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Full Circle Tattoo
Category: Beauty and Spas Tattoo Tattoo [Edit]
2312 30th St(between Juniper St & Fern St)
San Diego, CA 92104
Neighborhood: South Park
(619) 226-6575
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 12 pm - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
83 reviews for Full Circle Tattoo
83 reviews in English
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Review from J. L.
San Diego, CA
1/16/2012
There is no word that can describe how awesome this shop is. That is why I am writing this review!
I came here for a consult and I didn't even have to think about. I dropped my deposit and anxiously waited for my day to come. I got my work done by Gemma. I hate it when artists don't listen to their clients. She definitely listens but also puts in her experience to make sure your piece is going to be beautiful. She is so patient and nice. She works so quick and effortlessly. I have nothing but great things to say about Gemma's work and personality.
The work of the other artist's is also amazing. I have yet to see an original piece that I didn't like from the shop. Everyone there is very friendly.
Who has two thumbs and an awesome tattoo??......This gal! -
Review from Katherine S.
La Jolla, CA
Updated - 11/17/2011 3 photos
Yup, I got another tattoo from Gemma. I've been wanting a koi fish swimming upstream for a while (Japanese legend--if the koi can swim upstream and get through the waves and up to the gate, he turns into a dragon). Unfortunately, koi fish are usually large tattoos, and I didn't want a big back piece or anything like that. I was hoping it could fit on the inside of my lower arm. Luckily, Gemma is a miracle worker, and she designed the PERFECT tattoo for me! It took 2 hours, hurt like hell, and I almost cried (which I never do), but it looks perfect. I am absolutely thrilled with it. I originally wanted all black and white, but Gemma suggested red for the gate (traditionally, Japanese gates, Torii, are red), and I took her advice. I am very glad I did, because the red really pops and makes it clear what my tattoo is representing.
Everyone at Full Circle is extremely friendly, and Gemma knows exactly what she's doing. I absolutely love this place, and when my Fiance finally gets the tattoo he wants, I'll make sure he comes here :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/10/2010
Gemma is the best tattoo artist I have ever worked with. I have 3 tattoos (just got the 3rd one… Read more »
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Review from Harn C.
Agoura Hills, CA
11/16/2011
I loved everything!!!! Except my tattoo.
The Place- Awesome. Just looked legit and from the art on the walls you can tell some fantastic artists are working here.
The Service- Also awesome! Christian at the front was a sweetheart and a lot of fun to chat with, and the guy who did our tattoos was personable and friendly. All was clean and professional.
The Tattoo- Therein lies the rub. I'm really not happy with mine. All I wanted was a simple word tattooed on my neck (juuuust under the hairline) and it... ughhhh. The letters are different sizes, the baseline is uneven, and the whole damn thing looks like my drunken friends came at me with a pen. I asked the guy to improvise a little and make it look more calligraphy-y; while he didn't seem too happy about it (isn't it the artist's job to improvise, when asked to?) he did try to help me move around some letters like I wanted. I'm really bummed out about this tattoo. Fortunately it's easily hide-able... I'll just... get it fixed up some day.
The guy was nice though, so I don't want to put him on blast ... but if you're getting work done at Full Circle feel free to message me for a name. He did say afterwards that he was extra careful since the neck is sensitive and he didn't want to hurt me... and I appreciate that! But sweetie tats hurt, and I woulda sucked it up if it meant my tat came out better.
Anyway, same guy did my friend's tat the same day and it came out great. She brought a printed paper with exactly the design she wanted and it came out perfectly. Damn.Comment from Bill C. of Full Circle Tattoo 11/16/2011
hello harn ,this is bill canales i am sorry for your… More » -
Review from Princeton J.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 9/28/2011
If you are looking for a place where miracles are preformed....
well just map quest FULL CIRCLE TATTOO
After my long awaited appointment with Mr. Canales.... I feel as if I am on my way to a new life, with good tattoos that is... so long piece of s*&# tattoos....
