Christian shops in the Bay Area

Does anybody know of any good Christian tattoo shops (or artists) in the Bay Area? I'm going to get my first tattoo =) This is what it'll look like: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/flipcatchland/Miscellaneous/tattoo.jpg However, the thorns will be a bit more realistic, and the banner will say "1 Corinthians 13," my favorite chapter in the Bible. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Justin

www.idlehandsf.com Holly,and TJ are good people..

Holly from Idle hands will have her tattoos on this site very soon. Im not sure if either Holly or TJ are christian, but they are fantastic tattoo artists capable of great portraits. I do know Jason Tyler Grace, also at Idle Hands and on TattooNOW, used to be a devout christian but I dont think he is anymore. He has a great Jesus portrait, though, one of my favorites. I believe in what Jesus taught, love is the answer. Or was that john lennon... What is the text of your favorite verse?

ooopse, didnt look at the pic till after I responded. Yeah, Holly or TJ should redraw that design a but, but either would rock it out.

Here is a pic of a heart tattoo by Holly at Idle Hands tattoo. Let us know how it goes!

Picking a tattoo shop based on what god the artist prays to (or prays at all) is lame. There are a ton of other reasons to pick an artist. It's a stupid as only letting someone of your own race tattoo you. Get a fucking life.

just opened a christian tattoo shop...Revelation Studios!! our senior artist has 17 years experience and his ability exceeds experience... it is a gift of God!! His name is Paul Fields and is known by Fields of Ink Any questions call us at 603 434-6608.

WELL I DID NOT KNOW THAT THEIR ARE CHRISTIAN TATTOO SHOP OUT THERE I BEING A CHRISTIAN MY SELF BUT HEY IF SOME ONE DESERVE SOME BUSINESS IS A GOOD TATTOO ARTIST CHRISTIAN OR NOT. I LIKE THE FACT THAT EVEN CHRISTIANS ARE GETTING TATTOO. COOL I GUESS THERE IS GOING TO BE SOME ANGELS IN HEAVEN WITH THE WORDS ROCK ON. LOL TAKE CARE

I'm actually looking for a christian tattoo shop too. If you hear anything please let me know. thanks, mikaela

Chino,,,,,,,,,,,Yeah, I'm a little confused on this one. I've resigned myself to wearing the mark of the wild beast, but I'm not a Christian. Of course, I'm a photographer too, and photography is simply a modern day version of a "carved image". Just an opinion. TCE

Okay, here comes a can of worms, but this is the one thing I've never understood about a lot of Christians. I can't think of one thing about a person being Christian that would make them a better tattoo artist than anyone else, more ethical business person than anyone else, more creative than anyone else, or even understand your own RELIGEON better than anyone else. So why do you need a Christian tattoo shop? You telling me that you wouldn't consider the Japanese Zen Buddhist guy that has been doing this for 50 years because he's not christian? What would Jesus say about that? I think that organized religeon in a lot of ways is just another way for people to discriminate against folks that don't believe the same things that they do. To make these kinds of decisions based on religeous beliefs is just plain fucking ignorant. This very topic is a form of reverse descrimination. But it's America, and that's what makes this country great. Your right to your opinion. If you want only a Christian to ink you, it's your right, and I support you.

I think this falls in line with the "Harley Bikers" doesn't it Al? Seriously, not to knock on anyones religious or spiritual preferences but Al does have a valid point when it comes to having the pre-determind mind set that a christian artist is the only artist worth going to. Just because not all of us don't prescribe to the same point of views on faith doesn't mean we are not good people with morals, beliefs, compassion for our fellow man, etc,... But all that being said, best of luck, and good tattooing!....J

The tattoos aren't perfect, just forgiven! TCE

lol, nice.

If I was going to quote a scripture on my body, it would have to be Revelation 12:9. In fact, maybe I'll put with my new pieces, scare the shit out of everyone! TAz, whattaya think!?! TCE

I think that would DEFINITELY scare the hell out of people! But I like it! Fuck, that's what we with tattoos are suppose to do aren't we? It's what everyone else thinks.... (Please note the sarcasm.)

