Talent original art tradition. Clean. Modern. Beautiful. I spent 6 hours on a tattoo on my thigh, it was fun and painful. I loved the results. read more

A few years ago, I would have given this place 5 stars. I think the artists are excellent, and do great work. However, they have become too "Santa Barbara." My sister and I wanted to get some work done, so we gave Sebastian a picture. He drew up a version of his own. We requested a few edits, and he sent another one that still wasn't quite right-if we're getting a tattoo, we want it to be EXACTLY what we want-and it was nothing complicated, a simple animal design, but the details were a bit off and we requested a couple more simple revisions-again, nothing major, the placement of the tail, the angle of the head, that kind of thing. At this point, Sebastian informed us we needed to find a new artist who could bring to life our "ideal" as our patronage was not worth the effort he was putting into the tattoo, time and money wise. After only TWO revision requests. Now, my sister and I have both dealt with other tattoo artists (and ended up moving on to others after this) none of whom complained when they had to re-draw a design a half dozen times. They were totally willing to work with us to make sure everyone was happy. We were very sad, having had work done by both artists before and been happy with the work. THEY DO VERY GOOD WORK. But it's still a customer service industry, and the customer is most certainly always right in this instance, as they have to live with the results forever. Sis and I both have "people" jobs and know how difficult working with customers can be, but we were not being demanding or rude or bossy or anything-we treat people as we want to be treated. So we were baffled by the bad attitude. And Sebastian got what he wanted, we stopped going to him for tats. How nice that Otherworld is doing so well they can shuck off loyal customers. read more

Sebastian is the BEST!! I highly recommend getting a tattoo from him! I got my first tatto from him about 13yrs ago and it still looks amazing. I've followed him around SB...three locations over the years and all the work he's done I keep getting compliments on. Check out the work on their facebook page or website...really consistent awesome quality! read more

Parking is on the street, be wary of the 90 minute zones because the SB parking police are evil. The two guys are great, very friendly, laid back atmosphere. Totally content to talk to you while you're getting yours done, or to sit there in silence if you're gritting your teeth and they will check on you to make sure you're doing okay. Great place to have gotten my first tattoo - with J if you're wondering. Touch ups are free. Work is amazing, lines are clean and they heal well. Got my second one a month and some later, and am planning on returning to the shop for the rest of my ink cravings. Nothing but compliments on both tatts. As for appointments, I'd probably make one just to be sure that you get one on the day you want one. Atmosphere inside is clean, laid back, there are 3-5 books sitting around for you to browse through while they break out new ink and needles for you. Shop minimum is $100, but don't let that scare you away. Think of it as an investment - you'll have it on you for the rest of your life! Also, you get what you pay for. Definitely returning here. read more

Red Flag. A recent tattoo I received from Sebastian was very disappointing. It is a black and grey tattoo that required fine/smooth lines, fine spaces with small details & detailed shading. The only thing that come out right was that he used black and grey. His line work was not SMOOTH or clean in the least, I'd say 'squiggly' & 'broken' fits the description. Details & shading were incomplete and smudgy. Fine spaces....no. After I got some of my money back (upon request) and hearing from Sebastian "I see nothing wrong..you paid for a tattoo" I found another tattoo artist to fix this very disappointing work. I give one star because I did get some of my money back. I would not recommend. read more

I got my first real tattoo (not counting my teeny wrist tattoo) at Otherworld, and since then have gotten one more. J Medina is freakin' awesome, a total perfectionist who really cares that the client gets what they want and leaves happy. As for the shop vibe, they play good music, have cool artwork on the walls, and are generally fun silly guys with good senses of humor who can riff about anything. Best shop in SB, hands down. read more

Otherworld Tattoo is the place to go if you want quality art with an eye for design and placement at very reasonable prices. I get my work done with Sebastian. He does beautiful color, is fun to talk to, and brings life to his pieces the way only a real artist can. I can bring a concept to Sebastian and let him interpret the details, trusting implicitly that the result will be stunning. I highly recommend you get your work done here if you value art above scene. I have not had any work done by J, but I have friends who have, and their tattoos are excellent as well. Be sure to book in advance, as I do, if you want a weekend appointment with Sebastian, as those slots tend to fill up quickly. The weekdays generally have more availability. If you do need to wait a month or so, I can vouch that it is worth the wait and your future self will thank you for investing your hard earned cash and irreplaceable skin with someone who knows what he is doing. I also recommend, if you receive any advice as to the content or layout of your tattoo, that you take him up on it! read more

Otherworld Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I got my first tattoo last Friday from Sebastian at Otherworld. My bestfriend and I had read several great reviews of him and found them to all be true. I was nervous at first but he put me at ease with his calm demeanor, professionalism, and obvious expertise. THe shop was clean, easy to find, and it had a comfortable atmosphere. For all of you first timers, just go to Sebastian and you won"t have a thing to worry about! read more

Otherworld Tattoo is an amazing shop located just off of State street in Santa Barbara. There are two amazing tattoo artists working here. I've been tattooed by J Medina & we are currently working on a large back piece. It's amazing & I always have a great time, every time I go in. I'd recommend going in checking out their books. These guys are just the best!! read more

This was my second tattoo, but my first in SB! I had searched around for a couple weeks, and my friends recommended Otherworld. AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! very friendly and easy to talk to. Sebastian did my tattoo, just a short saying in latin on my foot. great shading and perfect size. I just told him what i wanted and he came up with it right away. awesome pricing, TIP THESE GUYS, they deserve it! :) read more

The best tattoo shop hands down! I have been getting work done here for years. I always leave happy. Constantly getting complements on J's artwork. If you want a beautiful custom tattoo, this is the place to go. read more

Went in to get a fairly detailed piece because it was a hand drawn sketch that had a lot of gray and black detailing and shading. Sebastian did an amazing job. He understood the vision and captured the lifelike quality that I wanted. I'll never go anywhere else in SB for a tattoo. Small intimate atmosphere with great music and a mellow shop vibe. read more

Saw J last night and was treated very well. Being in the military getting tattooed is a tradition and traditional tattoos are my thing. He new exactly what I wanted, I gave him a few ideas and let him run with it. He exceeded my expectations. I ll be seeing him again real soon. Thanks J and Otherworld Tattoo! read more

Been to a couple shops around SB over the last seven years and as far as I'm concerned this place has the best vibe and more importantly does quality work. Sebastian and J Medina are super friendly dudes, well rounded artists, and they treat their customers with respect. It's a good idea to make an appointment because they're usually a little busy, but it's worth it because they don't overbook and then flake out or rush through appointments. Working on a full chestpiece/cover up with J Medina right now. He does really good Japanese work, knows his stuff and pays attention to detail. Can't wait to get more work done here! No intimidation or snarky ultra-inflated egos, just solid looking tattoos. read more

Derek Bering killed it on all 3 of my tattoos! Such a cool shop and I will consider going just to see Sebastian, his work is badass :)

Otherworld Tattoo has remained my go-to for almost twenty years. The shop is clean, organized, and highly professional. And Sebastian is top-notch to work with...solid, beautiful tattoos in a friendly and professional environment. Always have and always will recommend. read more

i will never go anywhere else. they were so amazing and made you feel completely relaxed, amazing artists they captured exactly what i had envisioned, and reasonably priced. read more

Sebastian has beautifully reworked all of my old tattoos that I had received somewhere else. He's an exceptional artist and we're lucky to have him in Santa Barbara. And, everyone at the shop is friendly and laid back. I'm very thankful to have found Otherworld Tattoo and for the many hours Sebastian has spent creatively fixing and upgrading work that was done by others. I highly recommend this shop. A+++ read more