Island Tat evolve

Lemon Grove, United States

5

Closed now

21 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
By Appointment Only

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 866-279-0699
Website:
www.islandtatevolve.com
Address:
7912 Lester Ave Ste A, Lemon Grove, CA, 91945
b/t Grove St & Lemon Grove Ave
Lemon Grove
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
750 ftLemon Grove Depot
1.1 miSpring Street
1.5 miLa Mesa Boulevard
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
By Appointment Only
Yes

Today

Today 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Lemon Grove) 04:06 Monday, 23 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Island Tat Tattoo Shop specializes in custom, freehand, one of a kind, Polynesian tattoos.

For appointment inquires — call or email us

History

Established in 2007.

Island TAT tattoo shop was opened in 2007 and has recently re-​opened as Island TAT evolve. We are evolving into a more modern style of Polynesian tribal all the while honoring and respecting the traditions of the past. We specialize in Polynesian tribal tattoos but are also versed in other styles of realism, etc. We are proud to have been the first tattoo shop in San Diego to specialize strictly in Polynesian tribal tattoos.

Meet the Business Owner

Joshawa E.

Business Owner

My name is Joshawa Elsas and i am from Hawaii. I am a veteran and actually started tattooing while in the navy. I got out of the navy in 2003 and worked in a couple tattoo shops in San Diego until I opened island TAT tattoo shop in 2007.

I have travelled throughout Polynesia to learn and experience different cultures. I have been blessed to have tattooed the Moko on Mana Alii Nui of Polynesia (highest king in Polynesia) and have also tattooed other chiefs and elders throughout the islands. I am the spiritual Tatau artist for the Alii Nui and this is the highest honor I could ever have imagined.

My travels and experiences are always shared with the tattoo studio so all artists are well versed in the culture and the traditions of Polynesia.

I look forward to meeting you and allowing our studio to design/​co-​create your masterpiece.

Mahalo and God bless

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21 reviews of Island Tat evolve

