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American Electric Tattoo Co
Category: Beauty and Spas Tattoo Tattoo [Edit]
3532 W Sunset BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90026
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
(323) 664-6530
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
92 reviews for American Electric Tattoo Co
92 reviews in English
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Review from Monica Z.
Los Angeles, CA
5/7/2012
Love the atmosphere you get when you walk in, Craig J. is awesome, he's super talented and great at what he does.
Craig has done 3 out of my 5 tattoos I love every single one of them. I'm definitely going back for more ink. -
Review from Corrie B.
Sun Valley, CA
4/17/2012
My favorite place in L.A. to get tattoed. Been going there for 6 years and I love. I go to Adrian. He is sweet and super fucking talented! If you had a bad experience you are probably the problem, so go away...
They are friendly and all great artists, very professional, the shop is bitchin' and there is always good music playing.
I love American Electric! -
Review from Lady B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/23/2012
The shop is definitely not awesome but it's not so bad either. Maybe the guys were tired or were having a long stressful day, but I walked in with my bf and I said hi to all of them as I waved and smiled (they were all busy tattooing, and more people waiting before me) but, Greg and the rest only looked up to see who had come in and didn't even smile or said hi back. So the shop manager or whatever whose name I never learned comes to the counter and asks me how he can help. I explained to him what I wanted done and he went to one of the guys to show him the design I had, which was not exactly what I wanted, it was only a reference to give the artist an idea. The guy, Adrian, then gave a quote and the approximate waiting time. 180 bucks was barely ok for the size of the tattoo but the design he drew was not great and he seemed lazy at it. He didn't take much time to make sure it was the design I was looking for or to ask what else I might have been looking for, or to just tell me what would look better or even where on my body it would look better.
Of course I was very clear as to what I was looking for and the spot where I wanted it done, but now that I've found my tattoo artist I see that he failed in making suggestions, giving better ideas, and taking the time to draw a good design.
In the end the design he drew is ok and I like it very much, but I will definitely have to add more to it than I expected to make it look more full and complete and really beautiful and not like it's just floating there on my skin. -
Review from Jax M.
Chicago, IL
5/24/2012
Had my first tat done here about 2 years ago. It still looks amazing and I really still enjoy the design. I'm glad I went here.
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Review from Rina L.
2/3/2012
Oh my fellow yelpers, you failed me.
My first tattoo and I wanted a good, memorable experience. Based on the other reviews, I was expecting top-notch friendly service, but was disappointed.
First off, I arrived right when they opened so there were no other customers. I guess the employees just arrived since they were setting up. I walked in and stood at the counter for about 5 minutes without any acknowledgment. Not even a "Hi". I didn't want to interrupt them (I was already nervous to begin with). Finally I was addressed and I guess because I didn't make an appointment, they didn't really want to help me (or that was the impression I got), although when I called in the day before, they said walk-ins were always welcomed. Well, the guy that was talking to me asked the other guy if he wanted to do my tattoo and he said, "no". So, I guess the other guy was stuck with me. I showed him what I wanted and he said it was easy enough and that he could do it in 20 minutes.
That was fine. Because of the Yelp reviews, I thought the artist would calm my nerves but he didn't say a thing. AHHH. Anyway, my tattoo turned out OK, but I'm not completely satisfied. The outline is a little crooked and the color came out blotchy. My friend said the blotchiness was normal and said I should go back for a touch-up.
I e-mailed Adrian and he said for me to wait a few weeks and come in. I live in Santa Monica, so driving all the way to Silverlake is a pain in the butt. I might just have to go to someone else to get the touch-up.
The whole experience was EH. How disappointing. -
Review from Elizabeth H.
Los Angeles, CA
3/12/2012
Long story short, I was in the process of removing two forearm tats and after careful consideration, I decided to put them back on... (I know, I know, I was influenced by someone to remove them, and got smart and realized how much I missed them!!)
Craig Jackman (the owner) was game in the challenge of putting them back on, he was polite, professional and did a lovely job... tattooing on a tattoo that has been faded and bringing it back to life is more difficult then I thought... however, he did a wonderful job and I would highly recommend him.... the other artists in the shop were friendly and professional as well... being in many tattoo shops over the years, it's refreshing to experience a place where it is clean, everyone is sober and sharp, and ready to work... I will be back!!! :) -
Review from Hal T.