On Sept 15 I witnessed a miracle happen on my arm.... old crap turned into a masterpiece....
The new location in Southpark is a refreshing difference to the "typical trashy" tattoo shop... I rather enjoyed the trendy spa artsy feeling inside.. very relaxing, especially the peaceful laid back nature of Mr. Canales....
The new me... one appointment at a time.... this place is top notch
Most tattoo places are like McDonald's... this place is like Morton's1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/15/2011
I have some really bad old tattoo work... stuff that pretty much makes me wear long sleeves every… Read more »
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Review from Kelly C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/17/2012
I live in Los Angeles and was planning a day trip to San Diego. I had been thinking of getting my second tattoo, the last being 17 years ago. I wanted something simple yet fun. I thought it would be a good idea to get it on my day trip. I looked on Yelp interestingly enough for a Tattoo parlor with great reviews and found Full Circle Tattoo. My friend and I walked in (1/14/2012) with no appointment and was greeted by Christian who was a nice as can be. I explained that I was not a local and if they could take a stray- lol- that would be great. Turns out that two of the artists Chris and Henry were out to lunch and would be back soon. I waited and Chris walks in, friendly and personable and said he would help me out. He was so nice that he gave my friend a small tattoo that she was looking for also. Since they were both small tattoos we were there about an hour. I cannot be more pleased with the results, it was just what I was looking for and I have to say they are the nicest people to deal with. Shop is clean and tidy, I would say that if you do make an appointment come early as the parking is only street parking and it was a bear to find. Tattoos are a permanent mark as we all know and getting the right artist with talent and personality is a must. Look no further than Full Circle Tattoo.
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Review from Kyle B.
4/4/2011
Just want to give props to Full Circle for setting me up for my 2nd tattoo. Christian is probably the nicest guy with multiple face tattoos that I've ever met and Gemma sounded genuinely interested in hearing my design concept. Plus she has an accent like Penelope Cruz which is way hot. I checked out some of Gemma's work online (http://www.gemmaparien...) before I had to chance to come in to Full Circle and she definitely seemed like she would be able to translate my vague gibberish into a top-notch piece of skin art.
It was also quite refreshing to come into Full Circle and get treated like a paying customer. I've been searching for a new artist for two years and tons of SD tattoo artists treat you like shit unless you're getting a dragon fucking a koi fish or some other BS that white people get to feel really cool. Look, I'm not an asian, a samurai, or a yakuza, so I'm not interested in any of that. I'm also not a biker, I'm not in the navy, and I don't belong to any Polynesian tribes. I am just a dude who is interested in originality and trying to compose a piece that means something to me. Full Circle seems to embrace this concept and that's pretty awesome because San Diego can be a real dead zone when it comes to creativity and original thought.
PS I'm getting a tattoo of Bugs Bunny riding a Harley over a Chinese symbol that means "strength" (although it could also mean "washing machine").
5 stars for making a socially awkward person who doesn't know jack diddly about body modification feel comfortable in a shop where people put ink in to needles and then rapidly fire those needles into your skin.Comment from Bill C. of Full Circle Tattoo 4/4/2011
thank you for that review , it was really great to hear that… More » -
Review from Ryan B.
Oceanside, CA
7/5/2011
First off, they are moving to South Park in August of 2011. Keep that in mind before you make an appointment. But if it's a farther drive for you, it will be worth it.
My back is still smarting from my artwork I got today. And it was well worth it. First off, my artist Henry is amazing. He took my request and added his own personality to it. The template he produced is something I would never imagine. And though it took over an hour to do, it felt like less as we were chatting the whole time, though I wasn't exactly comfortable hehe. I highly recommend him and would not hesitate to use him again.
The shop itself was clean, professional, safe, and not sleazy by any means. I felt good coming in when making my initial appointment. Everyone seemed to know what they were doing. A friend recently used Gemma for her first tattoo as well and was very happy as well.
