My first visit with Gary was 2010ish. I lived locally and was reviewing the Sailor Jerry site for some flash as my first tattoo. That was where I first saw Gary's work he was a featured artist, and I was lucky enough to live a couple blocks from his tattoo parlor in the GBC. I asked if he could do my feet with my constellation. Cancer the crab and include the words Bitter Water in Navajo. I was honestly expecting maybe like stars and 69 or something like that. What he drew blew my mind away and exceeded my expectations. I have a crab walking across my foot with waves, a sandollar, and starfish. When my feet are together, it's a beautiful masterpiece, and the waves fit connecting my feet to make one flowing tattoo. The original drawing had flowers, I'm not that kinda girl, and I asked if he could make a change. Within a few minutes, he presented me with the sandollar and starfish. It was two sessions, and before anyone asks yes it hurt all tattoo " hurt." I love standing in the ocean and being amazed by my feet. That was my first tattoo almost 14 years ago! My second tattoo was my family tree. My sister has Steamboat Willie on her ankle, my other sister is a Marine, my mom's name is Kat, and my father has passed away. Every family is a little psycho and that's the haunted house on my upper arm. My sister is depicted as a zombie Mickey Mouse, and my other sister is the little green military toy hiding in the bushes. My mom's favorite cat is a Siamese cat. So, there's a siamese cat walking along a Mason grave with my dad initials. It's fantastic. Honestly, a day doesn't go by without someone complimenting all of my tattoos, especially the haunted house. Posted below are photos of my anchor, jellyfish, Poseidon, seahorse, shark, otter, and goldfish. When you find an artist that truly listens to what you want and exceeds your expectations every single time, I'm the lucky one. All this work has been done over the years and as recent as two weeks ago. I live in Los Angeles and choose to drive up to the GBC to get my work done by Gary! T Thanks, Mate read more

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Gary was great and came up with exactly what I needed. Will definitely do more work with him in the future. The shop has a good atmosphere. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - The KK is the new one. - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

This was my third session with Willow and I'm still blown away by her work. We've been building out a half-sleeve together, and I'm beyond happy with how it's coming along. The level of detail and thought she puts into every piece is incredible. Whether it's color work, shading, or fine detail--she just gets it. (Photos attached so you can see what I mean!) Willow is everything you'd want in an artist--super talented, easy to talk to, collaborative, and insanely patient. She really works with you to make sure your vision comes to life, and honestly, the end result has been even better than I imagined. Her attention to detail and ability to blend different elements into one cohesive piece is just next-level. The shop itself is awesome too. The whole environment at Sink or Swim is welcoming, friendly, and laid-back in the best way. Gary (the owner) sets a great tone, and all the artists follow suit. I've had people stop by mid-session just to compliment Willow's work--it's a super encouraging and positive place to be in. My next session will focus on adding more color and shading, and I genuinely can't wait. I'll definitely be back for more work with Willow down the line. If you're looking for a shop with great energy and artists who truly care about the work they're doing--Sink or Swim is it. read more

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I was visiting from Fresno and just decided to walk in. The artist are all very cool and friendly. The shop was clean and very unique. I got tatted by Dresdon and I will definitely be going back to get a bigger piece done. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

Becca was great! She made me feel comfortable, she helped me decide on a simple wedding band design. Everything was ultra-clean. All of the artists are professional and nice! Becca is talented! I love that she has an art degree! And, Gary, the owner is so cool! I had a really good experience and, definitely, will go back! read more

Freakin awesome place..Justin is the best..thanks for making my tattoo ideal come to life and something I will cherish forever! You put the icing and cherry on my birthday cake. Truly a pleasure chatting with you and getting to know you. Looking forward to the next one! Love the vibe in the and atmosphere in the shop! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

The vibe was super chill. We came from out of town for a Mother's Day vacation weekend and we came into sink or swim and met Becky! We all wanted smaller tattooed and She was excellent and accommodated me and my two sisters. We all got different things and she was able to make our ideas come to life. She was good convo, the shop was clean, move choices were 10/10. Becky went above and beyond for us. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Small flamingo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

