This is a super cool shop that specializes in Japanese art as well as many neo-traditional styles. The music playlist is super dope and makes you feel calm. I've worked with Eli for many years and his work never disappoints. All of the artists there seem super chill and have great work too. read more

Honestly don't go anywhere else. The guys here are the best, the best service, very clean shop! We love coming here! Thank you again. read more

I'll start by saying that I LOVE tattoos. So when my tattoo artist retired I was devastated. I didn't think I could ever find another tattoo shop, let alone a tattoo artist that I would trust like I did Stephanie. When I was finally ready to maybe try a new place I reached out to Stephanie, and without hesitation she said I had to see Robert. OMG! Was she right! It was love at first tattoo! Robert is immensely talented, so much so that what started out as a single peony turned into a whole sleeve. And I'm sure I'll be added more in the years to come. Robert is not only talented, but he is funny as hell and the cherry on top is he loves glasses and dogs as much as I do. I would highly recommend him to the whole universe! As for the shop itself, it's always super clean and well looked after. All and I do mean all the tattoo artists that work there are amazing! They all welcome you in. I especially love how they bounce ideas off of each other while working on their own unique pieces. read more

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Truly one of the best tattoo shops in the Valley. I have had a few small pieces done by Mike, and most recently my friend and I stopped by for their Friday the 13th special event. Upon walking in, we were greeted by Ryan who checked us in and got us set up with the paperwork. My friend got her tattoo done by Diego who was super friendly and did an awesome job with her piece. I had my tattoo done by Shadan who was incredibly sweet and also did an excellent job on my tattoo. What makes Ten Thousand Waves so special is how FRIENDLY everyone is. Seriously, all the tattoo artists that we interacted with that evening greeted us, said hello, made conversation. I have been to other tattoo shops where the vibe is just weird, and the artists are standoffish. Not here! Also - their prices are unbeatable. I don't think I will ever visit another tattoo shop because of how amazing it is here. And of course - the shop is clean and all the artists take sanitation very seriously. read more

Coolest shop ever...... Eli is an amazing artist highly recommend this shop. It is clean and the vibe is amazing

Sick shop. Traditional style tattoo shop with some history to it. They can seriously tattoo here. But most importantly, funny and will make you feel welcomed. I got tattoo'd by a guest artist that was visiting here but Robert and Jojo can take care of your needs. Highly recommend this spot read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I was told about Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery by a good friend of mine. I got my first tattoo done by Jojo. I loved his work such an amazing artist, sweetest guy ever. Over the past 10 years I've gotten several tattoos from him all amazing work. Everyone at Ten Thousand Waves is so nice and all incredible artists. Highly recommend. read more

Mike C did my tattoo and it is gorgeous work. It healed up perfectly. Can't wait to go back for more! read more

