Bear designs all my pieces now. I love his style and his line work is superb. Always courteous and attentive to his customers comfort while in the chair. My pieces always heal with little to no touch up required. Absolute best tattoo artist Ive ever had!
We had our daughters ears pierced at Black Bear Tattoo a couple of months back and his shop is very clean and well kept, our girls were thrilled with how it went. My wife and I came back yesterday for some matching tattoo’s that she drew. Bear was great, not only was he professional, but accurate to what we wanted, and affordable! We highly recommend his services.
Black Bear has done all of my tattoos. I won’t ever go anywhere else for my tattoos. He does amazing work, his shop is very clean & he is all around a chill dude.
I went here for my first tattoo and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Bear does fantastic work and my tattoo turned out better than i even imagined. Talented artist, very nice guy too!
Came in and got my first ever piercing. I was EXTREMELY nervous, but the guy who did my piercing was really sweet and really helped ease my nerves. Really awesome dude. Definitely plan to return whenever I get a second piercing or eventual tattoo ✨
The owner was beyond amazing. My two girls were very nervous to get their piercings but he was very patient and kind. Then when we were pulling out of the parking lot our axel broke in our van and we were stuck. He heard the commotion, called a buddy of his to come help us out, and came outside and offered us to come back inside with the kids in the a/c so they could play games until help arrived and even accommodated with drinks and snacks for them. I am beyond grateful to have a place like this in my community. That could have been a very stressful situation and instead went smoothly
Got my first tattoo here. Took less time than I expected and was a great experience. Bear modified an existing flash piece to match my vision. Will definitely be back.
These are my first tattoos and I absolutely love them. The shop is very nice and clean. Bear is such a nice down to earth person. I loved the music playing, it was very relaxing. I definitely recommend his tattoo shop and will be back again. Thank you Bear!!!!!
Amazing artist, very calming space to get work done. Walked me through my first tattoo on my 18th birthday!! Bear is very straightforward and honest.Went back for two more pieces so far, still just as amazing.
Bear is awesome, we walked in, and about 2 hours later, my husband and I walked out with some great tattoos. Bears line work is amazing. Plan on getting g more work done by him.
I absolutely love my tattoo! Bear really does great work and is a talented artist. I gave him my idea and he nailed it, giving me more than I even imagined. Im already thinking about my next one. Thank you Bear, I appreciate your work. You have a nice place and I will recommend Black Bear Tattoo to anyone!Butterflies addition to my first tattoo Bear did are absolutely beautiful! Once again Bear made my idea come to life even better than I imagined. My Dr told me that who ever does my tattoos, does great work! Yall should definitely check Black Bear Tatoo out!
Bear is a terrific artist!!! Great personality & professional. I highly recommend checking out his shop, the work photos & especially ask around to view his tattoos for other clients.
Bear is an amazing person! Very friendly and such a sweet man. So easy to get along with. Me and my husband and our two friends went together to get our first tattoos and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience!!! and his work is phenomenal all four of us love our tattoos!!
I’d recommend this shop to anyone looking to get a tattoo. Bear is a really nice guy and a well rounded artist. As soon as you meet him he treats you like he’s known you for years. He’s done three tattoos for my wife and one for me. His years of experience shows in his work. We’ll both definitely be returning as soon as we possibly can.
Bear is such a great guy! He did an amazing job with my tattoo and I couldn’t be any happier with how it came out. I’d trust him with any of my future tattoos and I will definitely be going back!
I was in North Carolina for a weeklong camping trip/creative retreat, and decided I’d like to get a tattoo as part of it. So I hopped on Google and searched “tattoo shops near me” and hoped for the best.I found Black Bear Tattoo, and upon entering the shop I was impressed by the atmosphere. Very clean, very professional, but also with a cool vibe.Unfortunately we weren’t able to make it work for me as a walk-in that day, but when I began planning my return trip to Elkin the following year, I knew I wanted a tattoo to commemorate the trip and tried to plan ahead.I tried to do my research on ig, which is my usual go to, so I was surprised to find not much of an online presence.Instead I summoned my courage to Make A Phone Call, and asked about booking some time. Bear didn’t have any openings the week of my trip, but told me to stop by the shop anyway, since he can typically accommodate walk-ins.Cut to March of 2022; I show up at the shop and talk to Bear about my idea, he’s got some time to fit me in later that afternoon. Upon my return, we talked a bit more about my idea and he advised against parts of it, and then went to draw up the newly improved idea.While I waited, several people came into the store to inquire about getting work done; so I was able to observe the way Bear treats his clients, which by the way, is very well. He was eager to speak with them about plans for future work, gave honest feedback if he didn’t think something was a good idea, offered alternatives and suggestions.When he was done drawing up my stencil, we began the tattoo process. It’s only my second tattoo, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but the experience was great. Super friendly and easy to talk to, obviously highly skilled, just an all—around good guy. And once I met him properly I could sort of see why he’s not an Instagram kind of guy. Likes to keep things old school, in a good way.Also I love my tattoo.10/10, will definitely be back next time I’m in town. Maybe this time I’ll even get my act together early enough to schedule some time in advance. Thanks, Bear!
