American Graffiti Tattoo & Piercing

Love this place! I have only ever gotten piercings from here and as of right now they don’t have a piercer. Sad.
But everyone in the shop is cool and laid back. Be sure to bring cash to pay and tip!

The shop is awesome! Tattoo shops can be intimidating for some and they are welcoming and inviting. My husband and I have both gotten work done there by two different artists and are both very happy. Will be back for sure.

I got a tattoo for my birthday last year and I told them I would write a Unilocal review but I couldn’t figure Unilocal out for some reason. But, more importantly, this shop is awesome. Everyone there was so friendly when I went in without an appointment or anything. They gave me a really awesome price for some cursive I got on my arm. They aren’t stand offish like some shops are and they don’t rip you off like a lot of shops do. I felt awesome getting it and it came out really precise and exactly how I envisioned it. My tattoo artist was Jim and I always recommend this shop to people that ask about my tattoo. I’m currently scheduling an appointment to come back for my next one because I love getting tattoos on each birthday. Thanks guys!

This place is amazing!!! I brought in several different drawings and ideas and Ryan put them together and brought my idea to life. I love it.

Laying on the sofa with two of my closest friends. Somehow our talk of getting a lazy Sunday brunch escalates to talk of wanting piercings all the way up our ears.
We called American Graffiti, explained our dream of being one step closer to human pincushions, and were told they had time to take some walk-​in customers. We drove over, were able to park easily, and talked to the piercer, Eric, about what we wanted to get.
We wanted a s**tload of piercings, and Eric made it happen without sacrificing our safety and without making anyone faint. He was really honest with us, and told us what would and wouldn’t look good or work well with the shapes of our ears.
Unfortunately, he was out of a lot of studs because we wanted way more than the average person and he hadn’t gotten in a shipment of new merchandise yet, so he sent us over to the mall and gave us guidelines as to what we could pick out for him to pierce our ears with. We came back with bags of stud earrings, and he got to work.
Eric was funny, considerate, fast, and kept us laughing while he helped us achieve our masochistic earring dreams. The three of us got a total of 17 (18?) ear piercings, including quite a few in the cartilage and some tragus piercings. He used a hollow needle and did it by hand (as any good piercer should– DON’T GO TO CLAIRE’S PLEASE), and everything was incredibly sanitary.
Because he did such a great job, we all had little-​to-​no swelling, and the advice he gave us on healing our piercings made mine heal faster than any other ones I’ve ever gotten. He told us we could come back whenever if we needed his help changing an earring or if anything got infected or inflamed. It’s been over a month and my ears look great, but my friend had her earring fall out and he replaced the ball bearing and helped her put it back in.
Because we provided most of our own earrings and got so many piercings, we ended up paying about $ 100 each for the work Eric did– and I would have GLADLY paid more. Eric really knows what he’s doing, and it shows. Do yourself a favor– put your faith in a qualified piercer and not in an 18-​year-​old with an earring gun.
Thank you Eric! Sendin’ love and appreciation your way!

This one star is for my husband’s experience here. The hack job one artist did on his arm is horrible. The tattoo itches and hurts him to this day. He got tribal on his arm and the guy just dug into his arm way too hard. Its scarred and raised up terribly. We can’t remember the guys name, young white guy with the least experience in the shop I believe… My tattoo from a different artist turned out great however. Poor hubby lol I actually have a picture of his tat but can’t figure out how to upload it

I went in to American Graffiti on Monday night with no appointment and walked out with EXACTLY what I wanted. I had visited Royal Peacock earlier in the night who told me they couldn’t do the shading I wanted (which makes no sense) so when Gregg at American Graffiti said he could do it, I was stoked.
I met Jason Aldean the Sunday before, and had him sign the back of my neck. I am going to add the lyrics «Straight ahead, never turn around» at some point. There is a long back story to this tattoo, but besides that, Gregg KILLED IT with what I wanted. I wanted the tattoo to look just like the signature, as if he had just signed it with a Sharpie himself… and it does. A lot of people when they look at it don’t realize that it’s a tattoo, they think it’s the Sharpie and that’s exactly what I wanted. I wanted to preserve what that moment meant for me and what it represents. Long story short, B92.5 started talking about my tattoo on the radio and eventually posted the photos all over their social media. If you want to check out the story, find me on facebook under Amanda Rae.
Anyway, this place is AWESOME. The people are really nice and welcoming, plus they do a great job. Good pricing and quick service.