A tattoo is something that stays for life. Do some good research first. Make sure you include this place on your list. -
Review from Lili A.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 11/8/2011 1 photo
Gemma is brilliant! She is easy going and a great artist. I am so happy with my latest addition she helped to create.
Listed in: My Reviews
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/21/2009
Went in to get a coverup/re-do of my tattoo and also a second tattoo. Tomas and Christian greeted me… Read more »
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Review from David L.
San Diego, CA
5/3/2011
So after a decade and a million miles across the map later from figuring out what I want, I'd finally decided to get my very first tattoo with Bill Canales.
I found him rite here on yelp from one parlor to the next. I had done extensive research and this guy's name keeps popping up everywhere. Many of my colleagues know of this guy.
I was told that every artist has their specialty. If I wanted something of a particular style, I should seek out a person that specializes in exactly that. I was told that Bill specializes in Japanese art. He made me a bit nervous at first by being so simple and short but I went along and made the deposit anyway.
The one thing I had to learn was to put your trust and ideas in the artist's hands.. and do a ton of research.
Thanks Christian for being so welcoming and comforting. This front desk guy really puts effort into making you feel comfy. I had some questions this morning about my new ink and he was super thorough and brushed away all of my concerns. Everyone I met there that night made me feel at home. Thanks guys!
So, this was my first piece ever. It took four hours and we're awaiting another five to complete hopefully soon. I went big and put my entire trust in this shop's reputation. I have the outline complete and it looks like I stepped out of a Triad movie. I will write an update review as soon as I complete my back.
I highly recommend this place.
David N.
Hair Artistry
Aveda/Tony&Guy concept -
Review from Liz A.
Sedalia, CO
4/11/2011
I was tattooed by Dominic sometime last year. I left with a tattoo that leaves much to be desired. In fact, I'd say it is on par with tattoos I got like 15 years ago (and it even looks aged like something I got 15 years ago.) The ink is hazy. The colors are nasty. The lines aren't clean. AND it took forever to heal. I am heavily tattooed and this tattoo took longer by about 2 months to heal than any other tattoo I have gotten. Overall, I'm totally underwhelmed and disappointed that I entrusted my foot to him. Unfortunately, it isn't even something that I could cover up if I wanted to.
So, the tattoo studio might be good, the other artists might be good, but I can't recommend Dominic and I have gone elsewhere to fulfill my tattoo needs.Comment from Bill C. of Full Circle Tattoo 4/11/2011
Hi Liz. im sorry that you got a bad tattoo, let me make it… More » -
Review from Linda L.
Highland, CA
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
We drive 2-3 hours to get inked up here!! Well, I drive my bf to get work done and when money allows it, I'll book an appointment. Quality & attention to detail makes the drive worth it!! Bill Canales' work is one of the best work I've seen yet, not to mention he is just AWESOMEEEE! Great personality, professional, & clean excellent work. You are in GREAT hands here, would recommend to all my friends and if I could rate him a 10 star, I would :)
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Review from Desiree T.
El Cajon, CA
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
So basically Cash is a must go to guy! Not only is he amazing!!! But he will keep you entertained as he jams the tattoo needles into you repetitively (which is what your asking for). He is super tentative to your wants and a super creative guy. He will come up with a piece that is 20x better than what u had planned in your head. Give his creativity freedom and he won't disappoint. Needless to say I've got my artist set for life unless he chooses a random career curve then we are gonna need to have a chat. I hope this helps u see cash is uh-maze-ing!!!
P.s. I don't know who the crazy Victoria lady is talking about cause there is no way it's my cash! Maybe she Is crazy? Who knows? But her description of cash and the shop is the comPlete opposite of what they really are. Come see these artistic professionals :-)
Yours truly,
Desiree -
Review from S. M.
