Inked in History: Visit Downtown Long Beach’s Iconic Tattoo Shops

Yesterday was National Tattoo Day, a great reminder that tattoos and Downtown Long Beach are a perfect fit — and have been for many decades! You can get any kind of tattoo you want here, from classic old-school designs favored by visiting World War II-era sailors to custom works of body art, created by you and your favorite tattoo artist, that tell your life story. Check out these Downtown tattoo shops: Each one, in its own way, is carrying the Downtown tattoo tradition forward. 

 

OUTER LIMITS TATTOO  /  22 S CHESTNUT PL.  

“Perfect fit” describes how owner Kari Barba, a legend of the tattoo game, makes Outer Limits Tattoo work so well. Her shop is located in the former site of Bert Grimm Tattoo, which was established on the edge of the Pike amusement park in 1927, making Outer Limits the oldest operating tattoo shop in the nation, complete with a remarkable tattoo museum.   

“Another important factor that drew us to this location is the fact that we love to serve Long Beach and its eclectic mix of amazing people,” said Barba.  

Barba, a mega-accomplished artist who has been working for 45 years, is an important figure in the industry for more than her incredible tattoos; She was the first tattooist to wear rubber gloves while working, paving the way for today’s health and safety standards 

“We offer a diverse crew of world-class tattoo artists covering a broad range of styles,” said general manager Matt Hand. “Our professional, friendly, and talented artists come from all different backgrounds, and can execute just about any style you could imagine. This is a safe, inclusive, friendly, welcoming, warm, and clean environment. Good vibes only!”  

For more info visit the website here and make sure to check out Outer Limits on Instagram @outerlimitstattoo.

 

PAPER CRANE TATTOO STUDIO  /  530 E BROADWAY

Owner and tattoo artist Mikey Vigilante moved to Long Beach from Michigan in 2008 with the intent of opening a tattoo shop in a vibrant, up-and-coming arts community. “I loved the beautiful and historic Lafayette Building in the East Village, and that is where I decided to set up my shop,” he recalled. 

Paper Crane Tattoo Studio offers a very eclectic range of tattoo art styles. “There are eight artists on staff, and each one brings a unique perspective to their art,” said Vigilante. “With the exception of our apprentice, each artist has over 20 to 30 years of cumulative professional art experience. Several of our artists have advanced degrees in art and have been art teachers.”  

Visit this relaxed and peaceful studio and get tattoo ideas from dozens of beautiful designs that are framed and displayed on the walls. Or, you can schedule a consultation and co-create an original design with one of the staff tattoo artists!  

For more info, visit the website here, and follow Paper Crane Studio on Instagram @papercranestudio.

 

ACE OF HEARTS TATTOO  /  743 PINE AVE.  

Ace of Hearts Tattoo got its start in San Pedro several years ago. The owners soon had their eyes on Downtown Long Beach, which was expanding rapidly. They made the move, and have been creating their tattoo art on Pine Ave. for over eight years.  

The shop has a rocked out, old-school feel. “We’re definitely going for that classic ‘street shop’ vibe,” said tattooist Kevin Richart. “We can do everything from simple flash designs to full custom work. There’s really nothing we can’t do here.” 

The shop has a gumball machine filled not with gumballs but with tried-and-true flash tattoo designs. You can get a $150-to-$200 flash tattoo for only $100, if you’re willing to drop your coins into the gumball machine and take your chances on whatever design pops out!  

Follow Ace of Hearts Tattoo on Instagram @aceofheartstattoo. 

 

THE RAVEN & THE WOLVES  /  212 THE PROMENADE N

While owner Carlos Torres was living in the Promenade Lofts a few years ago, he couldn’t help but notice how Downtown was growing. “I really liked what was being done in my neighborhood,” he explained. “When I saw that the Blue Cafe location was vacant, I fought to get it. I thought we could bring something super cool to the Downtown area.”

Torres described his shop as “a ‘high-end’ tattoo studio and art gallery. My goal was always to show our fine art side. Most of the tattoos we create are one-offs. We’re super custom. We have a group of very creative artists here, and when people come in and tell us their story, we can put it either onto canvas or onto skin.”

Visit The Raven & The Wolves website for hours and appointments, and check them out on Instagram @theravenandthewolves to get a look at their truly stunning tattoos and paintings.