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American Electric Tattoo Co

5 star rating
based on 26 reviews

Category: Tattoo  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Silver Lake
3532 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 664-6530
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
By Appointment Only:
No

26 reviews for American Electric Tattoo Co

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Photo of Josh B.

 

6

29

Josh B.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
7/4/2009

Craig is the man. Straight up. I am one of Meredith P's recommendations, and yes, I am 100% satisfied.
My work was an intricate piece on my wrist (a tricky spot to heal) and it does not require any touchups, thanks to Craig's professional work. His manner is also awesome. He gauges how much you like a chat (Me, I don't care for too much) and helps accordingly - but if you're the conversational type, he's got wisdom and hilarity on tap.

I plan to return when I have the $ for my long-longed for half sleeve, and I won't let anyone but Craig Jackson do it to me. Tee-hee. Do it to me.

The piece that covers my wrist ran $100. Very, very fair. Appointments take about a week.

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Photo of Laura M.

 

0

4

Laura M.

Huntington Park, CA

5 star rating
11/19/2009

Got my first and second tatoos there. Craig is the best! Funny and very talented! Prices are good. But parking blows! - Careful parking downhill, uphill -whatever, just be careful!

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Photo of Maria D.

 

11

14

Maria D.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
9/24/2009

I just got my very first tattoo here a few days ago, and I have to say that I was very pleased with the experience I had here.  I haven't written a review on here in forever, but wanted to give Amy from AET props on here.  My roommate recommended her to me, after getting an arm tattoo from her last month.  I was so nervous going in (it was my first tattoo AND I'm a big wimp when it comes to needles!) but Amy made me feel totally relaxed and comfortable as soon as I walked through the door.  She constantly made sure I was ok while she was working on my wrist tattoo, and was very sweet and cool about me needing to take a break when I started to feel queasy.  The whole process took about 40 minutes, and was really fairly priced.  I'm very happy with my new tattoo, and will definitely be returning here again in the future.

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Photo of VALERIE d.

 

0

2

VALERIE d.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
8/20/2009

I had my first tattoo done here two weeks ago.  I wanted a lot of detail and I wanted it to be small... Craig was wonderful!  He made a few suggestions as to how things might turn out of I went in one direction or if I went in another... I'm a very picky type "A" personality... and we came to a conclusion that was FAR BETTER than I had anticipated or could have imagined.  And after a few weeks of healing...the color (granted, it was a black and gray tat)  ...is vibrant and great.  This guy is awesome.  And...... EXTREMELY fair in prices.  Really, for the quality of work you get... his prices are on the cheep end.  So yeah... get your stuff done by this guy!  He knows what he is doing.  ;-)

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Photo of Ms. I.

 

8

11

Ms. I.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
7/9/2009

I have been going to American Electric for years--Craig Jackman is the man! He can even tattoo right out of his head. When he did my giant full-color leopard, he drew the outline and then did the rest out of his head--it's so realistic and amazing, just like all my tats he has done. I used to go to another studio and the work wasn't as good--Craig even had to fix a few of them. He even covered a tattoo I got for an ex (totally stupid) with the most amazing leopard spots--you'd never know it was ever there (or covering something). I have a ton of Asian and other non-leopard tats, just for the record. So, go see Craig and you won't be disappointed or overcharged!

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Photo of Kristina H.

 

15

33

Kristina H.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
4/2/2009

Got my very first tattoo here about a year ago. I was so nervous and shakey when I came in and I originally wanted my tattoo to be 3 Armenian characters on my left side in a horizontal line. I forgot my tattoo artist's name, but he was very intimidating and insisted I'd get the characters to be vertical and slightly curved so that it fits the curve of my hip. Even though I thought he was being abrasive, he drew an amazing design and made me feel really comfortable while he was tattooing me. I had my sister and best friend there supporting me and the whole experience turned out to be great. Most importantly, I haven't stopped loving my tat and have gotten several compliments. If I were to get a second one, I'd probably come back.. my artist did an incredible job but I'm dying to experience the legendary Craig Jackman :)

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Photo of Marvin S.

Elite '09

136

294

Marvin S.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
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

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Photo of Cecilia V.

 

6

6

Cecilia V.

Brighton, MA

5 star rating
8/18/2008

I chose this place initially because I think the website is awesome with Craig Jackman in all his glory :)  But, I think it's a fantastic establishment after heading over there late one Wednesday evening.

I wasn't sure if I was going to get my tattoo done, and I had a limited amount of time (read: about 24 hours) in L.A.  But, he managed to fit me in at the very end of the day.  I brought in pictures and my ideas, and Craig helped me make it real and long-lasting.  Though I wanted something on my feet, he advised me about how they don't last as long because of all the wear and tear that feet get during a course of a day.