Actually T, if you want to scare the shit out of people I would suggest Rev. 6:8.... That would get their palms sweaty.

J, I guess you know what Rev 12:9 is then? Nearly all of my tattoos are directly influenced by this scripture, not that I'm a Christian. Actually, I'm a "Born Again Sinner"! TCE

"And the great dragon was cast out...." Amazing what our minds can create from from worded imaging.... Personally, the four horsemen verses are my favorite. Not that I am "christian" in my beliefs but I like to EDUCATED when people sling this stuff at me because of the ART on my arms....J

Actually, in it's entirety it reads: "Down the great Dragon was cast, the original serpent, the one called Satan, who is misleading the entire world, was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him". That would be a wake up call for anyone who believes it. Not that I do, or don't. TCE

It seems ironic that they're slinging shit at you for what's on your arms, and yet seek to find the loophole that permits them to put an artists conception of holy images onto theirs. Hmmmmm. At least I'm already aware that the Almighty is gonna kick my ass........... TCE

I see absolutely nothing wrong with a member of the "christian" tribe seeking out people of like mind and beliefs to share the tattooing experience....the person said he/she was a Christian but did not get all crazy and mouth frothy about it...There are people on this earth that have strong beliefs but who aren't hippocritical and fanatical about it so ...whats wrong with them asking a simple question like "where can I find a Christian" tattoo studio?" I myself am religiously oriented and have strong beliefs...I do not consider myself " Christian" the main reason for that being that I am not really sure what a "Christian " is anymore....I love the Bible...I think it is the greatest work of short story fiction ever written. My point is ...don't slam and poke fun of a person because of their beliefs as long as they aren't treading on your toes...Why the animosity?...I just don't get it!!!.... For the past few weeks I have noticed a distinct smart ass flavor to a lot of the replies on this forum and that concerns me. Sure there are some posts that cry out " I am an asshole...please put me in my place" But most of the questions are genuine queries asking innocent questions and they deserve a little respect and a no nonsense answer instead of a smart ass "you're stupid and I'm not " attitude. I have especially noticed this attitude coming from regulars on here who, when they first started posting, were very nice laid back people....That disappoints me. I dunno I guess I'd just like to see us all try to get people to come here and keep posting here and not scare them off by insulting them.Gabe has given us a great forum here...lets make it a great place for everyone!!...Just my thoughts!!...TAz

One of the guys at the shop has a friend that spent months researching the bible to find THE passage that states, "Thou shalt not 'tattoo'." IT DOES NOT EXSIST! But yet there are those holyer than thou's that want to cast down death and judgemnet on me for what I CHOOSE to permenantly place on MY body. The only thing I say to them is, "If your God can not unconditionally love me for who I am, the good I have done in my life; then that is not the God I want to follow."....that tends to produce the favored effect of the "blank stare."

Okay, so TCE and myself strayed a little off subject....To address Mikaela's question of where to find a Christian shop, we would need to have a general idea where you live at to help you.... And sorry about the rambling. It had nothing to do with you directly :) .... But as far as the debate that evolved from that simple question, there is just something about it the pokes at the hearts of those of us that don't consider ourselves of a "christian faith". I don't believe that is the intention of the persons who posted and I personally am not trying to create a "them vs. us" attitude. We have all had our personal encounters with persons of all faiths and spiritualities. Somehow we got off on that tangent in this thread. So if anyone has been insulted or felt threatened by what was said then I personally apologize to you..... I don't know what else there would be to say to that.... at least for now....J

The Biblical passage that you are referring to is "thou shalt bear no graven images"...Leviticus 19 something...(off the top of my head I think its 19:68 or something like that.) As are all passages of this nature, this one is also open to a million interpretations...most biblical scholars or at least a goodly portion of them translate this passage to mean "bearing"=carrying or holding dear not wearing"...and "graven images" infers carved ("of "wood, stone or metal not "in" human skin) likenesses of deities other than those of a Judaic or Cristian motif. These theories are supported by the fact that tattooing in those areas of the world and in that particular time frame existed but were certainly not prevalent or even common.

hey, i'm not sure how far out of your way this would be, but I know that the new guy working at Lightwave Tattoos in Saugus, MA (outside of boston) is Christian and specializes in religious-themed tattoos. From what I've seen, he seems to be pretty good!

