Snafu Tattoo Studio

I recently got my first tattoo at Snafu and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I went in with a huge needle phobia and a fear that I wasn’t going to love the design, and was immediately at ease upon meeting the owners of the studio. Aside from how professional, personable and super informative Liana is, she ensured every tiny detail I requested was in place and adjusted the stencil several times to my liking until I was absolutely sure I loved it. To be clear, I drop like a fainting goat any time a needle comes near me. Not only was I conscious during the tattoo process, but I actually enjoyed it! Jake, the artist, made the whole thing a breeze. Super comfortable guy to be around with great conversation and art skills that easily top any other artist in the area. No exaggeration on that, Jake is a wildly talented artist. His realism pieces are detailed, carefully thought out and incredibly clean looking. A quick peek at his Instagram will confirm that. I could not be happier with my tattoo from Snafu and cannot wait to get all of my future pieces there! Thank you Jake and Liana!

Snafu is the best, hands down. If you’re looking for good work (specifically realism), Jake is your guy. I’ve been looking for an artist for years, to bring my vision to life. My consultation with Liana was the first of my experience at Snafu. She took my scattered ideas for a sleeve and made it make sense. My first few sessions with Jake have been great. Cleanliness, attention to detail, communication, good conversations and even better Netflix recommendations. Jake and Liana love what they do and it shows. 10/10 RECOMMEND.

I was referred to Jake/Liana and Snafu from a friend and she was not wrong in the recommendation. From the months leading up to starting, the communication and thought put into the design was top notch. I had an idea, Jake created a vision. The amount of precise detail that goes into every stroke of his hand is amazing. What we are working on isn’t just a tattoo. It’s art and it shows in the amount of care and concern Jake (and Liana) put into every session (we just finished #5) The shop is perfectly comfortable, relaxing and easy to pass the hours in. Jake is always hype about different topics of conversation and we never lack for something to talk about. If you are ready for your one of kind art piece, with all the detail you can ever envision, run, don’t walk to get on the books at Snafu. (Sneak peek at this work in progress)

If you're looking for quality, attention to detail, and amazing art, this is the only tattoo studio you'll ever need. Every visit makes for a great experience. I can't recommend these folks enough!

I found Snafu Tattoo when I was searching for a place I could trust to finish a sleeve that was started years ago. I couldn’t be happier with the result so far and couldn’t recommend Jake enough. Phenomenal artist with a great attention to detail and has been nothing but consistent and professional so far. Looking forward to remainder of my sessions and would. Not hesitate to recommend to anyone. I drive 2 hours in each way from Raleigh to get work done here, and it’s worth it.

Jake is super talented and very detailed. He and Liana were very professional and patient in making sure the placement was just right to look the best. He took the reference photo I showed him and gave me an incredible realism tattoo. I highly recommend if you want some great work done.

I really enjoyed Jakes work , he’s very detail about everything he does. He puts a lot effort on everything. I am really happy with all his work he does. And the place they have is amazing pretty chill if you ask me. They’ll literally let you pick anything out to watch or listen. Plus also Jake has really dope shows

I showed up, and he asked, "do you like history?" I answered yes. We sat down. He turned on Spartacus. He stabbed me for a while. I got a good tattoo. Then I paid him. 10/10

I was a "tattoo virgin" when I reached out to Jake and Liana at Snafu to start a leg sleeve (I know -- a little ambitious out the gate). I sketched up the concept design/rough placement and sent that to Liana with fingers crossed they would be interested. To my pleasant surprise, they responded with excitement and have made my vision come to life! From the first consultation to whole-day sessions, they have made me feel comfortable, welcome, and valued as a customer. Liana is an incredible designer who somehow manages to take my jumbled ideas and make them beautiful, yet specific to my style, "on paper". Jake is always gentle, patient, and communicative while tattooing -- plus, a great conversationalist! The two combined are a creative force-to-be-reckoned-with and have far exceeded my expectations. Everyone who sees my tattoo so far remarks on how much time and effort must have gone into it. Cant wait to add more and continue supporting an awesome small business and family!

I have wanted a Harry Potter sleeve for over 10 years of my life, and I finally decided to go for it when I turned 30. I knew I needed a great artist with realism. Jake is the absolute best artist I could have chose for this piece. The attention to detail is completely unmatched and he genuinely wants your tattoo to not only be liked by you, but look utterly amazing as well. After just the outline of the castle I had people stopping me to ask me who did it and how good it looked. We are nowhere near done and I am already absolutely in love with it. I’m so glad I found Jake to do this tattoo. If you’re looking for something with great quality from a great guy go to Jake. You won’t be disappointed.

Amazing dude he’s a very talented person, had a great time getting tattooed a great environment! Highly recommend

Snafu Tattoo is second to none. The whole process was amazing from start to finish. The tattoo within itself is flawless. When it comes to attention to detail, Jake carefully ensures that every aspect about to tattoo is flawless. I could not be happier with the design and the way the tattoo turned out. If you are in the greater Wilmington area, Snafu Tattoo is the only place you should go to.

Best tattoo shop in Wilmington, NC. Hands down! It's pretty rare that you can walk into a tattoo shop and feel genuinely welcomed and comfortable, and Snafu Tattoo made me feel just like that. The attention to detail in care, cleanliness, and creativity is what sets this studio a part! 10000/10

Jake did a truly amazing job covering up an old tattoo of mine that had been done poorly and was no longer wanted. He puts care into the design and work, resulting in extremely life-like and detailed tattoos. I couldn’t be happier with my new piece!

If you’re in the market for a realism sleeve, then this is your place. I spent a lot of time deciding on the right artist. This shop and artist will shoot you straight with design and give you realistic expectations about timeline. If you want a 5K sleeve for 2K then you’re not ready for realism or a professional tattoo artist. While you’re investing financially, Jake is investing his time and creativity to bring your dream to life. Why would you rush that? This is hands down one of the best tattoo gems in the southeast. My suggestion is when you book, is to book as many as you can that are available for your sleeve. This shop has become so popular they’re almost 7 months booked out. This place is the real deal

Snafu tattoo is AMAZING. Jake is incredible at what he does, and so thorough in his work. His wife made the process of booking and paying seemless. My tattoo is also the coolest concept, a micro portrait of Edward Scissorhands! I’m so happy he was down for the task. So grateful I went there.

Outstanding experience throughout every aspect of the process! From the first time I contacted Jake about design, to the time my piece was completed, I could not have asked for better results! The only place I trust for my work is Snafu Tattoo Studio! Semper Fi!

Jake is an amazing artist. I had 2 appointments for separate pieces in August and immediately scheduled 2 more asap after getting those done. The attention to detail he put into my ink was nothing less than what I would expect if he was tattooing himself and he takes a ton of pride in his work so you can be sure that you are walking out with nothing less than perfection. I have been looking for my go to artist since moving back to Nc and I can say without a doubt that it will be Jake.

Awesome artist love all the work I’ve had done there. Can’t recommend this place enough!

From the design process all the way to the aftercare of your tattoo, Jake and Liana have it fully dialed in! They helped to re-create what I initially had in mind into a tattoo that turned out to be way better than what I expected. Line work's great and I'm really happy with the overall process! Wrapped up a little over a month ago, it's healed very well and already looking forward to getting another appointment at Snafu!