San Diego, CA
9/9/2011
I just had my very first tattoo at Full Circle by Henry. I walked in, and was out in 30 minutes total (OK, very simple tattoo...). The guy at the front desk was so helpful and nice... almost unbelievable actually. He helped me overcome the fear of the pain and explained in great details the aftercare and the whole process.
Henry was great to work with, talked to me the whole time, I like the tattoo, AND it wasn't as painful as many people lead me to think it was.
I like. -
Review from Eva J.
El Cajon, CA
4/1/2011
I had some lettering done on the back of my neck by Ca$h. Very streamlined process, it was easy making the appointment and when I showed up he was ready for me. Really nice guy, turned out I worked at the same place as his girlfriend.
Practically painless, and healed very quickly. It looks great and I've gotten a ton of compliments on it. -
Review from Bakudai A.
San Diego, CA
3/29/2011
Amazing artists. Great prices. Great location.
Downside is it gets a bit hot in there.
Upside is everything else. Hendo took my lame concept and made it something amazing for my wife and I. -
Review from Tamara G.
San Diego, CA
9/3/2010 1 photo
After a couple of months of research and a profile in a magazine, I decided Full Circle was where I wanted to have my tattoo done. I chose Cash for his many stellar reviews and for his work I was able to see on the site. Yesterday he gave me an AMAZING half-back piece. He was accommodating from the beginning with me. I'm stationed in Afghanistan and only had a 2 week period to get this done (R&R), and he worked with me via email and telephone before I arrived this week. From just an email he created a beautiful piece for me and had it ready when I walked in. There was nothing about it that I would have changed and I'm a picky bit%h...that's how f'ing awesome he is.
He was incredibly patient, gracious, funny and FAST. And his ability to knock out my tattoo in NO way took from the quality of the piece. It was my first serious tattoo (one previous debacle that shall remain unspoken of) and I was able to get through it and it's because of Cash.
I was also worried a bit about getting such a large piece b/c I'm African-American, but he was so confident that it wasn't even an issue. And again, it's so sick that I would call it epic. Everyone in the shop was awesome and even with half my as* out for the entire world to see I felt super comfortable and not at all awkward. Christian was really awesome and gave me some good advice on how to care for my tattoo once I was done.
I know this is a long review, but I like to know as much as I can before making decisions such as this and I can't accurately convey just how awesome the experience was. Well, it hurt...but you know what I mean.
I now have a couple of friends that plan to go there.
Thanks again Cash! -
Review from Sandra M.
San Diego, CA
10/26/2011
Not only is Gemma a lovely, soft spoken woman, but she is an amazingly talented artist (tattoo or otherwise). After doing a little research on the internet, I came across some photos of her work and knew she was the one to design my tattoo. It had been 15 years since my first, poorly thought out tattoo and I was looking forward to having a piece of body art that actually represented some essence of myself. I met with her with zero ideas, except a Pablo Neruda poem that I was hoping she could represent in some way. She quickly outlined some ideas and a couple of weeks later, with some input of my own, we had a great design. Her style is sophisticated and feminine without being frilly. The intricacy of her detail-work is simply beautiful. Needless to say, I am in love with my new ink (well worth the 15 year wait). The vibe of Full Circle is also very appealing. There was zero of the aggressive energy I thought I might find. No pretension or arrogance. Just a really good group of talented people doing what they seem to love to do.
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Review from Kyla H.
San Diego, CA
10/25/2010 3 photos
Love Full Ciricle. And not only because I harbor a serious school girl crush on Henry. I swear !
I've gotten two tattoos done here (one by Cash, the other by Henry), and both artists were really lovely to work with. I came in knowing what I wanted, and left feeling awesome knowing that my work had been done by guys who made me feel comfortable and relaxed -- and didn't blow me off because I wanted simple tattoos. What is it with those assholes who do that ?
Definitely miles above the service, help, and respect I've gotten at the other tattoo shops I've gotten work done at in San Diego (Superfly and Church of Steel -- UGH !). They artists are nice, laid back, and ridiculously talented. -
Review from LILY W.
