San Diego Tattoo Special ~ $100 Tiny Tattoos Book Yours Now

20+ Year Artist Stephen Carballo ~ Tattoos for Those Who Wander

In San Diego August 22-24, 2025!

Ready to Book Your Tattoo in San Diego?

If you’re ready, let’s do this! Pick your session date, describe what you’re after, pay a small deposit (to be applied to the cost of your tattoo), and I’ll follow up promptly to guide you to a great tattoo experience.

Note that I offer Buy-Now-Pay-Later through AfterPay, Klarna, or Affirm so you can spread out the cost if you would like to.

One More Step to Your Dream Tattoo! 👉🏽

One More Step to Your Dream Tattoo! 👇🏽

Wondering what to expect?

Straight Answers Before You Book

Fine‑line ink should never come with fine‑print confusion. Below are the questions I hear most so you can lock in your date in San Diego with total confidence.

What kinds of tattoos do you offer? Can I bring an idea, pick from flash, or request something custom?

I work exclusively in black‑and‑gray fine‑line and micro‑realism. Sometimes with a touch of red for dynamic contrast. Choose a pre‑drawn flash piece or bring a reference for something custom—either way, we’ll refine it together on the spot so it flows with your placement and feels like it’s always been part of you.

If you're confident I'm the artist for you, grab your appointment here.

If you want to talk through your idea, email me, use the chat form on this page, or shoot me a text. I look forward to exploring your vision together!

How does your design process work? Will I see the design before my appointment?

Most designs are born live and start one of two ways — you either pick something from my deep flash library (fine line and micro-realism), or we sketch something up together based on what you like in my portfolio and/or the inspiration you provide.

I love consulting, so don't feel like you need something for me to look at. No matter what, we’ll dial it in live and keep it clean. We sketch together at the start of your session so your piece feels fresh, personal, and inspired.

If you need a general concept-check first, I’m happy to send a rough outline—just ask when you book.

How does booking work? Do I need a deposit?

You can book online here if you're ready. If you want chat first, there are a few ways to reach me:

~ Shoot me a text

~ Fire off a DM on Instagram


~ Send me an email

I reply within an hour during studio days. 

A $50 deposit locks your spot. The deposit applies to your flat‑rate total. No extra fees, no hourly surprises.

When are you available? How far ahead should I book?

I'm only in Austin August 15-17, so if you're into what I do, grab a spot while they're available!

How long does a session take?

A typical piece takes anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, but I offer time blocks ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. Average needle time is about 20 minutes. You can find guidance on how long to book based on what you're after on my booking page.

Does it hurt to get a tattoo?

It can. Depends on the tattoo style and placement and the artist's experience level. My clients rate the pain around 3/10 and often say it’s gentler than expected thanks to my light hand and single‑needle setup.

Can I walk in or bring a friend?

Since I'm only in San Diego for a few days, spots are limited, so be sure and book your appointment in advance. And yes, feel free to bring a friend if you'd like someone there for moral support! 

Still have questions? Text me at (424) 317-8652.

I’ll get back within an hour or two most days.

Client Reviews

Here's What My Clients Say

Five‑star reviews from LA to San Diego fuel every clean line I pull. See why adventurers, seasoned collectors, and first‑timers alike trust me with their stories.

 Every quote above is a healed piece in the wild.

Ready for a tattoo worthy of a rave review? Let's create it together.

In San Diego Aug. 22-24 ~ Tattoos by Stephen Carballo

Fine Line & Micro-Realism Tattoos for Those Who Wander

‭Text me: (424) 317-8652

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