Sink or Swim Tattoo and Piercing

Ah yes, Sink or Swim… The Illustrious Mr. Ellsworth tattoo artist extraordinaire sometimes known by the moniker of Sawdust is the gent to see here! He is from my humble experience of collecting tattoos for over 20 years one of the finest in traditional styled tattoos. I’ve been lucky enough long enough to learn a few things about him which I will share with you. His passport requires no photo. He once went to a psychic to warn her. He has never once waited 15 minutes after a meal to return to the pool. He is allowed to talk about Fight Club. One every continent, there is a sandwich named after him. His hands feel like rich brown suede. His shadow has been on the best dressed list twice. Freemasons strike to learn his secret handshake. He’s got the rope-​a-​dope skills to pay the bills, droppin science like Galileo dropped the orange. If you are in the need or desire for a top notch tattoo, it’s always worth the visit to see him. He also has an excellent collection of Taxidermy. The shop is very clean, inks are top notch, and everyone is very friendly.

I usually shy away from writing reviews on Tattoo shops, but this is a cool little shop with very talented artists. Looks to be 4 – 5 full time artists working out of there. TV on the wall with surround sound, enjoyed watching 310 Yuma during an early morning session with Adam. Cant go wrong with this shop or any of the artists.

Amazing artists and super clean! Nik Blakhart did my (very first) tattoo and he did an awesome job. I felt really comfortable and safe. I went with my friend and they denied her first idea for the tattoo she wanted to get that day because they knew it wouldn’t heal well and would look funky and we just found that super cool because obviously these guys care about the art and quality of their work instead of just doing what you want and getting paid.
FYI $ 100 minimum.

This is the only place I would ever get tattoos RC is my cousin and in my opinion the best around definitely recommend sink or swim tattoo.

Good prices, amazing work & clean shop! I have been tattooed by Gary since 2008. This shop is always clean and that’s what really stuck out when I first went in. I am always really careful about where I am getting tattooed so to see this business take pride in that made me feel really at ease. Also the prices are great. Sometimes they even have deals on tattoos so add them on your social media sites to see the updates on the art they are doing and the deals they got going on. I would recommend this shop if your coming into town to get a tattoo or if you live in the area and are looking for a talented reliable artist!

I’ve been going to Gary! Aka sawdust for years now. He is unbelievable in executing my ideas and very light handed. I recommend this shop highly !

Gary (Sawdust) is sooooooo amazing!!! I have been going to him for years and will never go to another artist. He can do it all, from traditional with LOTS of color to Japanese (that is done right). He has done my whole back, both sides, half sleeve and feet. I’m running out of valuable space and can’t wait to get the other sleeve done and an amazing leg piece. Honestly Gary can do it all and is super chill and funny! I enjoy just hanging out while my husband gets his work done and my sister that travels from Fresno to get work done by him. He is awesome!!! Thanks Gary and Sink or Swim for being the BEST tattoo shop on the central coast!

By far the best shop on the coast! Everyone there loves what they do and it shows in their work and the overall shops atmosphere. I enjoy hanging out while my wife and I get tattoo’d by Gary «sawdust». They always have some awesome classic movie playing in the background and how welcoming everyone is makes it very comfortable to get tattoo’d by them. I enjoy bringing a basic idea to Gary and letting him run with it! I’ve never been let down by his work and try to bring as many of my friends/​family in whenever they want ink. If your debating where to go for quality work, this needs to be your first stop!

If you are thinking about getting 1^st tattoo, or looking 4new artist to add 2ur collection. You owe it 2 urself to stop in and check it out.
Very chill, clean, professional, and friendly. Have witnessed a few different artists slinging there ink, would wear all.
Mr Sawdust has what you want and is smooth as silk. I proudly have 2 pieces and want lots more!

I love my tattoo from Sawdust at Sink or Swim Tattoo. I am a middle aged woman with a new tattoo (done overseas) that I wasn’t happy with. I went to Traditional Tattoo on Higuera in SLO and was told the only thing I could do with my tattoo was to try to cover it up with something much bigger, and sent home to look at «cover your tattoo» type web sites. A friend said I should talk to Sawdust. I did, and am amazed at the art he created on my leg. He took something very dear to my heart, yet not quite right, and made it beautiful! The shop is very clean and I felt completly comfortable with these talented, professional people.

AWESOME custom shop!!! Super clean work in a super clean shop! Very fun atmosphere as well! I mean who wants to be bored when you’re being worked on for hours on end!

Keith Duggan does not dissapoint.
World class tattos, professional team, clean shop, and amazing, talented and knowledgeable artists.

Sawdust is the shit! Kick ass work, fast, high quality, clean! All the guys in the shop are great! You get what you pay for…