Established in 1991
Santa Cruz Tattoo opened its doors in 1991, during a time when tattooing was still deeply tied to subculture, craft, and community. Long before trends and social media, the shop earned its reputation the old way — through solid work, word of mouth, and respect for tattoo tradition.
Located just steps from the Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk, the shop has always been part of the city’s rhythm — welcoming locals, travelers, surfers, artists, and anyone drawn to the spirit of Santa Cruz.
Carrying the torch forward
The shop is owned by Shannon Cullen, who has been tattooing since 1997 and working in the Bay Area for decades. In 2019, Shannon acquired Santa Cruz Tattoo with a clear goal: preserve the legacy of the shop while continuing to do honest, high-quality tattoo work.
His approach reflects the values tattooing was built on — strong fundamentals, clean execution, and designs meant to last a lifetime. Trends come and go, but the craft remains.
Respect for tattoo culture
Santa Cruz Tattoo is not a production shop and never has been. Every tattoo is approached with care, intention, and respect for the history behind the art form.
Whether it’s American Traditional, bold modern work, or carefully crafted custom pieces, the focus is always the same: solid linework, balanced composition, and tattoos that age well.
Clean, professional, and by the book
The studio follows strict health and safety standards, including sterile, single-use setups for every tattoo. All procedures meet or exceed local and state regulations to ensure a safe, professional experience.
A place with history — and a future
More than thirty years after opening, Santa Cruz Tattoo remains what it has always been: a place where tattooing is treated with respect, where tradition matters, and where the work speaks for itself.