Tattoos for the well informed.
Our story starts with you.
Chapter One Tattoo, rated best San Diego tattoo shop, is nationally recognized for extraordinary custom tattoos, and an exceptional customer experience.
Walk-ins welcomed. Open 7 days a week!
4857 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
A Community of Artists
Founded by Cash Scott and his wife Michelle, Chapter One Tattoo is situated in San Diego, CA. As a highly desirable destination for clients globally, the studio is renowned for Scott’s distinct style of black & gray and color realism, portrait work, and Japanese traditional.
Follow on Cash on Instagram: @cashscotttattoo @chapteronetattoo
Born and raised in California, it was easy for Cash to be influenced early on by an array of incredible art. It was within his own home that he found the most support, encouragement, and inspiration.
Born and raised in California, it was easy for Cash to be influenced early on by an array of incredible art. It was within his own home that he found the most support, encouragement, and inspiration. His mother’s own interest and passion for art fueled Cashʼs creative fire at a very young age. Her beautiful […]
Colton was born and raised in the city of San Diego. He always had the desire to create and imagine from a young age. Driven by his artistic desire, he pursued his passions while attending The School of Arts at San Diego State University. He developed his professional career at Chapter One Tattoo through the […]
Anna was born into the last years of the Soviet era in Chisinau, Moldova. She leverages the strength of formal artistic training in her work, which she describes as detailed and crisp in execution, but not limited to any particular style. Anna started tattooing in LA in 2015, but now San Diego has been her […]
Connor Muhs specializes in multiple styles of tattooing, including fineline tattoos, comic illustrations, and color tattoos. He can be found on Instagram: @mooseinks
De Vaudeville (pronounced Dee) specializes in black-work and ornamental tattoos and can be found on Instagram: @ThatTattooGirl
Yvonne Byers specializes in illustrative and botanical style tattoos and can be found on Instagram: @YvonneByers_Tattoo
Tiff Saxey specializes in American Traditional tattoos and can be found on Instagram: @TiffTats
Mila McMurtray specializes in black and grey, horror, and neo-traditional tattoos and can be found on Instagram: @WYHMila
Drake Chiesa specializes in fineline and single needle tattoos and can be found on Instagram: @VVSTattoos
Darigo Bonatto is a multi-talented artist, and he specializes in single needle tattoos, fineline, realism, black and grey, and traditional tattoos. He can be found on Instagram @DarigoBonatto
Tyler Brown specializes in Traditional Japanese tattoos and American Traditional tattoos. Check him out on Instagram @TylerBrownTattoo
Lili Ann specializes in black and grey realism and fineline tattoos. She can be found on Instagram: @_lili.ann_
Recent Google Reviews
Tyler Jeansonne
There are few instances in my life where I have paid for something and walked away feeling like I should have paid more. This is one of those instances. I am at an absolute loss for words when it comes to how pleased I am with the end result of this tattoo.
Sisco
The shop interior is incredibly warm and welcoming. The atmosphere is great and I had the best tattoo experience. Connor is an amazing artist and he took the time to tattoo a beautiful piece of art on my arm. 5 hours of precise and very professional work.
Kerushen
I had an awesome experience at Chapter One Tattoo. Colton delivered an awesome cover-up tattoo and did it with speed and accuracy. The staff are also excellent. The front desk receptionist (CJ) was awesome and super helpful. Thank you so much!
Ray
Skip the learning curve of finding a good artist and go to Chapter One Tattoo in Ocean Beach, CA. During my 12 session vest tatt by Cash Scott, I saw some amazing work by him and his fellow artists. The shop is beautiful, clean, sterile and modern. I can’t express how thankful I am for Cash and his crew for their professionalism, talent and cool vibes. Thanks C1- I’ll be back.
Mac
I worked with Casey on my forearm tattoo: He did a great job of drawing up a unique design and bringing it to life. The shop was immaculately clean and carried a professional environment. I would recommend this shop to everyone.
Dillon
One of the nicest shops I’ve been in. Casey tattooed me and did an awesome job. Everyone seemed easy to work with there.
Braedan
I had Kenny, who custom designed this hand piece, and oh boy did he deliver!! I recently moved to San Diego, and it was overwhelming to find a good tattoo studio. But I spent lots of time researching, and Chapter One Tattoo, and my artist by extension, is definitely the best in town and where you should go!
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to be 18 years old or older to get a tattoo in San Diego. No exceptions. It is against California State Law to tattoo a minor even with parental consent. Not only do you need to be 18 years old, but you need to prove it. Please remember to bring a valid state or federal id.
Once you’ve selected your preferred artist you can make an appointment by stopping in the shop, calling us directly or filling out the contact form with the details of your tattoo along with reference photos and preferred dates.
We have a shop minimum of $200. From there tattoo prices vary depending on artist, detail, size and placement. For a quote please submit a contact form or schedule a consultation (they’re free!).
We offer complimentary touch-ups up to 3 months after your initial tattoo appointment. Hand tattoos and foot tattoos do not apply. If your hand or foot tattoo needs a touch-up there will be a charge.
Each tattoo is treated a little differently and your artist will go through the proper after care directions with you during your session. We recommend 3 products only: antibacterial unscented Dial soap, Aquaphor, and unscented Lubriderm lotion. For the most part – keep it clean and don’t pick at it. No pools, jacuzzi’s, baths or ocean for 2 weeks after you get tattooed. Plan accordingly!
Yes. Every appointment made requires a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit. The amount of the deposit is based on the length of your appointment and the artist.
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