Velvet Grip Family

This is the best and brightest tattoo I have. The guy I worked with was so awesome. He helped me with my design and did an amazing job. It has been a year since I got it done and everyone who sees it says it looks like I just got it done. So vibrant and detailed. I will definitely come back!

I have been itching for a new tattoo and thought I’d try out a new place outside of my usual shops. I had heard from other friends about Velvet Grip and I frequent other nearby shops, and I am so glad I went!
I called and the receptionist was very kind and was able to get me in for a quick tattoo that day! I got a small four word quote in courier font on my inner arm! Jason had me in and out of the shop in literally 20 minutes. It’s healing perfectly, the text is immaculate and is by far the best text I have on my body. I didn’t realize that my other text tattoos were lacking so much detail!
I was a little annoyed that my 15 minute tatt cost $ 100 dollars, but in retrospect good ink is always expensive and well worth it. I wish my tattoo budget was larger that day because Jason deserved a bigger tip for sure. (I’m a douche I know you should never go to get a tattoo without adequate tip money but damnit I needed that tattoo!!)
Oh also! Bonus because I was able bring to my un-​tattooed boyfriend to check the process out. I know (most) shops don’t allow friends with the client and artist, but I am very grateful they were so accomodating because now he’s convinced he needs a tattoo!!!
YAY!
Thank you Velvet Grip Family! My tattoo is sensational and I am very pleased with the experience!!!

Cannot express how in love I am
With my tattoo. From the moment I called them to see if they would quote me by email, to the actual appointment and finished piece. They were friendly and very helpful. Will definitely go back in the future. Besides their awesome customer service, this shop is so cute. Thank you Eric and Velvet Grip Family

Called to see if they sell any piercing jewelry and was immediately cut off and shut down by the rudest dude ever, honestly I was shocked. Guy pretty much just shoved me off the phone. Total jerk.

I went in last night to get my hands and knuckles touched up, and Eric completely brought my tattoos back to life! They look absolutely amazing. Such a clean, awesome shop with some of the nicest people working there. Definitely highly recommend checking this tattoo shop out!

Ill preface this was my 15^th tattoo. I’m covered in pieces large and small, black work and color, flash, dot work, everything. I am a PRO at proper tattoo aftercare.
It was two days before my deceased sisters birthday and I was itching for some ink and had a Butterfly drawing of hers I have wanted for years and thought what the heck. A friend had mentioned getting work done there before and it being «alright» so I called ahead to see if anyone was available and they sounded relieved to have a client but totally bummed that they were at work.
When I arrived they were smoking cigarettes out front looking rather melancholy and I should have walked away right then. I had a bad feeling but I really really wanted it. I showed him the doodle (literally the simplest butterfly doodle on planet earth drawn by a 4 year old) and he seemed more than reluctant that it wasn’t a classic flash butterfly like he imagined over the phone. I only wanted it the size of a silver dollar and $ 80 before tip (I like to think of this as the too good to be true number unless you KNOW the artist) sounded about ideal (for my wallet) so in the chair I lay.
Fast forward to the end of the heaviest hand I’ve ever experienced. I’m doubting he even washed them after smoking but I’m a great sitter and didn’t complain during. My fresh work was pretty f*cking swollen beyond belief and one antenna in particular was totally bruised all around it and especially raised. He was still adamant about doing something HE wanted to tattoo instead so he was pushing flash on my friend and me (friend is a total tattoo virgin but he’s interested, I was like bro, this is not the time or place to be convinced). Anyways I paid the man and got the hell out of there before I made the mistake of letting him mark me any further.
Later that night I’m staring at that antenna like, «that sure doesn’t look right, I swear if it’s infected… No chill»
A couple days pass, usually when my skin starts to calm down and act right and this piece is well… F*cked, but I tried to remain positive and put healthy happy thoughts into its healing *woosah*. The bruising hadn’t gone down around the half that was raised, not looking or feeling good in any capacity. TBH I should’ve gone to a doctor but I’m young and cheap (obv) so went on a steady rotation of vitamins, water, keeping clean letting it breathe, helping my body process what ailed it, and it was ailing, just taking pristine care of this sick sick baby :(The last time I had a tattoo …“heal”… like this was when I was 16 and let my junkie friend tattoo a potleaf on my hip in his living room. The whole thing bruised, raised, scabbed, oozed, and then just FELL OFF in the shower leaving layers of my skin missing, gnarly infected open flesh wound style. Guess what? Same thing happened to that damn antenna and the face.
The smile and face outline have fused together (AWESOME! –_​_​_​_​_​_​_​-​) the antenna is still a hole/​extremely damaged skin, the color in the wings is so transparent I can SEE the lines from shading with the needle.
If it were a Friday the 13^th tattoo, I wouldn’t really give a shit. This one really meant something to me and I’ve been carrying around the drawing for FIVE YEARS thinking about having it tattooed. So now what? Go ask for my $ 80 back? No thanks. I really don’t want to talk about it with them I wanna punch him in the face. But. This long winded response is lashing enough. Won’t be the first time I cover a tattoo (remember the pot leaf? Lol ME EITHER ;))
To come to a close. Go with your instincts when your gut is screaming to not do it. Oh yeah, and don’t get tattooed at the Velvet Grip. It sucks.
Waste of time, money, and skin
UPDATE: Thanks for the response. I’m not a tourist. I live in Los Angeles; so, way to draw conclusions and assumptions and not take responsibility for poor tattoo procedure and business etiquette. Yes I was pleasant while I was there since I’m not a cunt and I wanted it done, & most importantly put positive energy into it despite the overwhelming negativity I felt in your shop. No one was joyful or polite, he never even told me his name. They were haggard in composure not physically. If he didn’t think it would have integrity then he shouldn’t have consulted me into changing the design to his standard and abilities to put it in my skin? Wow all around.

