Memoir Tattoo

This review is long over due. I got my half sleeve done about ~5years ago by Spencer Briggs. Still plan on going back at some point to finish my sleeve.
Pros:+++
His amount of detail is VERY HIGH.
Professional.
He’s a real down to earth guy. I loved having long sessions with him because he has a real passion for creating the best tattoos he can.
His demeanor is light hearted and fun.
The shop is clean as hell.
I would recommend him to anyone that can stomach sitting for long periods of time doing single needle detailed work.
Cons:—
Hard to reach like all tattoo artists. Keep emailing him, it’s worth it.

It took me years to decide the subject and artist for my tattoo. I was familiar with Kim’s work from the show, but I was also impressed with everything she did besides the show as well. I wanted somebody that does color well, so naturally, she was my first choice.
So, willing to wait forever, I took a chance and emailed Kim about my tattoo. I heard from her about 3 days later! I was so shocked. We scheduled (and rescheduled a couple of times) a consult, which was mildly frustrating, but in the end it didn’t bother me because I just knew it was going to be worth waiting for. I brought in ideas, and emphasized what I wanted, and she was a good listener. Also, she has been tattooing for a while so she was obviously very familiar with the subject I chose. I had to wait a couple of more months to get the tattoo, but that was fine with me.
She confirmed our appt. a few days before and shared her sketch. I gave my input, wanted to change a few things; again, she was a good listener. I was so excited the day of. Her sketch was gorgeous, and on top of that, she was able to cover a small tattoo I previously had. The shop is clean, everybody is professional and straight about what to expect. The tattoo took six hours and she was so awesome about breaks and let me know that it was ok to tap out if I needed to. I survived, but the last couple of hours were rough. I ended up with a gorgeous, colorful, feminine piece on my back that honors the love I have for my girls. I couldn’t be happier with the experience. I may need to go back for a touch up on the color and that’s fine with me. I’m already thinking of another piece and don’t want anybody else but Kim to touch me. Of course she is pricy, but let me emphasize this: WHEN GETTING A TATTOO, IT IS NOT THE TIME TO BE A CHEAP ASS OR EXPECT A WALMART DISCOUNT. You are paying for an artist’s work, and Kim Saigh is nothing short of an amazing artist. Thank you again so much.
parking tip: it is rough and busy, so just cough up 10 bucks and use the buzzfeed valet.

Currently working on a sleeve with Kim, I couldn’t be happier with her and her work. The best. The shop is an awesome, comfortable place with a cool noir/​alternative vibe to it. Shawn, Nate, and the other artists are all super cool, funny guys. One of the best around. Can’t say enough good things about it. Pro tip: use the valet around the side, they’re cool and it’s $ 10.

Just finished up my last session for a half sleeve with Kim yesterday and I honestly can’t speak any more highly of her, Shawn, and Nate.
I initially emailed her on a whim, knowing how busy she was and not really expecting to hear anything back from her (or her assistant) so it was to my utter surprise that I received a response from her not three days later, saying she was interested in doing the piece I had in mind. Kim was indeed very busy but I went in for a quick consult and left with a wait of a little less than a month for my first session; all without having to put down a deposit (Kim was very trustworthy which is something that I thought was just amazing).
Once in the shop, I was immediately put at ease by everyone’s genuine kindness and the no-​bullshit attitude they all share, which put me at ease with it being my first large piece (On one of my longer sessions, Nate (also an amazing tattoo artist) even offered to bring me coffee/​snacks when he was leaving for a break). Tattoos are by appointment only so you don’t have a bunch of people coming in and out all day and they don’t allow you to bring an entourage when you’re getting tattooed, so the studio has a very personal and private feel to it, even if 2 or 3 other people are getting tattooed at the same time.
Despite giving Kim complete artistic freedom with my basic design in mind, she always made it a point to check if I was cool with what she was doing and if I wanted to change anything. She also made sure to ask me how I was doing every hour or so, giving me an easy out to wimp out for the day without feeling too foolish or embarrassed to ask. The shop itself is a work of art – both Kim and Shawn are supremely talented artists and their art adorns every wall of the studio, giving you something pretty to look at while you’re jabbed with needles for hours on end.
On a side note, my final color session wasn’t slated til mid March but something came up which involved me leaving LA for a while, unsure of when I would be back – I texted Kim letting her know about my situation and she shifted her busy-​as-​hell schedule around to fit me in as soon as she could, just so I could leave with a finished piece. I really can’t sing her praises enough – both as an person and artist. In short, the shop and artists made this experience better than anything I could’ve ever dreamed of. Kim and Shawn are class acts and if you have the privilege of being tattooed by either of them, DO IT.

