Est. 2004 · American Traditional · San Diego
Iron
&
Rose
Since before your grandfather got his first tattoo. Bold outlines, saturated primaries, flash that outlasts a lifetime.
- Sterilized · Single-use
- Licensed since '04
- Free touch-ups · 90 days
Tallied behind the counter, since the doors opened in 2004
- 2,840 pieces inked
- 312 cover-ups walked out clean
- 7 apprentices trained & turned loose
- 41 conventions worked, four states
Walk-ins welcome Tue–Sun · 12–7 · phone ahead or take a seat & pick from the wall
The Hands
Behind the Work
-
Rex "Ironhand" Valdez
Traditional American Flash
Rex apprenticed under a third-generation tattooist in New Orleans and has spent 18 years refining the perfect bold line. His flash sheets are collector's items.
@ironhand_rex
18 Yrs
-
Dolores "Dee" Marsh
Americana Pinups & Roses
Dee brings feminine power to Americana—her roses bloom with depth and her pinup portraits carry genuine personality. Booked months out but worth every day.
@dee_ironrose
11 Yrs
-
Marcus "Sailor M" Okafor
Nautical & Maritime Traditional
A former merchant marine, Marcus tattooed his crewmates for years before turning pro. His anchors, mermaids, and ships have sailed around the world on willing skin.
@sailor_marcus
9 Yrs
Portfolio & Flash Sheet
All flash available for walk-in sessions. Custom designs by appointment.
Honors & Conventions
Earned, Not Bought
Two decades of conventions, magazine spreads, and judged competitions. We don't chase trophies — but we don't leave them on the table either.
Best Traditional · Star of Texas
Awarded to Rex "Ironhand" Valdez — large color panther, day three.
2nd of Day · Golden State Tattoo Expo
Dee Marsh's rose-and-dagger sleeve, Pasadena Convention Center.
Featured Studio · Inked Magazine
Six-page spread on the Sailor Jerry revival in Southern California.
Best Nautical · San Diego Tattoo Convention
Sailor M's full-back clipper ship, judged out of 84 entries.
Head Judge · West Coast Traditional
Rex invited to chair the traditional category panel three years running.
Top 100 American Traditional · Tattoodo
Shop-wide listing, voted across editor and reader categories.
Protect Your Investment
Leave the wrap on
Keep your bandage or second-skin wrap on for 2–4 hours (or overnight for Saniderm). Your tattoo is an open wound—keep it clean.
Wash gently
Use lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap. No scrubbing. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Moisturize thin
Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion (Lubriderm, Curel) or artist-recommended balm. Twice daily for 2 weeks.
No sun, no soak
Avoid direct sun, swimming pools, hot tubs, and long showers for at least 3 weeks. Sunlight will fade your tattoo fast.
Don't pick, don't scratch
Peeling is normal. Picking disrupts healing and can pull out ink. Let it flake naturally.
Come back in 6 weeks
We offer free touch-ups within 3 months of your session. Once healed, show us the finished piece!
Let's Make Something That Lasts
Fill out the form. We'll confirm within 48 hours. Walk-ins welcome Tue–Sun — call ahead to check availability.
A $100 non-refundable deposit secures your spot and goes toward your final cost. No deposit, no appointment.
You Asked, We Answered
How much does a tattoo cost?
Our shop minimum is $150. Hourly rate is $175/hr. Larger pieces and full-day sessions may be negotiated—ask your artist for a quote.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Yes! Walk-ins are welcome Tuesday through Sunday. Flash tattoos and small pieces are often available same-day. Call ahead to check artist availability.
What is your age policy?
You must be 18+ with valid government-issued photo ID. We do not tattoo minors under any circumstances, even with parental consent.
How do I book an appointment?
Fill out our booking form below or email us. A $100 non-refundable deposit secures your spot and goes toward the final cost.
What if I need to reschedule?
We require 48 hours notice to reschedule without losing your deposit. No-shows forfeit the deposit automatically.
Can I bring my own design?
Absolutely. Bring reference images, sketches, or inspiration. Your artist will adapt and redraw it in their style unless you specifically want a direct copy.
Studio Location
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
