Wholehearted Tattoo

I’ve debated writing this review for some time since the tattoos we got were over all great and well done. My husband and I got matching tattoos here and the experience was the worst I’ve had getting a tattoo. My husband and I came in with a design we had spent our honeymoon drawing up. Every component of the design had special meaning to us and it was my husbands very first tattoo. When we walked in we were greeted by a really nice guy at the front. We show him the design and explain that we were hoping to get the tattoo that same day if possible. After talking the design with him and some artists he lets us know we should book an appointment and Maya would do the tattoo. So we talk to her and she lets us know we would need to make the tattoo bigger and the dolphin+bird would be too small to include but the design was doable. We agreed to make it bigger and removed those two details. We pay a $300 deposit and make our appointment. Well the day comes and when we get there the design is complete different from what we had discussed and left with her. She tells us that the design we discussed can’t be done because the details are too small. My husband and I are left shocked as we both agreed it just wasn’t what we had designed or discussed. She gets defensive and repeats that it’s impossible for her to do the original design because of the details. After working over the new design, we come up with something we are at least okay with getting tattooed on us. We had already paid a $300 deposit. My husband goes first and he gets his on his left forearm while I got mine on the right. They were supposed to be exactly the same but when it came to my tattoo she forgot to invert the stencil and had to print it 2 times to match. The date however was not fixed and it seemed like too much of an inconvenience for her to fix at that point since my husband asked her about it and she didn’t offer to reprint it or fix it. I felt so uncomfortable through the entire process I just agreed with her and left it, leaving my date looking “upside down” and not exactly the same as my husband like we planned. I’ve always worked with artists who have ensured I was not only happy with the placement but the design too (a HUGE part). If it wasn’t something they could do they would tell me straight up - not after paying a deposit and showing up for the appointment. I regret not speaking up every day since but at least it’s a well done I guess.

I recently had the pleasure of getting a tattoo from Angie and I couldnt be happier with the experience. Angie is incredibly skilled with the needle, showcasing a high level of professionalism and artistry throughout the entire process.From the initial consultation to the final touches, Angie made sure to listen to my ideas and offered valuable input to enhance the design. Her attention to detail and steady hand resulted in a beautiful piece of art that I will cherish forever.The studio itself was clean and welcoming, which added to the overall positive experience. If youre looking for a talented and professional tattoo artist, I highly recommend Angie. Her expertise and dedication to her craft are truly exceptional.Thank you, Angie, for your fantastic work!

Newish to the area and wanted to drop in for Friday the 13th flash to get a feeler for different shops in the area! Everyone is super friendly and inclusive, and Angie did a great job with my tattoo! Will definitely be back for custom pieces in the future!!!

My friend and I came in during walk in hours last weekend with an idea for matching tattoos. Angie was available to help us, she quickly came up with a design that incorporated all the elements we asked for. The vibe of the tattoo shop is super welcoming and friendly. She was really intentional about getting the placement just right and redid the outline placement multiple times to make sure it was perfect. It was my fifth tattoo and my friends first tattoo and both of us were really happy with the final product and the overall experience. I would highly recommend Wholehearted Tattoo, I will definitely be back.

We will totally be coming back. Krista and Angie are super amazing!! Besties tattooing besties! My bestie and I got matching tattoos with our initials hidden in them. With the quick appointment ( and our many design changes), Krista came up with a great look we both wanted. Will be coming back to get another set soon!!

My husband and I got some cool cat tattoos from Angie. After showing her a quick reference sketch, she was able to give them some great personality. We couldn’t be happier with our cat-toos! Thank you so much, Angie!

I had an amazing experience here! Very clean, professional, and friendly. They really knew how to create a comfortable tattooing atmosphere and also are amazing artists! Sarah did my tattoo and it came out beautiful.

Whole hearted tattoo is the best tattoo shop in California. Each artist in there has incredible talent and are super nice and helpful. Each artist has their own art style and can make any image you have come to life. I fly across the country to get all my tattoos here. 10/10 recommend always. Incredible color work, I get compliments on my tattoos every day, and I truly mean that.

Wholehearted Tattoo is the coolest spot to get ink! I went here with my dear friend to get matching tats from Angie and she did such an amazing job! I love how it turned out and it healed so well. The process was smooth and trusted and reasonably priced. This shop is such a hidden gem of Monterey. The vibe is immaculate and all the artists have created such a safe and supportive environment for their clients. And the work that they all create will blow your mind. I cannot wait to go back for more pieces from all of them! :) amongst the talent and advised care/knowledge of ink care and dedication to creating what you desire— everyone is so friendly and literally wholehearted ❤️ Highly recommend 20/10!