Los Angeles, CA
9/19/2011
I got a tattoo here about 8 months ago. I looked up reviews and saw the positive feedback (thank you yelp again, always) and called and came in 30 minutes after calling. Everyone in the shop was very friendly/convivial, things were straightforward.
This was kind of an impulse tattoo- something I had thought about conceptually for years, but only just decided to finally do that evening. The tattoo was of my grandmother's signature on my wrist, to scale, photocopied from her bible. The guy (forgot his name, he was a total babe though, bookish with glasses and a british accent) did a perfect job, and it was done fast. Minimum charge- $60.
Why I write the review is because the tattoo is perfect, perfect to where the cursive line faded in and out with the pen ink. I showed a friend the next week and she was like, "oh, your's looks really good- I had a friend who did that [cursive handwriting] and it was all F'd up and shaky...." This guy did my grandmother's fine tipped pen handwriting perfectly, in one go. In hindsight, I realize how much trust I put into this shop/this guy, as the tattoo is literally a single continuous cursive line with variations in lineweight- any mistake or misstep would have completely ruined the tattoo. I am so very thankful that they did the job perfectly.
This is my 3rd tattoo. Definitely the best. I get compliments on it every single day. Think it's good to write a tat review about a year in, you always want to know how these things fare... Also, I was offered free touch ups, FYI. -
Review from Thien N.
Los Angeles, CA
10/23/2011
I had my work done with Tyler. I wanted some writing done under my left collarbone, and he was very chill and accommodating. Since it was my first tattoo, I was nervous and had a specific tattoo, but Tyler worked with me on the design and was patient while I tweaked the placement of the tattoo.
He joked around with the other artists but was pretty tight-lipped with me (still professional though). I wasn't offended though; I think it was because I'm quiet and reserved when I first meet with someone and he was reacting to that. Also I think his personality is pretty aloof. Toward the end though, we were talking about movies and what not.
I couldn't be happier with my tattoo! The lines are clean, the shading is perfect, and he speckled a few subtle dots into the letters just like I wanted.
I have some more work I want done in the future and I'm definitely coming back here. -
Review from Matthew G.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2012
Great experience! I think this might be the best tattoo work I have ever had. Sean Smith did the inking and he was super friendly and professional. He seemed pretty excited to do a pixelated video game nerd tattoo for me and that was cool. Would most definitely go back.
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Review from Crystal L.
Palo Alto, CA
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Adrian puts the awe in awesome. I know, corny right? He's quiet, but sarcastic, chill and kind of stern, and downright a cool dude. He gave me good advice about the aesthetic characteristics of the design I wanted. At first, the design wasn't quite what I envisioned, but after it peeled over, I am so glad he knocked sense into me. I wanted too much in my tattoo, and he said if there were elements I wanted to highlight that I should pull them out so it wouldn't look convoluted or look like a cover up. He definitely knows what he's talking about. I appreciate honesty in tattoo artists, because let's face it, you don't really have the chance to f$!& up, every piece is an advertisement of your ability, and if you suck, people will find out.
My friend was tattooed by Craig, and it is one of the most bada$$ eagles I have seen. He is super professional and he evokes the professionalism with the rest of artists in the shop. Everyone was awesome and super down to earth. The days of getting pricked by a razor and a ballpoint pen in an 8 x 10 are long gone. I think a huge part of getting tattooed is the experience, and each person made you feel comfortable and at ease. -
Review from Robert W.
Los Angeles, CA
3/25/2012
the tattoo parlor has a worn in, vintage feel that is welcoming and doesn't look like a hospital as some other parlor tend to gravitate towards to illicit a sterile feeling. the guys were very accommodating to my walk-in. i wanted a simple tattoo of 26.2 on my foot for completing the marathon. Sean Smith helped in printing out the font I selected and offered advice on layout and placement. Throughout the process, Sean took his time and showed interest in my tattoo. I had such a great experience with him that I gave him a 20 dollar tip. I highly recommend Sean as well as this establishment for getting a tattoo.
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Review from Erik B.
Alhambra, CA
6/21/2011
Got my first tattoo here. (and in case some of you don't know, this shop was featured on LA Ink, something i found out after doing my research before coming to this shop)
So anyways, it took me a while to actually do this. i did some research online, saw the good reviews, went in, checked out the shop, looked at the artbooks and came back for some work to be done on me. My artist was Adrian Sanchez. real cool chill guy.
