Jason Wayne is my go to guy. I walked in here a little over a year ago to see if someone could do some waves for me. Jason was in and quickly drew up my idea. Since then, I've gotten probably a dozen tats from Jason (seriously). And recently, one from Kai who is a newer (and super skilled) tattooer. All the guys here are like family to me. Always fun to spend an afternoon here getting some ink and having some laughs. Most of the guys here do pretty traditional work but they are capable of anything you ask for. Jason and Kai have definitely been able to express my own style with their artistic design. Solid work. Shop is super clean. Mac (the owner) runs a tight ship. Single use. Sterile environment. I'll never go to another shop in SC read more

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I've been going to the Gilded Lily since they had their little shop in Felton. Mac is an amazing artist! He has done almost all my tattoos. No matter how big or small. He talks it out with you and helps you plan it out so it looks amazing for years and years. Ian is crazy talented! He draws up beautiful pictures available as tattoos. And I was lucky enough to claim one! He will change and tweek it til it's just to your liking. He makes the tattoo look just like the picture. It is art on your body! No matter who you go to at the Gilded Lily, you are in the right hands! read more

The Gilded Lily Tattoos - My foot tattoo done by Ian - Tattoo Near Me - Felton, California

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Love this place always great work for a great price. None of the artist ever seize to amaze me anytime I go in to get a piece done. 5/5

They were very nice, knowledgeable, and easy going. I enjoyed coming here to get my tattoo they were pretty quick and fairly priced. Will be coming back here again. We also got ours done by Mac and I feel like he did an awesome job, very happy with the outcome. read more

The Gilded Lily Tattoos - My friend and I got matching tattoos. My friend got hers on her forearm and I got mine on my back. - Tattoo Near Me - Felton, California

I first discovered Mac and Gilded Lily when I was looking for an artist to do some ink of my cats. A friend had two beautiful bears done by Mac, and when I saw how realistic and truly "alive" they looked, I knew I'd found the artist I was seeking. I had other ink prior to the work I have by Mac, but his puts my other pieces in the shade. Since then, Mac has done other gorgeous work on me, as well as on my daughter and her friend. He is extremely adept at taking your concept or idea and making it tattoo-ready, working with you every step of the way until you are completely satisfied. His original pieces are truly breathtaking as well. He is an all-around tattoo genius, and his work across the board is stunning, compelling, and eye-catching. I cannot tell you how many compliments I get on my cats. Mac is also a complete sticker for cleanliness, sterility and professionalism, and never cuts corners where his customers safety is concerned. I have seen medical doctors take less time with cleaning, draping, and preparing the work area than Mac does. He also provides informative after-care instructions that ensure a good result during and after the healing. I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend Mac and the Gilded Lily tattoos for anyone looking for a professional, creative, conscientious and gifted tattoo artist, who also happens to be a terrific guy and fun to work with (important when you are sitting with someone for an hour or hours getting inked). The new shop is quite nice; I liked the old place fine, but the Santa Cruz shop has more space for other artists, a more private room as well as the more open area, and is roomier in general. read more

These guys are awesome! Their work is phenomenal, clean lines, clean shop. The conversation is anything but clean ... just kidding. ;) Truthfully though, you are in safe hands. I have gotten a lot of work done with Jason and he always exceeds my expectations. He's also patient and honest, which I think you should look for in a tattoo artist. You want someone who knows what they are doing - and these guys for sure know their craft! Loved spending an afternoon with you all. xo read more

I walked in finally knowing what I thought I wanted but was given professional advice by a couple of artist. After speaking with Jason and coming up with a plan I am very pleased with my tattoo. Thank you Jason for a great Prince tattoo I it!!! Sometimes it snows in April RIP Beautiful One.. read more

The Gilded Lily Tattoos - I have been a Purple Hippie aka Prince fan since 1978. His music is and always will be the soundtrack of my life . RIP Beautiful One - Tattoo Near Me - Felton, California

Mac is the most amazing tattoo artist I've ever had the opportunity to work with. I've had three pieces done by him, all amazing. He always manages to take my ideas & come up with a completely original design that I could have never envisioned. I drive all the way from Elk Grove (Sacramento county) just to get tattooed by him. He was recommended by several friends of mine & I am so glad I made that first appointment. read more

The Gilded Lily Tattoos - My Ariel half sleeve I had done today - Tattoo Near Me - Felton, California