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My girlfriend and I have been clients of this shop for a quite a few of our tattoos and the artists at this shop have always been stellar. The environment is always warm, open and welcoming and the atmosphere is always fun and friendly. Gary always creates the most unique and beautiful designs including a rose and hammer grandparents tribute, an amazing Nacho Libre flash and some custom cover up's and we can't wait to keep adding to our collection. Adam also designed a custom Prince tribute tattoo for my girlfriend and she always gets compliments on it. This shop cares about quality and creating connections that make you feel like you're part of the team. Always looking forward to going back! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

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AMAZING!!! We absolutely love Rebecca and her quality tattoos. Please go down to this shop and get a tattoo!! They're such a damn good group of people. read more

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Did my research. Looked at hundred of tattoos and artists and I am so happy I went with Willow from Sink or Swim! She was so pleasant and very gentle. We chatted for hours while she was working. I met the owner, Gary, and another artist named Reisa! All wonderful people! What a great experience! I would highly recommend this shop to anyone looking to get inked!!!! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - This is the universe I put my thoughts out to every night, and it has heard and answered me with good Karma! - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

We had such an amazing experience here! Rebecca was able to do tattoos for the 4 people in my family. All were very different and turned out amazing! Loved the vibe from in the shop and will definitely be coming back! read more

Walked in and Rebecca hooked it up. I will definitely be back very happy with the whole process

Wow! I'm blown away by the quality of Willow's work! Had a colorful piece done that took two hours, and it looks absolutely amazing. I found Willow through her Instagram page, and was intrigued by her use of color and innovative designs. I contacted her via email and we discussed my design (by an artist friend), costs, size and placement. We scheduled the appointment, luckily she had a cancelation and could see me shortly after my request. The studio is in a little strip mall in Grover Beach, unassuming from the outside, typical tattoo studio with three open stations on the inside. I could watch Willow and her colleagues prepare for appointments, and they are all meticulous about the sterilization of their space and all items used. I filled out my consent form and after just a few minutes wait, it was my turn. Willow placed the stencil, checked with me, found me a comfy position on the bench and got to work. She is an incredible artist and managed to recreate the design to a tee using vegan colors. During the two hours, we chatted and laughed, she'll make you super comfortable with her open and friendly personality. She wrapped my arm in Saniderm, I'm currently healing, this picture is from right after (No redness! No swelling!). I am already planning the next one, this time I'd like an original artwork from Willow. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - The finished result - wow!!! - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

This is a fun, clean, inviting shop with some amazingly talented tattoo artists! Gary was great to work with, and made my May-the-4th (Star Wars) 'napkin' sketch idea into an amazing design. He was super flexible with my schedule as well. I can't wait to get started on the rest of my ideas! read more

Hands down the best and most professional shop in SLO county. Raisa, Willow, Adam and Gary are by far the most approachable artists you'll ever meet. This is the most inclusive shop you'll ever step foot in. Beautiful people creating beautiful art. read more

If this is your first tattoo or your 100th, Sink or Swim has you covered. This shop has an amazing staff of friendly and talented artists. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

I can't say enough good things about this shop and I refuse to go anywhere else. I generally stick with Gary "Sawdust" as my tattooist (does amazing traditional style) but I've been there enough times to see that all the artists at this shop have amazing talent. Not to mention its such a nice, laid back shop. I tend to have social anxiety and I never feel uncomfortable walking in there. Everyone is super friendly and laid back. They honestly want to do whatever possible for you to enjoy the experience. read more

Got my first tattoo ever and I love it!! Adam Sweet is a phenomenal artist. Gave him a basic concept of what I was looking for and he exceeded my expectations. Couldn't be happier...if you are looking for a professional shop offering true artistry, check this place out! UPDATE: Got my second tattoo done by Adam. Amazing work once again. Thank you! read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