Chula Vista, CA
12/26/2010
I got my tat here quite awhile ago and recently got my hubby here too. I always want something original so this place definitely helps make that happen. The artist who did my shoulder tat is no longer there, but he was already traveling between SD and Fullerton so I'm not shocked by that and that's ok cause everyone else here does awesome work :)
My hubs got tatted by Hendo (Henry). Took a couple sessions and he got a sort of 1/3ish sleeve of a dragon that that wraps around his arm with the head on his chest. VERY NICE PIECE!! I definitely recommend this place to others. They are clean, fun, and do awesome work here. I'm already planning for my next few tats that I want and this is definitely the place I will go to get them done!! -
Review from Khelsie M.
San Diego, CA
10/23/2010
The whole shop in general is really friendly, and they actually care about each of their clients... super humble, super respectful, & very, very talented. Prices are very reasonable; they're truly in it for the art.
I came here for my first tattoo, & was super nervous, but Henry took great care of me, answered all my questions & reassured me the whole time. Loooved the way it came out. I gave him a couple drawings & told him my ideas... I wasn't getting anything complicated, but every detail is amazing, & it healed perfectly. Couldn't have asked for better results. In fact, my friend who came with me loved the way it came out so much we went back to Henry the next day to get some ink on her! Henry is... kind of AMAZING.
Yay Full Circle :) -
Review from luis p.
San Diego, CA
2/17/2011 10 Check-ins Here
awesome, amazing shop.
I am not only blessed to know them, I am also a client. -
Review from Mark A.
San Diego, CA
9/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
just finished up my first session w/ Tomas @ Full Circle and I must say he does a damn great job! The shop was clean, the other artists were chill, and i just felt at ease gettin' work done there. i couldn't have asked for a more pleasant experience!
Tomas is LEGIT. The final product that we worked on and he drew up is a masterpiece and i HIGHLY recommend him to anyone. he's very easygoing and will work with everything and anything you want done. can't wait till i go back for my second session for shading/coloring.
if you're thinkin' about a new tattoo.. go to Tomas @ Full Circle! -
Review from RaiCisKit M.
San Diego, CA
6/15/2011 6 Check-ins Here
My husband was looking for a place to get his tattoo done and came upon Full Circle in 2010. He made an appointment with BILL CANALES (the owner) but it was a 6 MONTHS WAIT
We both got tattoo's done here in October 2010 with HENDO and he did an amazing job.
My husband finally went on his first sitting with Bill in March 2011 and Bill was SUPER NICE and PESONABLE and even though it's not completely done yet - it looks AMAZING!
We recommended this place to friends and family and they have already come here to get their pieces done.
My sister came in with her ideas-which seemed really odd and the tattoo artist didn't really agree with the concept, so they talked her out of it. Which showed us that they are really PASSIONATE about their work and WON'T TATTOO JUST ANYTHING ON ANYONE, it's not about the money it's about the art work. She came back with something more meaningful to her and GEMMA did her piece. Before my sister got out of her chair after her tattoo - she wanted to schedule her next piece already!
I guess tattoo's are addicting! -
Review from Jack L.
San Diego, CA
3/29/2011
I got my 2nd tattoo by Tomas, who did an amazing job. He explained to me how my design would lose a lot of detail if I put it on my arm since we'd have to resize it, so we decided to put it on my back and I must say I absolutely love it. It took three sessions to complete and I feel was worth every cent I spend, which was quite a lot.
IF I hadn't quit my job, I would be continuing to get tattoos only from Full Circle. Great staff, clean, new atmosphere. This place rocks! And it's in OB not PB which gives it 7 stars to me. -
Review from Andrew N.
These guys are all cool. Went here to get my gf her first tattoo. We came in two weeks before to talk toyhem about her idea. Made an Appt for two weeks later. The guy Thomas worked with her. He sent her emails of his idea with hers. It's aweseom that etook so much time for a small tattoo.