Super friendly guy. He absolutely values his work and making his customers happy. He keeps a clean shop and just all around great environment. When you walk in it’s like he has known you forever, makes you feel welcome from the start.He’s done 5 tattoos for me and I’ve always been very pleased. Highly recommend
Bear is an awesome guy who does amazing work. I came in with a piece that had been done years ago and was an eyesore. Bear has bright it back to life and it odd ready to have more added, to begin my sleeve. Felt at home and like I’ve known him for years. Would recommend to anyone.
Bear did my first tattoo and many more since then, the lines were so clean. He walked me through the entire process and made me feel so comfortable to get it done! Definitely going back
I came in on a Sunday with my niece and was able to get her a navel piercing. They actually were not open but just happened to be there and were gracious enough to let us go ahead and get a piercing. The guys were so nice and I appreciate them opening up on their day off so that my niece could have her gift for having excellent grades this quarter. Thanks guys for making her wish reality.
I went to Bear with an idea for a tattoo to honor my wife and all her support over the years of being a High School coach. I think he killed it! Great guy and very easy to work with! If you want a tattoo, Id go to Bear every time! Dont waste your time looking elsewhere!
Nice, clean , professional, paid $60 to get my daughters belly button pierced an bought my husband a nice hat with there logo they also sale hoodies, tee shirts candles an much more .
Bear did an amazing job! The shop is very relaxed and friendly. Fast and great work. Will continue to forever go to Bear.
My wife and I were referred to Black Bear Tattoo, and we were very happy with the outcome! Bear welcomed us in and took all the necessary time to draw us up something we would be happy with and he did good! I highly recommend this place to someone looking for a good clean shop to do some nice and fast work! 👌🏻
Bear was very professional and nice and was able to work me in on a day that I just went by to make my appointment definitely will be going back! If your looking to get a tattoo done you need to contact bear very nice down to earth guy and the atmosphere is made to make you feel comfortable with music playing in background while you get ur tattoo
If you’re thinking about coming to Bear for a tattoo.. don’t hesitate, just do it!! The sweetest guy and was so funny and easy to talk to and his work speaks for itself. Overall a wonderful service!! The best part for me is that he surprised me when he told me he liked Bad Bunny too.🤣 100/10 experience we can’t wait till next time-Lucia and Dianna(we put on our own saniderm)
Absolutely love this shop. Bear is awesome - whether its your first experience getting a tattoo or 50th, he is so welcoming and nice. Also, his shop is very clean and safe. Will definitely be returning!
Bear did my second tattoo. It was a dedication piece for my grandparents. I described what I wanted to him I have very little details but he had a vision for what I wanted, and it turned out better than what I had imagined in my head. Very clean place and he gave advice on what would and wouldn’t work for a tattoo so he’s very knowledgeable instead of just tattooing whatever you say you want. I definitely recommend getting a tattoo from him!
Bear did an outstanding job on my memorial tattoo for my mom. He is professional, talented and extremely personable. I enjoyed getting to know him and cannot thank him enough for his craftsmanship and attention to detail. I’m looking forward to having him complete my next tattoo. Thanks again Bear!
This place was recommended by a friend of mine! Ive always wanted to get a tattoo and finally went and got my first one today! Bear walked me through the whole process and was super calm about everything! He kept me engaged in conversation so I wasnt paying attention to my tattoo! The place is extremely clean and overall really chill! Whenever I decide to get another tattoo Im definitely coming back here! HIGHLY recommend!!
Bear was amazing. Clean studio, made sure I was happy with design and placement. Awesome atmosphere with music playing in the background. Clean, straight lines. Great attention to detail. If I could give more than 5 stars I absolutely would.