Angie is professional, meticulous, has incredible attention to detail, and she’s a damn talented artist too. I sat for one session today and I’ll be back to finish the piece up in a couple weeks. She has done an incredible job so far and I can’t wait to see it finished up. She also very obviously knows what she’s doing and had no problem giving advice and answering my questions. I’ve had a few different artists now and she’s easily one of my favorites.The shop itself is clean and beautifully decorated. The whole place had such a great vibe, and everyone working there was friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone in the area looking to get a tattoo.

My experience here was A+ and everything I expect when getting a tattoo. My artist Sarah gave me a thorough consultation, kept great communication throughout the design process, and was transparent with all costs start-to-finish. The shop had a calm vibe that was comfortable for the 2 sessions I had. Definitely recommend the lovely individuals at this shop.

Great shop. Had a tattoo done by Angie. We communicated back & forth before the appointment. She was always very responsive. Took the time to make sure the design was exactly what I wanted & placed well. Session went smooth, she consistently made sure I was comfortable, gave clear aftercare instructions, and a touch up session went just as good. Im very happy with the result and service. Will definitely be getting more ink done at the shop.

Was lucky enough to find Sarah and Chagos shop a couple years ago for one of my first tattoos. Several sessions later they’re one of the only shops I trust enough to keep coming back. Besides being super talented they’re kind, easy going and patient when a design isn’t exactly what I want. There’s no better artist or people in the county I trust more with this profession. Thank you for all the work you’ve done.

Exceptional Experience at Whole Hearted Tattoo!I recently had the pleasure of getting a tattoo at Whole Hearted Tattoo, and I cannot express enough how incredible my experience was. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism. Sarah, the talented artist who worked on my tattoo, went above and beyond to ensure my comfort and satisfaction throughout the entire process.First and foremost, Sarahs artistic skills are nothing short of extraordinary. I entrusted her with designing and completing a Buddha and Tree tattoo, and I was blown away by the final result. The intricate details, the precision, and the overall composition were absolutely flawless. Its evident that Sarah possesses a true passion for her craft and is a master at transforming ideas into stunning works of art.What impressed me even more was Sarahs ability to create a calming and soothing environment. As someone who can get anxious during tattoo sessions, Sarahs reassuring demeanor and gentle approach instantly put me at ease. She took the time to listen to my concerns and answered all my questions with patience and expertise. Her professionalism and ability to make me feel comfortable were truly commendable.The entire staff at Whole Hearted Tattoo deserves recognition for their exceptional customer service. From the receptionist who greeted me warmly to the clean and inviting studio ambiance, every aspect of my visit was carefully thought out to ensure a positive experience.Moreover, the studios commitment to hygiene and safety is evident. The equipment used was sterile, and Sarah took all the necessary precautions to maintain a clean and sanitary environment, which further solidified my trust in their professionalism and dedication to their craft.In conclusion, I cannot recommend Whole Hearted Tattoo and Sarahs artistic talents highly enough. If you are looking for a skilled artist who not only creates breathtaking tattoos but also provides a calming and positive experience, look no further. Whole Hearted Tattoo exceeded my expectations in every way, and I am beyond thrilled with my tattoo. I will undoubtedly return for future artwork and confidently refer friends and family to this exceptional establishment.Thank you, Whole Hearted Tattoo, and a special thanks to Sarah, for making my tattoo experience truly memorable and for leaving me with a piece of art that I will cherish forever.

Sarah did a piece for me a few years back! I love Halloween and when she posted some super cute Jack o Lanterns with Autumn Leaves coming out, I couldn’t resist making an appointment. It’s one of my absolute favorite pieces now and I plan to go back to Sarah at some point for something new. It was such an easy and comfortable process scheduling my appointment and getting my tattoo done! Definitely recommend going here.

Most professional shop I’ve been to. Got some work done by Travis who did an amazing job and maintained meticulous attention to detail the entire time. Would recommend this place to anyone.

My husband and I both have beautiful pieces done by Sarah in the shop. We had them done in 2021 and the colours are still bright and gorgeous 2.5 years later. I wished I still lived in the area because I would have her do ALL of my work. The entire shop is super kind and professional. Also, the shop was incredibly CLEAN and the vibes are 🙌🏼10/10 recommend

I’ve been getting tattooed at Whole Hearted for the past few years! Sarah and the whole crew are amazing and make you feel super comfortable when you are there! Each artist is amazingly talented. Totally recommend them to everyone!

After an original piece, a re-work of a faded piece, and a cover up, I have become a repeat customer and doubt I will ever go anywhere else. It is a safe, professional environment, and the artists all seem to love what they do. The art is beautiful, and I am thrilled with the results. Chago did my work, but I would recommend everyone here based on the work I have seen and how clients are treated. They understand how to help you feel comfortable—this is not a skill that everyone out there has, as fundamental as it is to a profession that involves work on the body. Responses to questions before and after are prompt and professional. The aftercare recommendations are safe and do not advise gimmicky, potentially harmful products. I strongly recommend them.