First of all, i can't comment on how fair the prices are but it was $140 an hour. I dont know if this is good, a lot, little, whatever. Seemed fair though considering their reputation and good quality of artists. So i was happy with this. Im assuming the prices may change for less complicated tattoos based on what another guy wrote recently on here.
It is cash ONLY. So keep that in mind. And its street parking.
Since this was my first, i wanted to be real careful of the design. I had some ideas that i gave to Adrian. I booked my appointment 2 weeks in advance to allow him to draw it and if there needed to be changes he'd get to it before we did anything.
He didn't really show me the design til the day before. But i understand he's very busy with other customers and what not. When i first saw it it wasn't exactly what i envisioned but i loved it.
He asked me if i liked it and if there needed to be any changes, and he was happy to listen and make the changes for me. In my case i asked him to add a rose on the woman's head (i have a thing for girls wearing roses on the side of their heads :D) and i also asked him to make the womans chest bigger hehe ;-p
So he showed me the final design which was put on my right forearm. Looks real good. His shading is excellent. I asked him last minute to fill in the woman's shoes and rose with red. Giving the tattoo a nice contrast with the rest of the design and color (black)
As for the shop. Its great. very clean and quiet. really interesting paintings that are hung up (i want one of them!) and other random things hung up on the walls. Clean organized work stations.
The other artists are there just chilling walking around. Not much to do if they don't have customers to work on. Every now and then they would come up to us and check out the progress of the tattoo.
As Adrian was working on me, he knew it was my first tattoo, so he started talking to me, asking me questions getting the pain out of my mind. It didn't really hurt, so i was good. but he asked every so often if i was doing good. A little after 2 hours we went on a break just to stand up and stretch out for a bit.
Overall I'm a happy customer. He seems to be real humble about his artwork. He appreciated my comments as he was working on it. Very cool guy. Im going back to this shop for more work with Adrian. He's a great artist, his artbook has some real nice stuff in there.
I'll even give the other guys some work to do too. Would be neat if you can get some work done by all the guys in the same shop. Mix it up a little you know. They all seem like nice guys willing to help you and answer any of your questions. I know walking into a tattoo shop can be a little intimidating at times, but not with this crew. Very friendly people there.
So far I've gotten a lot of compliments on the tattoo. People are really impressed with it especially because it's my first. I suppose when people get their first it's probably not that great. I dont know.
As Adrian said when he finished "not bad for a first tattoo huh?"
2 customers walked in that day and loved his work when they saw it on me. And of course i love getting these compliments. Feels good :)
Plus, its been scoring me major points with the laaaaadies ;)
i don't hesitate to lead people to this shop. Most seem interested to visit when they ask where the shop is at.
So check it. Look at the artwork on their personal website and visit the shop to get an idea of what they do. -
Review from Spike B.
Burbank, CA
11/16/2011
Got my first tattoo done here about a year ago & it still looks beautiful~
Went there to get an estimate for it & to make an appointment. Went there again a week later to get it done. I had to wait a long while, though, before it was my turn but it gave me a chance to try out the cute little restaurant next door.
Sean Smith was my artist & he was very nice & funny. Well, EVERYONE there was hilarious.
Took my drawing of what I wanted & re-copied it perfectly, adding on a few new details that really pulled the picture together.
Whole thing took about an hour which was nice because they charge by the hour here. I am very pleased at how fast it was done without it looking any bit sloppy.
My only prob so far was just making me wait about 2 hours after the time they told me to come in. But it's no sweat off mah nose.
I'll deff be coming back when I get more money & finalize my ideas.
Keep on truckin! -
Review from Daniel C.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2011
I try not to yelp all that often. Unfortunately it seems all too often establishments are subjected to personal circumstance and bias. This shop doesn't need to be yelped'. But fuck it. I wanted a little piece on a Sunday afternoon... I walked in and everyone seemed busy (they were). A gentleman named Craig was kind enough to do some quick work on me. Let's just say it's the most manly lady bug a hetero male can sport. Anyways, the vibe in the shop is serious because tattooing is serious work. If I were Los Angeles based I'd be getting future work done here.
These guys are the real deal. -
Review from Gillian E.
1/10/2012
Walked in with no appt on a Sunday afternoon, Sean managed to fit me in and ink me there and then - walked out 30 mins later a happy girl. The place was spotless and he gave me exactly what I asked for, I will return for sure.
