Cedar was helpful and responsive through the whole process. This is my first major tattoo since moving to the area and I am happy with the end result. read more

Tsunami Tattoo - Cover up - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

The new location off 6th Ave is a definite up grade! Trendy area of Tacoma. Easy to find and simple enough to locate the glass doors leading to the shop on the 2nd floor. Large, open studio with plenty of windows and ample parking around. I immediately felt comfortable here, very clean and nicely decorated shop, feels like an art studio. Everyone was friendly and professional. I totally enjoyed my time with Erin. I love the tattoos she did for me! She is super friendly and a highly competent artist. I am so happy I finally found a female tattoo artist I will continue to go back to. I strongly recommend checking out Tsunami Tattoo for your tattoo needs. read more

First of all I read all of the grammatically incorrect reviews below... One I was confused on what the person was even attempting to say but I disagree wholeheartedly with any negative reviews that made sense. For those of you who complained that the staff wasn't professional... It's a tattoo shop, not an insurance office. If you're uncomfortable with profanity, and sarcasm - I would recommend that you not get tattooed because you're obviously a boring human being and nobody will think a cross with a kanji symbol on your bicep is rebellious or interesting. Trust me; we'll assume you were trying too hard to be an individual who isn't concerned at all about the system ;) Anyway I myself decided to be hardcore at 18 and I got a terribly done Kanji symbol on my foot that totally represented me as an individual.. It stood for Tiger, the year I was born... because my German descent gives me a deep connection to the Chinese zodiac (all sarcasm). Several years after it was done the lines started to bleed together, so I went to another tattoo shop and had them touch it up and outline it in white in an attempt to salvage my uber symbolic tattoo, only because I was informed there was NO way to cover it up. Well that failed again and I had a tattoo I despised. So I had a lovely kitchen tattoo (because I didn't learn my lesson the first time) and a terrible foot tattoo. I told a friend how unhappy I was with my decisions and she referred me to Jayme Jack. I went into the shop, reluctantly showed her my foot tattoo and we discussed options to cover up my childhood mistake.. Cover up, the thing that "couldn't" be done. We settled for a peony to cover, and I decided on a lotus for the other foot. After not being tattooed in 5 years... 2 foot tattoos that took 3 hours was probably a poor decision but she did a BEAUTIFUL job. I was blown away at how much I loved the job she did. She was extremely professional, prepared, and affordable. She educated me on how to properly care for my tattoos, and even told me she'd touch them up in several weeks (once the swelling went down). When she touched up my feet she also fixed my kitchen wrist tattoo and made me happy with that $30 mistake that could have given me hepatitis. Bullet dodged. I was so happy with her work and finally confident enough in an artist that I decided to move forward with a half sleeve that I'd always wanted.. but had been concerned about getting. I printed up about 40+ pictures and brought them into her. She put it together beautifully, and delivered more than I ever imagined possible. Throughout every appointments she was extremely patient of what a big, whiny baby I was and often distracted me with pleasant conversation. She's a FANTASTIC artist and really a great person in general! She's knowledgeable, passionate, and call me a masochist but I really enjoyed going and seeing her for my appointments. Happy to finally have my half sleeve done, but I know I'll see a lot more of her down the road... if my pinterest board is any indication - quite a bit. Highly recommend her to anyone looking to have a positive tattoo experience -- that will include profanity, great humor, and possibly some metal music. If that isn't what you're looking for - by all means, go to tattoo machine but honestly I can't give Jayme enough praise. Oh yeah, and the shop is really clean, sanitary, and filled with beautiful velvet pictures. read more

Tsunami Tattoo - Tattoo by Jayme Jack. - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

See all

I have recently received two tattoos by Erin at Tsunami Tattoo. I have read reviews regarding this studio from a number of different places. It's private. No drop-in's. I like that. All Erin's attention was on me. It's large, extremely clean and private. My tattoos turned out so well. Tiny lines. Great finesse. I'm going back in August for another tattoo. Highly recommend. read more

First tattoo ever and Tim made it feel extremely comfortable and relaxed. Appointment only so no hassle of him seeing what a walk-in may need. Excellent experience, clean place, and everybody suited up for COVID-19. 10/10 recommend. Will definitely be back. read more