Had a chance to talk with the other tattoo artist too. All hella chill and kick back. Pretty good crew of guys.
Anyways aside from that, that tattoo came out great. Lines were nice and staight, color was nice. And they did it pretty fast.
I would definatly suggest this place to anyone for anything. They had pictures ad seems like they each done a good amount of different tatie and styles -
Review from Ryan P.
San Diego, CA
8/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
So I stumbled upon this place because of a group of friends wanting to get a tattoo so I remembered this place being one of the best and always a featured place on Yelp and yes, this place is legit. Very friendly staff and are always down to do walk ins and will tattoo anything you want. That's really a plus because most tattoo shops like to deny some tattoos because of reasons I may never find out. Anyways, I really recommend this place for first timers, another tattoo, or a quick touch up!
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Review from victoria r.
San Diego, CA
4/15/2011
I realize my rating is not the norm for this place but I have my reasons. I went here because a friend of mine told me Cash Scott was the best. So I took her advice and called him. He said he liked to meet people prior to tattooing them so they could see his work. He told me a date and time to come by the shop and when I showed up the shop was closed.
A few of the other artists were preparing so one of them came to the door. I explained Cash made an appointment with me and his reply was ''Oh he is eating with his girlfriend across the street.'' So he went over to remind him of the appointment he made (not to tattoo just to show his work and made a tattoo appointment) and he was like ''Oh well I forgot.''
Against my best judgment I still made a tattoo appointment with him for once my husband returned from deployment. Honestly, I would have walked away but my friend knows him personally I know her well enough to know she wouldn't send me somewhere that would do horrible work.
Once he got my money from booking the appointment I only heard from him once. To change the date and time.
He never responded to voicemails, messages, or e-mails. I sent him the general idea of what we wanted tattooed in Latin and he never even bothered to say he received it or give us suggestions on what could be done to make it look the best.
Overall once Cash Scott gets your money for the appointment don't expect to hear from him again. I hope he takes the money he stole from me and buys a book on manors. Or a date book would be helpful so he stops making appointments he doesn't show up for.
I went elsewhere and the guy had tons of great suggestions. He did multiple drawings so we could see what looked best.Comment from Bill C. of Full Circle Tattoo 4/15/2011
Hi victoria im sorry you had a bad expierence,, what can i… More » -
Review from Sarah D.
San Jose, CA
8/13/2010
My friend Mindy finally convinced me to get a tat. I figured I'm 36, not getting any younger, and you only live once, so why not right?! - I said that before I knew what it felt like! I am not one for pain!
Don't get me wrong I love my anklet tattoo but it was an uncomfortable experience! I remember my brother getting all his tattoos and he never flinched, but this was real pain!
The employees were cool but called me an amateur - whatever- at least I went through with it!Listed in: Sara D's Favorite Things, Sara D's Rainy Day Approved
Comment from Bill C. of Full Circle Tattoo 8/14/2010
thanks for getting your first one with us, im sorry whoever… More » -
Review from Mindy T.
Hayward, CA
5/16/2011
I had my tattoo done here a while ago, & I would go back to this place when I have enough funds for my next one :) I had Dom, who I don't think works here anymore. He was funny, and talked to my friend and I throughout the whole tattooing process. It went by pretty quick. I was able to schedule an appointment in a timely manner, and there wasn't much of a wait. The location is nice to wander around even if there is a short wait :) It's a clean and welcoming place with talented folks :D
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Review from Stephanie F.
San Diego, CA
4/22/2010
I just finished my very first tattoo with Full Circle Tattoo's artist extraordinaire, Cash. He is not only a super talented artist but an extremely rad person. I recommend him 1,000 times to anyone who is looking to get a tattoo.
I have been wanting to get a tattoo for about a year and a half. I had gone to a couple of very well-known tattoo palors for consultations. Not to bag on the shops as a whole but I was treated like absolute crap by the two artists who I chose to have a consultation with. Oh well. Too bad for them because those experiences forced my to look into my neighborhood shops for my first piece.