I have a few tattoos, and all of them have meaning for me. My most recent one that bear did was to memorialize the death of my dad. Bear did an amazing job, listening to what my thoughts were and then eventually tattooing it on my arm. He’s a great guy with a giant heart and some amazing stories. Highly recommended! (Bear added the rosary beads to an existing tattoo)
It’s was my first time ever getting a tattoo, and Bear walked me through it and he really made me feel comfortable! It was the best experience ever, will definitely be coming back here. It was extremely clean and well put together!!! He did an absolutely beautiful job on my tattoo I haven’t stopped looking at it since I got it. Definitely recommend you coming here!!!
I was a walk-in here. The place was very clean and had a relaxing atmosphere. Bear was super chill and made the process smooth and quick for me and my first tattoo(ever). Talking through the tattooing, which only took about 20 minutes or so, I barely noticed any pain. Bear did an amazing job at redrawing and refining my design, and his lines are flawless. Its been 5 days and my tattoo is already almost totally healed up. I wash the area and apply a tiny bit of Aquafor or Hydrocortisone (for mild itching) 2-3 times a day. The first 3 days I wore loose long sleeves to protect the area from pet dander, dust, bacteria etc. Im very happy with how everything turned out. I will definitely be going back to Bear for my next tattoo!
I cant count the times Ive recommended Bear. So excited to have such a great tattoo artist in our area. Always looking forward to my next piece by him!
Bear is a great artist and very friendly and welcoming! i got my first professional tattoo here and he made sure the tattoo was in the place i wanted, gave me his own suggestions that i think worked perfectly with what i got!! will be coming back, and have already recommended 3 people!
I came here for my first tattoo. Bear has a friendly personality, was super nice and walked me through the whole thing. I actually thought the work he did was better quality than the original art I had shown him. Will definitely be going back and recommending him to my friends.
Bear was amazing, I have other tattoos and have been in a few shops but Bear was by far the most professional. He walked through all the steps took time to go over what I wanted and took the time to get the placement just right. 10/10 recommend going here, this will be my new regular shop.
I came here for my first two tattoos today and I am so happy with the outcome! Bear did a great job walking me through everything and making me feel as comfortable as possible! I will definitely be coming back for more tattoos from him!
I gave him a picture from the internet and he made it happen. Absolutely Love it and will be back!
I went to Bear for my very first tattoo today. I met with him previously and provided some reference pictures and talked about what I was looking for. He took those pictures and drew up my tattoo… it is exactly what I was looking for. He talked me through each step of getting the tattoo and aftercare. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Bear was amazing! I was extremely nervous for my tattoo but he was extremely patience with me and supportive. His work area was very clean and he was extremely professional. I plan on going back to him for tattoo in the future!
Echoing everything others have said here. Bear is a great, down to earth, kind guy. Also, very talented in the application and his artistic abilities (not only is there an impressive range but also skill at all of it) Shop is very clean, prices are good. Wasnt expecting to find this gem here.
Had the best experience at Black Bear for my first tattoo. Bear is awesome and will make you laugh even if youre nervous! Couldnt be happier with how my tattoo turned out!
Highly recommend going to Bear for all your tattoo needs! He’s super professional and makes you feel right at home! His work is amazing will definitely be going back to him for my future tattoo needs!
Bear was very friendly and professional. I was his first tattoo of the day, I watched him as he went in cleaned everything, mopped the floor, and got his equipment ready for my tattoo. He works fast and did a great job on my tattoo. I will be going to him again when I decided what I want next.
AMAZING!!! Bear fixed a tattoo that I would have thought could never be fixed! Wonderful service great prices!!!
I went there to get tattoos on my toes and left with 4!!!!! I was so impressed with how clean and professional Bear is!!!!!! He’s has an awesome personality to make you feel comfortable and relaxed!!!! His place was very clean !!! Opened clean unused instruments to do my tattoos!!!! I recommend him to do all your tattoos he’s great!!!!! And affordable.... I will be back
Bear is super talented and an awesome guy!! He did such a good job on our tattoos and he made us feel comfortable! Such a great shop, highly recommend.
