454 Tattoo and Body Piercing

Category:	Tattoo Shop
Address:	454 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Phone:	+1 760-942-2333
Site:	454tattoo.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM

Location

Photos 82

Reviews 17

A Private User

In the spirit of full disclosure Ill say that my very first experience here was not too great. I went in with an idea and talked to an artist called Champ (who I think is now gone). In a nut shell he basically flaked on me, but he did refer me to Billy, since I was looking for something a little more artistic and a little less classical. Billy took my ideas and synthesized them into an amazing piece of art. I had contacted Billy several times before getting the tattoo done to ask about sketches and I think I was stepping on his toes a bit. My recommendation DONT DO THAT! Hes a really great artist, go check out his work and if it seems like something you like, trust him to take your ideas and create something really great. My tattoo took about 3hrs or so and is better than I ever envisioned. Billy, thank you man. I will be back for more, and my wife and I are talking about ideas now for something we can both get together. Go see Billy, accept that itll probably take a few weeks to get in and let him do his thing. The price was VERY reasonable for the quality of work and the time involved. I cant say enough about 454 as a very clean and vibrant shop and about Billy as an artist. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Barbara Wengler

I recently had a double ear piercing and returned to the place twice complaining of pain. I was told to wait 6 months for the ear to heal. It just didnt seem right and finally went to a dermatologist 6 weeks after the piercing and told I had a keloid and that it would probably get worse if I didnt remove my earring. I cant believe Im the first one this has ever happened to and was disapointed in the reaction I received at 454 for my $75 ear piercing. The first time I returned I was told nobody was there that knew anything about piercing. The second time Christina told me to wait it out as long as I didnt have an infection. In the end I had to realize my left ear just wasnt tolerating a piercing and forcing it wasnt going to help, and likely was not ever going to get better.

Jason Mac

I have been to this shop 5 times now and although I have only been tattoed by Billy (been there15 years) and Brad (owner) -- all artists are equally talented.. The shop and all artists make you feel very welcome - which I think is a very important aspect. Customer service is good. Pricing might be slightly above avg (not much) - but you are getting a TATTOO that lasts forever -- so you want to get it done by a skilled artist! This shop does get busy so cruise in and make an appt. with the artist of choice.. FYI -- Billy and Brad are usually booked for 2-3 months. It always helps if you bring your tat idea/concept to review with the artist prior to making an appt.

A Private User

I had my first tattoo here done and it was Amazing! Jake was my artist. My tattoo has a lot of fine lines and small details and it looks amazing! All the lines are clean and straight. I was a little nervous, as it was my first tattoo, and he did a great job at explaining how everything worked and making sure I knew what the process was. The shop is very clean, the staff was friendly. I went there because my friend has gotten multiple tattoos there that look great. I think Billy was her artist. If I ever get another tattoo I will defiantly go back and would highly recommend this place for other people looking to get a tattoo. It was also a great price!!

A Private User

The second I walked in I was greeted and asked what I needed. Of course some knowledge of how a tattoo shop is run will be preferable to those that just walk in expecting the artists to bend to their every whim. The key points of a great tattoo shop are outstanding here. Very clean environment, very friendly and knowledgable artists that wont hesitate to give their advice on what you plan on getting. The only downpoint is that since this place is a very popular tattoo/piercing shop, its actually quite busy. Appointments must be made in person to discourage dodgy people. Ill be getting the rest of my ink done here.

Gentlegiant68

I am from Chicago Illinois and this is my first time in California and my first tattoo by Brad. Wherever you are going to get your tattoos and piercings stop and get your butt over to 454 tattoo. They made me feel like I was family great prices and after I saw my three new tatts I would have given him twice what he asks for. This place was very clean and accommodating I have a back injury and I was using a walker. I will be back in Carlsbad in May of 2018 and I am going back to buy these guys lunch and get me and my family more tattoos! THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY FIRST TATTOO EXPERIENCE AWESOME!!!

A Private User

Such a warming environment! I am from dc and came here to support a friend getting a tattoo. I decided to get my tragus pierced (by Kristina) while here (a spur-of-the-moment decision). She couldnt have been more genuine and informative. Ive had my tragus pierced once before (in VA) and remember the pain resembling that of childbirth. At 454, i flinched, and well, that was it. She even went out of her way to offer me her email, knowing i was from out of town. Just a solid, sanitary, and easy-going place. Ps my friends tattoo turned out amazingly, too. Thanks, Kristina!

Katrina Tarak

I had to book my appointments over a month out but thats just because Brad is so talented that he fills up quick. I got a huge piece on my ribs and Everyone was very professional and very helpful when it came to making me comfortable and talking me through the pain. Brad took an old out line that I had and made it into a beautiful side piece. Nothing printed off google. He free handed everything he put on my body and it came out perfectly!!! Prices are reasonable also. Hes a great tattoo artist and his prices fit his work!

Momof Minimacs

This evening Shelby pierced my 5-y-o daughters ears. Super professional, friendly place. Thank you to both Christina and Shelby for taking the time to show my daughter around and explain things so she could be comfortable. Great experience and highly recommended.

Matthew Plyler

Incredible tattoo shop, the only people I trust to work on my body, family crest done for myself and three sons. They make sentimental thoughts a reality. Hands down the friendliest most talented group of people. THANKS ALWAYS!

Reg ulator

Came in for an appointment with Gabe Munoz! His work is awesome. Highly recommend checking him out. Super friendly and put me at ease with my pre-tat anxiety.

A Private User

Went with a friend to get a belly button ring here. They were nice and professional

A Private User

Billy is the only artist I can work with very high quality with a very fair price.

Trevor Kulyk

One of my favorite shops! Ryan does amazing work, as does the rest of the team!

Kira McK

Staff is super friendly and do an amazing job on my piercings

Jason McNamara

Amazing place. Well done, Brad (owner)

Dan Jacobs

Rude,rude,rude.