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Mac does amazing work! I love my Jellyfish and diver girl and get compliments on them all the time. He also did a "Hidden Mickey" logo on my wrist in UV ink. The shop was super clean and so was Mac. He cleaned everything before and after and opened everything with me sitting right there. I have a few tattoo ideas and Mac will be my go to guy. read more

The Gilded Lily Tattoos - Jellyfish by Mac - Tattoo Near Me - Felton, California

Mac is the man. He is amazing. I will always recommend him and all the guys at the shop. Many of my friends recommended him to me and I will return the favor. read more

The Gilded Lily Tattoos - My lovely tattoo that I get compliments on daily done by Mac. I will always recommend Mac and the talented artists at the shop. - Tattoo Near Me - Felton, California

I have a whole sleeve I have gotten done here alot ov it cover ups and these guys are amazing mac jason and Kia all of them have there own individual style and I have got work by each of them I tell anyone looking to get tattooed to go to gilded lily the environment is melo the prices are fair and the art is always incredible..black and gray all day (color stuff too if ur into that :) ) read more

I'm really happy with how my tattoo turned out! Ian did a fantastic job and was very professional and supportive during the process. I would definitely recommend. read more

The Gilded Lily Tattoos - I got a tattoo from Ian and couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Thanks Ian!! - Tattoo Near Me - Felton, California

Ian is by far the best tattoo artist is have worked with. Dynamic and detailed, He listened to me and gave me what I wanted. Besides the fact that his experience shows dramatically in his work. The best artists have no ego, they let their work speak for itself. Grateful. read more

this place is okay. had a weird experience with a tattoo artist who came off as very creepy/inappropriate, and my tattoo was way too dark. my friends' tattoo came out wonderfullyso I think it all depends on which artist you get. unfortunately I do not remember the name of the creepy dude. read more

Wow!! My first time getting a tattoo. I was kind of nervous when I got there ad the fact I had to wait an hour did not help. Jason was amazing. So soothing. Talked to me thru the whole thing. He was supportive and funny as hell. I live 3 hours away, but I will be making that drive in about 1 month when I get my 2nd one. You have to ask for Jason, he is remarkable. Also look thru his portfolio, its outstanding!! Thank you Jason for making my first time easy. You are wonderful!!! See you in about a month!! read more

Every time I look at my tattoo I think "I WISH I WOULD'VE GONE SOMEWHERE ELSE"! I've talked to others artists at different shops who are amazed by the terrible quality and I would trust them in the future before ever going back here. read more

My boyfriend and I recently did a walk in here and Jesse did a great job with tattooing! We are both very satisfied and excited over our tattoos and they have been healing very quickly. I recommend going if you're thinking about getting one, they have great designs to choose from on the wall and Jesse was really good to make sure my tattoo was straight and clean on my arm. Very sterile and professional place read more

On one fine day, these awesome guys took in a huge group and fit in 8 people for tattoos. They were kind, helpful and funny. They were very patient and gentle and charged a very decent price. Being from LA this was a treasured experience. I would definitely go back. Thanks Mack for the amazing job! Still loving mine. read more

I got my very first tattoo here. It was done by Ian and it came out truly amazing. He had an idea of what I wanted and he was able to come up with something that I really liked. He was really good at tweaking whatever I didn't like. I will definitely be coming back here when I get my next one! read more

My husband and I decided on a whim to get a couple of small pieces done while on a trip to Santa Cruz. There's no shortage of tattoo parlors to choose from in the area, but I remembered having seen The Gilded Lily during a previous visit, so we stopped in to check it out and see if they could fit us in. I'm so glad we did, because it was a great experience. Ian did my tattoos (second row knuckles and a small piece between my thumb and forefinger) and the line work is clean and crisp. He worked quickly and confidently, and was friendly and easy to talk to. Highly recommended! read more

I've been getting tattooed for a couple years, never at one specific place in Santa Cruz. I went to Ian for my last three tattoos and will continue to go to him in the future. He's always willing to work with my ideas, and offers advice on how to best translate them. He packs the ink in which makes healing real easy. I never felt like I needed any major touch ups. Beyond that I'm always happy with the piece and get many compliments on them daily. read more

During an impromptu trip to Santa Cruz with my best friend and kiddos, after a day of many adventures, a spur of the moment decision to get tiny matching heart tattoos took us to The Gilded Lily. Ian and Jesse were willing to take us in even though it was near closing time. They were both extremely helpful, professional and kind. They tattoo'd us simultaneously and made it into a fun "race". They were done in just a few minutes...(Jesse won) and we couldn't be happier. I will DEFINITELY be traveling the three and a half hour trip for my next tattoo! read more

