We’re located at 7661 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA — however, the entrance is not on Girard Ave.

Our studio entrance is through the back alley of the building.

If you’re standing on Girard Ave and see PRFCT, Art + Design, Gambucci, or Phoenix Salon, you’re in the correct building — you’re just on the wrong side. Simply walk around the block to the rear alley entrance.

Once you arrive, contact your artist and they’ll buzz you in.

If you have any trouble finding it, don’t stress — reach out to your artist and they’ll guide you the rest of the way.

The Shining Skull is a professional tattoo studio that always uses sterilized instruments and pigments. Please visit our Tattoo Aftercare page for detailed instructions.

1. Remove bandage after a minimum of three hours.  If bandage sticks to the tattoo, wet the area with lukewarm water and slide the bandage off.
2. Wash the area gently with mild soap and water, using clean hands and making sure to remove all excess ointment, blood and ink.  Pat dry with a clean towel.  DO NOT SCRUB.
3. Apply a VERY THIN LAYER of Bacitracin, A&D ointment or Aquaphor 2-3 times a day for 7 days.
4. After that apply fragrance-free hand lotion until the tattoo settle into the skin (approx. 3 weeks).
5. NO SUN, NO SWIMMING or SOAKING for 2 weeks.
6. NO SCRATCHING OR PICKING YOUR TATTOO.

There is no set tattoo cost.  Prices vary greatly depending on size, detail, and placement; the best way to obtain an estimate is to stop into either location at your convenience.

In the state of CA you must be 18 years old to get tattooed.  There is NO parental consent law for tattoos in California.

We don’t accept walk-ins.

Our artists are typically booked in advance, and we don’t have a public-facing entrance, so please don’t show up without an appointment.

We also believe great tattoos start with a conversation — discussing your idea, placement, and direction with the artist beforehand ensures the best possible result for everyone.

To get started, reach out to the artist you’re interested in or submit a booking request, and we’ll take it from there.

Yes, a $100-$300 deposit is required to book an appointment. The deposit amount is based on the size of the tattoo and amount of sessions the tattoo will take to complete.

To book with a specific artist, please use the contact form and include as much detail as possible about your idea. We’ll make sure your request is routed to the appropriate artist and follow up with next steps.

• Should you need to cancel or reschedule a future appointment we ask for a minimum of 48 hours notice otherwise you forfeit your deposit.
• If you no longer wish to get tattooed, your deposit is 50% refundable.
• If an artist has drawn for your appointment your deposit is non-refundable.