TAz, I agree with you 1000% on this one, and I did get off track. I'm trying to forget about the crap from last weekend, but it keeps sneaking back up on me, and so I jump on whatever hypocrisy I see. I too love the Bible................and I do believe that it is the divine word of God. And if every cell in our bodies is replaced every 7 years or so, it is likely that if we are resurrected as ourselves, in the flesh, as Lazaurus was, it wouldn't be with the same cells we each are comprised of currently. Which means...................tattoos, which are not cells, just as handicaps resulting from whatever trauma, would not be resurrected along with our bodies. The reason I point this out is because of the disparity and inconsistencies I see among Christian faiths. On these particular subjects they don't even agree. Some believe God's intention was for us the reside upon the earth that he created for us forever, some do not. Some believe that the worship of any image, whether it be of Jesus, or a crucix, or the Mother Mary, to be idolotry, some do not. Some believe that Jesus was the son of God, some believe that Jesus WAS God, but in the flesh. And some believe that marking your body is corruption of the flesh, and some do not. Therefore, I cannot, no matter what I really believe, consider myself a Christian either, because there are no clear lines as to what that means. Off topic, as usual, yes. TCE

Oh, and obviously I do believe in tattooing, so to those of Christian faith out there who are considering getting one, I support you whole heartedly. And the rest I wish would leave me alone! TCE

Okay, okay. Taz, you are right. I took a good long look at myself, and I've always taken a higher road than what I've thrown down lately. Time to get back to it. I'm not Christian, but there's nothing wrong with turning the other cheek. ( Long heavy sigh ). I don't know any Christian Tattoo artists. I can't help on this one.

And I formally apologize as well. I was out of line launching an unsolicited attack on someone inquiring about something that I do support....................................That was a really stupid gesture on my part. Justin, I hope all works out for you in finding an artist, and just as the pro's on this forum have stated, I also have heard a ton of great things about Idle Hands. Good luck! Peace to you TCE

I am curious to wonder if a gentleman would enter a tattoo shop, with intention of getting a tattoo, but after finding a picture drawn of himself in a sexual, nude action with his mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother, then would he choose to support the tattoo shop, knowing what they were selling was wrong in a moral sense, but legal? This may be the reason I accidently ran across this website tonight, after my husband and I entered a new tattoo shop in Savannah, GA, and found the shop to have an explicit photogragh about Jesus and his Mother Mary. It made me very upset and it hurt me deeply, so I felt we needed to find a shop with a Christian based image, because morals are VERY important to me, especially when it comes to the Man who died so that I could live! In my opinion He deserves ALL of the respect! Does anyone know of any Christian tattoo shops in Savannah GA, area or RockHill, S.C - Charlotte, N.C area??????? May blessings fall into the hearts of anyone who enters this website!! 2Peter 4:6

Wow theres no way for me to respond to this without offending countless people, so im just not even going to touch it.