Tsunami Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

As the previous reviews have stated, I have to commend Jake (the piercer) for his patience, knowledge and expertise in piercing! I came here with my niece to get her belly button pierced. After hearing possible horror stories, she was a bit anxious. Jake gave us all the information we needed to make a practical decision and was able to pierce her with no complaints! In fact, she liked it so much, she decided to get her nose pierced immediately afterwards! She is thrilled with the results! Jake did a fantastic job explaining the after care process, then repeated himself again to make sure she understood. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants to get a piercing! The rest of the staff at Tsunami were friendly and helpful as well. They were very accomodating and were able to fit me in for a last minute tattoo. Oz was friendly and did a great job in creating what I wanted (at a reasonable price!). He too was helpful in after care instructions and I will probably see him again for touch ups on my other tattoos. read more

Tsunami Tattoo - Dragonfly foot tattoo by Oz - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

My daughter and I walked in on Monday afternoon and ended up getting tattooed by Nate with no appointment. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. Nate took my idea and created a tattoo that I absolutely love. He made us feel comfortable from the get go (it was the first tattoo for both of us). Erin (I think that's her name) at the front desk was super chill. I highly recommend! read more

Tsunami Tattoo - Tattoo by Nate - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I got tattooed by Oz as a walk in. Very little wait and extremely professional. I got mine done for $100 including tax, a bit pricey for such a small piece & it only took 30min but he did great work so I won't bitch about it. 5 stars def. read more

Tsunami Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

See all

I was calling and visiting a lot of tattoo shops to decide where I wanted to get my first tattoo done. I wanted the shop to be clean, the atmosphere to be nice, the staff to be knowledgeable / talented, and the tattoo to be amazing. That is exactly what I received here. My boyfriend has many tattoos and agreed this place would be a great place to stop in just from the photos online. We came, met with Nate, and I was on the tattoo bed shortly after. I was super nervous but my boyfriend and Nate really made this experience enjoyable and dare I say relaxing. Nate would check on me by asking if I was ok, needed to take a break, etc. It's the small kind of gestures I appreciated. I am extremely happy with the outcome. The lotus and falling petals came out exactly how I wanted it! My boyfriend is now itching for a new tattoo and will definitely be coming to Tsunami. When I'm ready to add more to my arm, I'll be back. It took about an hour and 15-20 minutes. I was expecting to pay $200 but was charged the 1 hour rate of $150. Happily gave Nate $180 and as I'm writing this 3 days later, the tattoo is still very clean and is healing rather quickly. If you go in, tell them I sent you! You won't get any discount but I like the credit lol. All joking aside, I highly recommend Tsunami to tattoo virgins and veterans. You will not be disappointed! read more

Tsunami Tattoo - A lotus. Vietnams national flower! - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Worst tattoo I've ever gotten got infected and constantly complained about other peoples businesses very unprofessional.

Was a but skeptical going in, considering the charge is 150$ per hour, but I took a leap of faith, and by god it was worth it. Super friendly service and I felt so welcomed! My tattoo artist was "Oz" and he gave me exactly what I wanted and did a magnificent job! read more

Tsunami Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

See all

Took my friend here on her birthday to get a birthday to get a tattoo. Walked in an instantly got funny looks and felt the energy in the building change to negative. Thank you for not being willing to serve her/us. we could feel the racial tension. I will never recommend your shop to anyone on the planet. Because of the treatment we received. We actually found an extremely good artist. Thanks for being such assholes. read more

They have some great artist here. Got work done on a wrist tattoo. Could have been done better. Does need to be touched up but I am some what dreading having to go back in. I have gone here many times with friends that where getting work done. Even though the artistes are great, their attitudes suck. It's still a business and I am your customer, make me fill welcomed. Seems like the owner kind of has, big head syndrome. The piercer is great. One of the more friendly. read more

I've been a client at Tsunami for almost six years and I recommend to everyone I know. All of the work on both of my forearms has been done by Tim, he is always professional and cool to sit with while you're getting tattooed. I receive compliments on the work he has done almost daily! All of the other artists I've seen in the shop are also super talented and put out really quality tattoos. I keep going back there for a reason! The shop is clean, has a great vibe and atmosphere and the artists seem to really get along with each other (and with their clients). Great place, highly recommend. Looking forward to my next piece. read more

