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As Above So Below Tattoo
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Beauty and Spas Tattoo Art Galleries, Tattoo [Edit]
3340 22nd St(between San Jose Ave & Guerrero St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(510) 672-7413
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Ym T. said: "Totally enjoyed and learned from the 3 hour intro class with Isla Studio in SF. William took 3 hours to pack in the essentials of how to "see", pragmatic, clear, the best of what we need, helpful to anyone who asked questions, "pearls"…" read more »
7 reviews for As Above So Below Tattoo
7 reviews in English
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Review from Alexander B.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012
I think it's funny how people can find ways to complain about nothing and twist situations that would be their own fault to make themselves the victim. I try to do that from time to time myself, but when it comes to Dillon Forte's craft and approach to art and business it's a bit tricky because he has his strategies and techniques so uniquely layered and on point. I've been to most of the shops he's worked at and partied with him at his gallery openings and it's always the same energy packed vibe combined with pure stokedness. Plus, when you can roll into his shop and randomly find bay area rap artists like Kreyshawn and Lil' Debbie, or members of The Pack which he does work on it's pretty sick. I got alot of respect for how Dillon communicates and deals with his clients. There is after all only one Dillon Forte, he's only one artist, and if you want his talent on your skin, sometimes you have to get on a long list of people waiting for that same skillful hand. I waited in that line and got an awesome chest piece. Over all, on a scale from 1 to 10, I give As Above So Below and Dillon Forte a 10 on what a creative, original, and gratifying experience getting tattooed can be. I highly suggest him over and over again. The next time I get ink done Dillon will be the artist I go to.
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Review from Drea S.
Oakland, CA
5/15/2012
I hate writing negative reviews, especially about people I've worked closely with, but Dillon Forte's unprofessional nature is just beyond what's acceptable.
I would highly, highly recommend avoiding him like the plague. He just started working at 2Spirit tattoo in San Francisco.
Here's a short version of the story...
I went to Dillon to fix an old faded tattoo before my wedding this summer. I told him that it had to be done before the wedding, so we were working with a limited time frame. He wanted to do a cover-up on it, which was cool by me. The design he came up with was gorgeous.
Here's where shit went wrong...
He designed a tattoo nearly 3 times the size of what I wanted. I balked at it at first, but he assured me we could get it done before the wedding, sans touch-ups. So I agreed to get it.
Did this happen? NOPE! My tattoo was half done and not-so-hot looking for my wedding. Now, I'm no bridezilla, but a girl wants to look good for pictures, you know?
By this time, I was pissed, because I felt like I got suckered.
(and I'd also already spent $2,400 on this tattoo.)
After the wedding, since I'd gone over budget on the tattoo, I was broke, and didn't get any more work done on it for a few months. I was seriously bummed out and wished I'd never got the damn thing.
Then, a miracle! He texted me on Christmas to tell me he wanted to photograph it for his portfolio, and that he would finish it for trade or as a gift, since my husband and I got so much work done. I thought, wow, he's not such a bad guy after all....
However, I didn't feel right just getting work for it for free, so I okayed a modest trade with him.
Here's the kicker... He did two sessions with me after that, and photographed the tattoo at the end of the last appointment. Then, after he got the photo, I didn't hear from him. There is still a small 3x3 inch section that he said he had wanted to go over again because it needs TLC.
So, I text him to schedule a last appointment, and, guess what? He says he's going to charge me for it.
WTF.
I tried communicating with him, but he apparently thinks it's perfectly acceptable to go back on your word, lie, and manipulate people, so I made no headway there.
On top of this, he told my husband, who he was also tattooing, that he was going to charge him to fix part of the tattoo that he f*cked up (and Dillon said he would touch it up for free... cuz he f*cked it up).
And I could go on about other unprofessional habits of his, like charging for his leisurely set-up time and chit-chatting with pals.
So.... Obviously, I won't be going back to this guy. I'd rather walk around with a partially unfinished tattoo than give him another dime.
Also, the next time someone asks me who did my tattoo I'm going to say it was done by "John Smith", a tattoo artist who moved to Siberia. -
Review from Joey C.
Vallejo, CA
5/17/2012
I recently got tattooed by Dillon Forte.I got a mandala on my whole right hand I love it and I constantly get compliments on it by people from every walk of life.The few sessions we've had we're great. He's a super chill guy and it's a very comfortable setting.So much that my girlfriend who's come to my sessions is in the process of working out a design with Dillon for a sleeve.I have a few tattoo artists that I suggest to people and Dillon is definitely on that list now.
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Review from emily a.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2012 3 photos
dillon is not only the worst tattoo artist in the world but also the biggest douchebag ive ever met. he tattoooed my with frayed needles so that every time he lifted the tattoo gun up my skin was pulled out and torn up. i uploaded a picture so you guys can see how mangled my arm became.
i went to 3 tattoo shops when i realized how bad he messed up my arm. all artists at these reputable shops told me there was no way i could have caused my arm to heal that way - and that dillon (from as above so below) was without a doubt fully responsible for what happened.
i have about 15 other tattoos that healed well - i know how to take care of tattoos - dillon is to blame. somebody needs to beat the shit out of that guy.
AVOID THIS SHOP. -
Review from mallory m.
Burlingame, CA
10/20/2010
I have been getting tattooed by Dillon for years, and was SUPER excited when he started working at this shop. As abolve... is probably my favorite shop in the bay area, its got an amazing atmosphere, talented team and great location. In the past 3 years I have gotten several tattoos from Dillon and have nothing but great things to say about his work. He is fun to get tattooed by and he really gets excited about the work he does. I would highly recommend this shop and Dillon as one of the artists!
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Review from Jasmin J.
San Leandro, CA
1/13/2010 1 photo
Dillon did my friends tattoo and i feel in loove with it. Of course i had to get my own and i looove it even more. I can not even explain how much. I had been looking at place to get my first tattoo because of course I want it to be right. I really wanted a color piece the popped and had its own individuality. Dillon did that. His tattoo book is amazing, most of his tattoos remind me of a pastel painting. He's honestly one of the best.
If your looking for a great color artist Dillon Forte is the guy. -
Review from Ryan L.
11/18/2009
two years ago i walked into a random tattoo shop in Oakland and wanted a Japanese mask tattoo. Dillon jumped to the chance, sat down on a 5 hour long session and did a beautiful mask. this was my first tattoo, i was scurred and it hurt. fast forward two years, i have two sleeves by Dillon and I'm still going.
Now that he has his own shop (long overdue), its ready for a review.
there are a ton of talented artists in this city; we're fortunate for that. but why did i stay loyal to one? easy. creativity in his art and personality. when i sat down for my first tattoo we shot the ish, joked around and had a good time. it really eased a lot of the worries. since then id stop in to the shop for more work or even just to hang out. he remembered me, my story and went with the given VERY traditional design at such a creative angle.
i wouldn't consider myself biased, but i know a good business when i see one. sure, we're friends NOW. but i was a customer first... and any success business knows this is important. take a look at his site. or hell, even just stop in and check out his portfolios and beautiful art that covers the wall. he can take any simple design and make it a piece of art and unique. not a day goes by that i don't get complimented on my work and vibrant color. i feel if i had gone to any other artist I'd have "good" work but nothing as unique as i have.
i have stopped in many tattoo shops in my time and you wont find that better than thou or no biker no care attitude.
instead you ll find a guy who loves what he does and it reflects in his work and continuing business. on top of it, the prices are MORE than fair and he doesn't rush through your work to get to the next walk in.
stop in, hang out and talk with him about your ideas. you wont be disappointed.
