Alex did such a beautiful job capturing what I envisioned. He took time and care, asked the right questions and the finished product reflected that. He's a true artist. read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

I love this place Raul fixed a tattoo I had & added so much pizazz! Definitely gna have some more work soon.

I have a previous tattoo done by Nina, and she did such a wonderful job that I decided to get another one from her. I wanted to get a mermaid, and when I sent over the picture she had it drawn up and stenciled in no time! She took great care of me and is wonderful to talk to. I would highly recommend her to anyone and I think she does a fantastic job with fine line work. Thank you! I'll be back to see you again soon . read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

Raul is absolutely the best. Yes we all know that there are PLENTY of tattoo shops in the area but this is an Art collective. The details and integrity of the art is priority in this space. Raul did my very first tattoo years and years ago (small lady bug) that after all these years behind my ear you can still tell what it is. Basically Raul has done all my work and will be the only person to for life! He's a true artist in every sense of the word. He takes his time and plans with you draws your vision and makes sure you both are all on the same page. His art has won tattoo conventions and his art is displayed all throughout Salinas on power boxes etc May I add he's incredibly humble and honest super friendly and all around a good guy. Waiting list is long for him so I suggest calling now! We had started working on a sketch for my arm that would basically take up the whole top portion as a cap sleeve however Covid happened things got pushed back I but I will be returning to finish it up with him as it would be a tribute to my grandmother and I can't wait to get it! The pictures posted are the flowers starting my piece however Covid happened and we didn't get to finish, yes this is not complete and 2 years later and looks awesome. The name is over 10 years old ( he even reminded me that names are forever lol thank goodness I picked a keeper) I appreciate this our collective because the art is priority the people are nice the studio is amazing the views are breathtaking you definitely won't regret it read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Over 10 years old - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

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Anthony was just ok. This was my first time at this place. Two of us asked for a small finger tattoo - he said it would fade, as is expected with tattoos (I have many). One week later the tattoos have COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF! The ink was not imbedded properly. He would not compensate for the mishandling, or offer to create another small tattoo elsewhere. I do not recommend this person nor the location - excessive foul language was the normal language spoken here not to mention the unprofessionalism and unwillingness to find a way to make me happy. He just hung up the phone. Nice. The photo here shows what happened one week after ink (can't call it a tattoo). Now, two weeks later, nothing but a barely visible outline. Same with my friend's finger ink. Crappy. read more

Wave Street Art Collective - When is a tattoo not a tattoo? Find out at Wave Street - I dare you. - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

Bethany Rose Tattoo was amazing! She has the lightest hand ever! Perfect lines! She did tiny little ones for me this time but I want a portrait done by her next. She has awesome prices. Beth is so good! You won't regret getting work done by her. read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Libra design and cursive script added below existing tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

Alex was awesome. After being turned away from two other shops, who said they were talking walk ins, Alex got us in and out with exactly what we asked for. read more

Wave Street Art Collective - 5yr anniversary tatts from Alex. - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

My cousin and I wanted to celebrate our 30th birthdays with Taurus tattoos. Walked in to Wave Street on a Sunday and was helped right away by Jose. Super friendly and welcoming. They were able to fit us in right then and there. Although we didn't get an original piece by either artists they were still willing to do the tattoos we wanted to get. Artists were really nice and friendly and shop was clean. Highly recommend! read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

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Came with my cousin and his wife so they could get tattoos. We came as walk ins. The manager was nice but the guy who came out to consult with my cousin's wife was kind of rude. The manager had said their minimum was $100 and then the actual artist quoted $400 for a very simple line piece without really doing any consultation or talking to my cousins wife about her vision. We felt like we were being quoted a lot more because they have accents as they're from a different country so felt like they were trying to mark it up for tourists. The real kicker though was that there was a dog in the shop. Don't get me wrong I love dogs and loved this one but it pooped on the floor while we were there. Made us really question that cleanliness of the place. read more

I was recommended to Bethany by a friend. I was a little worried because I didn't want to waste my time to drive 1 hour, it ended up being better then expected!!! She was able to get in within a acceptable time frame. She made me feel comfortable and was able to do exactly what I was asking for!! Definitely recommend going to Bethany at this shop, she will get the job done better then expected! Definitely will be going back! : read more