Just went to the Velvet Grip Family! My girlfriend and me went to get a tattoo spare of the moment. Such a great experience! My artist Aaron was so nice and he is extremely talented. My girlfriends artist Jason, was fast and did such a amazing job with her tattoo! Definitely would recommend this place! Thank Velvet Grip Family for making it a great experience, and for being a great memory for my bday!

Eric. thanks so much for the artwork on my leg. The start of a long relationship to be sure.
So happy to have found Velvet Grip. Cannot wait to return for my next piece.
These are great people. If you are in Los Angeles and looking for an artist, look no further. I know I will be returning very soon.

I’m amazed by the amount of good reviews of this place.
I was visiting friends in L. A and went to get a tattoo over there on ⁰⁹⁄₁₅ because of good reviews!
I guess the fact that the person who was supposed to tattoo me need to prep for over an hour was something that should have make me get out of there!
Too bad I don’t remember his name (the young dude with glasses)
was asking for a simple seagulls and «FAITH» ON MY ARM.
DONE VERY UN-​PROFESSIONALLY!!!
The lines not accurate (looks like a 6 years old did it.)
The color inside is horrible
and just a bad job!
I’m sure he knows that…
THIS IS MY 10TH TATTOO and all of them perfect except of this one!
I Think that was one of his first ever jobs and i’m just screwed !!! I will have to spend more money into fixing it.
So either they deleting all bad reviews somehow or i’M JUST REALLY FUCKED!

After looking at the art form for ten years, I finally decided there was no reason not to embrace the art of a tattoo. I wanted a place with a large number of reviews and a high rating and Velvet Grip Family was right at the top.
My husband and I stopped after I got off work on a Friday night. Though busy, Eric took the time to talk to me. We spoke for a good fifteen minutes and looked at various generic designs. He had a general sense of what I was shooting for and he set us an appointment for about an hour later. We went to have dinner and relax. When we got back Eric had a first draft that needed our review. We discussed and tweaked and he kept adjusting. This was a much more intricate design than I thought it would be but he came up with some amazing designs and tweaks.
Eventually we were ready to go and about 2 hours later it was done. And amazing. Eric was talkative while working and it really helped relax me. We had a great rapport right from the go and it set a great mood for the experience. He was friendly, polite and answered every question.
His art work was amazing. His ability to listen and create from the customer’s input is right on. If you’re a first timer and need a good artist, you would do well to come see the crew here. I’ll be going back for a second tattoo once I decide where and what. This place was great!