Crap... Okay, its alomst 6 in the morning and I read this and realize...I have been a total jerk to this guy TAz. TAz....look man...I owe you an apology. I havent always agreed with you in the past, but your comments were exactly what I wanted to say up till reading your post, as well as TCE, and they dramatically shaped peoples opinions reguarding this subject. This is one subject I genuinely misjudged you on. I figured if you were still around to reply you would have let loose with a bunch of comments that would have been of no help or offered any peace reguarding the simple question asked. Alas, you proved me wrong. And for that, Ima suck it up and say that although I dont always agree with you from a technical tattoo stand-point....tattoos arent everything and you just somehow related with me in a deeper way that this whole tattoo drama. Good thinking my friend. As well as TCE.... As to the original subject.....I urge the young man wishing to get his tattoo to check out FREDDY CORBIN at TEMPLE TATTOO. I understand due to the personal nature of tattooing, you would wish to entrust your skin with someone of the same beliefs....however, this is a tattoo bro and its completely permanent. And although Im not sure what Freddys personal beliefs are, I know he is a professional and dope tattoo artist, who just so happens to specalize in religious themes (just cheeck out his website www.templeoakland.com) Jason Mcafffe is a dope artist as well. Seriously man, these guys have created a strong buzz in the industry and are known for being some of the best at religious themed stuff. I understand your beliefs may not be labeled as religion....to you they are fact...and thats the common bond you wanted to share with whichever artist tattooed you. However, tattoos ARE art and are usually much cooler when given a certain ammount of freedom to be put to life by an artist. I didnt look at your original idea, but I do know a lot about tattoos, one of my favorite but most poorly over-done subjects on tattoos are religious ones, especially Christian themed. Most artists arent accustomed to drawing that kind of art, and although its there, they just didnt sudy old Christian paintings which dramatically influenced the art and interpretation of the western world. With that being said......if I were you......and wanted a Christian themed cool tattoo.....I would admit to myelf that I havent studied loads of religious tattoos, while Freddy has. So I would give him my idea, and let him run with it altogether. Years down the road, even amongst serious tattoo collecters, you'll definitely have something original, unique, and fresh. Something to be proud of from one the best at religious themed stuff. If I lived anywhere near the left coast, I'd get tattooed by him. He has been doing it for years, and has worked with most of the great artists, and is a great artist himself. | Hope this may have helped see things in a different light. If not, and you still feel strongly....then cool too...hope you get lead int he right direction.