I've come here a couple of times to get some work done by Jake (the piercer), and I must say that the man definitely knows his stuff. I myself currently have 15 piercings (I've had over 25 within the past 10 years or so) scattered about my body, and as a result I have seen some very good piercers and some not-so-good piercers. Jake falls on the good end of the spectrum. His piercing station is clean, he follows proper protocol, he makes you feel comfortable, he clearly explains how to care for your piercing, and answers all questions patiently. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a professional, experienced piercer. The only down side, however, is that Jake doesn't accept credit card or debit card payments even though the tattoo artists here do, so be sure to have cash on you when you walk in. read more

Tsunami Tattoo - Septum and Philtrum piercings done by Jake - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I can here to receive a memorial piece for my mother and while I tried to remain professional my tattoo artist was trying to get at me and flirt, in conclusion to that he over did the shading in a tender spot of my skin causing an infection read more

I was referred by another shop for my nipple piercings, and decided to also get my ears repierced. Jake was totally awesome - very professional, his workspace was clean, and very little pain. I had my nipples pierced before, but because of a tumor in my breast, I had to take the piercing out and let it heal up a few years ago, and I had to take out my other piercing about 7 months ago. He checked it all out and said it wouldn't be a problem at all. He assured me that the hype about it 'hurting more' was a load of bunk, and I agree -- granted, it hurt, but it wasn't as excruciating as I thought it would be. He was able to line up to the old holes in both nipples, and also in my ears. I felt totally at ease with him, he is very experienced and I would highly recommend him. He took time to look over his markings before piercing, and carefully went through the aftercare. He didn't rush through the piercings. Definitely going back for future piercings. The shop as a whole seemed very sanitary. read more

I only have two tattoos and I got both of them here. I called after they opened to see if they had time and they said to come in at 4pm. I went in and talked to Nate and showed him what I wanted. My son died and I wanted to get one for him that felt right in my heart. I found one I loved online but he said he wouldn't do it. He said it was some ones work and wanted to change it. I told him I wanted it like it was and why and he said he would do his own interpretation but not as it was. I was so disappointed that I just left. I wish Tim was there when I went in. I think he would have helped me. read more

Based good customer service alone. Yes the shop is nice but the guys seem less than excited to help anybody who does not have an appointment... Even only a few questions. This is the last time someone questioning my review and tips from 6 months ago. I'm sure it is a great shop but this is not the shop for me. read more

I don't have professional experience with the tattoo artists, though I have progressed to a friendly mutual head-nod with a couple of them from past associations. But. Jake is totally my 5 star recomendation. He's been doing my piercings for the past 10 years [off and on, of course!], and I think he'd done another 10 years before that too! He is always down for a challenge, but will tell you honestly if something won't work out or is a bad idea. I've had him order some pretty specific custom jewelry, and I've also walked in and said, "hey man, can you put a hole right.... here?" and he never disappoints. As professional as you can get in a tattoo shop [grain of salt guys, you gotta know your audience!] He is obsessively clean and I've had him spend a length of time marking and re-marking a piercing to get it perfectly even. Unfortunately, there is only one of him, so if you end up having to wait, just know that it's because he's doing his best, and will absolutely guarantee you the same focus and service when it's your turn. Oh. Fair warning though. Tsunami is CASH ONLY. No plastic. There's a handful of ATMs in the area, but it makes life easier on everyone if you have it before-hand. read more

The shop is extremely clean. Tattoo artists are knowledgeable and talented. Tim designed an awesome tattoo for my best friend and I. Thanks for making our vision come to life! read more

My husband and I both got tattoos from Tim McCarthy. He is a awesome artist. I scheduled another appt with him for more tats. I definitely recommend them. The shop is clean, artists are friendly, just a all around great place to get tattooed! read more

Tsunami Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I got a couple tattoos back in the day here, before yelp even existed.... social media, blogging etc of any kind was even cool. So my review here is most in part to the experience I had with piercer here, Jake. I came here to fix an industrial that was jacked from the start ( I will be nice and not name any names ). Anywho, Jake was very informative and confident that he could resolve the issue. He sterilzed my jewelry and I came back in a week to get it redone. As of now it seems to be ok, I am thinking about doing another one, of course. I will definately be back. read more