Brendan Rowe is such a gentleman and wonderful artist to work with. He listens to what you want without any judgement, and makes the experience enjoyable and comfortable with his care and attention to detailed. I definitely would recommend him if you’re seeking artistic creativity and outstanding service.

I don’t know how I haven’t reviewed this place sooner since I’ve been coming here for years! Brendan has done about 5 of my tattoos and is currently working on my full back. He is so amazingly talented. Despite my loyalty to Brendan all of the other artists here are fantastic. I would NEVER go anywhere else to get tattooed. I have so much love for memoir!

Fantastic experience at Memoir. I emailed Kim Saigh (with pics attached of what I wanted) and within a few days I heard back. She was so kind but was unable to accommodate my tattoo as she was taking on larger pieces /​projects. She asked if it was ok if she sent the idea to one of her artists at the shop and I of course said sure. Within a day I heard from Jeffrey Johnson. His email to me was awesome and we went back and forth with ideas which incorporated 2 drawings done by my small children. I went in and met with him for a consult. The shop is super cool and mellow. Today I had my tattoo done and it is so much better than I ever could have dreamed. Jeffrey took my idea and just went and made it gorgeous. I highly recommend JEFFREY JOHNSON at Memoir.

I trully thought I would be the next one to publish a 5 star review, but unfortunately I won’t.
I can’t say anything about the shop itself, as it has probably assumed that they are too good for me. I have sent an appointment request 4 month ago, hoping that I would get Kim to do my second tattoo, for which I saved up for months before finally send out my email.
However, I have never heard anything back from her (or most likely her assistant), NEVER. I understand that she must be busy because of her reputation, but I’ve been in contact with tattoo artists as popular as her, or maybe even more, and they all contacted me in a way promptly manner. If she won’t do it, somebody else will.
EXTREMELY disappointed.

This review is for Kim Saigh and not for Memoir Tattoo. In 2009, I visited San Fran during a family trip, and had the opportunity to schedule an appointment with Kim. I got orchids on my hip, and I trusted her to draw it up. Needless to say, she did not disappoint. The tattoo took about 2.5 hours, which was incredibly fast. Her touch was not heavy handed (the outline was a breeze), and it turned out just so beautifully. She was incredibly sweet and personable. She made me feel totally at east. I am still so in love with it and it still looks just as good. I would to work with her again, and recommend that anyone looking for an amazing artist to reach out to her.

Brendan did an absolutely SPECTACULAR job on my tattoo of the Great Eastern Sun. In fact, someone I met who was well versed in the tradition of Shambhala said it was the best version he’d ever seen. I wear this tattoo with humility and pride, thanks to Brendan’s artistry and the great team over at Memoir. The parlor is immaculate, they make you feel at home, and without a doubt I will be back for my next one. Thanks, Memoir!

Brendan Rowe is the man! Complete gentleman, talented artist, impeccable work! As a first timer, he made me feel completely at ease. His lines were clean and he definitely strives for perfection. Shop is clean, cool and visually stimulating=)

If love meant being repeatedly stabbed with tiny needles, Kim Saigh would be my soulmate.
Everything about my recent experience getting tattooed by Kim was perfect. I stumbled across Memoir Tattoo while searching for an artist who specialized in fine, detailed black and grey work, and was stuck by Kim’s work. When I emailed her with my idea, I expected I’d be waiting a while for a reply and weeks, if not months, for an appointment. I was thrilled when she responded the following day and enthusiastically offered to do the work that same week. Normally, Kim is booked months in advance, so I know the speed of her response and the same-​week appointment were thanks in part to cancelations. But even given the sudden opening in her schedule, I think it was Kim’s personal excitement about my tattoo idea that led her to get back to me so quickly. That she was actually interested in and excited about doing my work is testament to her passion and integrity as an artist.
The Memoir studio is a gorgeous, unique, and, most importantly, impeccably clean space. Kim was incredibly nice, soft-​spoken, and easy-​going. She made the entire experience safe, simple, and pleasant. And, most importantly, her work is flawless, and every time I look my tattoo I’m absolutely amazed at her artistry and skill.