I absolutely love my new tattoo. Sam is an amazing artist. Sam did amazing at free-​handing my thoughts and a couple of ideas I showed him. I would recommended Sam at American Graffiti to everyone and anyone looking to get their tattoos. I walked out with a smile stretching from one cheek bone to another. Thanks for making my first experience a good one. :) –Sukhi

All my tattoos are from American Graffiti and all the future ones will probably be from here as well. American Graffiti is the best. Their staff is the sweetest, sarcastic (in a good way of course) and friendliest. Their rates are reasonable depending on the artists you get. They have a $ 60 minimum for all tattoos. I got a few script, an elephant, storm trooper behind my ear and small arrow on my finger (at different times) and paid the minimum plus tip. The artists are always talkative and friendly which helps the tattooing procedure more relaxing.
Tip: Get cash before you come here, I’m pretty sure they only take that!

For the past year I have struggled to find my tattoo shop and artist. That may sounds weird but to me getting tattooed is a somewhat stressful experience and I feel I would only be relaxed and calm if the whole shop is organized and executes a friendly clean environment. I would say that American graffiti exceeded my expectations. Immediately when you walk in you’re warmly greeted by two lovely ladies who want your business. They ask you what you’re getting they tell you their concerns they are amazing! I made a deposit with an artist in Lodi at hardluck and was rather disappointed with the overall attitude of everyone there, I felt as if my business was not wanted and the artist I paid to draw me a tattoo actually bashed me to other clients and failed to communicate with me for 3 months so I gave up. Not cool, so I ventured my was to sac where Uzi (Miguel Montgomery) had conveniently just moved back from long beach. He has Lodi roots so I heard awesome things from friends and family and was blown away with how fast he drew out my tat and how fast he had it on my body. So I’m out $ 20 from the jerks in Lodi I learned my lesson I will keep my business here!!! I think for the most part everyone seems skilled here, the piercer is very friendly and helpful everyone is a catch. Can’t wait to come back!

I came in here today with my friend on a whim. I’ve been wanting a quote tattooed on my ribs for years now and today I finally went and did it.
They said I could come in without an appointment at 1. I was quickly taken care of which I feel like never happens at tattoo shops. But word of advice, they are cash only! I had to venture down to the CVS for cash.
Jim did my tattoo. He was super nice and quick. He even said ‘I handled it very well’ which I was proud of.
He also really listened to me when I told him what I wanted which I really respect in a tattoo artist.
The prices here are also amazing. My tattoo was only 70 dollars and is well done. I would totally come here again!

I will always come back to AG! I strayed from AG for a piece of body jewelry out of convenience and received horrible service. Ended up coming back here and Eric was so nice and helpful. He fitted my jewelry and even tweaked my back up stud. I’ve gotten pierced and tattooed here and have always received great service. Don’t waste your time and money going anywhere else!

I’ve gotten a few pieces done here and it’s always my first thought of where to return for my next tattoo (there will always be a next). One artist is no longer at the shop, so it’d be pointless for me to review his work here, but I’ve had Sam Drupiewski do 2 others on me and have been really happy with his work.
The last piece he did for me was right on my arm «ditch» (inside of my elbow). I was worried about how it might heal, since it’s a difficult spot to heal, but I followed his instructions and it healed flawlessly. Not to mention it is beyond awesome work. Strawberries!
Additionally, everyone who works there is laid back and cool. They are funny and friendly (which is important when you’re sitting there for a few hours). I always feel very comfortable here and that is a huge factor in why I go back.
Prices are reasonable and you get what you pay for. I would never get a «cheap» tattoo. No I take it back. I did once (it wasn’t from here), and learned from that mistake. Good tattoos cost money. So pay it. You’re gonna have it forever.

I went here to get a helix piercing about three years ago. I filled out the form and was told that I would have to wait for about thirty minutes, as the piercer was, ‘running a little late’. I ended up waiting for over an hour. They kind of ignored me when I asked how much longer. Didn’t even apologize for the wait, as if I was lucky to be in their shop or something. I took my helix elsewhere.
They were pretty rude. Even for a tattoo shop.

Falling in love with this place even more each and everyday, amazing piercings and the cleanliness of the place, along with the professionalism of the staff here ! Thanks guys! YOU GUYS ROCK !!!

