I originally posted the following review on google, and am posting it here too, with the addition that my tattoo is even more beautiful healed! So pleased. "I could not have had a better experience for my first substantial tattoo. I found Clae online in my search for a good artist whose body of work I loved. I had been following his Instagram account for months before finding out that he is located in Port Townsend, so I was thrilled to be able to schedule an appointment while I was south visiting family! I live in Alaska, so for a couple of weeks prior to my appointment, I sent him some of my ideas, fragmented notes, and reasons for getting tattooed. Being long-distance and getting my first custom tattoo had me a little anxious! Just a few moments in the shop allayed my nerves completely. Clae was able to see behind all of the words and ideas I was rambling off and really get what it was that I wanted. He drew a beautiful raven for my forearm, and helped narrow my focus into what was really important for that tattoo. I now have a real piece of art that I feel privileged to wear, and constantly receive compliments on. Technically, the tattoo is flawless, and has healed without a hitch. I felt so comfortable throughout the process, and I appreciate how easy Clae made it. My husband was so impressed, he scheduled an appointment for his first tattoo with Clae for later that week! The shop itself is gorgeous and well cared for. I appreciate it so very much, and will definitely go to Clae in the future if I get more ink!" read more

Clae Welch is an outstanding artist, who's style caught my eye immediately. He did a medium sized back piece for a friend who was visiting from out of state and was very accommodating to the narrow time window she had available. For myself, he was the first artist in years to have a positive response to my requests for a very large cover up. He has done an amazing job, better than I could have ever hoped for. Additionally, Clae has made me more at ease and comfortable while getting tattooed than previous artists I have had. He was incredibly professional and would recommend him to anyone who is uneasy about the experience. Scheduling has been great as well. Like any other busy person you want to coordinate dates with, you will likely have to be cooperative, clear, and considerate to make that happen. (I know when I schedule meetings in my business, kind attempts are met with more attention than rude demands.) Anyone with reasonable expectations will find Clae and Brooklyn easy and pleasant to discuss ideas and schedule with. As for the shop, it is a work of art in itself. Not just clean, organized, and comfortable, but intensely interesting. Some major creativity went into that space and it shows. I have been to the Many of the tattoo artists in Kitsap and Jefferson County that have come and gone since the late 90's, either for ink, or in search of it. The bottom line is- I wish I had found Clae much sooner. read more

There is no one I trust more than Clae when it comes to making quality tattoos. His work is solid, fast, and he always works in a respectful and approachable manner. He listens to what you want, he will treat you with respect and kindness, and he holds no pretentiousness or attitude about his highly-regarded reputation and long history of awards. As a woman, these are really important qualities to me and I feel totally comfortable around him. Although I don't know the technicalities of the work, we have come up with some amazing ideas together - I can give him concepts and images and he comes back with the most unique and beautiful way to reflect that on skin. His style is personal and although some of my ideas for pieces have been pretty basic (birds & flowers), he's made them into works of art that I love to see more and more everyday. The shop is clean, full of fun artwork to look at and bustling with a crew of interesting and genuinely nice people. I look forward to getting many, many more tattoo from Clae. read more

Clae is by far one of the best tattoo artists I've ever had. He pays close attention to what your asking for, with a little guidance to get the best tattoo, and pays attention to detail in his art. His studio offers the comfort of real art, lots of talent and is very spacious. I would recommend Clae to anyone who is looking for a great investment of art on their body. The most important thing as per my understanding is capturing the expectation of the person who wants to get the tattoo and the design has to match those expectations. Towns End Tattoo nailed it. I walked into the studio with an open mind and explained the design I am expecting. The final design was amazing and I am happy that I chose this place. A professional place with a friendly touch. He will clarify all the doubts a first timer might have regarding tattooing. Best tattoo place. read more

Towns End Tattoo is an amazing place. It's worth a visit to just stop by and check out the artwork and atmosphere. I first met Clae almost 20 years ago, and was impressed by his creativity and solid tattooing back then. His knowledge and experience as a tattooer is immense. He's getting close to finishing my "full back" and I'm beyond happy with what he's done for me. His vision for large scale layout has always impressed me. Clae is well versed in all types of tattooing. Small, large, creative, realistic, etc. You name it. Clae is one of the nicest guys I know, and is professional and thoughtful in his work. Thanks Clae for always inspiring me and giving me such a great tattoo! Towns End Tattoo is a great addition to the community of Port Townsend, WA, and the PNW is general! read more

Clae Welch is a gifted and intuitive artist, and I am thrilled with the final result of my tattoo. I visited the shop about 8 times over the course of 2 years to complete a large piece. Each time I entered, I was treated with warmth and professionalism by every member of the team. Clae collaborated with me to create a tattoo that is beyond what I could have imagined. He's one part brilliant technician, one part kick-ass artist, and one part Medicine Man. Clae somehow managed to translate the essence of a dream into form, etching a piece of my soul onto my body. He knew what I needed, and delivered. I can't recommend his work highly enough. Thank you! read more

