Sailors Grave Tattoo Gallery

went there to get a tattoo of a snake with an arrow on my inner arm by Ben K, He was a really nice guy and I will definitely be back to have more work done

Mac is the man. Finally finishing up my half sleeve, super detailed the way I wanted it. Been coming here for over two years getting work done everyone in there has talent, friendly and hardworking. No doubt coming be back for some more in the future!

This is a fantastic artist’s studio, and my tattoo artist, Tim Howell, is brilliant. I asked him to update a small 25 year old tattoo on my arm and to incorporate it into a larger, more complete design. He gave me a beautifully executed Rock of Ages themed piece in crisp color with deep black accents and background. These guys are artists, so go in with an idea and let them work up a design for you. You won’t be disappointed.

I haven’t had the best luck with tattoo artists, but then I met Cory… I knew I struck gold!
He’s such an incredible artist, and he really listens to what you want and brings the tattoo you envisioned into life and to proudly display the art on your body. His passion for it is infectious! He seems genuinely just as excited for the tattoo as you are! He’s one of those tattoo artists that you follow to one shop or the other – which I did. He’s done 3 of my tattoos now – the first one he did was a beautiful Ariel portrait (my obsession) – and will continue to do any other future tattoos I have in mind.
Every single tattoo that he’s done has received the most compliments by strangers with me. I love Cory, and I’m so happy I FINALLY found a tattoo artist I can trust! (:

I’ve been coming to see Tim Howell since the beginning of this year, based on a friend’s recommendation about the shop in general. I was just a walk in and right away Tim was friendly, professional and listened to what I want. I even showed him some other artists’ examples (I know that can be taboo some places), but It was just because I’m a noob and can’t explain myself well. I was really impressed with his line work and as soon as I was ready for my next piece, he was the first person I thought of. He was honest about the placement and the content, which I super appreciate. And after some editing, came out with a fantastic piece. Three tattoos later and I’m definitely going back next time.

Super friendly, helpful, reasonably priced, engaging, and fun guys to be around. I would reccomend this place to a friend:)

I went to SGTG to get an American traditional tattoo of my grandparents and Tim did such an amazing job! His eye for detail really made my tattoo amazing and really stand out. I also had a rose on my leg before seeing him and he fixed it up so nicely! The whole tattoo pops. My husband and I really liked the clean and nice environment. We will definitely be back in the future. Definitely a great place to get a tattoo! Thanks again Tim!

Great work. Great environment. Both of these were done by Ben. His steady hand and quick work made the processes smooth and easy. I will be getting all of my work done here as long as I’m in California.

Moving from LA to SD I took a long time to find my shop, and this is it. I was really impressed by this shop from the artist, and the shop assistant working his butt off to the music and the décor. This place is the tits, props to Tim Howell for mine and my girlfriends rad new tattoos.

I went to go see Tim and he did an amazing job ! I was indecisive about what I was getting, and came up with something and he totally rocked it. I am so happy with the attention to detail and the work and effort he gave. Thank you Tim !

My boyfriend has gone to several tattoo shops looking for a good artist to do his work, he recently got diagnosed with kidney failure and wanted to represent this on his skin. We walked in and were greeted really warmly and given a estimate that was totally worth it. Ross was his artist and I sat and watched. Everybody working there sat and talked to us and it was a totally great experience ! My boyfriend wanted me to stress how much he loves it! And decided from now on to only go here.
Oh and also the first touch up is free, so cool!

I came to SGTG in hopes of getting a traditional style tattoo. I came in looking for Ben or Tim but both were out of town. Sean Huston greeted me and asked what I was looking for. After showing him a couple reference he drew it out for me in a few minutes. It was just what I was looking for. I was definitely not disappointed that the artists’ I was originally looking for were not there. Most of the artist at this place are awesome and very capable of making awesome traditional pieces (just look at their art books). Sean had me in and out of the place in under 2 hours which even saved me from refilling the parking meter. Great work, fast service, and good prices. I’ll definitely be back.