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Not happy with this shop. When we first walked in we felt the place was not the most professional. In one of the rooms someone had a movie blaring at full volume with a sound system turned all the way up to a point where the walls shook. This is not respectful to the customers or the other artists at all. A serious shop wouldn't do that. Also, they don't take credit cards which is not a dealbreaker but also not a professional move. When our tattooist came out we asked if he could do a few very basic tattoos and he said yes but then wanted to change the location of my tattoo because he said that the placement was difficult. It should not have been. I have ink and know tons of people with tattoos in the same location that are far more detailed and none of their artists have a problem. I asked how long has he been tattooing and he asked "professionally?" That should have been the 1st red flag for me to listen to. Soon I realized we got the apprentice but figured it should be fine because it was a very basic tattoo. Once he put the stencil on I saw that one side of this symmetrical tattoo was larger than the other and some lines didn't transfer evenly so I pointed everything out and said "that side is larger and those two lines are wavy & aren't straight" & finished the statement with "you will fix that as you go, correct?" He said "I think I know what you mean" but had a puzzled look on his face. That should have been my 2nd Red Flag and I should have bounced so part of this is my fault for not listening to my gut. After a few minutes of starting he kept saying how difficult the tattoo was to do....3rd Red Flag but I was already committed! I didn't ask for anything difficult, this was a very basic design. Also, I'm not nit-picking a small unnoticeable thing, it's obvious and others see the incorrect lines and uneven side but he obviously didn't. I will need to see if another shop can do their best to fix it because the tattoo is 2nd rate. Although his teacher tried to cover for him when I brought all these things up afterwards she is still a far better artist and the one you go to is you feel you must go here but definitely don't have Alex tattoo you and I would avoid this shop all together. If this shop cares about there reputation & getting return business they will take him off the list and have him practice for another year. He needs a lot more practice and needs to be honest if he can't do something instead of just taking the money, Especially something so basic. Use another shop. read more

Made an appt. with Bethany in May for July. The day of my appt. Bethany texted me to cancel, due to food poisoning (no problem, things happen). She asked me when I was available to reschedule and I promptly responded saying any day after 5pm. No response. Over the course of a month, I made MANY attempts to connect with Bethany to reschedule. I was interested in her work because she seems very talented. Not sure how she has a steady client base if she can't manage to communicate effectively with clients. Would not recommend. read more

First I'd like to point out that Allison S. gave a review to a brand new business for work she talks about having had done in the past, long before this business even existed. I think it would be helpful for her to follow the rules and base her review on the actual business itself, which she admittedly has not patronized. Vent complete. Oh wait. I have one more topic to touch on. A woman in a tattoo shop is likely going to hear a thing or two that'll make her blush. My advice? Enjoy it. If you're really that uncomfortable it's your responsibility (and your right!)t to end the conversation by pointing out your own discomfort. Big girl pants, etc. Vent complete for reals this time. I don't know Tyson personally but I have had the honor of checking out three of his pieces, all of which are absolutely mind-blowing. Not exaggerating here. He is a true artist with amazing vision and talent which is apparent in his original work. When you look at one of his pieces you know you're in the midst of something exemplary. His work is some of the best I've ever seen and I'm a big time tattoo enthusiasts and pretty well inked myself. I'm gonna ask my BFF for pics of her tats. Check them out. Ammmmazeballs. Recommended. You won't regret it, even if you don't get the same entertainment some "customers" got. read more

This was my very first tattoo experience and I was more than a little nervous about it going in, but it went very well and I was very comfortable the whole time. Going in my artist (Stephen) was already there and ready for me, which was great, especially since I had missed his email asking me about fonts and things, he still had everything ready to go the second I walked in. During the actual process he was very careful about checking on me to make sure I was doing okay and he got the tattoo done in an hour, maybe less, which is impressive given the quality of his work. And that brings me to the tattoo itself, which is incredible. He did a fantastic job and it turned out even better than I thought. Overall, awesome experience, fantastic artist, I would definitely recommend it. read more

Wave Street Art Collective - By Stephen - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

My husband shopped around to basically every shop in the area and settled here with Raul. Over the course of a year he got a full sleeve (with cover up) and he fixed and added to the other arm that already had a full sleeve. He did such good work and was SO reasonable I ended up getting one before I left as well. He is super reasonable and uber talented! I recommended him probably 15 times while we were there and still would. read more