Hey.....I just want give some more information for those who have questions about the right and wrong thing when it comes to choosing a Christian tattoo artist. First off....peoples belief systems vary. I am a Christian myself, but like TAz said, according to society's standard, Im not quite sure what that means now-a-days. I grew up in a small town with a baptist church, and therefore Im used to the ignorant bliss most Christians live in. Dont get me wrong, Im not calling anyone up here ignorant (on this occasion), but I do want to make a valid point to fellow Christians looking to get tattooed. Like I previously said, I understand tattooing is usually looked down upon, and not only that, but its a very personal experience that is shared between two people. It would only seem right to get tattooed by somebody who shares the same beliefs....but according to me, this is wrong. When you go to a resturant, does the cook have to be a Christian? When you watch movies or listen to music, is ALL of it Christian? Im sure you can think of some really good movies that you have watched recently that contained scenes in which your morals did not agree with. When looking for a tattoo artist, instead of striving to find somebody that SHARES your beliefs and ideas (essentially, if your beliefs and ideas are a bit extreme according to the secular, modern world, then your chances of sharing most beliefs arent likey), the best route is to find the BEST artist who RESPECTS your beliefs and ideas and your project. Remember, dont get all preachy on someone, especially a tattoo artist, because as well all know, tattoos and their artists usually come with a stereo-type. Although, there are plenty of talented artists out there now-a-days who runs shops professionally. Despite their personal beliefs, their job is to give you the best tattoo for your money, simply because they are artists and are always pushing the barriers of their work. An example of this would be Joe Capobianco. He does all styles of tattooing really well, but excells at doing his brand of pinup girls. So even if you wanted a certain style pinup chick, it would be wise to go see him, and he would certainly respect your ideas. Fred Corbin is one of those guys, because he has become known for doing some of the best religious themed stuff out there. So although he might not share your beliefs (or he might, Im not sure), he is certainly used to giving people a certian feel for whatever religious style tattoo they want. Whether its Christian, Catholic....exc. In other words, you wouldnt get a carpenter to repair your house that would do less of a job, just because he is a Christian. If you wanted the job done right, and to last, you could speak with the right carpenter about your ideas and give him some freedom to do what he sees fit, then pay the right price, you will ultimately come out better. The only problem being that you may not share the exact same beliefs. But at the end of the day, he did a better job, and thats what your looking for when you mark your body permanently. I, myself, have never been a fan of flash work (unless its real classic, like Sailor Jerry or Dan Higgs style)......and from personal experience, have always seen tattoos grow to be much cooler when people let the artist take hold. The problem is, people attach too much stuff to images. For example, I was at a world famous tattoo shop not too long ago, when this older woman was in there getting tattooed. She had a half sleeve, and a few other tattoos, and when talking to me about my Rock of Ages piece, she didnt even care to really know about it, but proceeded to tell me about her ideas for a backpiece of fairies flying from the inside of a tree. In the great detail she was explaining it, and how symbolic it is, I doubt it can even be pulled off artistically. But my main beef is, you get something thats THAT hard to pull off, the artist stretches beyond the limits of the skins canvas and maybe even his artistic ability to make it happen, and you end up with something that nobody can even recognize, except you and your feelings for it. Why not just get something powerful like a dragon backpiece or phenoix, or anything that has been known to look powerful?? People (especially women....no offense) have the tendacy to drag feelings and emotions to images that usually dont relate. I can understand it if you always watched something like snoopy growing up with your pops, then we he passes aways you might get a snoopy to remind you of the good years.......or something to that effect.......but when people start getting weird assorted tattoos and saying they represent all these different people and places, and the tattoos dont even look that good......its like HEY....its just freaking artwork, dont take it so seriously. Its all superstitious just like numbers, you think 47 is your lucky number, well then suddenly 47 appears everywhere. 47 steps to walk down, 47 floors at abuilding, $47 in groceries, 47 anything.......because your mind keys in on it. Same with images. If faries represent your kids.....then hey.....great......its not really original, nor is it a good idea to get tattooed, but sure, why not. Just like a lot of women want wings on their back. How freaking typical??? Then they say stuff like they have earned their wings or they are an angel or what have you...... All this stuff is good, and Im glad it exsists to the person, but from an artwork technical tattoo perspective, a backpiece of Fudo My0-0 would have been more powerful....and in a way......more pretty. The important things about tattoos are shape, placement, flow, drawing, and design. You notice some japanese get full bodysuits of nothing but wind, clouds, and cherry blossoms. This is simple, means nothing, but is very powerful and immediately recognizable, and doesnt hold a story that most tattoo artists dont want to hear. I got waay off subject.

here is another example.... you ever been at a tattoo shop, and someone sees you getting tattooed with some great work, and they might ask you......."thats an awesome sleeve, what does it mean??". And your like....."nothing, just artwork. Im not a pheonix, nor will I ever be, nor is anybody in my family", and then you proceed to ask them about the shitty tattoos on their arms, and they got a huge story for something thats 3 inches long and looks shitty Reminds me of one time this girl came to a shop I was at, and looked at an artist and said "I want a tattoo, but I dont want anybody to really be able to see it, like the size of a dime" Its like......what in the hell is the point of getting tattooed??

AHAHAHA At such Jokers Taking offence that a customer wanted a Christian to do the work. That’s a good way to treat the public, What ever happen to having your art “ your way “ ? Paul Booth based his whole career on such acts, Oh but that was OK for him. HYPOCRITES !

check out davequigle.com he probably wants a christian to do the tattoo because he can relate to the idea and design better [if it's a custom christian themed peice], if it's just flash then it really doesnt matter. i wouldnt take my car to a motorcycle shop to be repaired, know what i mean?