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Currently working on my back piece with Robert Atkinson. 1 session left and already I love the piece! Not only is he an amazing funny human being but his artistry is top notch. Very fast, light handed and always goes out of his way to make sure I'm comfortable. Definitely looking forward to many more tattoos from him and his peers! read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Back piece by Robert - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I haven't written this review for two years because I've been too embarrassed. My experience is partly my fault. But now that I'm working on finding an artist to help me correct the tattoo I got here, I'm starting to go over my experience here in my head and in reliving it, I'm just so angry that I need to write this review, when I hardly ever write bad reviews. I went in as a walk-in because when researching tattoo artists for my coverup, three or four that I really liked on instagram were from this studio. But when I walked in, none of them were available. That's okay, I was assuming the other artists at the studio would be at about the same quality/artistic level. I didn't need something complicated, and I was on a time crunch because I was starting a new job teaching Mandarin students and I wanted to cover up my old mandarin symbol tattoo. I'm sorry to say I don't even remember the name of my tattooist. It was Diego or Manny, but I was so flustered and overwhelmed in the experience, it's all a blur two years on. So I came in with a handful of ideas to cover up my mandarin symbol, but every single one of them was shot down, and the worst part is, that he made me think each idea was not only merely stupid, but IMPOSSIBLE for ANY tattooist to accomplish in the coverup. Every one of my 5-10 ideas was met with a condescending smirk. You know how when you're in a toxic relationship, they make you think you can't get anyone else? Well this is the tattoo version of that - "I'm the best you can do, and you're an idiot for thinking you could do better" was the vibe. Finally, we landed on the idea of a bird. And I don't even know how this next leap was made, but there was no attempt or offer to create something with me; he seemed bored and agitated with me at that point and just had me google silhouettes of birds. I'm a people pleaser and I was feeling so guilty for burdening him so much, at this point, that I couldn't just walk out. That's not the worst part. The worst part is I was met with the same condescending reaction when I tried to ask him to make the coverup bird as small as possible, just a bit larger than the small mandarin symbol he needed to cover up. He said, no, the bird had to be as huge as it is, again, making me feel like any artist would obviously say the same thing. Now, in the years since, I've googled what's possible with coverups, and the amazing beautiful things that are possible with a real tattooist. The tattoo did not need to be as giant as it is. The tattooist should be capable of artistry, and not just capable of google. His bedside manner should have been more respectful. read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This review is for JoJo Ackermann. This was the worst tattoo experience I have ever had. He literally ruined my entire right arm. He is careless, and won't think twice before putting bad quality tattoos on your body. I asked for a Japanese style dragon and severed head sleeve on my right arm. I approved a dragon head stencil, but after he applied the stencil he made some changes to the nose, and mouth without telling me. I found out when it was already too late and it was already permanently on my body. This was very unprofessional, and a messed up thing to do. Things only got worse when he drew on the body of the dragon, and tattooed it. The scales were not done correctly, and the overall composition just looks off. The line work was the worst I have ever seen, it looked like a messy rough sketch with a pencil on paper. Un-even line thickness, lines crossing over each other, and just a big mess. The severed head size/placement was also off. It was put on my inner forearm. He did not take into account that the body moves and bends, so it looks off most of the time. The top of the dagger does not line-up with bottom half. He also mistook part of the blade for the handle and colored it in the wrong color. We had 7 hours booked for the first session, but he rushed through it and finished in like 2 hours. There was no reason to rush, and I would have preferred he taken his time. A lot of the mistakes made could have been avoided this way. He could have made sure that the line work was good, the scales were done properly, and the placement/size was right. He also overcharged me for the outline. He charged me $700, which does not equate to his hourly rate for 2 hours (2.5 if you include the time it took to draw on the dragon's body). But money wasn't my biggest concern at the time, I was more concerned with the quality of the tattoo, so of course I just paid him. I was hoping he would correct some of his mistakes in the upcoming sessions, but instead he only made them worse or just ignored them. He was very sensitive to criticism, and would get defensive anytime I pointed out a mistake. He told me to save my comments until the end, well now it is too late. The colors look like they were quickly scribbled on, and were not properly applied. You could still see skin through the colors. He even has trouble coloring within the lines. Literally every possible thing that could have gone wrong did. He is so careless, and I am not sure how he has been able to tattoo for 30+ years. I guess back then people had less options and didn't know any better because the internet was not a thing. I emailed him that I was unsatisfied with his work, and instead of offering a solution he just blocked me on Instagram. Very unprofessional, and says a lot about him as a person. He clearly does not care, and just wants to take your money and go home. There are way more talented artists out there, so there is really no reason to deal with him. Obviously, I don't recommend going to him or the shop for that matter. The customer service here is non-existent and the vibes suck. read more

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I went in yesterday as a walk-in client, which I never do. I was greeted by a friendly artist named Michael. I told him I was thinking about getting a spur of the moment tattoo. He drew it on me and I got it right then and there he was friendly, Light handed and the tattoo is really cute. I recommend this place to anyone and everyone. read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - My cute new tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Walked in to the best vibes. Got a quick flash, perfectly done by Mike C. Will definitely be back. Fav tattoo shop I've been to by far. Extra points for putting art on the ceiling. read more

I came to see jojo with the hopes he could help me create something beautiful for my body that would insinuate my shape and cover areas I was insecure with. Stretch marks etc. Jojo really left me speechless and so thankful. I love my piece of art, the meaning behind every detail, the way it fits on my body, hides every imperfection and gives the illusion I have a perfect bum. I just feel sexy and confident! Another thing, I never thought I'd feel comfortable having a male tattoo me in such a personal area but it wasn't uncomfortable at all, he's just a wonderful person who's easy to talk to. I'm so grateful for him. You're the best jojo read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

