Flying Squid Art Gallery, Tattooing, & Piercing

I’m always on the hunt for a new tattoo or piercing place. Flying Squid was recommended to me by a friend, and I wasn’t disappointed. Situated in an old house on Durham, Flying Squid looks about how you’d expect a tattoo place to look: funky, bright, stylish, but in a neighborhood that isn’t often associated with tattoos or piercings (the Heights). My friend and I came to put new holes in ourselves, so we dealt with Makana during our visit.
I’ve been to other piercers in town and haven’t liked them nearly as much as Makana. Even though they’ve all been talented and sanitary, Makana’s got the bonus of a pleasant and low-​key demeanor. I never felt condescended to or uncomfortable at any point during the process. She’s got a quick and precise hand and my rook (generally regarded as one of the more painful piercings) was about as painless and trouble-​free as sticking a needle through your cartilage can get.
I would actually recommend Flying Squid for offbeat gifts, too – there are original sketches and paintings, notebooks, t-​shirts and even little things like handmade bows and music available for sale. The only minus is that parking is at a premium since it’s right on Durham – there’s a driveway, but you may have to shuffle cars if someone’s leaving before you. I parked around the corner and walked, which wasn’t bad, but may be un-​fun during inclement weather.
I’m pleased to have found my home base in Houston. I’ll definitely be back for any future piercings or jewelry changes!

Couldn’t be happier with my coverup tattoo by Catfish! You can tell how much he loves what he does. A true talent.

I have a fairly large tattoo on my arm that I got last year (from another shop) and it needed to be fixed and finished, a friend of mine referred me to Catfish. He was very professional and the work he did was FANTASTIC! Now it looks the way I envisioned it in the first place — awesome! He is a true artist and will definitely being going back for more in the near future.

A big thank you to Catfish for the time and work my man!!! 100% satisfied with my new piece! Thanks again Flying Squid!!!

Got my first ever tattoo done by catfish and all I have to say is wow. His work is one of a kind. The man has true passion for his work. Would highly recommend to everyone!

Catfish did an freaking awesome job on my leg and Will be going back in the near future!

Makana was awesome! She was so nice and extremely knowledgable. I’ll definitely be back!

Flying Squid Tattoo is THE place to get a tattoo! After going to several other tattoo shops in the area to have a cover up done I was simply turned away. I arrived at Flying Squid we were pleasantly surprised to step into such a warm and inviting environment. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. I explained to them my idea and they introduced me to Catfish, who jumped at my idea. He worked with me to nail down the exact design I was going for. The bottom line is this was the best tattoo experience I have ever had. Catfish’s amazing talent at tattooing speaks for itself. I am moving out of the state and would easily fly back to H-​town for more work by Catfish at The Flying Squid. Don’t pass this shop by if you are looking for a quality tattoo and an unforgettable experience.

Makana Clemons was extremely helpful & took the time to answer every question when my wife got her nose pierced. My wife’s first piercing other than her ears & she was nervous. I highly recommend Makana for piercings.

Just got a new tatoo for Friday the 13^th! This was my first time at this new shop and it was an excellent experience. Catfish was my artist, and I will definitely be back to get more work from him. This was by far my least painful tatoo, a mark of a seasoned professional. Even though it was a small piece on special, he took his time to make it look awesome. He seemed just as excited about it as me! Very friendly staff, clean shop, and great art all around. I would recommend this shop to anyone!

Got my first piercing ever which is a septum at Flying Squid, and I am so glad I did! We came in telling Makana (the piercer) that we were in a rush, and she did the paperworks and preparing within 10 miniutes for us. After that she showed me different kinds of jewelery for my septum and explained the pros and cons of each. They did piercings in a separate and secluded room, which I appreciate. Makana was very informative and nice, so the process went by smoothly and the piercing itself did not hurt much. She even answered some questions for my friend about her belly button piercing and was sweet about that too! Overall, as much as I was nervous about my first piercing, the people at Flying Squid reduced my fear greatly. We met Catfish (the owner) only for a brief while, but he was so nice during that short while too. Definitely coming back here if I ever decide to get more piercings!

I’ve gotten two tattoos from Catfish Perez and both are fantastic. The new studio is absolutely gorgeous and has some of Houston’s best artists on staff. The original artworks and prints for sale, along with handmade jewelry are an excellent bargain as well.

I got my first tattoo at the Flying Squid and the experience was AWESOME. Everyone was really cool and made me feel at home. Catfish did an amazing job custom designing my vision and the tatt came out flawless. I am already thinking about the next one I want to get done there.

I love The Flying Squid Tattoo! Liz (Betty Voh) is an apprentice that does incredible tattoo work. She does a good job & takes what you want very seriously. & she has the touch of a feather! I’ve never had a better experience @ a different shop, & I’ve got a lot of tattoos! Great job guys!

FLYING SQUID RULES!!! All of the artists are amazing. Betty voh did my hand up awesome. If you want real work done from real artists there is no other choice in the H-​town.

I have a few OLD tattoos, and wanted to get some updates happening this year. I contacted this new studio I’d heard about… I’d met the proprietor at a community event a few months prior, he was nice and the art was great! Catfish himself took my vague idea, ran with it, and created an amazingly sensitive and detailed piece (quickly, too!), even had some ideas that hadn’t occured to me! The studio experience was super, it had been a long time for me but no issues or concerns on my part. Clean facilities and equipment, friendly crew, tons of great energy. I’ve got my next ‘order’ in, and an appointment set! I highly recommend supporting this studio, staffed by experienced confident artists, (They’ve got some really nice locally made art pieces for sale in the front area too: prints, fiber, jewelry!)