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I've known Morris for a while, since his days at Indian ink. He is an amazing artist. I've had a few pieces done by him but yesterday was the first time I've had him work on me at Wave St Art Collective.. I was impressed. Aside from the amazing skill that Morris has, the shop was impressive as well. Everyone's work space was clean and neat, they take great care in providing a clean studio. Another awesome benifit, they're basically right across the street from a large parking garage.. Easy to find a spot. Evertone is very friendly and welcoming. One of the artist that shares a work space with Morris was in the shop hanging out. Super nice guy, very welcoming! I know a lot of people think tattoo studios are full of bikers and gang bangers.. This couldn't be further from the truth. If you're looking for an artist/studio to get some work done, I strongly suggest you give Wave St a shot. read more

Wave Street Art Collective - The tree of Gondor by Morris - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

I had Matt for my tattoo, and immediately when I walked in I felt super relaxed and welcomed. I ended up getting something small, and the price was completely reasonable and everyone was so nice. I recommend read more

It took me awhile on deciding if I should do this review or not. But, I have finally decided to talk about it. I came in to the shop at the end of June and talked with a gentleman who was very informative and helpful. I told him I would come back the next day if I decided to get the tattoo. So the following day I came in as a walk in, and the gentleman ( a different one from the prior day) there squeezed me into his schedule. I was getting a piece that would remind me of my Great Grandma who passed away. (This was my first ever tattoo) The artist who did my tattoo made a sketch that I loved and it was great. I got on the table and the experience wasn't that bad, the artist didn't talk much but I'd rather him be able to focus than mess up on the tattoo. It was finished and I loved the look. A few weeks later and it is healed, and unfortunately I am devastated. The tattoo lines are not even, some are thicker than others. Also the lines bled through and I had a blowout on my tattoo. The obvious artist may have not been informed on different types of skin, so that could be why; and the ink has bled through deeper into my skin and some of the designs looked mushed together. Now I am stuck with a tattoo I do not want, and I'm very disappointed. When you go to a professional tattoo shop you expect them to know what they're doing and you trust that you'll be happy with the masterpiece. I now don't like to look at it and am contemplating on getting it removed. read more

TERRIBLE PLACE TO GET A TATTOO DONE!!! I went a few years ago and one of the guys took me as a walk in but had the WORST HEAVY HAND EVER i was literally in so much pain and I've gotten tattoos before but this was on another level of pain! He was literally talking to my friend I went with the whole time about comic books and not even paying attention to what he was doing. My tattoo was terrible the lines were not clean or straight the circle was uneven the lines were wavy instead of straight. Even the color was patchy, I'm writing this review a few years late because I'm finally getting it removed by laser tattoo removal and they told me that I have scar tissue from the tattoo procedure! He literally caused me to have scar tissue on my skin that can not be removed! WORST TATTOO PLACE EVER! DON'T GO HERE! read more

Anyone there will get the job done but Julian is the one I go to for my work. I highly recommend this shop and the artist there.

Added to a previous tattoo. Jose was super professional and did a fantastic job!

took us in as walk ins at 8:30pm on a Saturday (crazy right). super cute shop with talented artists, go to them if you ever need a flash or have a spontaneous idea! read more

Short notice called in asking for an appointment for me and my wife to get tattooed for our 20th wedding anniversary. Artist was quick friendly and so nice. A+. Thanks for finishing off our trip with something special. read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Short notice called in asking for an appointment for our 20th wedding anniversary. Artist was quick friendly and so nice. A+. - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

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So for starters...I started at 831 ink up the street from this shop and was recommended by Josh to see X because I wanted something quick that day. No big deal because I just wanted simple line work, I googled them and had issues finding them in the first place. Finally found them, I wasn't greeted other than a glance my way and I went up to them and X had no idea who Josh was so I was hoping by the slight chance he could fit me in. He seemed busy and rushed me along with a "we can take a walk-in tomorrow," okay, I walked away kind of disappointed with the service but can understand a busy schedule and frustrating time. So I come in the next day and emailed my design to X and came back in like an hour and got in...he had me sign the waiver but never gave me care instructions as the waiver said he would and rushed me along to pick a spot and seemed irritated when I asked him to move the stencil from the original spot he placed it. I felt intimidated the entire time, like the slightest set back would annoy him. So a quick 10 minute tattoo and I was done, simple small talk but not much else. my tattoo looked fine in the shop as I felt rushed to leave...he never gave me care instructions or told me anything. I had to ask for a+d ointment and some simple worded instructions. Even though this is my second tattoo, I needed a refresher but he seemed annoyed at that. I got back to my hostel and noticed how terrible the line work was and how some of the lines didn't even properly connect...its a small tattoo but really? I still love it but am overall really disappointed with the service and line work of this SIMPLE tattoo. It looks fine from a distance but up close it's a nightmare. Please pick a different shop like 831 INK, they were inviting and wanted to hear out every single one of my details and seemed to know what they were doing. Only giving them 2 stars for the easy walk-in availability but that's it. CHOOSE WISELY. read more