I’ve gotten two tattoos at Whole Hearted with two different artists and both times had a great experience. One was a 1/4 sleeve and the other a located leg tattoo of my wife’s art. All the artists are really cool, the place is very pretty, and the shop mascot is very very cute.

Great, kind and talented people work here. I’ve personally gotten a larger sleeve piece done by Krista and her ability to conceptually pull together what I wanted was wonderful. I will definitely be going back to her as my artist in the future. She is respectful, kind and I constantly get asked about her work. She’s the bees knees if you ask me. (I’ve also been to other shops around the bay, whole hearted by far is one of my favorites) so much so my bestie from Connecticut flew out to get work done as well.All of the artists at whole hearted are very professional and talented individuals so much so that most of them are booked throughout the year (pretty telling if you ask me) they know their stuff!I know most of them open their books in chunks of time so they can best manage their workloads, so reach out via IG if you’re wanting to connect or have questions. I’ve always got such good responses from their crew.

I would like to start by saying that Krista is a good tattoo artist, but the customer service definitely sucks. I had started the aftercare and everything was going fine. A week later after I got my tattoo done, I was a little concern about how my tattoo was healing. So I contacted Krista and never got a reply back at all. So I just kept following the aftercare instructions and hope for the best. Later that month, I had to reschedule due to work, so I called the shop and some dude I spoke with said she wasn’t in and that he would let her know so she can call me back and reschedule. I waited and never got a call back. So I texted her and she asked what day I had in mind. Gave her a date and never got a confirmation. So now I have an unfinished tattoo and looking for a new artist. 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️P.S. owner reached out to me and asked if there’s anything he can do to rectify the situation so to remove the bad review. I asked for my deposit back and in return I would remove the review. Never got my my deposit. Avoid this place at all costs. If I could I would give this place a 0. Bad service and scam.

Ive received two tattoos here from Krista Nevares and I live them both. Highly recommend.

Amazing and caring tattoo shop. They always made me feel safe and comfortable despite my experiences with other local shops. I wouldn’t go to anyone else. Even though, I don’t live in California anymore, I still get DAILY compliments on my tattoos. I always share Chago and Sarah’s instagram whenever people ask about my tattoos. I’m highly considering flying back to California to get more art work from those two.

First time going in and an awesome experience with Krista. I had a concept for a Princess Bride tattoo and she created the perfect piece. She made sure I was comfortable the whole time and was overall a great person to work with today. Ill definitely be coming back!

Got a sleeve done by Sarah Twigg at Whole Hearted Tattoo. The atmosphere is so chill, the place is beautiful, and all the artists are so kind and funny. As a queer person I’m always looking for a place where I feel safe and welcomed, this is the place. My favorite place in Monterey to get tatted.

Top notch tattoo shop! I have been tattooed by Chago for some years now and have followed him around! He has finally called this place home and always love to visit! No matter what you are looking for they have an artist that will take care of you!

This is the best tattoo shop in town! In terms of professionalism, cleanliness and comfort wholehearted tattoo exceeded my expectations!! Sarah was my artist and she went above and beyond to make sure I was having a great experience From the beginning of the service until the end. Every artist in this shop is incredibly talented and they were also very friendly and welcoming to me during my appointment, even though I wasn’t their client. I am incredibly happy with the work Sarah did and I will definitely be back very soon!!

I had the best time getting my tattoo done by Krista today. She did such a phenomenal job and was very kind and courteous. She made me feel comfortable and took her time. I cant wait to go back for another piece once I figure out what I want. I highly recommend this shop and Krista for a great tattoo experience. You ROCK KRISTA!

My fiancé and I got tattoos from the owner, last minute walk-in. Sarah gave us both wonderful designs!

I have gotten two tattoos from Sarah at this shop, and she is absolutely fantastic! Great quality and absolutely beautiful art! I am so happy I chose to get my first tattoo at WholeHearted, as the whole crew was so welcoming and kind. I would absolutely recommend this shop if you’re looking to get a tattoo in the Monterey area.

Having experienced/witnessed toxic shops, going to Whole Hearted was a game changer. Artists you can trust and talented to boot! Really grateful to have a safe shop to go to to get some sick work! Whole hearted is the best ♥️

I got my first tattoo done by Sarah at WholeHearted Tattoo. The artwork she created for me is incredible and so well done! My experience was great too! They have created such an awesome and safe environment in their studio. i’ll definitely be going back!

An extremely professional and talented tattoo shop!! Chago was great, and the tattoo he did was perfect. His staff made it easy to set up appointment and was very helpful in every way. Saw some work Sarah was working on and she is also super talented. If its your 1st tattoo or your 20th., you wont regret using them!!