As far as a tattoo shops are concerned I think the essential and most important part is feeling comfortable there. Memoir Tattoo does just that. Everyone who works here is extremely nice Kim and Shawn are both talented artists and deserve the success they are having.

I had the pleasure of meeting Shawn and getting tattooed by him last year at the Seattle Tattoo Convention. He is extremely talented & professional. I made the trip to LA from Alaska to get a touch up and add some more to my piece. The shop is amazing, very comfortable and laid back. I look forward to working with him again sometime in the future.

Brendan Rowe is here now, so this is where I go.
The shop is above some stores on Beverly. It’s a pretty interesting location compared to most shops, and it’s got a cool vibe (as you can see from others’ pics).
Everyone at the shop is super nice. It’s really a pleasant place (if there is one) to get tattooed. Love going.

I had my first tattoo done by Kim Saigh, and it could not have been a nicer experience. The shop looks more like an art gallery than a tattoo shop, and it is CLEAN! Kim is such a sweetheart and very easy to hang out with for the 3 ½ hour appointment plus she took her time in sketching out my idea, and she is truly a gifted artist. My tattoo is beautiful! The booking process was a little grueling, but this is to be expected from a high profile tattooer. Her assistants try to field the emails as quickly as possible. I flew all the way from New York to have her tattoo me so I wasn’t expecting the process to happen overnight. I’m so happy I made the trip!

Memoir Tattoo is such a relaxing place to have ink done. It really feels like an art gallery as you get to admire the paintings done by Shawn Barber and Kim Saigh. Kim and Shawn are both very friendly and chill.
As it is clearly stated on the Memoir website booking is done two to three months out. I sent my email request to the shop’s email and to Kim’s email and waited patiently. I waited eagerly the two months and finally got my appointment. In December 2010, Kim started working on an upper back piece, it will take multiple sessions and scheduling these sessions directly with Kim have been no problem. She is very pleasant and such a talented artist. It was completely worth the wait!

I’m from Chicago, and have tattoos from three locations from back home. I wanted the ultimate souvenir from my favorite tattoo artist, Kim Saigh — I absolutely adore her work. She is EXTREMELY talented.
Lucky for me I contacted Kim via email about 3 months in advance, she got back to me right away and indicated that she books two months out. We kept in touch between my first contact and my trip out to LA. We spoke on the phone so she could get an idea of what I wanted done ahead of time as well.
Kim takes her time, she’s very personable and understanding as I was very nervous getting my first fairly large tattoo :)
I highly recommend the shop as it is very clean as well as Kim, for her overall talent.

As much as I would love to give a great review, my experience was somewhat of a struggle with Memoir. It was very difficult getting an appointment set up with Kim and getting in touch with her assistant.
I sent an email via her website and emailed directly. It took about a week or two to hear back. Kim’s personal assistant emailed and left me a voicemail on my cell so I called back several times and left messages as well as email but never received a call back for a number of days. I was very eager so I continued to call until I got an actual person on the line. When I finally got someone on the line, I was able to set up my appointments.
Unfortunately, a family emergency came up and I had to cancel indefinitely. I asked if I could get my deposit back and her assistant said she would find out if I could since it was «non refundable» (didn’t see that posted anywhere on her site, nor was I told). I still haven’t heard back about it.
As far as I can tell Kim is a great artist and seems very nice. I was very much looking forward to getting something done by her. I realize she is very popular and in high demand. I have no problem waiting but the process does need to improve.

Kim Saigh is definitely an amazing artist, and Shawn wasn’t there when I initially visited, but his artwork is displayed all over the walls. And, it was awesome to find out (and see) Shawn’s portrait of Rick Walters, the old man who tattooed my arm opposite side of Kim’s design.
Kim paints too, her artwork was also displayed. Kim had a lot of input going into the decoration of this studio. I love it.
Yes, appointment only, so just log onto the website and try to schedule your way through. If you want Kim or Shawn to work on you, you’re going to have to schedule your appointment 2 months in advance or so, which I was willing to do and did. The studio is clean, her station is clean, and the atmosphere itself was inviting.
I love the design, and we’re not even done yet!
She is such an easy-​going lady to talk to, so chill, and has so much patience for a talkative person like myself. I definitely look forward to my next session and completing this piece.