The Jade Mermaid Tattoo Parlor

I came here a year ago for a consultation with Joe Bass. I was very scattered about what I wanted, and rather than immediately agreeing with my ideas (which were terrible in hindsight), Joe guided me towards thinking about the bigger picture — in other words, do I want to get more tattoos in the future, and how will that landscape appear on my body (as opposed to a bunch of incoherent, mediocre tattoos). Because of this, I reconsidered and ended up choosing two large-​scale pieces (one half-​sleeve /​half chest plate, and another half-​sleeve /​half chest plate). He took his time to give me sound advice and really spent time designing how these tattoos will look. I’m ²⁄₃ done with my first large-​scale piece, and it looks fantastic! I couldn’t be happier with the progress.
Joe is very busy, so it takes some time to get an appointment. So when you do, be sure to make the appointment, otherwise you could be waiting months or even a year to get your piece done. Joe is extremely professional and also a wonderful human being. I love my tattoo sessions there — it is warm, personal, and tailored to my body and my needs. He takes a lot of care with his clients, and while his services aren’t cheap, you definitely get what you pay for. I highly recommend Jade Mermaid Tattoo, especially if you’re considering a larger, more intricate piece of art, as opposed to a stock photo or generic-​looking stencil tattoo.
If you’re getting a small Chinese character or a stock photo, you can go pretty much anywhere, but if you’re getting anything that requires a modicum of artistry or talent or professionalism, choose this place. Joe is awesome and so is his shop, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to be happy with his work. He doesn’t rush things, so don’t expect to get in and get out — rather, be grateful he takes the time to do a good job and make sure the tattoo fits your body and your personality.

Thanks Joe what a great time I had getting to know you and your story. Made the time fly by. Great hand tattoo. I can’t wait to come back

Okay, let me just say that this is my VERY FIRST Unilocal REVIEW! So bear with me. BUT I signed up for Unilocal just to review The Jade Mermaid.
I’d always been totally against tattoos. Never in a million years did I think I’d ever get one. Upon moving to PDX (surprise, surprise), something inside me changed and I needed one. I live in the NW and thank GOODNESS The Jade Mermaid is the first tattoo shop that came up on Google Maps ;)
I called Joe and made an appointment. I took my darling mother with me to ease my nerves. He was able to convince both of us of his professionalism and artistic vision. He drew up a quick sketch of what I wanted (cookies, for my grandma) and sent me on my way.
Two weeks later, I was in the shop for my tattoo. I brought my brother and his BFFFFF4L, which helped calm my nerves, and Joe was totally cool about it. He showed me the fully finished design and I was shocked. He knew EXACTLY what I wanted. It was like he was able to see my exact vision and draw it out. I was really nervous to get tatted, but Joe was amazing! It took about an hour to do. Joe was really funny and entertained me pretty much the whole time. I am so so so happy with the results!
A+++ would do it again!
Go here! Joe is amazing!

I had been wanting to get a tattoo on my shoulder for the past 10 years. Through all sort of circumstances it never happened. My ideas changed as well as my priorities and bank account. I eventually made a promise to myself that as a present for completing graduate business school I would get this work done. Through a colleague at work I was introduced to Joe. I shot him an email with my thoughts and desires when it came to what type of work I wanted. I was really nervous as to the type of response I would get as somewhere in my head I was convinced that i would be laughed out of the shop for being too square of just not cool enough to get a tattoo.
Joe invited me to his shop for a consultation and I walked to his place after work in my business attire and employee badge. I was a bit nervous as I went inside but was greeted by a pleasant and excited person that was as pumped about my tattoo as I was. We talked about fishing and fish tattoo’s and even laughed at the fact that i was coming to Joe «Bass» to get a fish tattoo done. Ironic but totally awesome. I came back over a month later for my first session and spent the next three hours having Joe paint the most amazing creation on my shoulder that was so far above and beyond my expectations that it literally blew my mind. I was in complete awe at how amazing and beautiful the tattoo was. I guess I just didn’t think that work of this quality could be done on someones body. Calling Joe Bass an artist just doesn’t do his abilities, drive, and personality justice. He is a true visionary and creator of masterpieces that far out ranks the clowns that fill art studios from California to New York.
The most important thing i got from the time that I have spent working with Joe is this: He is an artist, father, son, husband, brother, business owner, entrepreneur and an all around wonderful person and kind soul. From today forward I wont go anywhere else to get work done. On top of all this I can now call him my friend and cant wait to get back into his studio to finish my project and be a canvas for a True American artist.