Got a tattoo done on walk in of my own art; showed Ian a reference photo and he crafted exactly what I wanted! So happy with the service, the preparation and the end result! Thank you guys!!! read more

I first heard of The Gilded LIly when it was located over in Felton. A friend of mine had some beautiful work done here, but it seemed a little far to drive, as there are other good shops closer in town. Now that they have moved into Santa Cruz proper this is my first choice of tattoo shops! The artists here are talented and clean. The shop is beautiful and professional, Mac, Ian and Jesse are professional and skilled at their craft. They have all been tattooing for many years and know what they are doing. Jesse has done some beautiful work on me and I would highly recommend any of the artists at this shop to get your custom piece of body art done! read more

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Came over to get a tat from mac who had done some great work with a family member was greeted nicely by the guy up front and talked a little with mackey did a great job on the tat i wanted .next one with be coming back to see mac foresure read more

My wife and I stopped by on our anniversary to get some tattoos. Walked in and was greeting by the crew there. Mac did my tattoo and Jesse did my wifes tattoo. This is a top class place with great artists. Will be coming back when we have the funds read more

The Gilded Lily Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me - Felton, California

Can't say enough about The Gilded Lily, and Jason in particular. Selected Jason due to his strong American traditional portfolio, excellent color saturation and clean line work. That was a few years and 15-20 sessions ago. Clean, professional, experienced, relaxed and talented. Tell him what you want and he'll nail it. Zero drama, chill vibe and funny. I've seen quite a bit of Mac's and Jesse's work first hand as well. Excellent work. Everyone there is a pro. read more

I am rating them with one star only because of their attitude. I went in with my daughter to get something small and matching on our fingers. I already, previously, got a tattoo of a finger band that I want it to embellish little more. The guy was just not interested in the job. Furthermore, he patronizingly lectured my daughter, who btw is 20 yo, that getting this tattoo might prevent her from getting a job in the future! That was really strange for a tattooist to say. The conversation was short and dismissive. Three of them sitting, doing nothing, and turning away business. Maybe small tattoo is not what they are interested in doing, but their attitude stink. We'll go somewhere else. Not to mention the lost referrals they won't be getting from us. read more

I went in today to get my first tattoo. Very simple 'K' on my left ring finger for my fiancé. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out, and Ian was a great artist and a calming guy. This place is clean, professional and all around positive. If you're considering a tattoo and you're in the SC area, this is the spot read more

I've had work done from world renowned shops and shops that should be banned from the tattoo business. The Gilded Lily has shot to the top of my favorites list, and here's a few reasons why. Welcoming reception- no cool guy arrogance. Availability- it might be busy if you just drop in, but will go out of the way to make time for you that isn't years later. Clean- sterile process is explained and prioritized. History- artists have put the time into the trade without burning bridges behind them, and gave respect to other artists even when given opportunity to bash. Real Artists- the digital era makes tons of good art accessible, yes they are not afraid to do research and brainstorm via the web, but hot damn these guys can draw! Looking forward to giving blood here again soon. read more

The tattoo I got on my arm scarred a little funky and had a few spots that weren't colored in all the way, and the tattoo my roommate got on her ankle bled (as in the ink spread out of the range it was supposed to). I've had my fair share of tattoos done at other shops, and many of these artists said these issues were due to the artist pushing too hard. Haven't had a problem like this at any other shop sooooo... read more

I had my first tattoo done by Mac yesterday. I was of course nervous about having something so permanent on my body and not knowing how it would turn out and hoping that I would like it. My husband and I lost our son unexpectedly during labor 2 weeks ago and I wanted to get his footprints on the top of my feet. I had looked online and found that footprints don't always look good, and I scared myself even more that it wouldn't turn out the way I wanted. Thankfully I have some pretty rad people in my life who happen to have tattoos and Mac has done many of theirs. Mac was perfectly professional and kind, understood my delicate situation without even having to discuss it. As a first timer and a nurse practitioner, I was completely comfortable with his excellent sterile technique. He also worked efficiently on what I am told is a pretty tender area to get a tattoo. And the most important thing of all, I think the footprints are better than I ever imagined they would look, his skill is clearly superior. I hear tattoos can be addicting and I will only go back to Mac if I do decide to get more and I would recommend anyone to go to him as well. read more