The Gilded Lily Tattoos

I’m really happy with how my tattoo turned out! Ian did a fantastic job and was very professional and supportive during the process. I would definitely recommend.

My wife and I stopped by on our anniversary to get some tattoos. Walked in and was greeting by the crew there. Mac did my tattoo and Jesse did my wifes tattoo. This is a top class place with great artists. Will be coming back when we have the funds

Got a tattoo done on walk in of my own art; showed Ian a reference photo and he crafted exactly what I wanted! So happy with the service, the preparation and the end result! Thank you guys!!!

Finding a the right tattoo parlor can sometimes take a while, and anyone that’s been to a few is aware of some of the things you might encounter at a typical shop that might dissuade you from revisiting. Gilded Lily Tattoos has none of those problems, though. Everyone that works there is very friendly, laid-​back, and talented. The shop is very clean, and well versed in proper hygiene and post-​tattoo care.
I didn’t feel uncomfortable discussing what I wanted done, and they were genuinely excited to bring it to fruition. Jason did my work and did an amazing job, patiently and carefully tattooing a 70 character quote on my arm– something that can be deceptively tricky to have done properly (you want your letters even, consistent and uniform, don’t you?). It turned out perfect.
You know you found the right place when you’re already thinking about what you want next before you’re even done getting tattooed with the current one.

My husband and I decided on a whim to get a couple of small pieces done while on a trip to Santa Cruz. There’s no shortage of tattoo parlors to choose from in the area, but I remembered having seen The Gilded Lily during a previous visit, so we stopped in to check it out and see if they could fit us in. I’m so glad we did, because it was a great experience. Ian did my tattoos (second row knuckles and a small piece between my thumb and forefinger) and the line work is clean and crisp. He worked quickly and confidently, and was friendly and easy to talk to. Highly recommended!

I’ve had work done from world renowned shops and shops that should be banned from the tattoo business. The Gilded Lily has shot to the top of my favorites list, and here’s a few reasons why. Welcoming reception– no cool guy arrogance. Availability– it might be busy if you just drop in, but will go out of the way to make time for you that isn’t years later. Clean– sterile process is explained and prioritized. History– artists have put the time into the trade without burning bridges behind them, and gave respect to other artists even when given opportunity to bash. Real Artists– the digital era makes tons of good art accessible, yes they are not afraid to do research and brainstorm via the web, but hot damn these guys can draw! Looking forward to giving blood here again soon.

On one fine day, these awesome guys took in a huge group and fit in 8 people for tattoos. They were kind, helpful and funny. They were very patient and gentle and charged a very decent price. Being from LA this was a treasured experience. I would definitely go back. Thanks Mack for the amazing job! Still loving mine.

Mac does amazing work! I love my Jellyfish and diver girl and get compliments on them all the time. He also did a «Hidden Mickey» logo on my wrist in UV ink. The shop was super clean and so was Mac. He cleaned everything before and after and opened everything with me sitting right there. I have a few tattoo ideas and Mac will be my go to guy.

Mac is the man. He is amazing. I will always recommend him and all the guys at the shop. Many of my friends recommended him to me and I will return the favor.

Ian has incredible skill and dedication. He worked with us patiently for hours to make sure our tattoo designs were just right. Then when he started working with the gun, he was fast and efficient, focused and accurate to keep our costs down. His work came out beautifully! He helped me design my tattoos custom to my specifications without an initial drawing to go from, and he is truly a wonderful artist. He is flexible and very easy to work with. He also touched up a 15 year old tattoo for my partner and made it look better than new! We are so happy with our tattoos and we would highly recommend Ian! He is fantastic!!!

I got my very first tattoo here. It was done by Ian and it came out truly amazing. He had an idea of what I wanted and he was able to come up with something that I really liked. He was really good at tweaking whatever I didn’t like. I will definitely be coming back here when I get my next one!

Ian is by far the best tattoo artist is have worked with. Dynamic and detailed, He listened to me and gave me what I wanted. Besides the fact that his experience shows dramatically in his work.
The best artists have no ego, they let their work speak for itself. Grateful.

Came over to get a tat from mac who had done some great work with a family member was greeted nicely by the guy up front and talked a little with mackey did a great job on the tat i wanted .next one with be coming back to see mac foresure

I’ve been going to the Gilded Lily since they had their little shop in Felton.
Mac is an amazing artist! He has done almost all my tattoos. No matter how big or small. He talks it out with you and helps you plan it out so it looks amazing for years and years.
Ian is crazy talented! He draws up beautiful pictures available as tattoos. And I was lucky enough to claim one! He will change and tweek it til it’s just to your liking. He makes the tattoo look just like the picture. It is art on your body!
No matter who you go to at the Gilded Lily, you are in the right hands!

I first heard of The Gilded LIly when it was located over in Felton. A friend of mine had some beautiful work done here, but it seemed a little far to drive, as there are other good shops closer in town. Now that they have moved into Santa Cruz proper this is my first choice of tattoo shops! The artists here are talented and clean. The shop is beautiful and professional, Mac, Ian and Jesse are professional and skilled at their craft. They have all been tattooing for many years and know what they are doing. Jesse has done some beautiful work on me and I would highly recommend any of the artists at this shop to get your custom piece of body art done!

During an impromptu trip to Santa Cruz with my best friend and kiddos, after a day of many adventures, a spur of the moment decision to get tiny matching heart tattoos took us to The Gilded Lily. Ian and Jesse were willing to take us in even though it was near closing time. They were both extremely helpful, professional and kind. They tattoo’d us simultaneously and made it into a fun «race». They were done in just a few minutes…(Jesse won) and we couldn’t be happier. I will DEFINITELY be traveling the three and a half hour trip for my next tattoo!

I first discovered Mac and Gilded Lily when I was looking for an artist to do some ink of my cats. A friend had two beautiful bears done by Mac, and when I saw how realistic and truly «alive» they looked, I knew I’d found the artist I was seeking. I had other ink prior to the work I have by Mac, but his puts my other pieces in the shade.
Since then, Mac has done other gorgeous work on me, as well as on my daughter and her friend. He is extremely adept at taking your concept or idea and making it tattoo-​ready, working with you every step of the way until you are completely satisfied. His original pieces are truly breathtaking as well. He is an all-​around tattoo genius, and his work across the board is stunning, compelling, and eye-​catching. I cannot tell you how many compliments I get on my cats.
Mac is also a complete sticker for cleanliness, sterility and professionalism, and never cuts corners where his customers safety is concerned. I have seen medical doctors take less time with cleaning, draping, and preparing the work area than Mac does. He also provides informative after-​care instructions that ensure a good result during and after the healing.
I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend Mac and the Gilded Lily tattoos for anyone looking for a professional, creative, conscientious and gifted tattoo artist, who also happens to be a terrific guy and fun to work with (important when you are sitting with someone for an hour or hours getting inked). The new shop is quite nice; I liked the old place fine, but the Santa Cruz shop has more space for other artists, a more private room as well as the more open area, and is roomier in general.

I’ve been getting tattooed for a couple years, never at one specific place in Santa Cruz. I went to Ian for my last three tattoos and will continue to go to him in the future. He’s always willing to work with my ideas, and offers advice on how to best translate them. He packs the ink in which makes healing real easy. I never felt like I needed any major touch ups. Beyond that I’m always happy with the piece and get many compliments on them daily.