I first had Joe do a cover-​up piece on my elbow 3 shops ago where he talked over me the entire time to his friends at the shop then keep talking cigarette breaks with them every half hour. Then charged me more then I was originally quoted.
Then I posted a barter on CL for my motorcycle a year or so after that and he was the only one who replied.
We bartered professional legitimate tattoo work for my motorcycle.
The whole process wind up being one big pita for the both of us I’m sure.
He rushed through my tattoos sloppily, kept altering the art that we collaborated on. He even disfigured a bird because he was talking to his friend and didn’t fix it.
He kept canceling, rescheduling, and postponing our appointments because he had already had the motorcycle a while, so he’d put new customers over our appointments. And trying to downsize our original agreement so he didn’t have to do as much work on me.
He seems like a nice enough guy but when it came down to it he just didn’t do me right. After having several other professional Tattoo Artists comment on how sloppy the work was, I just said screw it, and stopped going.
I’m a heavily tattooed individual and have worked with several artists. He’s a nice enough guy but when ever I give references to all the people who ask about my work constantly, which is never the tattoos he’s done. He’s never referenced.
Cash is King.

I’m always impressed when I talk to people who are doing what they love to do. I can tell you Joe Bass is the real deal, he’s highly skilled, educated and loves what he does.
I came to Joe with an idea for reproducing 3 stained glass panels on my forearm. He kept the artwork in tact but suggested that we wrap the panels around my forearm — I had not envisioned it like that but it made so much sense and was far better than what I had envisioned. What I liked most was that Joe was extremely confident that he could reproduce the piece.
This was my first tattoo and I could not have imagined the process being better. If you’re looking for first or a next tattoo I’d recommend Joe in a second — I’m glad I found him!
The Jade Mermaid Tattoo Parlor is in a great location, cool, clean and comfortable — check it out!

Joe Bass delivers on every level!
For five years I searched for the right tattoo artist. I had a good idea of what ink I wanted but still looked to collaborate with the artist which was proving hard to find. Serendipitously, I found Joe Bass at the Jade Mermaid after I moved into an apartment above his shop on Burnside. The shop is warm, inviting, and… clean! It’s
a solo shop which I prefer to most other shops that feature a few artists and a piercer.
During the consultation, all I really gave him to go off of was a rather poor sketch on a napkin and an entourage of ideas. My drawing skills are not the best and the tattoo I now have is not like any other I have seen so image and design references were hard to find. It was important to me to find an artist that could understand me so what I ended up with would match exactly what I wanted.
Joe’s attention to detail and placement are spot on. The shading is beautiful and the colors pop. He answered every question I had about the process honestly and accurately. Communicating and collaborating with Joe is natural and enjoyable. Between several rad conversations, ink sessions, and emails, a truly amazing piece of art is on my back and left side. Before the piece was finished random people just had to stop me to tell me how beautiful my ink is and the complements are still rolling in now that it is finished.
I am beyond satisfied that Joe Bass is my tattoo artist! I will definitely be going back to Joe for future ink projects. I highly recommend Joe!

I just got my first tattoo, and the Jade Mermaid is the BEST. Joe came very highly recommended from a family member, but still I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, what I got blew me away. Joe may be one the most intelligent, articulate, friendly, and talented persons I have ever met. What an awesome experience, he took extra time to explain all about the history, process and how it works, the shop is so relaxing and inviting (great background music by the way). Even a last minute snag with the design (totally my fault) did not faze him. Everything went according to plan. It was a special tattoo and Joe was so very understanding and supportive. The tattoo itself is perfect… just how envisioned it would look. I don’t know if more tattoos are in my future, but if they are, they will be done by Joe!

Joe Bass is an amazing tattoo artist and person. My husband and I wanted new ink to commemorate the end of our west coast honeymoon. We looked him up and he had great reviews, THANKS FELLOW UnilocalERS! He squeezed us into his schedule so that we could have it done before we left town. He was in the process of doing a full sleeve tattoo on a guy who sat for almost 2 days straight. My tattoo was done on my foot, which is supposed to be the most painful spot, but he has a great hand and it was done in no time. His shop is SUPER clean and he is the only guy there unless he has a visiting artist. It was a great experience and I would go back to Portland just to see Joe and get more ink. He is that cool.

I can’t say enough good things about Jade Mermaid. Joe Bass is a consummate artist and professional. His work is beautiful and he will spend the time with you to make sure you get exactly what you want. I’m in the middle of a ¾ sleeve of original design and I am so happy with the results.
His employees, Jerry and Joanne are also great tattoo artists who will make sure you have a great experience there. I’ve watched them interact with all types of actual and potential customers while I’ve been there and everyone gets treated with respect, unlike the hipster douche bag attitude you can get at SO many other shops.
As to the physical shop, it’s always very clean and comfortable. So, what are you waiting for??? Get down there and get that ink you’ve always wanted! Big project or small, Jade Mermaid will set you up!