Today I went and got my nose re-​pierced at American graffiti. this is the third time I’ve gotten it pierced, and I ALWAYS have to inform people that I pass out easily, and this is the best reaction I’ve gotten. I don’t know his name unfortunately but he was a man, he was the piecing guy, he was VERY quick, very funny, very cool, and I was completely fine until I saw some blood, and got real woozy but he knew just what to do.
I did want a ring in my piercing but he explained that the placement of my piercing wouldn’t be good for a ring until my nose was done being swollen, so I really appreciated the honesty. I would definitely come back if I’m in that area, he was way cool!

I can’t comment on the shop itself, but Andy tattooed me at a convention in San Francisco a couple months back and I couldn’t be more pleased with the quality of my tattoo, ease of healing, kindness of the artist or professional manner of everyone that I interacted with from American Graffiti.
If I lived in Sacramento, this would be my go-​to shop and I’m even going to make the drive from L.A. to get more work.
Highly suggest checking this shop out!

I love American Graffiti! Best place to go and only place I will go to get tatted! Great people there, very friendly! Chuco is my artist of choice. Recommend AG to everyone I know!

Apparently giving no stars is not an option, which is too bad because my experience at American Graffiti was absolutely awful. My shitty rating is more a reflection on Andy than anything else.
My sister and I chose American Graffiti because a friend of our’s recommended it. We explained what it was that we wanted (which as you can see from the photo is extremely simplistic), and he sketched it up for us. We weren’t too keen on the first go around, so we made some adjustments and he sketched it a second time. Still, I felt he wasn’t quite understanding what we were wanting, so I kindly told him again what I did and didn’t like. After the second sketch, (not the 10^th, not the 7^th, not even the 3^rd, but the SECOND SKETCH), Andy made it very apparent that he was starting to get annoyed. As if we were so out of line for not loving what he’d sketched up. And how dare we make him sketch it a third time! In fact, he made his aggravation so apparent that I even felt the need to apologize if my pickiness was getting annoying (which is absurd– why on earth should i apologize for wanting something like a tattoo to be perfect? I’m sorry, do people actually just go along with whatever these guys draw? Because that’s crazy– If i’m guna get a tattoo i want it to be perfect.) He then replied with, «yeah it is getting annoying and you guys can go someplace else!»
So we did: Chris at Royal Peacock is the tits.
I’m not sure why it is that a tattoo artist (WHO PUTS PERMANENT THINGS ON PEOPLE’S BODIES) would have such an issue with someone speaking up if they didn’t absolutely love something– it’s not like i can just wash it off afterward. I’m also not sure why Andy felt the need to be a such complete dick… maybe he was having a really shitty day, or maybe he’s just a mean person. But if you do plan on going to American Graffiti, I’d suggest you either have a picture of EXACTLY what you want, or you don’t give a shit what’s being put on your body. Or go to someone not named Andy.

My daughter is here celebrating a milestone birthday (no, I’m not telling you which one, I know some of you have good enough math skills to solve for ‘x’ and figure out about how old I am. none of your damn business, that’s how old) and wanted to get her first tattoo (ok, so she’s obviously over 18)
My fabulous boyfriend took her to a few places around town and looked at pictures, checked prices, talked about process (because of mom’s healthy respect for blood-​borne pathogens) and she wisely chose to come to American Graffiti.
Sam was the nicest of all the people she talked to and really took the time to listen to her ideas, and had great suggestions on creating a unique design that reflected her personality.
Upon returning the next day (today) Sam was available and took a few minutes to set things up for her. I should mention that she’s in a wheelchair and needed some accomodations, Sam again used his creative skills and worked out the best scenario for her comfort.
90 short minutes later she has spectacular artwork she adores permanently adorning her right leg. The colors are fabulous and the size is exactly what she was looking for. After care instructions were provided in writing, and some helpful tips were given while he gave me time to take photos prior to bandaging.
Added bonus:
While I was waitiing, one of the gentleman who works there came in from the street with a man in tow. He took him to the counter and explained to Chris (I think that’s the name I heard) that he needed help, he thought the man was deaf but was pretty sure he needed help making a phone call. Chris (I think) patiently communicated with this man through notes and hand gestures, called a friend for him, let him know the address and that the man needed a ride.
Kindness and patience go a long way with me, watching this scene unfold told me everything I need to know about the character of the people in this establishment.
Needles to say (see what I did there? mispelling needless to needles? pretty clever, huh!) I will get my next tattoo here, as well as recommending this place to anyone who asks.