As stated earlier, I found Cash and I am so happy with the tattoo that he gave me that it's ridiculous! It didn't even hurt that bad at all! I plan on going back to Cash for more work for sure. Oh, and the entire staff is super nice as well. Love those guys!!! -
Review from Jordan T.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2011
I have been planning on getting another tattoo, but I had moved away from my tattoo artist in Northern California about a year and a half ago, so I have been searching ever since for a new artist.
A couple weeks ago I was referred by a friend to Gemma Pariente at Full Circle. I emailed her telling her I would like to chat about my tattoo and she promptly responded the same day, and told me to come and see her.
When I met with her she was very friendly, relaxed, and realistic, and gave great input on my rather vague suggestions; and in a couple days had drawn up a piece that incorporated my ideas perfectly but was far better than what I had originally suggested to her.
She did an amazing job in our first session, and I can't wait to go back for some color; and hope to get more work done by her in the future.
Also of note, the shop in general is by far the most relaxed and friendly atmosphere I have ever experienced in a tattoo parlor (much more friendly than my last place), no attitude and a friendly, funny and helpful staff. A+ -
Review from James T.
Walnut, CA
Updated - 6/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
When it first opened only a few years ago, everyone knew something special was going to happen. Now it has established itself with San Diego's elite tattoo shops, where customer service is still number one. Well, maybe second to the amazing tattoos!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/1/2008 First to Review
Bill Canales, formerly of Avalon Tattoo and Flying Panther, has finally opened his own shop in Ocean… Read more »
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Review from mark b.
San Diego, CA
3/29/2010
This is the place to go!
First - It's clean!!! (Kinda important when you're gonna be doin' somethin' that draws blood)
Second - They are friendly! First place I went (very highly rated) didn't really seem that interested in my business (I'm not talking about 30 minutes worth of work...took a few hours in the end)
Third - They (Particularly Dominic) are all about doing it the way you want it. He really went out of his way to make sure I liked what I got.
Fourth - The quality is top rate!!
So...shop around if you must, but definitely stop in here and talk to these guys...You won't be sorry. -
Review from Shanaiah J.
San Diego, CA
12/27/2010
Look no further...Full Circle is where it's at!
Lucky me for choosing FC to get my very first tattoo. I was immediately (and warmly) greeted by James and Henry after stepping foot in the door. Way to squash my perception that most artists and shop employees are complete dOuChEbAgS!
I am beyond pleased with my overall experience in working with the one and only Henry a.k.a. Hendo. Not only is he talented, but he is also extremely patient and attentive (charming, funny and HOT...ooh wee...super SwOoN...J/K!). I came to him with a simple concept and ended up with a beautiful design that I love!
I go in for the second session for tattoo #2 in a little over a week. It is much larger in scale and the placement is in a not so fun area (ribcage) but he made me feel so comfortable that I pretty much forgot about how uncomfortable it was. I can't wait to see the finished product!
I think I'm hooked....sorry mom and dad. Wouldn't be opposed to getting inked by another artist at Full Circle but HeNdO is my first choice!!! -
Review from patrick p.
San Diego, CA
10/16/2009
Here's how it goes....guy (Me) figures he wants a legit tattoo...Looks around at other shops in San Diego, see great work but nothing that stands out. I hear lots of friends say.."I have a guy," "my guy is the best." Not so easy..I want a tattoo that is not so average...say "Starry Night," VanGogh..as a sleeve! I am not sure it is the best thing to turn into a tattoo..or even one that anyone really wants..but I do. So as my search for the right person to do it (this took a little less than a year)...I see Full Circle across from Ortega's in OB..I don't go there, but I remember it. Few months go by and I say sure...never heard anyone talk about the place, but I will check them out!