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I’ve waited a month to write my review on my first tat from awesome Josh, so that the photo may turn out normal looking and healed. (although I did not bleed during the process and healing was such a breeze) I did lots of research for weeks for the right artist for my first Polynesian masterpiece and when I researched Josh, instantly I knew he was the only choice and luckily he was only 6 miles away! We met briefly and I really like his vibes.
Basically the many reviews on here have said what I feel also, but Josh is such a great artist and person/​spirit to work with.
The studio is Poly-​vibe all the way, we sat and talked story for 40 minutes or so… and he listened quite intuitively to my ideas of what Hawaii means to me and what I wanted the tat to represent, and both of us having lived on both Big Island and Oahu we instantly clicked and understood the flow of the trade winds, the waves, the palms, the flow of the Mana of Hawaii.
He drew up the awesome flow on my upper arm and it turned out SO awesome!
It feels like me, it flows like Hawaii and Polynesia and it was created by Josh. I thank you so much man.
I will return and have more art done again, without a doubt. Also, Josh is in high demand for good reason, so I was prepared to wait many months to have him as my artist, however living locally has its benefits… got a call 2 weeks after we met and he had a cancelation and BAM, I was there, 3 hours later wearing this great piece of art. Mahalo plenty Josh, hope to see you again soon…, Kona Mike
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
My Husband waited 43 years to get his first tattoo and couldn’t have picked a better place and better artist (Joshawa Elsas) My husband is from Guam and I am from Los Angeles but both moved to Portland Oregon a year and a half ago. We sure did fly back to LA and made the drive to San Diego for his amazing work and man o man what a great experience. I believe tattoos are a representation of who you are and tell a story and Josh created that perfectly. Not to mention the ambience was very soothing. My husband is getting a full sleeve and has a couple more sessions to go. Can’t wait to go back to engage in more positive vibes. Thanks Josh! Hafa Adai!
Place rating: 5
Chula Vista, CA
I’m pretty sure it was fate that brought Island Tat (specifically Josh) into my life as the artist who did my first tattoo.
Josh made me 110% comfortable before, during, and after the process since again it was my first tattoo and I was stupid nervous!
What I really appreciated was the one on one session before the actual tattooing where he takes time to get to know you and what you want done. It only made me more sure with what I wanted and he was completely honest and genuine so you know it isn’t about the commission.
I have absolutely NO rAgrets (lol) with having Josh as the artist who did my first tattoo. Even my husband, who had reservations about me getting one and who would probably never get one, loves my piece (:
Mahalo Josh and RRG! Definitely built a solid trust and would come back to get blasted from him again!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
IslandTat is WORTH IT!!! I live in the Bay Area, but born and raise 808 and like the past reviewers it’s truly worth the airfare. Love the private location of the shop it really gives a unique atmosphere compared to most others. The overall vibe is nothing but love from the moment I stepped into the shop I instantly felt welcomed, there is island and reggae music that can be heard throughout the store.
Oh yeah can’t forget Joshawa is the best hands down, he really pays attention to detail and is able to paint a far better portrait of art on your body than what you could fathom. Not just that he also gives you the option to watch movies while being in the chair, but you’ll come to find that talking with him is quiet interesting as well.
Mahalo Nui Josh and the Island Tat Crew. Really feel like Ohana (Family) now that I share this masterpiece. Overall 5 Stars does not do the shop justice!!! 10 stars sounds more like!!!
Place rating: 5
Woodland, CA
I met Josh several years ago and we became very good friends instantly. He has since done a full left sleeve. I just completed my 2nd sleeve with Josh yesterday (3÷31÷16). I am still amazed at his attention to detail and his full attention he gives to his canvas (your skin). His lines or so straight, as if he used a ruler. The shop is approximately 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. It is quiet and private. During your session, you have the comfort of listening to island reggae, watch a movie, or engage in conversation. Both Josh and Suni will translate to canvas what you want your tattoo to mean and produce a one of a kind masterpiece. I highly recommend this shop to anyone interest in Polynesian Tribal tattoos.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Where do I begin? Such an awesome first experience with Island Tat evolve, especially with Joshawa. I came in on a Monday for my first tattoo ever and walked out with the outline of my leg piece almost near completed. The attention to detail Joshawa put into my tattoo is amazing. I highly recommend you sit down with him and let him hear your life story. He’s super chill to talk with and the end result is a meaningful piece that you won’t regret. I’m so thankful I waited to get my tattoo by someone who knows the Polynesia culture so well and doesn’t rush to get you out of the shop and try to take your money. I can’t wait to go back and finish and see the end result. When you’re tattoo artist is just as excited to see the finished product as much as you are, then you know you made the right choice. Thank you for tatting me. It’s an Honor.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Meeting Josh was one of the highlights of my day. His warm aloha spirit is captivating and much welcomed. His creativity, abilities and art work are out of this world. If you are looking for a tattoo artist with a humble heart and amazing work, go see Josh.