The name of this shop reflects the relationship the artists and the staff creates with their clients. Sarah made sure I was 100% comfortable and covered (as much as possible) while tattooing a largely exposed area. She was kind enough to let me change in the back office. This place is not like any other tattoo parlor I have ever been to, its not bro-ey/douchey. Throughout my multiple sessions, Sarah chatted me up, we shared stories and experiences. She was absolutely heartwarming, and friendly. 10/10

I was SO impressed with Chago and Sarah at WholeHearted Tattoo! The art is professional high quality and unique! I was REALLY happy with my tattoo as it was placed properly and the colors are excellent! Highly recommend these two ! Such amazing talent in one shop!! I recommend them to ALL my friends interested in getting inked ❤️🔥

My mom and I have been looking for a shop and checked online found some that seemed a good fit however no one was willing to see us until we called here. We spoke with Chris and he made sure we were able to get in and worked with us for what we wanted. These tattoos meant a lot to us and he helped make this special. We will be coming back and definitely checking in for him! Absolutely recommending the shop to anyone looking! Thank you!

I have had an amazing experience with Chago, it has been quite a while since I got a tattoo with him and it has healed and held up better than any tattoo I have on my body. Could not be happier with his insight and skill.

These artist truly do put their whole heart into the work they create. I have amazing original designs from both Twiggy and Chago, which have yielded many conversations and compliments from strangers over the years. I’ll be a recurring client for both artists.Their genuine, epic personalities give life to the initial sketch which you’ll then get to see evolve into a fully customized final tattoo. Their talent for aesthetics, coupled with a pristine business etiquette makes the process of getting a tattoo such an purely enjoyable experience from start to finish.If you’re reading my review because you’re on the hunt for fresh ink in Monterey, you might as well stop scrolling and just go call to check their availability.♥️

Me and my husband got finger tattoos by Sarah last weekend and we absolutely love them! Sarah has such a great personality and is not heavy handed. I appreciated her honestly about my finger tattoo and the recommendations. I would highly recommend this shop.

I got a tattoo from Chago (@Chagotattoos) when he was at a different shop in early 2019. It was done so beautifully for my best friend and I who were getting matching! Worth every cent!! I’d love to return as a client to the new shop soon! Would recommend!

Sarah and Chago are the best! These two are super down to earth and they do amazing work. My husband and I live in the Bay Area but Chago and Sarah are worth the drive. We’ve both had multiple tattoos done by them and we always leave happy. You won’t be disappointed!

Chago and his crew are EXCEPTIONAL at wholehearted tattoo. I sooo appreciate the welcoming and professional environment. They take pride in their shop and it shows. From the outstanding cleanliness of the shop to their amazing and diverse artistic styles the wholehearted crew has NEVER disappointed. The price point is beyond fair. The shop is full of artists who genuinely take pride in their art and aren’t focused on making a quick buck. THAT is invaluable.

All of the artists at Wholehearted are so talented and down-to-earth. As a female whos been tattooed in many sketchy shops over the years, I can say that this is by far the safest space Ive ever been tattooed in. Definitely recommend!!

Both Sarah and Chago are such talented artists. The shop is in downtown Monterey looking out onto the street from the second floor. The shop is brightly lit with natural lighting, it’s an open space and it’s extremely clean. I highly recommend seeing either of them for your next piece, they’re my go to artists.

This is a unique tattoo shop, with awesome artists the vibe is just right. They are professional and make you feel comfortable! Definitely coming back!

Honestly one of the best tattoo experience! I got my first tattoo here from Sarah I loved all of the details she did I’m definitely coming back to get more ❣️

Ive been tattooed by Sarah twice now and every time is an absolute awesome experience. From Brigitte at the front to Easy in the back, hands down the best place in Monterey!

Angie is amazing at what she does. She was well prepared, she has a light hand, very accommodating and fast with quality her #1 priority. I highly recommend Angie.

Sarah and chago are the best tattoo artists hands down, I wouldn’t trust anyone else too tattoo me. Will continue going back for the quality. I get so many compliments on my art from them

I have two tattoos from two wonderful artists here. The shop is clean, comfortable, and welcoming.

Thank you, Angie! Fantastic experience.

Fantastic shop, incredibly safe & welcoming environment, & super clean. I’ve been tattooed multiple times by every artist there & had nothing but positive experiences.

Great shop. Sarah and Chago bring interesting unique style to the Peninsula. Highly recommended.

Sarah has done my 3 most recent tattoos and they all look amazing

Loved this place! Very friendly and professional. Such a great vibe there. 100% would recommend. Definitely a shop I would return to.

Very friendly, quick and easy.

Great shop, great work. Especially Natalie!

Awesome artist and very pleasant session

Awesome people