Well...come time about 6 months later..I am half way into a 3/4 sleeve of Van Gogh's painting, done by none other than shop proprietor Bill Canales. I did the first 4 sessions and have walked away simply amazed everytime, and moreso everyone who see's it cannot wait for it to be finished, but have been equally amazed! Its one thing to find someone to do a good tattoo, but to find a real top notch down to earth guy to do it is something else. Bill is one of the most legit..no BS...chill, professional people I have met regardless of industry.
This shop has a good vibe throughout...Bill has told me he is very selective of who he hires...which does not seem to be what goes on in many other tattoo places here in SD..you can tell by the lack of interaction by artists. At Full Circle everyone is really interested in what the other artists are doing...and Bill really is enthusiastic about the artists that he has brought to this establishment. I highly recommend this shop not just for Bill but the other artists Cash, Dominic and Bill's apprentice James as well. I don't just feel like I am there to get a tattoo...it is a great hang out atmosphere where I always feel welcomed, notwithstanding that I have been there once a month since July..everytime I come by its like I walk into Cheers or something, everyone is really forthcoming with you, no shady "he's not here" like you may get in other shops...
Bill has done a great job all around...on my tattoo and assembling a shop that he can stand behind with pride. Check them out for sure...don't worry about people being booked...the wait is well worth it! All around great place..great artists...nothing short of what a great business should be hands down. -
Review from Jerime V.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 8/11/2009 9 Check-ins Here
Again, 5 stars. I Finally started my suit. Well, Bill did anyway. Two sessions into it, and I am even more impressed with the quality of the shop and the people you can find in it. I have a new life mantra-"Never get tattooed by someone who has time to do it right then". Seriously. the good ones are always booked, and for good reason. If you want the best, be prepared to pay for it, and know you have to wait your turn. I am soo stoked with what i'm having done, with the exception of needle-touching-backside. That, not so much. new meaning to pain in the butt.
What I am happiest about is that I brought Bill a statue I bought in China, and he was able to translate it into a tattoo, with all the right flavor, and in AMAZING artistic fashion. This is the shop whose art will cover my body. for certain.
I still recycle Doms joke of "The only place on the back that doesn't hurt to get tattooed is someone elses." ....
Cracks me up. Just not while its freaking happening.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/8/2009
My girlfriend is currently getting her back done by Bill. His work is off the chain and off the… Read more »
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Review from T B.
Otay Ranch, CA
10/11/2009
I'd been dreaming of a tattoo for years and after much research settled on Full Circle. I knew everyone there was talented so I went in to see who was available the soonest. I met Cash, told him my idea and in a few weeks he whipped up something special. This shop is really awesome, the whole experience was easy and these guys are all talented. My tattoo took 9 hours, but Cash was so fast and got so much done in each session. I'm thinking of redoing my first tattoo and I will definitely be going back to Cash.
Check out my profile to see my tattoo. -
Review from Bruce P.
San Diego, CA
7/11/2011
Cash did the a phenomenal job on the tattoo he did for me. Super professional, clean (I'm germaphobic) and did the tattoo exactly as I wanted it. I recommend all my friends to his shop. He's the best artist I've had work on me.
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Review from Lisa B.
Menlo Park, CA
5/21/2011
Getting a tattoo can be a daunting task. Where to go, finding the right artist, having a comfort level and trust in the place you're going to. I got my first tattoo here and was so pleased that I came back for my second. The place is clean, professional, friendly and all around superior. I had a great experience from start to finish both times. Tomas is the MAN. He is a true artist but listens to what you want and delivers. Any preconceived notions you may have about surly guys with an attitude do not have a place here. Would definitely come back and recommend full Circle to anyone interested in getting some artwork. Thanks, Tomas!!!
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Review from Renee M.
National City, CA
6/27/2011
Cash is the man, what can I say. Overall really nice guy who does an amazing job. He made the time pass by quickly. I still need to go back for part 2 of my tat, but so far I have been very pleased with the work and service of Cash and Full Circle Tattoo.