Place rating: 5
Oceanside, CA
These guys are awesome. The facility is very clean and welcoming. Josh was able to get me in on very short notice. We sat down and talked about Ideas that I had. He was very professional and was able to design a great art piece that we both liked. I would reccomend this shop and artist to anyone. There service and facility was excellent. I look forward to getting some more work done here. Great experience overall…
Place rating: 5
Dublin, CA
First of all, let me say there are other places very close to me for a Polynesian Tatt. Humble Beginnings is only 20 minutes away from me, but I will buy the airfare and fly down to San Diego and only go to Joshawa at Island Tat.
In 3 years I have flown down there about 4 times and this week I completed the chest part to connect with my sleeve. In my opinion he is the best artist out there. Every time I have been there, I tell Josh the symbols and the meanings I want within the tatt. His vision and artistry he portrays on my body is far better than I could have ever imagined!
Josh does everything freestyle. He never used a stencil on me. He just drew out the design with everything I asked for right on my arm and chest! Amazing!
The shop itself is only 15 minutes away from the airport in Lemon Grove. It is very private, and the new setting is intimate and private. Very clean. Joshawa himself is very professional and at the same time treats you like family. He pays very close attention to detail.
If you can do it, it is worth flying down there to get a tatt from the best! Many people I know already fly down there to experience a memorable session that will last a lifetime.
Place rating: 5
Chula Vista, CA
After over a decade of waiting and getting the green light from the Mrs, I was FINALLY able to get my skin blasted for the very first time.
I’m so blessed that I took the time to thoroughly research this lifetime piece, as Josh did not disappoint. From the email inquiries, initial appointment, first sesh and final sesh, Josh was professional every single meeting. He worked around my schedule and kept me updated with cancellations, just in case I could slot in a session with my hectic work week.
From the artists who work with him, to his islander eclectic shop, you feel welcomed the moment you walk in. Unlike most tattoo shops who share space with neighboring «Main Street» storefronts, Island TAT is just off the beaten path. It’s privacy allows you to enjoy the islander environment without the unexpected distractions, and take in all the musical good vibes heard through out the entire store.
I’m still amazed of how his vision and skills turned my ¾ sleeve into a priceless masterpiece. His heritage and in depth knowledge of the Polynesian culture is bar none, but his inherited artistic abilities to create anything is why Josh is truly an ink master.
Bottom line, 5 stars doesn’t do enough justice for Josh and Island TAT. Mahalo, braddah.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
High quality tattoo from an amazing tattoo artist and the best customer service. From my initial inquiry 4 months ago to the current. post-​tattoo healing process, it’s been a smooth process thanks to Josh.
When I decided to get a polynesian sleeve (my first tattoo), I went through the usual google/​instagram/​pinterest/​yelp searches and found several amazing artists. I live in San Francisco and there were much closer artists to me than Josh in San Diego.
However, Josh’s work caught my eye and stood out in a way that was so different and beautiful I had to go with him as my artist.
After emailing him some questions, he quickly responded and we booked a December appointment.
From the time he opened the door, everything was very comfortable and professional. Despite his amazing work, this guy has no ego whatsoever. We had a long discussion to design the look and meaning of my tattoo. He described his style, his knowledge and we worked together to collaborate on telling my story with breathtaking imagery.
The space is clean, ipad keeps you busy, and Josh let me know exactly what to expect the whole time. Next thing you know, he’s done and telling you how to care for your tattoo.
It’s only been a week, but one of my favorite compliment so far came from my boss who is not a tattoo type person at all. «wow, that’s not a tattoo, that’s art»
Thanks for everything Josh!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I can’t thank Josh enough for my half sleeve tattoo! His work is simply amazing. Aside from the tattoo, he creates an experience that is just as memorable as the tattoo. He makes you feel like family. Thank you for everything, Josh!
Place rating: 5
San Jose, CA
I love my tattoo done by Felix. He was really patient and when I told him I wanted my tattoo to symbolize my brothers, he sat there and asked me about them while he sat and free styled a drawing. He then took the time to tell me what each symbol meant and made sure I was ok with the placing before he started to tattoo. Super nice place and if I ever decide to get another tattoo I’m going back here.
Place rating: 5
Santee, CA
Great work! Got a beautiful chest piece, completed by felix, and I am very, very pleased. Been putting this off for many years, been really difficult to find quality island style tattoo artists. They definitely have them here. Found my new spot to finish the rest of my life story. Thanks guys
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