I wanted to get a tattoo in memory of my brother after he died a year ago and had to look at a bunch of shops since I am new to the area. After looking on Yelp for months and talking to about 40 people who got tattoos done in the area, I finally decided on this one. I went into the shop and started talking to Jose Carranza, who is a very friendly person and enjoyable to talk to. He agreed to do my tattoo, which is a bear with fur that fades into trees. Jose is very skilled at shading and gave me exactly what I wanted in this tattoo, while chatting the whole time, making sure I'm comfortable. He also had a great playlist of 90's rock music playing to make the time go by faster If you're looking to get a tattoo done, and want it to look great without a risk of it looking horrible, go see these guys at Wave Street Art Collective. You will not regret it. read more

Fifth tattoo in a row by WSAC, all done by Estevan (X). Always extremely professional, accommodating, affordable, and (perhaps MOST important of all) skilled. The vibe at Wave Street as a whole is also super chill; and immediately puts you at ease. As soon as you walk in the door, you realize that you have walked into a professional art studio; a complete 180deg from what most people think of a "tattoo parlor". If you are new to the game (as I was about six months ago with my first tattoo ever), I urge you to drop by and take a look. A word of caution though, it IS addictive, and you MAY not be able to stop... read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Meditating Buddha with mantra superimposed by X - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

I got my first tattoo here and could not be happier with it. X was very straightforward and professional. He had my design drawn up perfectly in 2 days. The work took about 2 hours, and he was so funny and easy to talk to the entire time. He was extremely aware and made sure everything was clean and sterile. The work he did is immaculate; I've had countless compliments for it. I think the pricing was fair and reasonable. Everyone at the shop seemed really nice and welcoming. I've had multiple people ask where I got my tattoo done, and I can easily recommend they come here for theirs. read more

Wave Street Art Collective - My first tattoo, masterfully done by X. - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

Got my tattoo over a year ago but I blocked this place put it my memory till now since I'm getting another tattoo. I was a walk-in customer. Waited to be seen. No big deal. But when it came to my tattoo....ugh. the guy needed an exact picture of what I wanted. He put in on the computer and printed it out. I asked for lettering to be wrapped around the tattoo. He said he couldn't do that since the computer couldn't do that. ??? He refused to do ANYTHING free hand. I asked for a few details and he said no, he can't do that either. Very unhappy with my tattoo. Don't remember who I saw. Today I'm getting a new tattoo and this one is being fixed as best it can. read more

I called here after finding the great reviews on Yelp. Jose took me in that night even though I called after 6pm. We talked about what I wanted and went through a few examples before settling on one. The tattoo came out exactly how I wanted it to. The shop was clean and friendly and I will definitely be coming back. read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

I love their work, Ive traveled across the country and not found artists as skilled or helpful as the people here. My artist was a bit of a diva but it was 100000000% worth it! I can't wait to get more if I ever get to go back! read more

I was recommended to go to WSAC for my first tattoo by multiple friends. It was a fantastic experience My artist, Morris, was amazing. I wanted a very specific Polynesian tattoo to honour my father. He went away an researched the style and symbols that would be required and came up with the perfect custom design. The shop itself was clean and professionally run and all of the staff were welcoming and friendly. I'm hoping to go back to expand my tattoo in the coming months and will be asking for Morris again :) Went back to add to the piece, Morris and X were awesome. The turtle that Morris did is Amazing! My third session was the most painful but also had the best results. Morris knocked it out the park again! read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

First tattoo in 17 years. X was Soo cool. Best birth day present to myself. Thank again for the most professional and excellent service. I will be coming back for more read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

Got my first tattoo here. I had a general idea of what I wanted involved in the tattoo, and Raul suggested that I get in touch with Jose. Jose sat down with me to hammer out a design; he gave me good input and let me alter the design as I wished. During the tattoo, he was precise and made sure to get the design straight on my arm. Wonderful clean, clear lines! Afterward, when I asked, Jose gave me a lot of great advice on how to care for the tattoo for the next little while. Clean, sterile environment with a huge television to watch shows on if desired. Everyone has a helpful, professional demeanor, and everyone has excellent art and tattoo portfolios! read more