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Review from Cara C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/31/2011
This place is legit. My sister and I came in here on impulse to get matching tattoos. We didn't have an appointment, and it was about an hour before they closed on a Sunday night. The place is immaculate, the prices are reasonable, and the people are awesome. What more could you possibly ask for in a tattoo shop?
I came here on the recommendation from a friend who has just had a tattoo done, and now I am spreading the word that this place is awesomesauce. The majority of tattoo shops in LA will attempt to over-charge like crazy and make you feel inferior. Not the case at all here. Sean printed out our tattoo in a bunch of different fonts to check out. He and Adrian also coordinated to make sure they were placed in exactly the same location on me and my sister. Sean tattooed me and he was AWESOME. He talked to me the whole time he was tattooing me (whether he wanted to or not - I can be kind of a chatter box) but it made me feel relaxed and comfortable while he needled away at my ribs. He also didn't try to sell me any bogus after care product, and was very thorough and clear about how to take care of it. The tattoos look perfect. I am so happy I came here! If you are in LA and you want to have a tattoo done DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND JUST GO HERE. You won't regret it. -
Review from Marc L.
Brooklyn, NY
6/20/2011
Everything about this place is awesome. The space, the location, the tattoo artists, the music, the decor - all of it!
For walk-ins: call before you go. I wanted to get something simple so I didn't bother making an appointment but I called to check if they had time for me but they were fully booked that day.
It's a $60 flat rate and cash only. There's an ATM at the next door restaurant, Millie's.
Tim was my artist and he was SUPER cool, chill and really nice guy. I always appreciate when tattoo artists talk to you and make conversation and he's really great at that. The tattoo I got was behind my ear and I appreciated how he told me he'd start in one area to see how painful or not painful it would be.
This was my 6th tattoo and I have to say it was the best experience I had thanks to Tim. So if you live in the area like I do, want a simple tattoo and are looking for a quality and affordable shop, call this place up and ask for Tim! You won't be disappointed! -
Review from Yvette F.
Los Angeles, CA
8/1/2011
This is a really nice, down to earth tattoo shop. Dont let the address on Sunset lead you to think otherwise.
I was first turned onto this place following my tattoo artist, Sean Smith, here from his previous shop.
Parking is a bit of a mess, its metered street parking so set a timer and bring a friend to feed your meter and leave plenty of time to circle the same blocks numerous times in search of an open spot.
There's TONS of artwork on the walls and a damn good selection of talented artists working there.
Also you'll find they have more than their fair share of reference books and are more than willing to google search an idea for your design as well as sketch one up based on your descriptions.
Cash only.
You can walk in but I always like to make appointments =)
Very Clean and Professional.
Very decent prices for the area too.
Will be coming back! -
Review from Annie Y.
Los Angeles, CA
1/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been wanting a tattoo for ages, but I've been holding off for multiple reasons. I finally decided to bite the bullet and get one before the end of the year. I couldn't have chosen a better place to get my first tattoo. The staff here is awesome and HILARIOUS. Their banter distracted me from my nervousness while I waited. Tyler tattooed me, and he was great -- funny, not overly chatty, but talkative enough to give me something to focus on while he inked me. I got three stars behind my ear, and Tyler chose the perfect placement the first time. The process only took about 15 minutes, even though I was a walk-in. The tattoo also cost a lot less than I was expecting.
It's been a few days now, and I haven't had any problems with healing yet. Will definitely be back for my next tattoo. -
Review from Julie S.
Los Angeles, CA
12/22/2011
Ok, have you seen Adrian's work? If you haven't yet, take a look on their website. Once you see it, you'll pick this shop. He's a friendly, sweet guy with amazing talent. I am now officially addicted.
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Review from Mitch W.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2011
Craig Jackman did my anchor and it's AMAZING. I brought in a pic of another tattoo and he totally made it my own. The folks were all lots of fun and the 4 hours flew by. I'm going back as soon I'm back in LA.
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Review from Mark C.
Downey, CA
5/15/2011
I'll gladly be the latest to give American Electric a resounding 5-star endorsement. You'll like the group of artists here: Smart, extremely funny, quirky and whimsical, confident in what they do, but without the damaged goods/asshole personalities that seem to have a foothold in the world of tattooing.
I had a trbial lotus flower done by Adrian Sanchez the other day. I was extremely pleased with the result, and was impressed with the quiet, understated professionalism of this artist. I wouldn't hesistate to ask Adrian to do my next piece.