My friend and I both got piercings done here and with both of us, Jake was incredibly patient and explained what would be happening. He put us at ease and didn't make us feel dumb that we were nervous or scared. The piercings turned out amazing and we're both so excited with how cute they look! Prices weren't bad at all and the shop was very clean and well organized. We got there right after the shop opened and there was already a line--I feel like that's a pretty good indicator right there that the shop is top notch and the words out that these guys are the best. Will definitely be coming back and referring friends here. read more

Super friendly and did a great job on the tattoo I designed. I'll definitely be going back again next time I need some new ink!

Personable, friendly, creative, talented, and above all professional. Tim McCarthy was recommended to me by a fellow friend and coworker, and now I can recommend him myself. The entire process was a breeze: from the first appointment, to the now inked artwork. I will most definitely be returning to have the rest of my sleeves completed. 5 Solid effn stars read more

I've been coming here for my tattoos since my birthday when I turned 18, I'm now 20 years old. I absolutely adore this shop. I went to multiple shops trying to find a nice clean place with someone who could capture the memorial tattoo I wanted to do for my grandfather, I went to over 15 different shops and they were all dirty, or the customer service sucked. Like I know I don't look my age but god damnit you could still say hi and maybe ask me some questions. Shit card me for all I care! Ya girl just wanted to get tattooed! But that's okay, I have no problem bringing my business and money here to this shop. I won't lie, I was being very picky about the shop I went to, but it was a memorial piece for my grandpa, could you blame me? Anywhoo, back to the review, The gal at the front desk was super helpful and nice, and the gal that was there at the time took the time to quickly yet professionally and very nicely sketch out and make what I brought in, which was a blocky cancer ribbon and my grandfathers signature, and she made it more feminine and made it make sense structurally, she was so sweet and made me really comfortable, it was my first tattoo and I was nervous as all hell! Unfortunately she didn't work the day I wanted to get my tattoo, and unfortunately I don't remember her name, but she does beautiful work as well. I got to see a piece she did right before she started talking to me about my tattoo,but at the time she recommended Nate, so thus started my tattoo addiction. My tattoo came out more beautiful then I could ever have imagined possible. Since then, Nate has done my two forearm tattoos, a compass with some daisies and the other a geometric style with the moon in the middle. Nate is awesome, clean and very talkative. He teases, but it's all in good fun and makes getting a tattoo really enjoyable. Same with oz, my most recent tattoo was done by him, zeldas master sword, when I came in he already had two sketches drawn up, I asked to add in some daisies, since I wanted to join in with the compass tattoo, and he did that and away we went. It came out more perfect than I could imagine. Sitting and talking to him came so naturally like we had been friends for years! It was nice to be able to geek out with someone about my favorite video games. Both of these guys I would recommend undoubtedly. I love the way they pitch in their artistic opinion and aren't afraid to tell you if your opinion sucks lol they really do have your best intentions in mind to ensure you don't regret their work. Both do such clean work and both are very talkative and easy going and make your tattooing experience enjoyable! 4 tattoos down and many more to come. The price is worth the quality of work and the experience that you receive, if it comes from Nate and oz then I would be willing to pay anything for the work that they do. Will be a lifelong customer at this shop! Love Nate and love oz! read more

See all

Best tattoo shop in Washington. Will only get tatted by them for as long as im in the state.

