Diving Swallow Tattoo

I have had work done by three artists at Diving Swallow (Wolf, Jazz, and Elle), and each experience has been great. The shop is clean, queer-friendly, and very comfortable. I love all of my tattoos and can’t recommend them enough.

Very friendly vibe in this shop. Got about halfway through a piece with Wolf and I can’t wait for the next session, they are amazingly talented. One of the co-owners even grabbed me a Diet Coke while I was getting tattooed which was super sweet. Highly recommend this shop.

Had an amazing experience with Elle Webb for my 1st tattoo. She was very organized and thorough, COVID conscious, and she did amazing line work and shading for my kelp seaweed tattoo with a crescent moon. She walked me through the steps of all the process and for me I was surprised it didn’t really hurt too much! Highly recommend the shop and Elle!

I visited the shop to get my septum done. Right away the environment was dope and the people were friendly. The owner and I had talked a little bit about the history of the store and I asked if I could get my septum done. Unfortunately, the piercer was out due to emotional and personal problems, so they suggested I leave my contact information, and they would call as soon as the piercer was back or once theyve hired a temp. This was a few months ago -- I think back in October, if I remember correctly -- and Ive yet to receive a phone call from them. Im tempted to go back and try to better my experience, but I just dont think they take their guests seriously enough.

I got a tattoo from Grace in May 2017. I flew in from Japan to get my tattoo, and was driving out from Sacramento for all the appointments.At the time, I was happy with the experience. As it was my first medium piece (some flash from her book), I didnt have other experiences to compare it to. Since then, Ive been to other studios in other countries and I feel I got treated better.Grace was a bit gruff when taking my booking via email, the initial consultation, and even during the appointment. I have to admit, this was likely in part because I was on a tight schedule and only in the US for a limited time.On the day I was to be tattooed, I came at my appointment time but she was still working with her prior client so she recommended I get a good meal at a cafe down the road so I would be nourished before the appointment. The cafe turned out to be closed so I wandered the neighborhood for about an hour instead, one which I at least am familiar with from my college days. Otherwise I would have been more annoyed.After being tattooed, I returned a few weeks later (and just days before my flight back to Japan) to see if a touch up was possible. She was much more friendly and chill. Grace had one look and could tell it was too soon, that the tattoo was still healing. My final interaction was fine, but I dont know about everything before that.I probably wont ever be back again to the US for a long time due to financial constraints. I had thought I would get a tattoo from Grace again should I have the chance, but now I dont know. Coming from so far away just to get a tattoo, I had high expectations.Still, I think Grace is very talented and I love all of Graces work. And of course, I love the piece she did on me!

I love this place. The vibe is great, the people are nice, and Wolf did an absolutely amazing job on my tattoo. I am definitely coming back here for my next tattoo.

Im incredibly happy with the tattoo that Danielle did for me here. She had helpful suggestions for making the design better and her aftercare instructions had it heal without any problems.It looks even better in real life than it does in the photo.

My favorite shop in Oakland. Ive been tattooed by 3 different artist here. Everyone is so talented. Felt extremely comfortable here too.

Rocio and Cedre are both professional and delightful.

Favorite tattoo place in Oakland. Welcoming to everyone, fantastic artists. Ive been a number of times and never left unhappy.

Such a great place with the sweetest artists

Very talented artists and a groovy studio. The detail work on my tattoo is amazing. Thank you, Rocio!

Great vibe and I absolutely love Kikis work! 💜❤💜

Avoid artist named “Lulu” at all costs. unprofessional and bad communication

Amazing experience, Jo and grace are my go tos!

Third time around, always very pleased with Rocio!

Clean, bright, attractive set up with knowledgeable, friendly staff.

Awesome, clean, friendly, fun, and super conveniently located.

Such a great place with detailed and creative artists

The artist I saw in 2013 was great.

Beautiful work by lovely people

The best at and customer service!

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