AMAZING experience as always! Jojo has always been my go to guy for any tattoo idea Ive had because he makes my vision come alive. Every artist here is SUPER talented. All the tattoos I've seen come out this place were crazy good pieces! They keep the place extremely clean with beautiful art all over the walls. Great music to vibe too. Great customer service! While waiting for Jojo to set up, I've heard quite a few consultations and I love how the artists listen to what you want, how you want it but gives their honest opinion about how it could or could not work. They work WITH you! I LOVE and appreciate an honest opinion...They definitely know their stuff! Super grateful that they're only an hour away because I use to drive two hours to their previous location... why... BECAUSE great artists are hard to find and they are worth the drive! Highly recommend! read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - My new beautiful dragon. - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great place to get a tattoo. Karen is amazing! She is so down- to - earth, and kind and very detailed! Thank you Karen for making our Saturday phenomenal! You are the best!!!! read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Frida Tat! - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Love this shop! Artist are all very professional and talented in their craft. Met Jojo when he was at a shop in SCV. He did my cherry blossoms then recolored it when I wanted to change and brighten the colors. Have also gotten pieces done by Manny. He has been working on my son's body for a few years now. read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Original - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've said it before and I'll say it again. Hands down the best shop I've been too. There are other cool shops, other cool artists and great vibes...but here they have all three. And clean/sanitary af! There is art every you look and you will always notice something you didn't the time before. Great vibes, great music and great people. I just like dropping in to say hello. If you want to get a new tattoo, talk about design ideas or are just curious, this is the spot. read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery Ventura Blvd a block west of Woodman on the South side. - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Ten Thousand Waves is by far the best! The shop is packed with amazing professional artists and a great atmosphere. Whether it's your very first tattoo or you're a veteran, they'll take care of you. I highly recommend checking out the artists' work on their website. You're sure to find someone who will create the work you're looking for. I have work from Jojo and Mike. Both are incredibly talented, professional, and simply good people. They take ideas and turn them into amazing designs. I'm proud to wear their art! read more

I've been seeing Robert and JoJo for the past several years. I have nothing but good to say about the shop, the vibe, the art and my tattoo work. The experiences have been great. JoJo and Robert are cool mofos. My wife has been tattooed there and now my son is getting a full leg piece by JoJo. read more

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This studio is the bomb! All of the artists are extremely talented and so friendly! I wanted a butterfly tattoo just above my belly button that had purple, yellow and white in it. Karen Costleigh did a tatt for me 3 years ago that I really love, so I was determined to book her again. Thanks to yelp, I was able to find the studio where I last saw her by searching tattoo shops in Sherman Oaks. Thank you yelp! Karen is so talented!!! I LOVE her work! I showed her a butterfly I found online and she was able to redesign it with her artistic eye in the exact colors I wanted. (Purple, with white and yellow) She explained to me that the colors & design would pop more and age better over time with the outline in black. Before she started, Karen wanted to make sure that it was placed exactly where I wanted it and that it laid properly on my stomach. We talked about everything from work, parenting and of course, the final season of "Games of Thrones," while she worked her magic. When she was finished she had me check it in the mirror to make sure I was happy. And yes, I was very happy with my new tattoo! She explained how to care for it and then covered it with clear Saran Wrap with some medical tape for over night. If you are wondering if it hurt, not really. The talking helps and I also have a high tolerance for pain. LOL If you are looking for a tattoo studio, then you should head over to "Ten Thousand Waves." They take walk-ins but I recommend booking an appointment. You can view some of the artists work on their website. This studio is very clean! It has high ceilings and is quite large. It is located near many fun restaurants and bars with plenty of street parking. (Meters and side streets - Just make sure to read the parking signs to avoid a ticket) read more

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What can I say? I came here for my first tattoo. The place was clean and the employees very welcoming. Diego was my artist. He explained everything, I didn't feel rushed at all picking out my design. He did so good! I will be back for more. Price wise more affordable than the other locations I looked at. read more

I've been going here now for the past two years, and the artist who i've been seeing most is mike caldwell. He's an awesome tattoo artist, but tbh everyone there does great work. Mike has done my whole right arm, it's mostly been line work but if you find his page on insta then you'll see that he does crazy cool stuff. another time i went in for a walk in to get a year done on my left thigh and the girl who attended to me was awesome and she gave me exactly what i wanted. i plan to continue to come here for years to come and i hope this review helps you decide to do that too. if you are spunky, definitely first date vibes read more