Bad attitude & no respect from staff when I was there. Plenty of place to get a tat in Monterey. This isn't one of them.

awesome place. Clean, friendly..great customer service. Esteban was fantastic. Everyone worked together, no attitudes no judging, just a friendly place with great artists. read more

I finally got to writing this review, I guess I must of not wanted to relive the experience again. I came here for my birthday to get my second tattoo. I chose this place because I wanted a paisley design and I saw that Tyson, one of the artist was quite talented in creating paisleys. First I came in for a consult and mainly spoke with the receptionists whose arms were both tatted with paisleys done by Tyson. The receptionist also showed me several awards given to him for her tattoos(and maybe some others) on a tour, I also noticed he was very detailed with shading and with color. I thought to myself, well I guess this is the guy! I also requested a design and he told me to pick two pictures of something similar to what I want for a reference. I told the receptionist that I really wanted a design created ahead of time and she said she will speak to him about drawing something but he mostly sketches the design on your arm with a sharpie to ensure that it fits your body's symmetry. Once again I told her I would really like to see the drawing prior and she said she will let him know. On my actual appointment date I showed up and the artist had not created a drawing and said he would do it on a stencil to see what I think. He actually didn't design anything he just copied one of the pictures that I sent him. I don't know if he was just being lazy or just uninventive but since I really did like the reference picture and it was my birthday I was really eager to get it done so I just went with it. I really wanted something bigger but he kinda talked me into just getting a smaller piece. I soon noticed that he appeared to be somewhat in a hurry and I started having second thoughts about the whole thing but it was my birthday and I just didn't want to come back. He then started receiving calls and it appeared that he was going to be late for a dinner or something. I guess it was a really important dinner because there were several calls, maybe domestic issues? I don't know, and frankly I don't care this just unprofessional and started to make me feel uncomfortable. Finally my piece was done and I must say I did like the way it looked and he was great with color. When it was time for me to pay I guess there was an issue with some his drawings that were left on the front desk got water spilled on by one of the other employees, I guess it must be frustrating, but he was very short and rude at the end when I was trying to pay. When I think of the whole experience it was just bad and a little awkward, they say leave your work at work and leave personal issues at home for a reason. I do like my tattoo but I would never go back to this place because of the bad customer service and the fact that my piece is not completely original also bothers me... read more

First off, let me start by saying that I had Morris do my tattoo. I went in Friday evening with my sketch and Morris and another guy looked at it and told me it was totally doable. They brought Estevan over and he told me it was going to take 5 hours and be about $500. Yeah, no that wasn't going to happen. So I asked Morris and he told me that he had something available Monday at 11 and he would charge me about $250. I left my sketch with him so he could make the necessary changes. I got there at 10:45 and they hadn't even opened, right at 11 he showed up, and he said to give him 5 or 10 minutes. It took about two hours to get the sketch done right with all the spacing and curves, which is the reason behind the four stars instead of five. Sitting there for two hours was annoying and the friend I had brought even said that it was ridiculous and that it should have been at least drawn up and ready. Well, after the two hours we started the tattoo. He was really light handed and he kept asking if I was doing okay, which was awesome.There was a TV in the back room, which definitely helped when the going got rough. We definitely got into some deep conversations, which included him saying that my friend and I, two Army females, were not in the real Army since we weren't in Infantry, which really made my friend upset, even after we left. But I digress. After about two hours, the tattoo turned out amazing and it was exactly what I wanted. It was a reasonable price,which is hard to find in Monterey. I would definitely return and recommend anyone to go here instead of Gold Coast for sure. But if I return I'd ask for him to have the sketch ready and I definitely wouldn't bring up anything about the military, because there's obviously some strong feelings there.... Thumbs up and thank you Wave Street!! read more

Wave Street Art Collective - Exactly what I wanted - Tattoo Near Me - Monterey, California

Jose did a excellent job on my Japanese lucky cat/ dia los muertos style. He was professional and made me feel comfortable with my first thigh tattoo. I will definitely be returning and would suggest this shop to anyone interested in good work by good people. read more

I'd love to write a decent review about this place but their hours are not as they state online. I came by here three times and they weren't open. Just to be safe I double checked to see if they had a lunch time or something. Nothing. No hours on their door either. Seriously, get it together and act more professional Wave Street. read more

I got my first tattoo here and I absolutely love it. The staff treated me very well and when I decide to get another one I'll definitely go back. read more