Got my first tattoo last week with Raisa. I was very nervous, but what a great experience! The shop was extremely clean. Four artists working. Raisa spent a lot of time with me on my design, as well as thoroughly explaining each step as she proceeded. My questions were welcomed patiently. She was gentle throughout, gave frequent breaks, and asked often if any pain or discomfort. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Raisa to anyone wanting to get a tattoo. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

Great experience! My bf and I were visiting Pismo beach for our anniversary and decided on a spontaneous matching tattoo. Sink or Swim tattoo were open for walk ins and had great reviews on Yelp. Raisa was open for walk ins and took my bf and I in. She was so kind and very accommodating and her fine line work was impeccable. We look forward to coming back for our 10 year anniversary to see her again. Thank you Raisa for taking us and for making our anniversary tattoo so memorable. read more

This is the place to get tattooed if your visiting the pismo beach area. The shop is very clean and very well kept. Gary is one rad dude, very professional. I'm very pleased with the work I got from there. I hope I get to come back and get some more from there. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

Amazing artists and super clean! Nik Blakhart did my (very first) tattoo and he did an awesome job. I felt really comfortable and safe. I went with my friend and they denied her first idea for the tattoo she wanted to get that day because they knew it wouldn't heal well and would look funky and we just found that super cool because obviously these guys care about the art and quality of their work instead of just doing what you want and getting paid. FYI $100 minimum. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

Willow designed and inked a masterpiece on my calf. Overall an incredible experience!

I didn't intend to get a tattoo but this artist was so amazing that I had to put a Handmaid's Tale inspired piece below my other work. Our tattoo artist Adam Sweet has a wonderful spirit, is very creative, and has a light touch. My tattoo came out better than my imagination conjured as Adam created a symbol from my favorite book but made it my own. Thank you Surf or Swim for making my tattoo experience so pleasant. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

Was referred to this shop by a freind ...after looking around santa maria. Adam sweet did a great job on my tattoo! Very professional and patient! Need to check this place out! read more

Recently got a really nice tattoo here, and I couldn't be happier. Gary works fast and precise. I've received tons of compliments on it and can't wait to go back to get more work done. Very friendly and professional. I highly recommend this shop, you won't be disappointed. Thank you Mr. Ellsworth read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

I've been getting tattooed here for years, and I wouldn't recommend anywhere else. I don't know why I'm just now getting to writing a review; the work is solid, the atmosphere and staff are very welcoming and make you feel safe and comfortable every visit, and the shop is always squeaky clean. I used to travel from San Luis, and now I travel from Solvang. Well worth the trip. :) read more

Beautiful shop above a book store! I loved how friendly the staff was, and it felt so welcoming from the moment I walked in. I had my two year old with me, and they even gave her some paper with color pencils to color with while I got my piercing. I highly recommend them!! The shop was really clean and had great open lighting. The piercing didn't hurt at all, and it is so well placed! read more

This shop is full of quality tattooers who really know their business. I've been tattooed by RC Kelly twice in the past two years and he's awesome. He's talented, versatile, and isn't heavy handed. He doesn't make you feel like he's doing you a favor by tattooing you. Tattoo/Client relationships are important and every experience I've had here has been a positive one. I'll be back for more, for sure. read more

Sink or Swim Tattoo - Artist: RC Kelly - Tattoo Near Me - Grover Beach, California

I've gotten my half sleeve and other tattoos done here by Adam Sweet. The quality of his work blows my mind and I'll continue coming to him until there's no more room on my body. Very polite and genuine person. And that goes for everyone else that works at this shop. You walk in and aren't intimidated as you would usually feel walking into a tattoo shop. No huge egos here and everyone is super friendly as well as professional. Love this place (obviously) so hopefully this review is helpful if you're looking for a quality tattoo shop! read more