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Ten Thousand Waves is my absolute favorite tattoo shop and between my fiancé and I, we've gotten 8 tattoos with our favorite artist Mike C. After the first appointment with Mike, we both knew we'd be back again and again. He is such a skilled tattoo artist in every single way - always delivers incredible designs, super communicative, and SO much knowledge of the industry and art of tattooing. I am so grateful we found this shop and artist and will keep coming back as long as I can. Everyone at the shop makes you feel at home (shoutout to all the dad jokes I hear while I'm there) and I can't say enough great things about Ten Thousand Waves. read more

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I LOVE the octopus Shadan Boloor made for me for my late best friend. She was super attentive and very understanding of what I wanted and it's significance for me. I can't believe I have something so cool tattooed on me. Fresh and healed n hairy photo below. Thanks Shadan! read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Octopus tattoo, fresh - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Awesome shop. Jojo is the absolute best! The shop is very clean and welcoming. Drove 2.5 hours to get ink. I'll be back.

I've been coming to this shop for years now, I first found out about it from instagram, I saw Mikes work and what he can do with colors and knew it was a no brainer to come here and start my body suit journey. That was 5 years ago now, since then I've gotten multiple beautiful pieces from Mike. I've also gotten work done from Robert, and soon to get some work done by Jojo. This shop only produces quality work and I've always left happy with everything I've ever gotten from here. This review is long over due, and I will always be back for more art & pain! Thank you to all the guys at 10K waves, you've made me more confident in my skin! :) read more

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I absolutely love this place. The tattoo artists are incredibly talented and they make sure that you're paired with the right artist if there's specific design elements you're looking for. Manny has done 3 of my tattoos and is amazing and I love his work. I trust each one of the artists whole heartedly. read more

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Jojo did a great job on the Japanese style tattoo, but it is a bit on the pricey end. It was around $2,500, not including tips. It took 3 months, 5 sessions, from beginning to end. We wanted a Japanese style tattoo with a tiger and different colored peony flowers. It's important to find a tattoo artist who can draw the face of the tiger that looks real and yet friendly. We didn't want a fierce looking tiger. The orange and white shading on the tiger also had to be precise or else, it will not look realistic. The blue and pink peony flowers had to stand out as well. Traveling from Orange County to the San Fernando Valley to get a tattoo says a lot about the business otherwise, we could have gone with another tattoo artist in Orange County. read more

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Jojo Ackerman, is an amazing artist. My wife and I have been seeing him for our body art for over a decade and his work is beautiful. My wife and I frequently get compliments from random people on our art pieces. His shop is amazing, clean, and the other artists that work there are all friendly, talented, professional, and welcoming. Alas, I am almost out of available skin for Jojo to create art on but we will remain life long friends. read more

I've been going to Mike Caldwell at Ten Thousand Waves for a while now and will continue to go back him! His work always exceeds my expectations and I couldn't be more happier with the tattoos he has done for me! I've gone to him for a couple of ideas and he's able to make them happen and they always come out amazing, Mike really takes care of his clients and is careful and very detail oriented and really will tell you what he thinks about placement for tattoos/ give you advice about tattoo placement and I love that it makes me feel that he truly cares about his clients rather than someone who will do a tattoo on a crappy spot just to make a quick buck. He even did my brothers Cowboy Bebop Spike tattoo which I also attached along with the two other tattoos he has made for me. He kills it EVERY SINGLE TIME! read more

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This shop by far is the most talented, most professional, and most creative one I've ever been to. ALL of the artists here are extremely passionate and skilled at what they do and just the overall vibe of the whole shop will never disappoint. It's refreshing to see all of the artists getting along and their warm personalities really make you feel comfortable and welcome. I've had the honor of being tattooed by the owners themselves Jojo Ackermann and Robert Atkinson and I have appreciated their art and the way they manage their shop. Recently had a walk in tattoo done by Diego and he's wonderful as well, super friendly and great at his craft. Majority of my pieces (14) have been done by the talented Michael Caldwell and I wouldn't want it any other way. Since I was first referred to Mike a few years ago, I have not stopped coming back simply for his artwork and friendly demeanor. He always takes his time to create a unique and beautiful piece for me and I appreciate it. Most tattooers will not care about what they do but that's not the case here. I love giving Mike the creative freedom to make something that both he and I are happy with and he is not just a tattooer, he is truly the definition of a tattoo ARTIST. Very pleased with this shop and I will keep coming back until I run out of spots to tattoo. Definitely recommend coming to this shop, you won't regret it! read more