So awesome Elkin finally got a tattoo artist. Bear gave me my first tattoo, and second and third. I will say I am so very pleased with my tats, his shop is definitely good vibes, nice music to jam to, and 10/10 on how clean the whole shop is. I would recommend Bear to anyone looking to get a inked up. Thanks Bear
Great artist!!!! Great atmosphere!!! Bear makes you feel at home and comfortable, love the conversation before, during, and after he does his work of art!! Will definitely be getting more tattoos from Bear!
Wonderful experience. The shop was very clean. The artist was amazing. I couldn’t have asked for better. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting a tattoo.
A small group of us came in for small tattoos and he accommodated us with a friendly smile. He was patient and friendly. He made sure to remember all 5 of our names. Thank you Bear!
Bear was awesome! This was my second tattoo. He was so patient with me and worked with the design until it was exactly what I was looking for. He was extremely professional and clean. 10/10 recommend.
Absolutely love all my work Bear has done.Amazing guy highly recommended
What a great place Bear was so nice. Took my granddaughter to get her noise pieced, She passed out and Bear was so sweet and caring. Thank you Bear for being so kind.
After reading Google reviews I stopped in gave him my idea and he did not disappoint. Great guy, awesome work, and very clean shop. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for quality work.
He was great to work with, nice, great environment. Walked me through my first tattoo process, and everything was perfect. He was even able to replicate my sisters name in her handwriting. Amazing line work
This was my first tattoo and Bear was amazing! I walked in with no appointment, he sketched what I told him I wanted and within an hour I was on my way. Thank you Bear, I will definitely be back!
Very clean, very professional, artwork on point! Reasonable prices, Bear is awesome! I will definitely be going back for more very soon. So glad Elkin finally got a tattoo shop!
Bear was so friendly and efficient! He is a fantastic artist and made me feel so comfortable and at ease while he did my tattoo!
Great SHOP, VERY TALENTED ARTIST, Bear worked with me on my concept for my rib piece, He drew EXACTLY what I wanted and gave me my favorite tattoo!!! Such a light hand, I feel asleep as he layed in my ink ... HIGHLY RECOMMEND, this is my 2nd tattoo here with Bear, He hit both outta the park ! A’HO thank you again my friend, Shannon Macemore
Bear was super friendly and found time to squeeze me in for a walk-in. The tattoo came out exactly as I had hoped for, and I plan to return for many more! (The pic posted is the tattoo upside down, and my skin looks a little odd from just being unwrapped)
Best tatoo experience I could’ve asked for, i had never gotten a tattoo! And he explained everything very well! Made me feel very comfortable! He’s genuinely jus a cool guy! And the place is very clean! Definitely recommend and his taste in music is amazing! :)
Bear is so friendly and so nice! His prices are so reasonable and his work is SO GOOD. Always will go back! Fixing to get my 4th tattoo from him!!!
Bear was awesome! He fit us in as a walk-in and tattooed exactly what we wanted. Friendly, professional, very clean and personable atmosphere.
Bear fit my friend and I into his day, even though he was booked, because my friend is leaving tomorrow morning. He did an amazing job, is so personable, and we enjoyed conversation with all of his buddies who dropped by. Thank you, Bear!
Awesome place to get great work done and reasonable pricing. Very pleased with the work I got done.Bear is a awesome dude, very talented artist. Will definitely recommend Black Bear Tattoo to anyone.
Had a great first experience for a first time tattoo. Bear was awesome to work with and I highly recommend going to black bear tattoo. Will be using him in the future
I got my first tattoo today and I absolutely love it. He did amazing and was very professional. He keeps a very clean environment. I only got a small cross above my elbow and it only took maybe 10-15 minutes.
Bear is the best around. He’s a really nice guy and does the BEST work. The shop is really nice and clean. I recommend him to anyone & everyone!
Came here for my first tattoo. Bear made me feel comfortable and did a great job! Highly recommend and will definitely be back!
I got my first tattoo a few weeks ago with Bear and it was a great experience. I was nervous but Bear was super cool about. Amazing work!!!
Black Bear did a fantastic job on my dragon tattoo as well as my first one. I would recommend him anyday. Thank you very much and Ill be seeing u again in the near future
Absolutely amazing! Bear your the bomb. Love my tattoos 😍 thanks again
Very professional environment with attention to detail on tattoo touch up. Bear is very friendly and easy to get along with, he really listens to his customers.
I was hesitant about going to someone new after almost 15 years, but he is amazing! Super nice and laid back guy and he was wonderful and done amazing work. The shop was very clean as well, I will definitely be going back to get more work done from him!