The Island Tat shop is one of the cleanest, relaxing tattoo shops I’ve ever come across. I have been working with Josh at Island Tat on a ¾ arm sleeve, chest and back piece. I told him my ideas on the tattoo and he came up with the most incredible interpretation and brought it to life! Josh is without question an outstanding artist! He actually draws the piece on you instead of onto a stencil. The tattoo you receive will be a one of a kind and the it will conform perfectly to your body.
I have had two sessions with Josh and each time he was an absolute pro at handling my discomfort and making me feel at ease. I am coming up on my third session with him and can’t wait to see my piece transform once again.
If you want your tattoo idea to come to life then look no further than Island Tat and Josh! Josh is hands down worth the wait and you will not be disappointed!
Place rating: 5
La Mesa, CA
came here and got a tattoo last year by Suni and today im back but this time my daughter is getting her first tattoo by Suni!
Place rating: 5
San Marcos, CA
Simply put, islandtat is absolutely amazing. The shop itself defies the stereotype of a common tattoo shop. Its clean, family friendly and saturated with culture. The island theme creates a relaxing, serene atmosphere that makes you feel at ease. It’s a private studio and each artist has their own room to give the clients privacy.
Honestly I never thought I would ever get a tattoo, but now that I have. I would do it again! Josh is not just a tattoo artist. He goes beyond the typical tattoo routine. His consultation before the tattoo shows he is very attentive and inquisitive in order to make each piece personal and unique.
I have done a ton of research to find an artist and in my opinion he is definitely the best Polynesian tattoo artist in San Diego! To my knowledge, he has tattooed for over a decade and it shows in the fine details he puts in every piece and his precise but gentle maneuving that limits the common pains in getting inked.
He is normally booked out for some time but I guess it’s true that if your artist isn’t booked out then maybe it’s for a reason.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I came to Josh in February with an idea that I had for a tattoo. I wanted to get a set of foo dogs tattooed on the back of my arms and to make them unlike any other foo dog tattoos that I had seen I wanted him to add his poly flair to it. Josh loved my idea and we met a few weeks later for me to look at his design. The sketch blew me away! I could not believe what I saw. Josh took my vision and he knocked it out of the park. He then took the time to explain to me what each of the symbols meant and gave me an estimate on price and how long he thought the tattoos would take. So I booked my appointments and got my tattoos done on two different sessions and I can honestly say that final work looks even better then the sketches that Josh showed me. Both tattoos healed without any issue and look amazing. The amount of detail and the shading on both tattoos are simply amazing. Josh is a true artist and I can’t thank him and Island Tat enough for bringing my vision to life. Josh was a pleasure to work with and the environment at Island Tat is as good as it gets. There was island music playing in the shop, everything was very clean, and the vibe couldn’t be better. If you’re looking get island inspired or any tattoo work done, Island Tat is the place to come and ask for Josh. Island Tat will be the only place I go to for any future tattoos.
Mahalo Josh and Island Tat.
Place rating: 5
Denver, CO
Just had my 4th & 5th sessions this weekend at Island Tat with Josh. All I can say is it was an amazing experience and the piece of art that I know have forever is beyond any possible expectations.
From start to finish, Josh was completely up front about what it was going to take, how it would progress, and worked to make the piece exactly what I wanted and more. Every session ended with the chest/​full sleeve morphing into something more incredible.
Also, a big thanks also to the rest of the crew (Jen, Felix, Ashley, Sunni) for making us feel at home over the many days and hours my husband and I spent at the studio.
I would recommend Josh and his crew to anyone looking for a one of a kind piece of South Pacific/​island ink.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
After 8 months of waiting I had the best experience with Joshawa.
He was very understanding about working around an existing tattoo that has great meaning to me. I told him I wanted an original creation and how much I had to spend. We conversed and we got to know each other so he created a beautiful piece that was feminine and included my two very dear family members that had passed away.
His lines were smooth and healed amazingly! Its the first and only tattoo that never scarred over.
I can’t wait to get another piece by him
Place rating: 5
Chula Vista, CA
Joshawa is amazing as he specializes in Poly Tattoos. He’s highly skilled and his work is absolutely clean. He knows his art and strives for perfection. You will need to book ahead of time. He doesn’t carry much merchandise in the store right now, but he has his Artwork that is displayed on wood, metal, ukuleles and prints that you can purchase. Great for décor and their signed. Atmosphere is pleasant with some island music playing. He’s definitely good people — go see for yourself. I’d rather get an amazing tattoo that will be forever from a great artist than get something from another artist that I’m truly not satisfied with… tattoos are forever and lazering them off is a pain. I had my first tattoo from Josh in 2009– 2010 after my papa past and it’s still dark and I always get compliments. I’ve referred friends and family to Island TAT and they’ve all been completely satisfied.
5 stars for continually evolving and keeping real!