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I got tattooed by Manny Lorenzana and he did an amazing job! For some reason I tremble like a chihuahua when I'm lying on my back while getting a tattoo, but he didn't get mad and let me stay seated upright while he tattooed me even though the position was probably more difficult for him. He worked very quickly and the tattoo came out beautifully. I'm definitely going back to him for my next one read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Shoulder Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Manny has tattooed me 3 different times. His work is the best! I get compliments all the time on my most recent cover up pieces. I will keep going back! read more

First I'll start by saying the vibes of this place is amazing! Ive never been in a shop that so rad but also gives off such a clean and relaxing atmosphere. It's beautifully decorated in there too. Most tattoo shops are decorated kind of plain and they all look the same, but this shop is awesome! All the artist get along and are so hilarious, the shop owner Jojo is always so welcoming and remembers who I am every time I come in. I go to Mike every time, he is the absolute best!! I've been coming here since 2016 when I got my first professional tattoo by him and he executed exactly what I wanted and ever since haven't gone to anyone else. I've been going back to him for all my tattoos, my whole arm and back is all done by @tattoosbymikec and I will never go to anyone else. I trust him with all the creativity he comes up with, the colors, the details, always goes above and beyond. Not only is he an amazing artist but he truly is the nicest guy and makes you feel really comfortable. My newest one was a dragon that takes up my entire back and without a doubt is the most amazing piece! All my tattoos I always get compliments from random people everywhere I go. Even working as a medical assistant the doctors and patients compliment the artwork he's done on me. Definitely go here if you want an amazing quality piece! You won't be disappointed! read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Mike at Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo is amazing! I've gone to him SEVERAL times with different ideas for tattoos and he always does the best work! He did a cover up on my chest of some writing I had done a long time ago from another artist and it came out amazing. I also got, most recently, a Faye tattoo from cowboy bepop and she truly came out so badass and cute I would recommend him to anyone! I even got my bestfriend to go him for some work. He truly takes his time and is so detailed. He always checks back with you to make sure it's something you want and are happy with. Definitely recommend read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Faye tattoo from cowboy bepop - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Before connecting with Ten Thousand Waves, I searched for a very long time for a shop that would not only do excellent work but also accommodate my OCD. I'll admit that I'm very picky and difficult to please, and I knew finding the right shop would be challenging. I met with several artists before contacting Ten Thousand Waves and JoJo Ackermann. From the first in-person meeting, I could tell I finally found the right shop and the best artist for what I had in mind. Sixteen months later and almost 40 hours of work so far, I'm very happy to have found Ten Thousand Waves and JoJo. From Robert, Diego, Ryan and the rest of the crew, it's such a welcoming, friendly, and cool shop that does excellent work. I've referred Ten Thousand Waves and JoJo to family and friends, because it's clear to me that they don't just strive to meet clients' expectations but also exceed them. read more

JoJo is the best! He has a great shop. He has a gentle hand and does the best work. I have had 3 large pieces done with JoJo. Very highly recommended read more

After researching Japanese style tattoos places in Los Angeles this place was in the top ten and nearby me. I started with a consultation with Jojo to brainstorm what I was envisioning while trying it to my previous tattoo. Since I had a scorpion with Japanese great waves I wanted to add on more great waves along with a rock and the Kokoro (heart) kanji. I setup the down payment for my booked appointment and on Monday saw his concept and added it to my arm. After two hours I'm beyond amazed with the work, research, and time working this out the way I wanted it to be as a half sleeve. Also I'm glad he provided water and shared some beef jerky with me within intermission time. Overall it was a great experience and I highly recommend checking this place out if you want high quality traditional Japanese style tattoos. read more

Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery - Inner arm of my half sleeve tattoo Kokoro kanji labeled on the rock w/Japanese great waves. - Tattoo Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you're looking to get a great tattoo, this is the place to go. The environment is amazing, relaxing and chill. Jojo has been the only person to tattoo me, and I have tons of them from him. I get compliments all the time. My wife has a tattoo from him too, same thing. She gets compliments all the time. If you're considering getting a tattoo, go to Ten Thousand Waves Tattoo Gallery. You won't be disappointed. read more