I learned about American Electric from my own research after my old tattoo studio changed hands. Suffice to say that I've found my new shop! -
Review from Sylvan S.
Los Angeles, CA
12/15/2011
I had my third tattoo done today by Adrian Sanchez. Adrian is the man and the shop is awesome. I strongly recommend Adrian and American Electric Tattoo to anyone willing to get a perfectly well done tattoo, in a clean and cool shop and at a reasonable price.
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Review from Anette F.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
12/28/2010
Clean, professional and entertaining.
I've been getting tattooed by Tyler Borich for well over a year. He is always up for anything you throw at him, is funny and does not charge you an arm and a leg. Even if he did, it would be well worth it. Why get a cheap tattoo if it looks like shit when you can pay a bit more and get something amazing for life.
Something to mention, they DO NOT accept credit cards nor checks. Cash only.
Did I mention they have a karaoke machine? -
Review from D. Ryan R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2011
I've gotten three of my many tattoos here. The guys in the shop are down to earth. They're all talented enough to pull off your most ambitious project but aren't full of themselves. they love the craft and aren't above doing a walk in "spring break" style tattoo. Weather you want to sit for three days on a back piece or get a butterfly on the small of your back this place is great for whatever you want. It's chill and situated between a couple nice sidewalk cafes with good coffee. I always work with Adrian but everyone there is a gifted artist.
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Review from Wenli M.
Los Angeles, CA
9/4/2011
Overall I'm sure this place is great. Looks clean, professional. I had a chance to email Adrian a few times about a tattoo idea. I happened to come in on a Tuesday (got Adrian's working days mixed up) and talked to Tyler, instead, about my idea. He was NOT helpful at all. Gave me a lot of attitude and did maybe two useless rough sketches. This was going to be my first tattoo so I was aiming for something simple. He looked completely unenthusiastic about working with me so I left without booking any appointments. AVOID TYLER!
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Review from Gena F.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2010
I don't watch TV. That being said, let me drop a few nuggets of information to you. I recently moved from San Francisco. San Francisco is a melting pot of great tattoo artists./Pride
Saw the reviews on Yelp and decided to give it a try. I walk in to ask a sonuvabitch tattoo. Inner finger is not fun and doesn't stay very well. After expressing my apologies, a lovely bespectacled gent by the name of Sean graciously put a key on my digit.
Have I mentioned that the staff here is very entertaining? I love Keane paintings. Again, I don't watch TV. -
Review from J R.
South Pasadena, CA
7/26/2011
Made my appointment with Tyler last week. He did a great job on my tattoo today. I was very happy with my experience. The guys are friendly and welcoming to everyone when they come in, which is a relief because some places can be very intimidating or full of attitude. I'll be back to see Tyler when i'm ready to get more work done. Oh and park on the side street next to the 99 cent store, no meters and saves u $.
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Review from Cat M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/31/2010
It is true.
Craig Jackman can heal the sick by just gazing upon them.
But if he actually tattoos you, he can boost your IQ, double the contents of your wallet and help you communicate with most sea creatures, he's especially fluent in "mermaid".
He is also very handsome, almost blindingly so,and can tell jokes that you really never have heard, hard to believe but true.
Craig has been known to reverse negative court cases and make parking tickets disappear. I think this is because he is British.
But not certain, it may be his aftershave that works this magic.
If you come in here unprepared, he doesn't belittle you like other tattoo shop-owners might, he just takes your little hand in his and walks you through the process. As I may have said, his touch can reverse the aging process, so you leave looking ten years younger.
Craig Jackman is an undiscovered gem.
Perhaps yelping about him isn't wise, as now next time I want to come in here, it will be teeming with legions of humans.
bonus? it's right next to the 99cent store on Sunset.
Just don't park there. or do. Craig can mentally block all towtrucks
and parking ticket-givers.
don't forget to tip this 8th wonder of the world. -
Review from Jaclynn R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
I love this place!! The tattoo artists are funny and pleasurable to be around. Sean and Amy were working when I went and both were very friendly and fun. The vibe in the place is awesome, and both times that I went (once to sketch out a tat, and the second time to get it done) there was a very short wait. They take appointments, but walk-ins are welcome.
This was my first tattoo and I had it on the left side of my rib cage. Sean did an amazing job and he and my friends provided friendly banter and conversation throughout the process making it as enjoyable as it gets for a a tattoo in that area! I love this place and if I get another tattoo, I will definitely go back. -
Review from Sarah N.
