Even Tide Tattoo

Even in North County, it’s the most random strip mall around — VG Donuts, the divey Office, the Rancho Coastal Humane Society Thrift Shop, a freaky curiosity shop that will most likely end up being the place where they rip off the Seventh Seal of the Apocalypse, a head shop and Even Tide Tattoo. I’ve had my last couple of pieces done elsewhere but one of my buddies had a killer shoulder piece done by Dennis here, so I decided to check it out.
Basically I wanted a dagger on the inside of my forearm and I brought a couple of pictures in to Dennis. He checked it out and asked me a few unanticipated questions about the details that made me feel good about my decision right away — he was already coming up with ideas as I showed him what I generally had in mind. He said he’d have something sketched by the end of the day. I gave him my deposit and two hours later, he called to say that he not only had a design done but he had an unexpected opening at 5 p.m. STOKED.
The design he showed me exceeded all expectations. All sorts of rad detail in the handle, the inside of the blade and the skull I requested in the middle. The whole piece took 4.5 hours, which he handled in one sitting. This was the first black and white tattoo that I had and the shading blew me away. Through subtle texturing, fine lines and flecks of white, the finished piece looked like somebody had laid a dagger on my arm. He’s easy to chat with, the site is pretty chill (Billy had great tunes cranking) and it was a complete pleasure from start to finish.
I get more compliments on this piece than any other tattoo I’ve ever had. I’m already putting together ideas for my return visit.

Not a fan of the work I got done. It was a very simple tattoo idea and it just didn’t turn out how I wanted it.

Hagen was very good. He tattooed both my husband and I over a 7 hour period, as the geometry design was complex. I had in my mind what I wanted but really couldnt describe it properly. After a very vague description, Hagen did exactly what I had pictured in my head. He was warm, friendly, and funny to talk to, which helped take my mind off the pain. The price was reasonable, and he did an excellent job. I couldnt be happier with the result. My husband’s tattoo turned out just as well. We would definitely return to Even Tide. Thank you Hagen!

Best first experience! Never been tattooed before and was a lil nervous. Staff was rad and my piece turned out exactly how I wanted. If I get another I will be back. So happy and satisfied! Definitely check it out.

I am so impressed and in love with my experience today. We called and Justin Dilmore said, he could squeeze us in between sessions. The entire experience was two thumbs up, 5 star, I’ve never gotten a tattoo in the same place but after this… I definitely will come back. My best friend and I wanted matching tattoos (cheesy, we know) and told us that it should be with one of our handwriting instead of just some generic font from the Internet. I am so glad he said that. It means so much more to me now, being in my best friends handwriting. Clean, professional, amazing service, great people, AMAZING MUSIC. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They deserved and have earned 5 stars through and through

I’ve been tattooed here by both Justin and Billy. They both are the best 2 artists I’ve been ever too. Rad guys and definitely masters of their craft. This is my favorite place for tattoos for sure!

I have to say the reviews are right… great shop. I looked at a lot of others. this place made me feel at home. They listened to me. they tweaked the art that I wanted enough to call it my own.
Great experience. .I will be back for more work soon.

Absolutely love Dennis! first he did some lettering on my ribs… and I just got done with a thigh piece. He puts so much thought into the tattoo and definitely produces a much greater product than you could ever expect.

I had my first tattoo done here! a very small piece on my forearm but boy was I scared. Hagen was my fabulous artist. He was extremely funny and wasn’t afraid to joke around with my friend and me. He was also very professional, he made sure that I was comfortable throughout the entire experience. I am planning on returning soon for my second tattoo! Love this place. Bonus points for being next to VGs haha.

Billy is extremely talented. He gave me my first tattoo several years ago when he was working out of 454. I was so excited to see him succeed in opening his own shop. Billy is a true artist, passionate about his craft, and patient with his clients. He also has a light hand and works quickly, which is a great quality in a tattoo artist.

Billy is the BEST! He’s been tattooing me for almost 10 years and I will not go to anyone else.

My friend has been getting her back piece done from Dennis and I loved the detail and colors. You could really tell he is very talented and cares about what his artwork looked like. I decided to make an appointment with Dennis to get a tree put on my side. Doug is very patient and very talented. After 2 hours, my piece was finished. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my tattoo. He did such a great job. He took his time and was very forgiving when breaks were needed. And bonus he is not heavy handed. I am so glad I chose to come here and very happy. Cannot wait to get another tattoo from him!!!

Was sent to this place by a class mate and im so happy i landed in Billy’s hands. I am not a tattoo gal at all so Billy made sure i felt comfortable and informed about the whole deal.
The design was better than i expected. I absolutely love it!

I have been going to Billy for my tattoos for the past 3 years. He is excellent at what he does. The line work, shading, and color are all perfect. I wouldn’t go to anyone else for a tattoo from now on.

I came in to Even Tide at the suggestion of another artist based off the type of work I wanted done. Spoke with Billy about my idea and was relieved that he immediately got my idea.
Cool little shop with a killer view of the ocean, if you’re fortunate enough to be in Billy’s chair. Prices are super reasonable, too.
Billy’s a good dude, easy to talk to and super patient. I will absolutely be back in the future for more work.
Oh, and if you do end up in the first chair, don’t be too alarmed at the throngs of window shoppers that come and go, looking into the window and watching you get your work done. It’s weird at first, but eventually you get used to it – much like a cat at a pet store waiting to be adopted.

Billy is Amazing artist. Perfect lines and great eye for perfection. I just got my 4 tattoo from Billy and i am super stoked! Thx for always doing amazing work.
This shop is super clean and very welcoming so if your looking for a place to go check out this shop!

Billy is the best tattoo artist ever! If my husband or I ever get another tattoo which we are hoping to soon we will go to Billy! We wont ever go to anyone else! Billy knows exactly whats he doing, he has so much experience and such and amazing talent! Billy was recommended to us by one of our best friends who got a sleeve. He is GREAT with everything my husband got a HUGE tattoo on his leg to honor his dad and it had so many different elements and also had a Portrait of his dad which obviously is so hard to do but billy made the portrait better than we could ever imagine! I went to billy shortly after and got my last name on the top of my right foot and again billed nailed it! All the tattoo artists at Even Tide are great but my family and friends will always go to billy!
THANKS BILLY YOU ARE THE BEST!
You will hear from us soon!
R&C

Just finished another great tattoo with Billy. He’s an amazing tattoo artist and a really nice guy on top if that. I can not recommend Billy and Even Tide highly enough. Great shop, great artist. Definitely worth a look if you’re looking for a new piece.

I have been going to Billy for a few years now at 454. He is wonderful and does amazing work!

I heard GREAT things about Billy through a friend so I stopped by to check out Even Tide. I had been looking for a special tattoo for awhile but things didn’t work out with a couple other artists. I walked in told him what I wanted and he sketched something amazing right away. I was stoked on the vibe I got from him and Dennis super friendly and mellow. Most importantly my money was well spent and I couldn’t be happier with the tattoo Billy did. It is flawless and more than what I envisioned. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be going back for more.
Thanks Again!