Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Big Fish Tattoo welcomes walk-in clients seven days a week from 12:00–8:00 pm. Big Fish Piercing welcomes walk-in piercing clients seven days a week from 12:00–6:00 pm. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Big Fish Piercing offers limited services (lobe piercings and jewelry changes only).

Yes! There are two free parking lots on either side of our building. Lot #1 is located on the corner of Acacia Avenue and Estrella Street. Lot #2 is located directly behind Big Fish Piercing, also on Acacia Avenue.

Additional parking is available on Highway 101. Enter “The Boardwalk” (behind the painted horse statue) and follow signs to Big Fish Tattoo.

Each Tattoo Artist is independent, with individual schedules and pricing policies. We invite you to explore their Portfolios here. To book an appointment with a specific Artist, please contact them directly.

No preference on your Artist? Submit a General Request with your: (1) design description, (2) ideal placement, and (3) preferred appointment time. Reference photos are highly encouraged! Once we match you with an Artist, we’ll assist in booking your appointment.

For piercing appointments, click here.

Our Artists schedule appointments independently. To determine their average wait time(s), please contact your preferred Artist directly using the information from their Portfolio.

No preference on your Artist? We reply to General Requests within 24 hours.

The length of the tattooing process may vary. Please inform your Artist of any potential commitments, deadlines, or conflicts. Your Artist will do their best to accommodate your schedule while providing the highest quality of artistry.

Piercing sessions last approximately thirty minutes.

All clients must provide a valid form of governmental identification to receive services. Unfortunately, we cannot accept a photograph of your ID.

Please wear comfortable, loose clothing to allow easy access to your skin. Your Artist will shave the area for you! Please note that some placements will require you to remove articles of clothing.

We offer water, hot tea, and light snacks. Additionally, we provide pillows, blankets, and privacy screens upon request. You are welcome to bring your own snacks, pillows, or blankets.

Please arrive sober and hydrated! We recommend consuming a full meal before your appointment (no more than two hours prior).

Yes! Clients may bring one guest to the procedure area. Additional guests may enjoy our spacious waiting room. We offer water, hot tea, and light snacks.

To ensure safety, minors may not accompany clients to the procedure area. Minors with adult supervision are welcome to utilize our waiting room.

Service animals are always welcome. Unfortunately, we cannot allow pets to enter the shop.

The price of your tattoo depends on various factors, including size, placement, style, color, session duration, and Artist. For the most accurate estimate, we encourage you to communicate directly with your Artist. Your Artist will collaborate with you throughout the tattooing process in order to accommodate your budgeting needs. Please note: our shop minimum is $100.

At Big Fish Tattoo, our shop minimum is $100. This fee covers the cost of disposable set-up and sanitation materials in order to ensure your safety.

Currently, there is no minimum fee at Big Fish Piercing.

Visit our booking portal for a complete list of piercing services, including prices. Please note: service fees do not include the cost of jewelry. We offer many styles in multiple price ranges, beginning at $15 for basic pieces.

Walk-in clients may use cash, physical credit cards, or digital forms of payment (such as Venmo, Apple Pay, and Zelle). If you have an appointment, please confirm your Artist’s preferred payment method before your session.

During flash events, we only accept cash.

After your session, your Artist will bandage the area and provide personalized instructions. Additionally, each client will receive a printed card with detailed aftercare instructions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with specific questions! If you can’t reach your Artist directly, call the shop at +1 (858) 259-7200.

Although the duration of the healing process varies, please avoid the pool and ocean for a minimum of two weeks in order to prevent infection. If you’re visiting San Diego from out of town, please plan accordingly!

Our shop is located blocks away from Fletcher’s Cove, the Cedros Design District, and many other local gems. We are happy to provide recommendations.

We host flash events every Friday the 13th and some holidays. All flash events are cash only, arms and legs only. Each Artist designs their own flash sheet, and some Artists may provide advance viewing via social media.

For event updates, subscribe to our newsletter!

Cosmetic tattooing, also known as semi-permanent makeup, is designed to simplify your daily routine and enhance your natural features. Our skilled Artists implant colored pigment directly into the dermal layer. We offer a variety of services, including lip blushing, faux-freckles, microblading, and powder brows.

Additionally, we offer scalp micropigmentation to add density to thinning hair. For inquiries regarding scalp micropigmentation, please call the shop at +1 (858) 259-7200.