Very clean and professional but sets a great tone for the shop. I went in to get a musical themed tattoo and he played the genre while I got the tattoo and made talk. Most relaxed I’ve ever been while getting a tattoo.
Bear was totally professional and did an excellent job on my tattoo! Exactly what I wanted, the cleanest tattoo shop I have ever seen!
I told him what I wanted. He drew an idea on my arm. I liked it. And now I absolutely love my tattoo. Awesome guy, great environment, and awesome work. Thanks Bear
I came into see bear and got a jimmy Buffett tattoo, he was AMAZING! So professional and did an amazing job on my tattoo. I will definitely be coming back to get more!
Thank you Bear!! Love my new tattoos!! He does an amazing job and is always so nice and very professional.
Bear is great. Clean shop, family friendly. Bear was able to do a quick tattoo on my day off!Will be back again!!
Bear was a awesome artist very happy with my tattoo will def be getting more ink from him also very fair priced went above and beyond my expectations👍👍👍👍👍
Cleanliness I absolutely love my tattoo. Highly recommended. Will be going back soon. Go by and see Bear at his shop.
Very nice and outgoing guy. Love how he did my tattoo for my baby boy! He was even generous enough to come out to see him, and also gave me a shirt!
Loved the overall experience and he is really clean and super cool. Definitely recommend getting tatted here. For sure will be going back for more tattoos.
Bear done me and my fiancé’s first tattoos and they were awesome he done a great job we will definitely be back 😁
Bear is a great guy. Id definitely trust him with my tattoos.
This dude was awesome. He treated us just like ol’ friends and played the best country music. Recommend him to anyone. The tattoo was great!
Me and my fiancé went in to get our first tattoos he done an amazing job and his work was great we will definitely be back for more 😊 not to mention the music that was being played was great
Amazing service and super accommodating. All 5 of us got a minimal tattoo and the line work was amazing
Got a tattoo for me and wife great guy would definitely be able to drink a cold one with this guy laid back well mannered fella, clean shop his art work is very good work very happy the way they turned out I’ll Deffinitly will be going back thier for more tattoos
This guy does amazing work and got my tattoo for my sons done perfectly!! Great guy and a great place to go!! Highly Recommend!
Awesome experience. Bear is vear professional. His work is nothing short of amazing. Found my artist.
Bear is very nice and easy going, not heavy handed and does amazing work!!! Highly satisfied and i will definitely be back!
Awesome shop. Bear is amazing. Highly recommend
The best. Hands down. Bear’s art is phenomenal!
Very clean and friendly! Will most definitely go back for another tatoo!
Bear is so kind and good at helping you figure out how to help figure out what you are wanting. He does great work.
Great atmosphere, great tattoos. Couldnt ask for a better spot.
Great guy treated me liked family and did a perfect job on a piece that is so special to me. I will be back soon for my next one. Thank you so much.
I came to bear to get my first tattoo colored in and I love it. I highly recommend!!
Great guy that does amazing work. Highly recommend.
What a great experience, very clean, the free hand writing is top quality. I a have so far referred 5 people and will continue.!!!
This was my first time going to Bear and im in love with my new tattoo.
Went in with and idea of what I wanted and he did a great job!! Will definitely go back .
Nice guy. Great work! Cant wait to go back. Super clean.10/10 would recommend.
Great dude with great skillsss. I even brought brownies for him due to how awesome him and his work is!!
They are touched up a tattoo on my wrist. It looks so much better now, he did an awesome job.
Nice and clean and the owner is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Maltese tattoo looks awesome thanks man. Great for anybody with needs
Absolutely love the work he does definitely going back!
Bear was great!!! Thanks for a awesome experience. Definitely recommend!!!
Bear done an amazing job, cant wait for more!
Great tattoos and an awesome experience. Definitely recommend!
Very professional and extremely nice!!! Highly recommend bear! Prices are also great
Bear ,Great work my friend !!!! My wife and I love the tattoos !!!
I had an excellent experience getting my first tattoo here.
Great place love my tattoo and got one fixed.
Made me feel very welcomed and got me in fast!Highly recommend!
Great artist, clean workspace, and great vibe. Highly recommend.
Bear is amazing hes super clean and quick.
Very helpful, honest and takes pride in his work.
So good I brought him doughnuts…
Awesome attention to detail and great prices!
Awesome artist great environment
He does great work.
Courteous, kind, and very creative.