Err, not really.

its TWO g's.. http://www.davequiggle.com ... yeah, dave's a christian. but isn't the more important thing that he does quality artwork? not just tattoos, but covers, posters, prints... that's why he does so much work for people who don't share his belief system. (i did look at getting him to design a custom piece becuase i liked his style. i think it was $150 two years ago). unless you're SUPER concerned about symbolism... isn't the quality of the work is the most important?.... i don't go looking for "christian dentists" or "christian grocery stores" or whatever... so why a tattoo artist? i have gotten work done by one, but he was a friend of mine and artistically capable of the work i wanted at that point.

REVELATION STUDIOS AWESOME SHOP ALSO KNOWN AS REVELATIONS IN DERRY NH HERES THERE TELEPHONE NUMBER 603- 434-6608

Uhhhhh. Technically speaking.... I dont think that getting tattoo'd is really a 'Christian' thing to do. At least according to the bible or the church. So it seems to me an oxymoron to only have a 'Christian' person ink you...." Your body is the temple of Christ, therefore you should respect it as the temple, and put no unclean things in or upon your body" (or something like that).

Uhhhhh. Technically speaking.... I dont think that getting tattoo'd is really a 'Christian' thing to do. At least according to the bible or the church. So it seems to me an oxymoron to only have a 'Christian' person ink you...." Your body is the temple of Christ, therefore you should respect it as the temple, and put no unclean things in or upon your body" (or something like that).

dude, there's lots of bays, and a lot of bay areas. where are you?

Hey, as the owner of a Christian Tattoo shop and founder of Deliverance Ministries- I can truthfully say that it has nothing to do with Christians being more talented than anyone else- It's the environment in which you are choosing to be tattooed in. Secular shops are often filled with people who use profanity and also slander the name of our Lord right in front of their Christian clients- listen to music that also offends and distracts from our purpose in this life- that is to follow Jesus and help others to find and follow Him as well. This is not saying that Christians are stuffy and boring.. we just know how to have good, clean fun! Besides, why not support your fellow brother? There are a few of us sprouting up here and there- We're in Santa Maria if you ever make your way down to the Central Coast. God bless everyone who reads this.

After reading many long threads among the simple inquiry of "Where can I find a Christian Tattoo Parlor" I must say that only those who know the Word of God or are interested in Who He is, would ever understand why Christians (Simply meaning "To be Christ-like" to the best of our ability) seek after such a thing. If I told you my reason behind it is because God is very serious about the issue of blood, covenants, etc. that would probably trip you out! lol Think of it like this - I wouldn't want to sleep with any man other than my husband because the covenant our bodies share. Likewise, I do not want to create a blood covenant (as tattoos involve my blood) willfully with any tattoo parlor who may dabble in other spiritual things that I do not want to be attached to. Getting back to the question at hand, if anyone knows of one in the Charlotte, NC area - give me a shout please! Thanks!!! =)

Kannapolis Tattooz is a Christian Tattoo Shop www.concordtattoos.com

I have had a christian person tattoo me and for me it's because their art reflects their beliefs and my tattoos are very artistic, but also strongly represent what I believe. I want someone who is tattooing me to be like minded and understand where my art is coming from. I don't think it is wrong at all and I think some people have assumed that he only wants to go to a christian because their just that. IF it was only about having the art then I would go to an AMAZINGLY, TALENTED artist regardless of their beliefs, but for me it is not just about the art, it's what is behind it, what it means to me. So give the dude a break. It's really not any of your business who he goes to and why or why not he does. Would you do this to someone who was buddist asking for a buddist tattoo artist?

Just my opinion here, but I looked up "Christian tattoo artists,-tampa bay" not because I discriminate against anyone else based on anything, but because I would be more inclined to get a particular kind of tattoo from someone who is more interested in that subject. Want a biker tattoo, go to a biker tattoo parlor. Want a Thai style tattoo, go to a Thai tattoo artist. And on and on and on. I would not look up a Christian tattoo artist to get a Buddhist oriented tattoo. People that see discrimination where it doesn't really exist are the ones with the real problems.