I had been looking to get a tattoo for a while. As soon as I looked at Bens work on sailors grave page I knew he was the artist for me. Ben does solid American Traditional tattooing, I stopped by the shop and gave him a basic description of what I wanted. What Ben drew up for me was absolutely amazing. Ben took my idea and made it his he is a true artist and I am so happy with my work. I recommend anyone to go see Ben at sailors grave to get your work done. You will be proud to wear Bens work the rest of your life

Every tattooer at the shop is great! I have to say that Mac is great! He did amazing work and is really a cool guy to talk to while getting tattooed. The layout of the shop is pretty cool. I’m not big on open booth shops, but it is cool on how old school the place is. I would definitely recommend anyone to come get a tattoo here. Or 6. Or 13. If your ever in SD head on over to Sailors Grave Tattoo Gallery. Ask for Mac, but if he’s not there you can trust any of the other artist there. They have some amazing work, and I will definitely be going back to get some more work done!
Fair winds and following seas!

Honestly, this was my first tattoo so as far as firsts go I took it as well as I usually do awkward and with ice hands. Ben was the artist who got landed with tattooing me at like 5 something in the evening (I was a walk-​in). He and another artist who’s name I did not catch (thank you tho) asked me what I wanted and if I had brought anything in to work off of. Of course this being one of those– fuck it all lets just get something tatted that will stay with me till I say fuck you one last time– spur of the moment affairs I ended up showing them some pictures my friend found off pinterest. This was after i tried to draw what I had thought I wanted/​asked them to incorporate rosemary/​wheat into a crescent moon design 2 something inches in diameter haha. Anyways after talking some more and working out details Ben ends up sketching it up in front of me and showing me how he’d shade it. Of course I end up loving it and the process eventually moves into the actual tattooing. Initially it was like an exacto blade gently being sliced into my skin but after a bare minute or 3, some breathing, and thinking about Tibetan monks who sit on needles all day, I eased into the pain and ended up just laying on the «bed» like a corpse with maybe a word or two to my friend who was sitting beside me. I was told I was doing «super well”~ The tattoo ended up being short work and I was left feeling a little sad that it was over. After being given care instructions, and feeling slightly concerned with the possibility that I might me a masochist, I shook hands with and hugged Ben, paid up, said thank you and left with my buddy.
Pretty much Im satisfied grateful and happy that my first was so nonchalant~
Thank You Ben!
Thanks Sailors Grave~

Great service, Reasonable pricing!
Quality work they take their time with your your work but don’t take to long at all. Everyone is pretty solid as far as talent goes. Highly recommend.

So after visiting numerous tattoo shops and talking to numerous artists, I decided to get my tattoo done here and with Ben. I told him exactly what I wanted and he made it his own and let me tell you I was not disappointed. The line work was clean and the colors and shading were absolutely great, and I am looking forward to having Ben or any other the artists here to add more ink that I’m planning to get. This tattoo shop is clean, professional, and have great artists who are attentive and talented. I could not recommend this place enough!
My photos are that of the squid and sperm whale.

This review is solely for piercing and has nothing to do with the tattooing here.
I came in about a month ago to get ny nose pierced with a friend. I cannot remember the piercers name but she was a female that had just started here and was from escondido.
This was my 4^th time getting my nose pierced so I knew what to expect and was not scared or nervous. the actual piercing part went fine, but when she was putting the ball in the closure ring, it was absolutely HORRENDOUS!!!
She was using plastic pliers instead of metal ones and they kept slipping off the ring. So it kept yanking at my freshly pierced nose!!! It took about 15 – 20 yanks and pulls before she realized that she should go get the metal pliers. Once she got the metal ones, the ball went in fine.
She didnt even aplogize and just blamed the plastic pliers. But it was her decision to use them, soo… it just didnt make sense and it was a nightmare of a piercing experience.

This post is long over due. I have received my first tattoo here on 2011 and meet with Gray Koblis. I had been going around to other tattoo parlor to get the feel of the artists and what I like about Grary was he was just straight out honest He was amazing and advised me what would look good eventually as skin gets older he was really helpful. I have yet to go back to finish up my tattoo but when I do I know I will go back with him when I do.
I took my cousin Melanie with me for the first time and for about two years now she has been going to Sailor graves with Rob Oner and he does amazing work as well her tattoos are beautiful. Thank you guys for everything and Gray Koblis I’ll be seeing you soon to finish up my tattoo.

I have wanted to get a Tattoo for a long time, I could not find a design I loved. Just a lot I liked.
I really lucked out finding Sailors Grave… The universe works like that!
Rob took what I liked Navy Diver and American Flag… He incorporated the two in a design that is patriotic and cool. I’ve never seen a design like it.
After thirty years I finally got a tattoo I am proud to wear!
Thanks Rob.