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Tattoos in San Marcos, TX

Five professional artists. Every style from fine line to color realism. Free consultations, walk-ins when chairs open. Downtown since the 90s.

A San Marcos tattoo shop that designs around you

Bring reference photos, a half-formed idea, or nothing but a concept. Your artist designs a custom piece around it, walks you through placement and sizing, and gives you a straight quote before any needle touches skin. That has been the way of it here since Daniel Upton opened his first Texas studio in the early 90s — and it is why folks drive in from Kyle, New Braunfels, and Austin to get tattooed on the square.

Find your style

Fine Line & Botanical

Delicate single-needle work, florals, and intricate detail that stays subtle and clean.

See Laura's work

Color Realism & Portraits

Photo-real color, portraiture, and large custom pieces from a 30-year award-winning artist.

See Daniel's work

Neo-Traditional

Bold lines, vibrant palettes, and modern takes on classic motifs.

See Nick's work

Illustrative

Storytelling pieces — detailed characters and flowing organic designs with a personal touch.

See Channing's work

Handpoke & Ornamental

Machine-free tattooing — ornamental linework, whimsical motifs, and dotwork, one poke at a time.

See Echo's work

Script, Cover-Ups & More

Lettering, reworks, and cover-ups across all five artists. Bring the old piece to a free consult and we will design over it properly.

Meet all the artists

Straight off the chair

Custom color realism tattoo by Daniel Upton, San Marcos TX Neo-traditional tattoo by Nick at Studio 27 San Marcos Fine line botanical tattoo by Laura, San Marcos tattoo shop Illustrative custom tattoo by Channing in San Marcos TX Handpoke ornamental tattoo by Echo at Studio 27 Custom portrait tattoo work in San Marcos Texas

Browse full portfolios

Idea to ink, three steps

1

Free consultation

Book online 24/7, call the shop, or walk in. Bring references or just the idea.

2

Custom design

Your artist designs the piece, dials in size and placement, and quotes it straight.

3

Ink day

Clean setup, single-use needles, and aftercare walked through before you leave.

Book a Consultation

Tattoo questions, answered straight

Do you take walk-in tattoos?

Yes. Tattoo walk-ins are welcome whenever an artist has an opening, and consultations are always free. The studio is open noon to 8pm every day.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Every piece is custom, so it depends on size, detail, placement, and color. Your artist gives you a real quote at a free consultation — no surprises.

Do you do cover-ups and reworks?

Yes. Cover-ups start with a free consultation so the artist can see the existing piece and design something that actually works over it.

Where are you located?

173 S LBJ Dr in downtown San Marcos, Texas, a short walk from the square and Texas State. Street parking on LBJ and the surrounding downtown blocks.