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Just left this establishment with my sister who was here to get a tattoo. This was the oddest and most offensive experience I've had at a professional business. My sister called me over to ask about the placement of some lettering and a music note because she wasn't sure about it. They (the tattoo artist) was playing around with the placement of the design. I said to my sister, "I don't know it does look a little strange there" maybe try inside over here instead?" The tattooist got in my face saying I was being rude and offensive towards her "artistry". I immediately apologized and said "I'm so sorry I was just referring to placement NOT the design at all, I didn't mean to offend you" She then proceeded to criticize me again.. and told my sister I had "aggressive energy".. (we are the chillest people on earth btw) .. they then said "I need a minute" and walked away.. so I told my sister I was going to the store next door so that she could have some space.. let's just say that my sister left as well. Communicating what you want on your body to a tattooist is a vital part of the conversation, I'm still not exactly sure why that was such an issue. In no way did we criticize their work.. it's just letters mostly in fact, not an original design, no pictures. Perhaps they were having a bad day, but still chose to be incredibly unprofessional. In fact, calling me rude and offensive was the actual offense.. it was uncalled for and completely out of left field. read more

Keith Duggan does not dissapoint. World class tattos, professional team, clean shop, and amazing, talented and knowledgeable artists. read more

I usually shy away from writing reviews on Tattoo shops, but this is a cool little shop with very talented artists.. Looks to be 4-5 full time artists working out of there. TV on the wall with surround sound, enjoyed watching 310 Yuma during an early morning session with Adam. Cant go wrong with this shop or any of the artists. read more

If you are thinking about getting 1st tattoo, or looking 4new artist to add 2ur collection. You owe it 2 urself to stop in and check it out. Very chill, clean, professional, and friendly. Have witnessed a few different artists slinging there ink, would wear all. Mr Sawdust has what you want and is smooth as silk. I proudly have 2 pieces and want lots more!! read more

This tattoo shop is AMAZING! I've been to a lot of shops and this one is by far the best. I have 3 tattoos done by Adam and years later I still get complimented daily on them. 2 of them are just basic quotes tattoos but the line work is perfect! The last time I got work done by him my husband and I drove 2 hours from home just to come here. My husband got a cover up done and it's beautiful!!! If you are looking for an artist this is the shop to go to. Adam is great! read more

I love my tattoo from Sawdust at Sink or Swim Tattoo. I am a middle aged woman with a new tattoo (done overseas) that I wasn't happy with. I went to Traditional Tattoo on Higuera in SLO and was told the only thing I could do with my tattoo was to try to cover it up with something much bigger, and sent home to look at "cover your tattoo" type web sites. A friend said I should talk to Sawdust. I did, and am amazed at the art he created on my leg. He took something very dear to my heart, yet not quite right, and made it beautiful! The shop is very clean and I felt completly comfortable with these talented, professional people. read more

Gary (Sawdust) is sooooooo amazing!!! I have been going to him for years and will never go to another artist. He can do it all, from traditional with LOTS of color to Japanese (that is done right). He has done my whole back, both sides, half sleeve and feet. I'm running out of valuable space and can't wait to get the other sleeve done and an amazing leg piece. Honestly Gary can do it all and is super chill and funny! I enjoy just hanging out while my husband gets his work done and my sister that travels from Fresno to get work done by him. He is awesome!!!! Thanks Gary and Sink or Swim for being the BEST tattoo shop on the central coast! read more

AWESOME custom shop!!! Super clean work in a super clean shop! Very fun atmosphere as well! I mean who wants to be bored when you're being worked on for hours on end! read more

Good prices, amazing work & clean shop! I have been tattooed by Gary since 2008. This shop is always clean and that's what really stuck out when I first went in. I am always really careful about where I am getting tattooed so to see this business take pride in that made me feel really at ease. Also the prices are great. Sometimes they even have deals on tattoos so add them on your social media sites to see the updates on the art they are doing and the deals they got going on. I would recommend this shop if your coming into town to get a tattoo or if you live in the area and are looking for a talented reliable artist! read more

RC did an excellent job making me feel comfortable and I couldn't be happier with how my tattoo turned out!