Getting tattooed is an intimate experience that should be shared with an artist who cares about their work, and cares about their customers. Joe Bass is that artist. He is one of the smartest men I know, that consistently produces works of art. He actually thinks about tattoo placement, and acknowledges the fact that regardless of how beautiful the art may be, making sure it works with your body is just as important. Not only is spending hours on end getting tattooed more on par with hanging out with a buddy and having awesome conversations, but you will leave a smarter person, with a handful of facts, and a wonderful tattoo that will make you smile everyday. The studio is by far, the cleanest place I’ve found in Portland. I will be the first person to spot something less than sanitary, and I have yet to do so. In my humble opinion, it would be down right crazy to go anywhere else. It’s always helpful to hear the less than great qualities about a place, but I am not the person to talk to about that, as I have not found any. I have nothing but beautiful things to say about Joe Bass and The Jade Mermaid. For as long as Joe tattoos, I will be a returning client.

Get your tattoo here. Clean (I mean OCD clean), awesomely talented artists, super cool, super smart. Best work I’ve seen or had. Likey! Jerry Martian is amazing and you’ve got to meet him to understand that. I was referred by a close friend and I’m telling all of my friends about Jade Mermaid — that says volumes. Jerry took the idea in my head and created a piece of art that takes my breath away. Definitely the place for you, whoever you are and whatever you’re seeking in your first or next tattoo. Don’t miss out on the best tattoo of your life. Go now.

I love Joanne and Jerry Martin, they are my favorite portland tattoo artists! They took me and my friend the day we called and did a great job, as usual. One of my favorite tattoos was done by Joanne, two hens on my arm. She did the drawing, which was better than mine and came out fabulous. It is my most appreciated tattoo by strangers, especially in Costa Rica. Jade Mermaid is also a lovely space, very comfortable, and they play good music. There are lots of tattoo shops in portland, but Jerry and Joanne make me feel really at home, getting tattooed there feels like just hanging with friends. Also, not over-​priced!

Joanne Martin is amazing. I went to her with a very obscure idea and she made it come to life. Her line work is intricate and she puts a lot of love in care in her work. This tattoo has healed the best out of any others! Very bright and colorful as well. Everyone that sees my tattoo is really impressed with it.

Jerry martin who now works here has been doing work on me since I moved to portland witch was about 4 years ago. He use to tattoo me in se portland around hawthorne area and now I have followed him to the Jade Mermaid and will continue to follow him. Hes also the only person I let free hand on me hes super awsome highly recomended down to earth guy. So if you need some work stop on in and say hi.

The tale I twist is slightly long, but stick with it because it ends beautifully.
A few years back I was diagnosed with a rare disease called POEMS Syndrome– a disease that almost took my life. After years of being horribly sick, struggles with the healthcare system, losing 100lbs and a head full of waist-​lengthed dreads, and an eventual stem cell transplant — I was left all but wasted away before my disease was finally kicked into remission.
After a couple of years, I gradually gained my health and strength (I’m working on the dreads) and finally became strong enough to again travel– and decided I deserved a vacation. To commemorate my travel after the years of Hell and torture, I decided a tattoo was in order. I did a bit of research, asked a bunch of questions, and was lead to Joe Bass.
I sent him an email, discussed ideas with him, and decided that he was the man for the job. When we finally met, it was like talking to an old friend. Not only because Joe is possibly one of the coolest people I’ve ever met, but because the tattoo he designed for me was EXACTLY as I had imagined in my head. Before I was tattooed, I had planed on it being my last. But it came out so beautifully that I’m now planning on traveling back to Joe to get more work done.
If you take nothing else from this review– know that Joe Bass, as an artist and a person, is worth coming back from Hell and traveling from Washington, DC to Portland, OR to see. I would travel anywhere he was to get him to do my ink, and any shop that houses him is one that deserves your patronage.

Jerry has been tattooing me for years and I’ve never been disappointed. He is great at interpreting your ideas into beautiful work that is more than you could ask for. He worked for years on Hawthorne and has just recently relocated to the Jade Mermaid. I would highly recommend him. You will not be disappointed!!!

I haven’t been in this shop yet. But, the owner/​head artist of this shop, joe bass, tattooed my entire left arm, including 3 difficult cover ups.
If your looking for an excellent artist, do yourself a favor, go see joe

A great new addition to the community!
I have had work done in the past by Joe Bass the owner of the Jade Mermaid and the new location doesn’t fail to impress. Before I got to the studio I was concerned about the parking and truthfully it was as easy as parking anywhere downtown Portland. I circled the block and found 5 hour parking very quickly.
The shop itself is comfortable and inviting. If you have had work done by Joe in the past you understand how inviting his shops have always been. The Jade Mermaid is no different. The walls are adorned with original artwork and indicative of a custom art studio. How can you go wrong with a old school Mata Hari pinball machine!
Some of the things that stood out for me when I first was introduced to Joe are; his personable demeanor and how he was quick to put his customers at ease. Joe is an accomplished tattooist who has a fantastic eye for the subtlety in shading and muscle structure when deciding on proper placement.
With the studio being so centrally located you are only a block or two from many Portland hotspots like; Powell’s Books, The Crystal Ballroom and JELD-​WEN Field home of the Portland Timbers.
If you are looking for the whole tattoo experience, Joe Bass and the Jade Mermaid will defiantly live up to all of your expectations.