But after about 20 minutes of conversation and drawing it up, he finished my ankle tattoo in about an hour.  It's black and grey, and I absolutely love it!  The concept is that I'm bi-coastal, living in Boston but will always consider L.A. my home.  I wanted to get a set representing the West and East Coasts, and it helped to have someone help me design the tattoo with that love for L.A. in mind!  Now to get that East Coast tat.....

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Photo of Robert C.

Elite '09

41

180

Robert C.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
1/23/2009

Awesome tattoo joint. They don't take credit so bring the banjamins. I had my tatt done by Craig Jackman. I would highly recommend. I wanted a quote on my arm at like 9:30 pm on a weekday and he stayed late just to do it. Aweome precision on the cursive letteres. Would get 5 stars if they had a parking lot and took plastic.

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Photo of maricris d.

 

6

105

maricris d.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
9/16/2008

Considering it was my first time and I have no one to compare it to, I'll give it five stars.  Reason?  Because despite the fact that I got one on my own (read: alone) and walked in to the sound of the buzzing of needles, Chris made me feel ok.  He didn't make a big deal that I don't look like the type to get a tatt.  He didn't make a big deal that it was my first one.  He asked if it was, then simply said, "ok just relax and breathe".

Quick and easy.  Clean as well :)

I love my mark.

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Photo of Nicole S.

 

13

16

Nicole S.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
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.

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Photo of Sarah N.

 

28

56

Sarah N.

CA

4 star rating
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!

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Photo of Joe N.

 

74

58

Joe N.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
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.

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Photo of Janine A.

 

15

216

Janine A.

Santa Ynez Valley, CA

5 star rating
11/11/2007

I heart these guys.

What can I say that hasn't already been said?  American Electric is home to very talented, professional, and hilariously funny artists who truely care about the quality of work they do.  These guys are serious about what they do, won't feed you any b.s., but keep you entertained the entire time you're in the shop.  I've had 2 pieces done by TJ Hernandez here - a small script anklet and a large elaborate phoenix on my back.  TJ gave both pieces a lot of careful thought and a lot of details which made the results even more beautiful than I anticipated.  I  doubt that I'll ever go anywhere else for a tattoo.

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Photo of Jill S.

 

1

8

Jill S.

Los Feliz, CA

5 star rating
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.

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Photo of andy j.

 

2

16

andy j.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
4/16/2009

i had some big black tattoos done by KC here that turned out great. but last time i was in i had my knuckles done, which was a big deal for me, and the tattoo fell out after a few days. i understand that the fingers are tough to tattoo, but they also ended up uneven, and a flobbed line dipps into my actual first knuckle. i've since had it gone over at another shop, so now the lines are double thick, and i guess it's rad to have jacked tattoos.

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Photo of David R.

 

14

48

David R.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
2/5/2007

Ah man!
I thought I'd beat everyone to the punch here...
This is my shop - meaning I don't really seeing myself going anywhere else. Unless of course I find my self in prison - were I'm sure they'll just love me and want to show their appreciation by inking me up with some high quality art.

I've been in a few times and plan to roll in again in a few months - here is what it has going for it:

1. Bill Ward originals - framed and on the wall - yes!
2. Taxidermy - I'd hardly call a place a tattoo shop if its bare of some stuffed animals. I'm not kidding. The front window is filled with skulls and frozen critters. You'll also find a few other pieces throughout the place... mandatory!
and
3. Craig Jackman - call ahead as chances are he's booked... i was sold on this guy from the first tattoo he gave me. Good natured salty Englishman is how I would best describe him... Made me laugh the whole time - could be talking to himself or yelling at someone as they enter the place... doesn't matter - he is bound to be saying something funny. And he really is good at what he does - solid job. If these tattoos were falling off after awhile I'd let you know. As it stands - I can not give a higher recommendation... 5 Stars!

Clean and professional! Top notch...

As Aunny D. points out - price per piece - its best to know what you want. Bring it in ahead of time for a quote. Cash only!

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Photo of Shellie R.

 

10

66

Shellie R.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
11/18/2008

I am very happy with the work I have done here. It is a cool environment that makes you feel comfortable and at ease. I got my work done by Craig who can not be a more funny, entertaining person. I am will be back for more!

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Photo of Erica F.

Elite '09

366

285

Erica F.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
3/29/2007

This is my shop! I have 4 pieces from American Electric and I am in love with them all.  Craig did one piece (amazing black and grey shaded tail piece) and the rest are by Adrian. I have plans for at least two more and am going back. They always joke around me and make me sooo comfortable.  The first time I went there I ended up fainting and they took good care of me(I fainted while Adrian was stenciling my back) Each of my pieces from there is custom and I am in love with all them.  And if you get to know them they'll give you deals and buy you donuts!

