Wolf and Shadow Tattoo Collective (fka Diego Tattoo Gallery)

Walked into the shop today to get my first tattoo ever, and was anxious as heck. So anxious that I completely forgot the name of the person I was meeting for a few long awkward moments, hell I nearly forgot my own name hah. The artist was Madison, and they gave me the cutest tattoo while explaining everything, and answering all of my questions. They checked in with me regularly to make sure I was doing well, and was just all around stellar. I never thought of getting a tattoo as something that would be fun, but it was. Will definitely be returning to the shop for more. Amazing first experience, amazing artist.

My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of getting tattooed by Rocky this weekend. I'd been following their IG for years because they specialize in anime tattoos, and they do it incredibly well. My husband and I finally decided on getting a tattoo of a character from Adventure Time. Although AT isn't anime, it was anime adjacent enough for Rocky to be willing to accommodate.

Booking our appointment was a breeze - I waited for them to open their books on IG and emailed straight away. Since we could only come on Saturdays, we were able to get an appointment just over a month out. We drove down from LA, and were able to find a great parking spot a block down.

It took them 5 hours to complete 3 tattoos for us. I would say they were small (1.5"x1.5") medium (3"x3) in size, and two were in color. Rocky works quickly and efficiently. They are able to hold in depth conversations while doing their work with such ease. It's very impressive seeing them multitask when I can barely put laundry in the hamper while my husband asks me a question. They are able to talk in a way to make you feel at ease throughout your whole session.

Our experience was exceptional. This was my husband's first tattoo and my 3rd and 4th. I've never had such a personal experience with a tattoo artist. Rocky is the sweetest person you'll ever meet - that's not even an exaggeration. My husband and I are afraid to speak up because we don't want to offend anyone, especially when commissioning art from an artist. Rocky was very professional and understanding. They encouraged us to speak up about what we wanted because this is a permanent commitment on our bodies. The result was we got exactly what we wanted and we could not be more thrilled about our experience.

Not only were we over the moon about our experience with Rocky, but also the tattoo parlor. It's big, spacious, and clean. The artists are very friendly and approachable and it seemed like an artists' collective there. No one was intimidating, and everyone was very professional but welcoming. As others have said, they are very LGBTQIA+ friendly, which is probably why my experience at this shop is so different from my experiences at the other traditional tattoo shops I've been to.

We can't say enough wonderful things about our experience with Wolf and Shadow. My husband is already talking about driving down here again for his next tattoo! Definitely consider checking them (especially Rocky, if you love anime) out for your next tattoo appointment! You won't regret it!

I can't say enough good things about my experience here. The tattoo I got was high quality and required a few hours of work. Cari was super awesome throughout the entire process and was super helpful when making suggestions and recommendations. I loved the whole studio and everything was super clean. Scheduling and payment was fast and easy as well. I can't wait to get my next tattoo from here!

Absolutely the best place to get tattooed. Rocky is amazing and we love everyone here.

Great studio in San Diego. Wide variety of artists. I had Kris N, she did great work on my tattoo.

It couldn’t have gotten better. I got memorial tattoo and had a request to squeeze me in on a particular date & they acknowledged the request.

Clare is an amazing tattoo artist , she was a graphic designer prior to this and very fluent in modifying designs and tweaking per needs. I gave her few reference images ( very vague ) and she had 3 prototype ready for me on the day of my tattoo and then we worked on tweaking it. I loved the outcome , this tattoo is the most special one for me as my mom’s ashes were embedded into - A very emotional connection and it came out , even better then I imagined. She also took time explaining the care and she provides 1 free touch up on tattoos by her.

Here is her insta handle , @claretytatoo - show her some love.

Absolutely one of the best shops in San Diego! Everyone that works there is extremely professional. Diana has done multiple pieces for me now and every time she finishes, I am blown away. Her attention to detail is amazing! She truly cares about giving you a tattoo that you will be proud of.

I flew all the way from Florida to get a tattoo from Rocky and I am SO glad that I did! I highly recommend them for all your anime tattoo dreams. I felt very safe and had a great experience overall. The shop itself is very clean and everyone is super nice and welcoming :)

Always have a good experience with Kris but the shop and staff in general is extremely welcoming and thoughtful

The best tattoo shop in SD hands down! They have a great group of artists working there, and is always a good time. Diana has been working on me for years and I'll never go to anyone else.