My three friends and I came here on a Sunday night and had an amazing experience. First of all, the vibe of the shop was perfect. They played great music and had a very professional yet relaxed feel. Faith was our artist and did all of our tattoos. Her energy and customer service skills couldn’t have been any better.
Although we came as a group, she was great at taking the time to talk to each of us about our tattoos and going over possible options. She gave her opinion in a way that made us feel at ease and we all ended up going with her suggestions and loving them. She was so personable and was everything I could have wanted from an artist.
We will definitely be coming back to get more work done by Faith.

I have never been pierced in my life and decided to go forward. I had researched and found Velvet Grip had a great reputation and high marks for sanitation. Dee was the piercer who greeted me. She explained the process and answered all my questions.
I was undecided as to which type piercing I wanted down there. I showed her images. Dee brought out her notebook to show better options, then provided her professional opinion as to what would work best.
A couple of things put her over the top. I had only considered the aesthetic reasons. Dee informed me these piercings could also change my partner’s sensations do I should really consider that first. I also wanted to start with a fairly large jewelry piece. She told me to start small, then work up.
I also have non standard anatomy some piercers won’t do. Dee was professional enough to ask The Todd (apparently the owner) to consult. He came over and explained how it could be safely done with modifications. Kudos to both.
The people here genuinely like what they do and the people they serve. Genital piercing is basically a minor medical procedure. I wanted someone who actually likes the people they serve and don’t see you as the
Most important: Dee was super sterile as well! The majority of the time was spent on room and site prep once the decision was made.
She also told me it would hurt. I have a high pain threshold and frankly blew it off… until she inserted the needle. She was piercing the most nerve sensitive part of my manhood and had to push through a lot of tissue.
The only thing I would note is the piercing I received is slightly more than the listed price on their menu. Dee DID tell me the higher rate in advance. I think it is a very small difference to pay considering the room sterility and overall cool vibe.
I will return to Dee in the future. You should choose her as well if you are undecided.

I’ve had a lot of piecing experience in 20 years. I must say that having my septum pierced here, by Dee, was the best experience ever! The whole staff was amazing and made me feel right at home. Dee is, by far, the best at her job! !! Very professional and walked me thru the procedure completely. She put me at ease the minute I met her. Amazing customer service. I love this place and highly recommend it!

I have been to Velvet Grip several times, and I would never ever go anywhere else. I wish I knew about them when I got my tongue and belly button pierced.
I got my nose and Monroe piercing from Mike, he doesn’t work there anymore. The shop is absolutely amazing. I was completely scared and Mike talked me through it and even let me lay down from my panic attack.
Dee is absolutely amazing and seeing her work makes me want to get tattooed! She’s absolutely sweet and wicked cool.
If you want jewelry and a sanitary piercing, be prepared to pay for top quality jewelry and service. You also have to be responsible for taking care of your piercings as well.
My ex saw The Todd a few years ago and I watched him do the tattoo. He was very funny and even made a game of if saying «Time me, we’ll see how fast I go!» when my ex asked how long it would take. It was a tribal symbol and was absolutely beautiful.
I saw Eric recently and couldn’t be happier. I have anxiety disorder and was really scared and he talked me through the whole thing. I was so comfortable and relaxed. For someone who suffers from Anxiety Disorder, this guy ROCKS. He also changed his glove anytime he had to answer the phone or anything like that. I love how sanitary they are! He drew up in beautiful writing my tattoos and they were perfect. He really took his time with me and listened to me. I will definitely be coming back.
A friend of mine is friend with Faith and her work is also really beautiful.
You really can’t go wrong at this shop. You have talented artists who are SOOOO sanitary. (Super big plus).