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Photo of matthew s.

 

1

1

matthew s.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
8/15/2008

craig added so much detail and definition to an image i wanted tattooed that could never imagine anyone else doing it.

I know any other tattoo I get in the future will be with craig. american electric is a great place, i'd recommend it to anyone.

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Photo of Alex G.

 

0

10

Alex G.

Phoenix, AZ

5 star rating
4/8/2007

Like alot of other reviewers, I was really impressed and drawn in by the appearance of this shop.  Unlike alot of other shops, American Electric is unique and has mucho personality.lots of artwork and taxidermy adorn the walls. don't touch the books!! I  especially like the framed picture of regan from the exorcist in full possessed mode in the bathroom.
The folks over there, adrian, craig (owner), and dom(currently an apprentice) are damn hilarious and extremely nice. i laugh so hard when i'm in there, luckily adrian has nerves of steel and doesn't fuck anything up.   they give the whole place a friendly bar vibe, sans alcohol.
They are very clean and professional.  It helps to book in advance, and give them a detailed idea about your concept so they could really make it one of a kind (who wants to get a pre-made tattoo?). it also helps them determine a price range, although it may change slightly depending on the amount of work it took.
Oh yeah, they are amazing tattoo artists.  I've had my sister, my cousin, my best friend in to get work.  I've had three pieces done by adrian, and i'm extremely proud of them all.

check out the other shops, then check out american electric. you won't regret it.

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Photo of Aunny D.

 

1260

400

Aunny D.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
6/26/2006

First off my tattoo artist's name was K.C. Angel, what a rockin name huh?  Me and my best friend stopped by before a concert to get a few quick tattoos before a show because that's how we do.  K.C. was a shy sort of fellow but very sweet, and did an incredible job in record time.  We were in and out of there in no time and are pleased with his work till this day.  They price them by the piece so you won't really know what you are going to spend until you actually go in.  It is in the heart of Silverlake so if you are waiting for a friend there is plenty to do while you wait.

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Photo of Brad V.

 

1

17

Brad V.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
4/17/2007

I went to American Electric Tattoo to get a tattoo from Craig Jackman. He gave me a beautiful custom tattoo based on a design I brought him. That was five years ago. Since then I have had him put 7 tattoos on me, some really big and detailed ones. He has always been very professional and skilled. He listens to a lot of Rammstein and it shows. Bravo Craig, thanks to you I have the nicest buggy whips in all of silverlake.

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Photo of Joel G.

 

28

48

Joel G.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
2/6/2007

A genuine place where it's still cash only and there's no body peircing crap. Ole fashion tattoos no bs. It's a humble vibe inside and out, a place where taxidermied animals set the pace. Bring your favorite record and have it played while you get inked or sit back and relax and let Craig, Adrian or Dom pick the tunes. The shop is clean and there's always laughter and quality work. Let Dom do your tattoo for free! He's learning so the apprentice needs your skin. Call in advance though. Visit the shop and bring your best ideas. Tell em Jo-elle sent you!

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Photo of sunnie h.

 

1

3

sunnie h.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 10/26/2008

I went back to AET to get another piece done, and asked for TJ but found out he moved to salt lake!  I was pretty sad because he was the one who suggested the idea last time i went in...but I decided to go back anyways.  Amy, a new artist at AET, was the one who answered the phone.  She was super friendly and when i walked in, she listened to my idea, looked at the area i wanted it (this tat was to cover a birthmark that i was born with and it already looked like a tattoo) and she said we were going to have to go freehand.  This was my first freehanded tat and Amy was awesome!  shes a really talented artist and really listened to what i wanted.  I highly recommend her to anyone.  Her specialty is realistic portraits, but shes down to try anything.  It didnt hurt either but i never think it hurts so i may not be the best person to listen to about pain level.  The price was totally reasonable and i am definitely going back to Amy for future ink! Love this place!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    3/5/2008

    strange as it sounds, though i am from LA, none of the tats i already had were done in cali. i… Read more »

Photo of Piper i.

 

3

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Piper i.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
3/25/2008

i now understand why people get loads of tattoos. i got my first tattoo from the charming and handsome craig jackman. not only was his first drawing of my tattoo exactly what i had in mind, he did an amazing job on my tattoo. i was a little nervous at first, but craig and chris (aka: the handsomely ripe dave jackfruit) made me feel right at home. craig let me ask every dumb question about the UK, taxidermy, sex, and religion without making me feel annoying. (i get real chatty when i'm nervous!!) anyway, in addition to getting a fabulous tattoo, by a very talented artist, i also had a lovely time. i highly recommend american electric tattoo. i love it.

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