Guru Tattoo

Gabe Castleberry — 5/5 (via Google) May 31, 2025

Where to begin...I had some ex-wife sponsored ink and an old tribal wrist wrap from 20 years ago that needed to be covered. As the old ink was well conceived, but not well executed, I searched for months to find "the guy". I contacted three people who had spectacular black/gray portfolios and only two contacted me back. Hernan Coretta, and a guy from Colorado. The guy from Colorado pinged me while I was on the way to sit with Hernan. I put a lot of trust into Hernan, as the requirement for two coverups was artist discretion. I was born in '76 (year of the dragon) and my only request was a traditional Japanese style dragon to round out the half sleeve I already had of a Samurai, which covered yet another horrible tattoo from my youth on my shoulder. When I arrived, I was impressed with the shop as a whole. It was immaculate and I was instantly comfortable. The staff is intensely methodical about sanitation and sterilization. The pride and seriousness everyone took in their work, from the artists, to the apprentices was immediately apparent and welcoming. The shop is in a super convenient location in Little Italy (State & Laurel), 3 blocks East of Pacific, making it within walking distance from no less than 3 dozen restaurants, bars, coffee houses, and three Hotels. I sat for 10 hours in 2 days. 7 hours the first, and 3 the next. The staff was super friendly and offered to grab me food on day 1 to which I gladly accepted. I'm not sure where they went, but that Reuben was freaking amazing. Hernan is a master of his craft. His 30 years in the Ukiyo-e style is more than apparent and testament to his dedication to the art. His ability to create beautiful works from blank canvas is second to none. The walls of his work space are adorned with his watercolor paintings of dragons and past designs - some measuring 4-6 feet long. Its quite amazing. At the end of the session, Hernan gifted me a personalized signed hardcover book of his 30 years of work, which was unexpected, unreal and beautifully done. I can't say enough about this extraordinary experience so I'm writing this small novel of a review to simply say thank you. I returned home with a sleeve from an titan in the industry and a cocktail table book that will forever be a conversation starter. If you're on the fence. Get down and get booked. This is the spot. All the artists in this studio in either location are the cream of the crop. You won't be disappointed. ***UPDATE*** Just went back to GURU over the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day 2024 to have my other sleeve done. We did a marathon session, sitting for 15 hours in 2 days. This time, I was able to meet Aaron and watched him skillfully add to a clients body suit. If you're in California or small town USA, save yourself the embarrassment of a prison tat that looks like your 5 year old gave you, save your money, and head to GURU.

Riley — 5/5 (via Google) Mar 7, 2026

Lina did an excellent job on both tattoos she did for me over the last week. One design was particularly difficult to conceptualize but she is a total pro and very easy to work with and talk to - I couldn't be happier with how my experience at Guru turned out

Kaia Hartsfield — 5/5 (via Google) Dec 10, 2025

Got my head tattooed by Kris (blackadorn on IG), and could not be happier!! Her linework is 🔥🔥🔥. The whole shop is super cool, too, and everyone is welcoming. Loved all the vibes! Definitely will be back 👌🙌

Lars — 5/5 (via Google) Oct 30, 2025

Highly recommend this shop to anyone new to tattoos or those with a ton of art already. Lauryn was super easy to work with and I'm happy with both of my pieces from her, but you can find someone that matches your style in the shop no matter what

Maurice Fiorani — 5/5 (via Google) May 6, 2025

I had a tattoo on my arm and wanted it converted into a full sleeve. Salome was amazing helping me figure out what I wanted. I have absolutely no artistic ability and let Salome create it and she did an amazing job! I absolutely love my tattoo and get compliments all the time on it. Will go back to her again when I am ready for my next tattoo!