the owner, Mary, and her apprentice Hao. Both friendly people with really really good skills. Both artists have great line work and techniques. Parking is right there and abundant. Just be sure to yield to oncoming traffic as it's a one lane in and out. ;) Payment methods- Venmo, cash etc. ez pz! The tattoo shop has a really good covid procedure and check ins. Bring your ID to the appt, etc. They provide all the instructions. I really hope to come back to Mary because her watercolor artwork is amazing! Looking forward to Hao's designs he makes in the future as well! read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - My leaf tattoo from Mary - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

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I got both of my tattoos done by Mary. My first one was in 2018 when they were at their old location. I found her on instagram and the process was quick and easy. First some texts, then a consultation, then scheduling the appointment. When it comes to the design, she is very detailed and communicative about it. I love how her sketches are unique and she will usually send it a week before the appointment. The first tattoo healed great! I haven't ran into any problems at all. Just got my second piece done and the healing process is going smooth. Saniderm on the piece for 5 days, which was really low maintenance! I'm very happy with it and highly recommend her for girly tatts and floral pieces :) I already booked my next one. read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Geometric lotus done in Oct 2018 - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

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If you're looking to get a tattoo, I highly recommend coming. Hao extremely talented and he'll give you his honest opinion to get the best tattoo read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Hao is an amazing tattoo artist I've had my torogoz done almost 3 years ago and they look amazing - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

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I've now had 3 tattoos done by Hao at Lucid and they are perfect!!! Quality is amazing, the staff is amazing-so knowledgeable and talented. Very chill environment with nice and friendly people! read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Blue Ivy flash tattoo done by Hao - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

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Always a wonderful experience here with Mary. She makes me feel comfortable and she's very good at what she does! No walk ins and she's usually booked out for 3-6 months which leads me to believe she's worth the wait. 10/10 highly recommend! read more

Mary is the absolute best! Just got my second tattoo from her and as with the first time, it was such a great experience. She's amazing at what she does! I got an elephant in honor of my dad and gave her the inspo pic and a couple ideas I wanted to incorporate and she knocked it out of the park! I don't know how she does what she does but the piece came out better than I ever could have imagined. She's also got great health and safety protocols in place which is super appreciated. Thank you again SO MUCH Mary!! read more

Mary has been extremely kind and wonderful. Her artwork is superb, and I cannot think of a negative thing to say about her! From consultation of what I wanted to transforming it into a piece that I absolutely love... I'm speechless. She's captured everything I wanted and more. It's so beautiful, I can't wait until I get another piece with her already! Thank you, Mary. You are truly the absolute best!!! read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Lace dragon wrapped around a geisha with a sword, and peonies all around. I asked for contrast, and I got it! LOOVEEE IT. - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

I got a matching tattoo with my sister for her birthday and Hao did an awesome job. It was my first tattoo, but Hao walked through the whole process and made sure I was comfortable. Nonetheless the result came out great and I really appreciate Hao designing the piece for us. Would totally recommend if you're looking to get a tattoo, or maybe more. read more

I absolutely love going to Mary. I have recommended several friends and they also loved working with her. She is super chill, clear, and easy to work with as she really takes the time to listen and sketch the perfect design. I have gone to her several times and have never felt uncomfortable, which is a super important factor as I struggle with anxiety. She does book quickly, so I recommend having your tattoo ideas ready to get an appointment. read more

Mary is the best tattoo artist I've ever worked with!! I got one tattoo done in 2017 and then a couple more in 2020. She's super nice and a great communicator and listened to all of my requests. The artwork turned out better than I could have ever imagined! She encapsulated my heritage perfectly in tattoos. I've recommended her to multiple friends and they have all agreed that she's the best. Thank you Mary!! read more

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Another amazing tattoo by Mary! She is the best! This is the second moon tattoo from her and fourth tattoo. She never disappoints! read more

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I 100% recommended seeing Mary for your next tattoo! She is so down to earth, personable, funny, and EXTREMELY talented! My partner and I went to her for the 1st time recently. We wanted couple themed tattoos of our favorite animals (a panda & an otter). We told Mary the story/meaning behind our animals and she made our vision come to life! She went above and beyond with her art and customer service. The shop itself was extremely clean and there's a very convenient parking lot with lots of space! The COVID-19 protocols/safety procedures followed in the shop made me feel very safe and I appreciated that so much. Mary also has music on in the background which helped relax me and stay distracted during those painful moments. She was also super kind and understanding that I needed a few breaks. Her pricing is also very affordable! My partner and I will definitely be coming back for more tattoos! Thank you again Mary! read more