Northampton, MA
3/7/2007
Feelin' a lil frisky, my best bud and I decided to get a matching tat. After reading the stellar reviews of this local place we made a quick call and zoom we were in like flynn.
We discussed what we wanted with the 3 humorous artists in this very kitschy, taxidermy filled studio. Craig, the Brit, drew our art on the spot and zzzzz I was on the block. We were in and out in just over an hour. It's still a bit scabby but looks fan-tas-tic. BTW the tats are teeny, hence the quickness.
It was just us and the artists on a Sunday night which made the experience very personal. The radio was playing fantasy metal which was divine. Craig was a great artist.
What are you waiting for...go get inked!!!
Update: so nearly 2 weeks later and I'm not as happy with my tattoo. It's on my wrist which I've read is a tempermental location for a tattoo but I don't think that it was supposed to react like this. It totally scabbed over after the 4 day and then proceeded to flake off. Now a new layer of skin covers it but I can tell that it looks pretty faded. I've read that when a tat scabs over it means that the artist went too deep and that your body is rejecting the ink, hence the faded color. I returned to the studio and asked Craig if this was normal and he said oh yeah...once that new skin peels off it will be vibrant once again. We'll see. Thankfully he offered to do any retouches I wanted for free. So now I wait....
And wait I did. It looks perfect now. My impatience was silly. Yippee for body art and yippee for Craig! -
Review from Joe N.
Los Angeles, CA
7/30/2007
Tatoo is nothing but just a permanent ink coloration of the second layer of the skin.
And I had my first tattoo a long time ago, when having tattoo still wasn't a cool thing to do.
Currently, it's quite apparent that most sports and entertainment celebrities are also having their own tattoos.
And it's been revealed that even renowned world leaders and political personalities, such as 4-term U.S. President FDR, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Senator Barry Goldwater, Pres. John F. kennedy's son, JFK, Jr., State Secretary George Shultz and President Bill Clinton also have tattoos.
I really don't know what's the reason for their respective tattoos, but all of mine have significant meaning, which is much deeper than skin.
Anyway, Craig Jackman did a tiger on my upper left arm recently and it certainly looked great.
A colleague of mine, Freddie, liked it too and decided to come with me when I had a subsequent appointment with Craig for a tribal armband.
Freddie had a phoenix bird on his left arm and likewise it looked simply fantastic.
I still have a lot of empty space on my body to inked on, and American Electric's Craig Jackman, definitely will be doing the next one and then some. -
Review from Sara D.
Glendale, CA
10/28/2011
I have been getting tattoo's from Tyler Borich for years now, and love everything he has drawn up for me. He has a great eye for color & composition. As an added bonus, the conversation is always interesting (which is important if you are there for 3+ hours...!).
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Review from christine m.
Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2010
I just got some work done by Sean last night, and I could not be more pleased. I had a really poorly done tattoo that I've been wanting to cover up for years now, it was faded and way too deep. I've consulted with a few other artists, and I felt that Sean (who's been tattooing for what I think he said was 17 years now) was totally confident about doing such a large cover up, and understood exactly the kind of imagery I wanted (I told him I wanted it to look like something someone would send in to Teen Angels from prison, and I got just that). I walked in kind of on a whim, only after a brief convo with him over the phone earlier, and was really happy that he could take me in that same night.
Sean's really light handed, which is a god-sent in this situation, especially since the guy that did my previous tattoo was knee-deep in my poor skin the first time around. The place is great, they're totally unpretentious, and have the confidence of guys that have been tattooing for quite a long while and don't care about pretending to be rockstars or intimidating their customers, not that i would be, but it's so appreciated.
All in all, I'd go back again, and plan to, and would recommend this place in a heartbeat.
EDIT
It's been a while now since I've been to AE and I'm definitely never going back. I couldn't be less pleased with how it fared in a year, and after the healing process noticed how poorly executed the cover up was. I've gotten several pieces done since this at an amazing place and plan to get this FIXED by an artist at said new amazing place. For being as cracked up as this place is, I'm just not impressed. Nothing is a bigger bummer than a tattoo you're unhappy with. -
Review from Maggie M.
Los Angeles, CA
10/19/2011
The only tattoo shop where I can talk about eggs & Chuck Palahniuk while getting tattoed by Tyler B.