I've had all of my tattoos here by Clae, he is an amazing man and so sweet. His quality of work and attention to detail has changed all of my tattoos into the most amazing geometric and dot pattern sleeves I've ever seen. It deserves to be said Clae is world renowned, and has been published is multiple publications, books, and short documentaries. Also Clae is very respectful to everybody ladies especially making for a safe environment. He works side by side with his partner and she and he provide a wonderful environment. There is always a shop full of artists workers and clients who go to show how many people support this tattoo shop and artist. read more

I've had three tattoo experiences in my life and this one was so positive! I decided to alter an existing tattoo and to add to it and it was really important to work with someone that I could really connect with and who would understand me. I felt very 'seen' by Brooklin and felt that she held my vulnerability in a respectful way. The shop is lovely and cozy. No hardcore loud music...she played Billie Holiday which was comforting and soothing. Everything was clean and tidy including the bathroom. If I ever go under the needle again I will go to Brooklin! read more

Clae Welch is an absolute amazing artist and person. He truly is one of the sweetest people I have ever met and his attention to detail is impressive. I first went to Clae to have an uneven, cartoon like tattoo corrected and expanded. Clae did a beautiful job and I couldn't be happier with the result. That eventually led to another cover up and expansion and then a third, stand alone tattoo. I honestly can say, he is worth the drive from Seattle and I don't plan to ever see another artist. Port Townsend is very fortunate to have him. read more

Clae's work is excellant, his staff warm and friendly, and his shop is impeccably clean and inviting. I have a number of tattoos- each by a different artist from different cites, Phoenix to Spokane. The stylized wolf Clae did on my forearm is by far my favorite tattoo- and it brings me compliments wherever I go. I'm a mother and professional- pretty vanilla as they say- and so was delighted when a road-hardened motorcyclist raved about my tattoo in the grocery store checkout line. I can't sing my praises enough for Towns End Tattoo. read more

I highly reccomend Town's End Tattoo in Pt. Townsend, Wa. I have had several sessions with Clae Welch the studio owner. He is an extremely talented artist. The detail and color in his art is incredible. Always very honest and professional with his clients. He always makes sure you know what he is doing at all times. The shop is beautiful and I always feel very comfortable and relaxed at every session. If you want some amazing artwork done... visit Clae at Towns End Tattoo! Can't wait for my next session Cindi Quinn read more

I have five pieces from Clae. I can not speak enough praise for his work. It's not just a tattoo it's a piece of art when Clae tattoos. Everywhere I go I'm stopped and asked who does my work, and told how beautiful my tattoos are. Clae is professional, has an attention to detail, and talent that is so impressive. I can not say enough good things about Clae and his shop and I can confidently say if you get a tattoo from Clae you will not be disappointed. So just go do it already :) read more

I came in with a vague idea of what I wanted, and left with the most stunning tattoo I've ever had. I get compliments from everyone. His work is simply gorgeous! I am lucky that I get to see it all over town now, and each person is thrilled with the work he has done for them. I can't recommend Clae enough. If you're local or planning to visit our Victorian Seaport, swing by and check out his work. It's all over the walls and will probably walk in while you're there! read more

Clae is an amazing artist! He is friendly and professional, not condescending or dismissive of ideas. His shop is extremely clean and his artwork is stunning! He did my first tattoos over 20 years ago when we both lived in Alaska and most recently he did a sleeve for me here. I receive so many compliments on his work and am so proud to have such amazing ink to show off. I will never have another artist tattoo me. I highly recommend Towns End Tattoo!! read more

Clae is what I would consider a very professional tattoo artist. Price wasnt anything to complain about and damn did he do his job both times! I have done two big pieces with him and have already scheduled another appointment. He is very long lived in the tattoo community and I believe his work can attest to that. I would highly reccomend paying a visit and getting a consultation :) read more

Best shop and artist in the area. Well worth the drive. Clae is an amazingly talented artist. I have a full sleeve and always have his card on me. I get stopped so often. The turn around time to get an appointment is minimal and you can easily get in touch with Clae. He is also great at making you feel at ease. I passed out once and he didn't make me feel like an ass. read more

As good as it gets is an understatement. Great team of talented and professional artists. Clean shop. Great atmosphere. You can count on getting clean lines, bold colors, and original artwork masterfully done by each artist. I recommend Towns End to all my friends and family and we frequently make a weekend trip to enjoy some of the local culture after our tattoos. read more

Great original artwork from amazing artist Clae Welch. Weather it is your first time getting a tattoo or you are a seasoned veteran you will have a great experience. I have many tattoos and the American Traditional I got by Clae is easily the most complimented piece I have. You want be disappointed. read more

Clae is a great artist. I get compliments daily on my sleeve. He is truly one of a kind. He is knowledgeable and can draw you anything. His imagination goes well with his talent. I'm very satisfied and will continue to return to his shop read more