As I write this, my heart is literally crying because I had high hopes for this artist and was terribly let down majorly! One star only cause no options for zero.I moved up to Washington in September and since then I knew I wanted to get a new tattoo and started searching around for an artist and this state lacks good artist for the style I happen to love and like. Then I came across this place on Instagram and started following them and the artists after searching and finding Jae I instantly knew this was the spot and the artist I wanted for my piece. I went in had a short consult which he requested a $100 deposit at the moment I didn't leave it, on Thursday the 21st I went in right after work and was waiting over 30 minutes just to get someones attention and one of the artists was sitting down playing on his phone and didn't even bother to ask if I needed help and he stared right at me!!! I still left my deposit and he told me a certain price for what I had in mind I agreed and before I left he said give him a couple of days in my mind that means two days and check in with him to get the drawing done so I can come by view it and go from there. NEVER did he mention to me the day I left the deposit I need to make an appointment he said he was going to reach out in a couple of days and if he didn't for me to check in, which I did on Saturday and I mentioned to him I was going to leave the state but would like to get my tattoo still before I left. He answered back telling me he hadn't even started on my drawing cause he got busy with appointments that had come in and he would get to me when he got a break! WTF I was heated but he really is a good artist I decided to give him some more days since I left a deposit I honestly thought that would be motivation enough to get him going on my drawing. Boy was I WRONG. I went in on Thursday (TODAY) to again see what was the progress and he first changed the price on me to a higher rate and said he didn't have availability until March 20th which at first I was going to take it (yes he is that good) but my husband recognized him because he had done work on his coworker and Some one else mentioned to my husband that he would take advantage of me because I am out of state and FEMALE!!!! We requested our deposit back because ultimately their was bad blood between us and I didn't want to end up with a Scary tattoo story because of some resentfulness spite. I no longer felt that he would give me the attention and quality I deserved. This has been the worst experience I have ever had and I am disappointed I had really high hopes to get something good out of this state. And once again since getting here I am starting to search again for someone or wait until I am back in California. read more

Many tattoo studios in Tacoma are scary but I am very pleased with the wonderful art and professionalism from owner Tim McCarthy and Jake, Tsunami's piercer. If you want quality work and are mature enough to consider an honest opinion, whether it's what you want to hear or not - this is the place for you to be tattooed or pierced. read more

So, Jake the piercer, not one of the other 3 or 4 Jake's that are usually milling around, is great. I have 7 piercings done by him. All were done with the utmost care, fantastic sterile procedure compliance, and never had a single problem with any one of the piercings! I always felt like he genuinely cared about me, my experience, and how everything turned out. Not at like most tattoo shops, where they usually come across like they couldn't give a shit if you died right there in front of them, and in fact would be glad to make that happen. read more

OZ did some excellent work on my wife and I. Exceptional attention to detail with the foresight of how the ink will retain. Very professional and a great communicator. We will absolutely be stopping by during our next visit to Wa. read more

Love my tattoo. Oz is a great artist. I'll be back for more work :)

I walked into the shop on Friday, no one had any clients that they were working with, they advertise they take walk ins, but no one was interested in helping me or acted like I was even in there shop. One dude said he had a client booked with a big deposit, but I was there for almost a hour and no one showed up and he went and laid down on one of the tat beds, nice customer service. Front end girl was any better, never offer offer to make a appointment for me. Will not come back or recommend this place. read more

I got my third tattoo from Tim when he was at the pacific ave location. been coming here for the last 5yrs and I've always left happy. they're a good group of people. read more

After 4 hours of compassionate concentration Miko finshed my amazing tattoo. The design is wonderful, the colors r beautiful and rich. If ur thinking about a tattoo go see him! I will be back! He is LE friendly and you can trust him which is awesome! read more

Tsunami Tattoo - I luv my tattoo, the colors r beautiful design is amazing! i LOVE it! GO SEE MIKO!!!! TRUST HIM! - Tattoo Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I got my first tattoo here and my artist Jason made me feel really comfortable. I left with a huge grin, i love my tattoo so much! Great Studio and really nice people. read more

I got my nose pierced yesterday by Jake. He was so awesome and he really knew his stuff! I threw him every curveball question in the book and he answered all of them so nicely and he reassured me that he was the right choice to pierce me! I've had my nose done before and the piercer did an awful job with placement and the jewelry - but I was 15 and didn't know any better. I also asked him about a piercing I got back in July and still hadn't healed and gave me great advice on how to clean it and take care of it. I can see that it's better after 24 hours! He was amazing! I'll definitely go there for any other piercings I may acquire in the future. read more

Tim is the man. I was searching for a quality tattoo artist with fair prices and Tim delivered. I have been tattooed by 6 different artists and I dont think I would go to anyone else. I've gotten 3 big and beautiful pieces from Tim and I plan to get more. The rest of the crew is funny and just nice people. I highly recommend this shop! read more

Jayme jack is the best! Been going to this shop for years and I always have a great experience. She is nothing short of professional with her clients. I always refer people to her and the rest of the shop. read more