Mary is seriously the best! She's super communicative about setting up times and even though she's very tightly packed when it comes to scheduling, waiting to get tattooed by her is so worth it bc her work is great! She did a lil moon for me about a year ago and I went back this week to get another tattoo. She touched up my moon for me and I'm super pleased with the final result of both tats. She always makes me feel really comfortable and I love that she's really efficient. I will be coming here for my future tattoos and I'm really excited to continue adding to my collection. Also her bird is sooo adorable I look forward to seeing Puff every time I go :) read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

Mary was nice enough to schedule me in before the usual opening time! I thought, considering the size of my tattoo, that it wouldn't take very long but she really took her time and made sure it was perfect (which I really appreciated). She's super nice & chill. Plus her pricing is VERY reasonable! Would recommend her to all my friends :D Thanks again, Mary!! read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Taken just a few hours after (Ointment was applied) - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

Mary did my first tattoo ever and I could not be happier. She was booked six months out when I scheduled my appointment but it was so worth the wait. She did an incredible job and the ink is even better than I imagined. She's so nice and attentive and a very gifted artist. I had a great first experience. I will definitely be going back to her for my next one! She is also a great photographer and got some great pics after the fact. I get a lot of compliments on the piece. I refer them all to her! read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - The day after - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

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Mary was amazing! My tattoo came out exactly how I wanted it. Her shop was clean / organized and I loved that she put on a Disney movie so I wasn't just bored laying there. I highly recommend booking with her. read more

My sister and I came here back in January for a consult for a matching tattoo. We paid about $30 for the deposit as well as the sketch. We gave Mary the basis for our tattoo and she told us she would work on it. Fast forward through all the Covid-19 craziness, we've had to reschedule twice for our appointment. Being a student in SF, there were limited times I was able to come back (mostly on weekends or during school breaks). Gratefully, Mary was kind enough to make a special time for us to come as I knew I wouldn't be free to get it for another few months (we had our tattoos done in October). Lucid Illusions Tattoo is very thorough in their precautions with Covid as well. In terms of the tattoo -- I love it. Mary kept me calm as this was my first time and was thorough in telling me how to approach aftercare. I'd definitely recommend this establishment for a tattoo. read more

An incredible experience overall!!! Mary is super nice and did an incredible job on my calf tattoo. Not only did the piece have a lot of detail, it still took roughly half the time that she quoted. I highly recommend giving her the canvas that is your skin, to create beautiful artwork upon. ^_^ read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - My beautiful new quetzal Tattoo!!!! - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

Love the vibes! Adam did my tat and he was the kindest down to heart amazing artist I ever met. I'm so grateful for him. I can't wait to get another and another! Thanks Adam for making me feel good vibrations. Loved all the vibes from everyone, blessings to all read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - My lovely tats - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

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Very clean and professional! Tattooed by Mary IG: uhhhhtaco stenciled the lines but few handed all the coloring!! read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

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I had my first time visiting lucid illusions, and was pretty blown away by how nice the experience was. I recently moved to the bay area from the UK and this was my first inking on this side of the world so I wasn't sure what to expect and was a little nervous. Mary and her team were super welcoming and friendly. The studio was one of the cleanest I've ever seen, and the vibe was just great. We watched one piece in the background, shared random stories, chatted and laughed the whole time and before I knew it I was done! (Was only a small piece). In terms of the "product" - Mary's line work is some of the cleanest I've ever seen on tattoos. It's quite rare to see tattoos that look exactly 1:1 with the drawing outline, but she smashed it. Shading looks like it was done on a piece of paper, it came out so nicely. Based on the Instagram content, this was not a fluke whatsoever - every tattoo I've seen posted looks impeccable. These two things combined are why I will be coming back to this studio for more work for sure. read more

I never realistically planned to get a tattoo because I didn't have any existing rapport or trust with an artist. However, a number of my close friends who got beautiful tattoos all raved about Mary from Lucid Illusions, and so I couldn't help but see what all the praise was about. I'm happy to say Mary took away ALL of my fears, from the uncertainty of my design, to the placement on my body, all the way to the go-date! Mary took the design I've dreamt in my head for years and made it into reality - she embellished my original design in such an incredible way, all the while honoring my original concept and staying true to its simplicity. She was attentive and service-oriented upon the big day which helped my anxiety by a landslide. Thank you, Mary for making a dream finally come true! :) read more