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Review from Nicole S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/17/2008
I'll echo what some others here have said in regards to the vibe of this shop. After reading a few reviews here on Yelp, my friend and I ventured over to American Electric to talk with them about the tattoos we wanted done. Note: my friend and I were, at the time, both tattoo virgins. We walked into the shop and admired the art on the walls, the amazing fishtank, and the relaxed atmosphere. It didn't scream "TATTOO SHOP!" in neon like so many other parlors. In some way, I felt like I was in a friend's living room that just happened to have a few tattoo chairs set up. A few guys were standing around, shooting the shit, and TJ approached us to ask what we were in for. We sat down to discuss ideas of what we wanted and he just took off sketching. My friend immediately loved his first sketch for her and I liked his approach, so we booked him for an entire evening the following week.
We walk into the shop to go over what exactly we wanted, and TJ produced his sketches. My friend saddled up and got hers done first, but I sat with TJ and had him re-draw mine (it's a relatively simple tattoo, but I was increasingly paranoid and of course wanted it perfect). I sat down, freaked out, got up, jumped around the store, and then sat down and did it. TJ was chill, hilarious, clean, and worked with me to make sure that I got exactly what I wanted. Months later, I'm 100% satisfied with how it came out.
Price will vary according to piece. Mine was not as expensive as I thought it might be. -
Review from Rachel T.
Healdsburg, CA
6/18/2011
I knew I wanted to get a tattoo on my trip to LA, my only task was researching which shop to go to. I did a search, asked around and the result was a resounding "Go to American Electric!"
My husband and I walked in at about 7 on a Friday night and was greeted promptly by one of the artists. I told him I was interested in a retro bluebird to tie in two other large pieces I have. They complemented the tattoos I had and knew the artist that did them in Norcal. I ended up with Tyler. He drew up an original piece of art for me that just looked incredible. He does have a light hand, which always helps.
The finished product looks amazing!
The shop itself is so cool, the vibe is very chill and not pretentious at all. Craig, Sean, Adrian, Rosie, and Tyler are all so hilarious...I had to tune them out once or twice so I wouldn't laugh while Tyler was doing the linework!
The price was right, great artists, basically my new favorite shop to visit while in socal. Thanks guys, you all rock!! -
Review from Jill S.
Los Feliz, CA
12/4/2007
My first ever review, and it's not even on a taco truck...
Anyway, yeah. taxidermy, rammstein, and nina hagen galore. I've gone to oooooh, 4 different shops, and this place is by far my favorite. And for any future work, i probably won't be going anywhere else. And I've gotten tattooed at some *VERY* well known shops and even though they've turned out great work, none can match the vibe of this place.
Craig is... one of a kind. ha. nah, he's absolutely hilarious and had me practically crying every time i went in because i'd be laughing so hard. Between him and Dom i'm shocked my tattoos' lines turned out straight! And considering the upper third of my arm is ALL single needle Edward Gorey drawings, that's most impressive. I can't recommend him enough. (Oh, and part of it was by Adrian, who is also awesome, and I'm really sad he's not there anymore. And although he is at another great shop, between you and me, i still prefer Am. Elec.)
If you've had it up to your eyeballs with Hollywood attitude and you want a great piece of art, this is your place. If the Viper Room is your favorite place to go on a Saturday night, then this probably is not your place. But it should be. -
Review from Moses P.
La Mirada, CA
2/10/2011
I have three tattoos from three different people, and just got a fourth one from Craig at American Electric.
I realized that whatever the tattoo was or however it came out, the artist's attitude and shop's atmosphere sticks to the tattoo, and really affects your feelings towards it in time to come...
with one of my old ones, I am began to dislike it so much due to the unpleasant artist who did it, so I'm in a removal process of that tattoo.
But when I came to American Electric, the artists and the shop gave a pleasant vibe with great creative imput to your ideas. I have a feeling that I will like my new tattoo more than I do now in time to come and that I can trust this shop with bigger works in the future, and with cover ups for old ones that I don't like.
The price is affordable and they seem to have a good knowledge on how tattooing works for different parts of the body, which will definately affect how the tattoo "grows" on you in the future. -
Review from Marvin S.
7/31/2008
KC inked the turntable on my wrist, and for some reason....... it felt really really good...!!!!!!!!
hahahahaha
Love them @ E.T.C.
and its up the street from my house... YAAAAAAY