It has been over a year since my tattoo, and unfortunately I have to report that some of the blueish discoloration has never faded like I was told it should… I have since done some research and evidently using a dark ink stencil (like traditional tattoos) on the skin has the chance of mixing with the white ink and causing discoloration. In my case this seems to be what happened on some of the letters… (evidently there is a stencil technique known as «bloodline» that can prevent this, but I did not know to request it at the time)
Due to my schedule and finances I have not yet had a chance to have it corrected though. So it may be possible to fix it. Either way, figured I would do a write up. My opinion of the business is still overall positive, I just have this one issue that I hope to get fixed one day.

Dee is the sweetest and the cleanest. She left no questions unanswered, took extensive sanitary precautions and was very informative. She pulled no punches and told me straight up: expect pain, which I did. But, my piercing (left nipple) experience was transcendental (maybe even euphoric) almost. Happy I had Dee to facilitate my sojourn.

Had an appointment with Eric at 12:00 for a quote on my inner arm, and could not be more happier with my tattoo. The whole shop has a great vibe and Eric was very friendly and helpful in assisting you with your tattoo and how you want it. When he finished my work of art and my friend that came with me saw how great of a job Eric did he decided to get one as well. He had an ideas of what he wanted and Eric helped him perfect it.
When you go to this shop ask for either Eric or Todd. Both are AMAZING artist with great ideas.

From the moment I walked in I had a lukewarm feeling about this place, but we had bought the groupon… So we stayed.
It took a bit for anyone to acknowledge us standing there, when finally someone did… he was unfriendly, unpleasant and not helpful. He was to be our piercer, though he didn’t tell us that.
Anyway, the groupon is a rip off. It’s $ 25 for $ 50 toward piercing. The piercing process costs $ 35. He said that the groupon covered only the piercing and we would have to pay for the jewelry ($ 25) each… So technically the groupon is $ 25 for $ 35 which is not even a deal.
Anyway, I got my tragus pierced and he wasn’t chatty at all about the fit or suggestions of what jewelry to use. Long story short, he used jewelry that was TOO Small. My ear got nasty looking and swollen up! I was told he did it backwards too– but evidently Cuz my tragus is small, but he never told me any of this.
So I went to another shop to get it painfully removed! Would never ever go back.
I think the piercer is named Jacky, but I wouldn’t know, he didn’t introduce himself.

My mom and I were in town for Hello Kitty Con, where they were doing free Hello Kitty tattoos during the event. What we did NOT know was that you had to jump through a million hoops to try to be one of the lucky people who got the free tattoos. Anyway, my mother, who had never had a tattoo in her life, decided she wanted a tattoo in the worst kind of way so we decided to take to the streets and look for a tattoo parlor, and just pay for a tattoo, rather than waste our time standing in a long line at the event in hopes to score a freebie.
We ended up at Velvet Grip Family after a recommendation from a local. We stepped right in off the streets, without an appointment or anything. The Todd was in the shop but not actually on the clock yet. Regardless, he graciously met with us and said he could do a Hello Kitty tattoo for each of us right there on the spot.
Neither my mom nor I had ever been tattooed before, so we did not know what to expect. I was super-​nervous, and The Todd patiently explained the entire process to us and helped calm my nerves, since it was obvious I was feeling a little freaked out.
He quickly put together the artwork after we showed him what we wanted, and in a flash we each had a brand-​spankin’ new tattoo. The Todd is the best! He gave us very detailed care instructions along with ointment to help in the healing process.
My mom and I both love our new tattoos. The entire experience was excellent from start to finish. And I have an awesome permanent souvenir from my trip. I would not hesitate to return again, if I was feeling brave or drunk enough to get a second tattoo.

The staff here are absolutely amazing, I believe I met the owner, the piercer helps me fit a pair of plugs in. Which was genuinely appreciated.
With the exception of my tattoo artist,
Molly.
Although she is very competent and did the tattoo as per my request, it was a very basic stencil. done with malaise and apathy with little to no additional creativity, dare I call it «flare» added.
Did not care to ask my name, much less introduce herself, was very rude, cold, and frankly she was either hungover or just got done punching out kittens or something. Because she had a seriously, seriously negative vibe.
And for 300, it was a rip off. This would be a hundred dollar tattoo due to her apparent and very obvious apathy towards my tattoo as well as my well being.
I knew I should have stuck with my buddy’s place.
–mike