Viet was the artist to my first ever tattoo and I couldn't have been more pleased and honored for this occurrence. I had done a shit ton of research on who would be the artist to go too in the bay area. I stalked and followed all the instagrams to get a feel of what the artist as capable of and Viet's stuck out! My goal on my tattoo was something different and new that no one usually does. I met up with Viet to discuss the design and concept which was Watercolor + Trash Polka. He has done plenty of watercolor tats in the past and that was my main reason I wanted to Viet to do my work as he has experience on them - given his social media posts. The initial consultation wasn't long. We discussed what I wanted, where I wanted and the cost. He was a great listener and his mind was imaginative as hell! He knew what I wanted even more than me! His sketch and mock-up was one of the best I've seen! Day of my appointment, he was very communicative - as he was running a bit late - no worries. He communicated and that's all that matters. He is SUPER clean in his station and work, and the studio itself was spotless in the tattoo area - which is a huge plus! His professionalism, cleanness and creative mind really made a difference in my first experience and I couldn't have asked for a better artist! read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

First of all I actually think its really hard to find a good tattoo artist but luckily through a friend I found Mary! I originally did a small tattoo with Mary and I thought She did an awesome job so I got several appointments booked with her. I had a little piece on my back a few years ago and it was never finished due to some personal reasons. I showed Mary and she said she was able to finish it o i thought sooo cool of her!!! And Ive sent here a few small tattoos here and there (she agreed to do it). she always pings me back and gives me feedback. I am getting a bunch small tattoos on my arm and eventually i would like to get a sleeve but we r still debating what works. Getting little tattoos here and there to symbol all the important things/pets/people in my life. cuz I think eventually i would want to get my sleeve so I am hoping she can incorporate whats there now into a sleeve. I love how she communicates through text which makes both of our lives so much better. Only thing girl is super booked!!! I would book now in advance cuz she is soo busssy!! I personally recommend Mary! book her now! read more

Mary has done 5/8 of my tattoos and touched up one that I got after I got a bad tattoo at a different shop. I have never had any issues with an of my tattoos. Aftercare is easy and I have never had to get a touch up. She's friendly yet focused and has very fair prices. She's taking so many covid precautions and I feel very safe in her shop. I recommend her so much. 10/10 read more

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Locations changed but the service and quality has not. Viet is still my go to guy for my tattoos and I trust him not only as an artist but a friend. Hit him up for an appointment because he's usually booked. read more

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Here's the bi annual update!! It's been well over 2 years and I'm still here - pretty self explanatory, right? I don't think I need to say much in update other than the new shop is fully set up and running for anybody who doesn't know yet. I scratched my past statement about letting only viet do my back piece and today mary did a part for me to start!!! I didn't even know the difference and best part it didn't hurt (anymore than having needles on your back should). The place is clean, the people clean, the art..man the lines ? They're clean. Come visit viet mary & Marcus here - pics posted !! read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Updated, fully shaded background. Last step ... coloring the main part - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California

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In my search for a reputable talented artist and clean shop, I was introduced to Illusions Cal Tattoo by a close friend of mine a few years back. Since day 1, Viet has become my go-to for my ink addiction. I live in San Diego, and I still wait until I make my rare trips to norcal to get a new tat. Viet, the owner of Illusions Cal, is very chill, professional, friendly, and seriously talented. I've never really given him an easy project. It's always been something complicated and not straight forward. I have a vision, show him multiple visuals of how I want it to look, shape, feel.... and every single time, he's able to fuse up something absolutely unique and perfectly fitting. I've definitely been more than satisfied with the results of every piece and have been recommending friends to go here for their tattoo needs. Through the years and many hours spent together with Netflix on that tattoo table, we've become friends. Thanks for everything so far, Viet! Can't wait for my next piece! :D read more

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Jerry is seriously the best! I'm surprised it's taken me this long to write a review given how many times I've recommended him to my friends. His prices are more than fair for his level of skill, artistic range, and attention to detail. He literally brought my vision of the perfect Haku back piece to life and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. During the booking process he was very accommodating and was willing to work around my schedule and squeeze me in on short notice so I could have my tattoo done and healed up in time for an upcoming event. He's also really chill and easy to talk to which is definitely something to look for if you're gonna be stuck with someone for hours while they do your tattoo. I wish I found him sooner so I could save myself the time and money that I spent with other artists who didn't take the time to listen to what I wanted but I'm confident I can trust Jerry for any of my future tattoo needs. read more

Lucid Illusions Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Jose, California