Great Wave Tattoo
4634 Burnet Rd, Austin, Texas, 78756
“World renowned tattoo shop recognized for creative and energetic tattooing, large and small scale”
Portfolio
Why Choose Great Wave Tattoo?
Great Wave Tattoo has built a 15-year reputation in Austin for careful Japanese irezumi and bold traditional work, backed by a crew of skilled artists who excel at custom design and detailed consultation. Walk-ins are genuinely welcome, and the shop maintains a professional, friendly atmosphere whether you're planning a major piece or stopping by on impulse.
About Great Wave Tattoo
Great Wave Tattoo has earned a real reputation as one of the finest studios in Austin, and once you know the work coming out of this place, it's easy to see why. Founded by Jason Brooks back in 2009, the shop is best known for bold traditional American tattoos and detailed Japanese irezumi, though the crew handles color and illustrative work with just as much care. Big custom pieces, small meaningful ones, they cover the whole range. The artists are what people talk about first.
Bart is the name that comes up for Japanese work, and folks rave about how he pulls references and custom designs a piece from scratch. Christian gets sent a lot of fine line requests and has a knack for turning a rough idea into exactly what someone pictured. Regulars point to James Yocum too, with people driving in from out of state to sit with him. Raleigh, Zach, and Lalo each have their own loyal following, and the team includes talented female artists as well.
Ask anyone who's been inked here and they'll mention how welcoming the place feels, from the artists right down to the shop manager. The studio itself is genuinely beautiful, and their own website notes they follow sterile, licensed practices, something people who get work done here consistently point out. Prices land as fair for the caliber of work. Walk-ins are welcome, and folks say they'll do their best to fit you in.
If you want a serious custom piece in Austin, this is a name worth knowing.
Location
What Customers Say on Google
“Bart went above and beyond. He took detailed photos of my cat, pulled Japanese art references, and custom designed a piece that was exactly what I envisioned for my traditional Japanese monmon tattoo.”
“I had a random impulse to get a tattoo and called a few places with no luck, but Great Wave fit me right in as a walk-in. Everyone here was really awesome and helped me out immediately.”
“I've been going here for over a decade. The atmosphere is fun. The artists are courteous, professional and talented. You get treated with respect whether you are getting large, custom work or walking in off the street.”
Source: Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Wave Tattoo
Great Wave Tattoo, founded in 2009, is best known for bold traditional American tattoos and detailed Japanese irezumi, with Bart Bingham frequently named for custom Japanese pieces pulling from art references. The crew also works confidently in illustrative and color styles, handling everything from large custom back pieces to small meaningful tattoos with the same care.
Yes, Great Wave Tattoo welcomes walk-ins alongside scheduled appointments. Multiple accounts describe being fit in same-day when other Austin shops had no openings, with artists like Raleigh accommodating last-minute walk-ins. Consultations are also available for those wanting custom design work planned out in advance.
The roster includes Bart Bingham, known for Japanese monmon-style work with heavy custom research; James Yocum; Christian, praised for fine line and detailed custom design; Raleigh, who handles large symbolic pieces; Zach Gonzalez; Lalo; and Marcelo. Each artist brings a distinct specialty, giving clients a range of styles to choose from under one roof.
Great Wave Tattoo documents its licensed and sterile practices on its own site, and this reputation is echoed consistently, with the shop described as gorgeous and professionally run. As with any studio, ask to see current licensing on site and confirm sterilization practices for full, per Texas DSHS and studio policy.
Yes, first-timers and out-of-towners are consistently described as being greeted warmly, walked through simple paperwork, and treated with the same respect as clients getting large custom pieces. Artists like Marcelo are noted for helping newcomers dial in size and placement, making the shop approachable for anyone new to tattoos.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +1 512-436-9900
- [email protected]
- Address
- 4634 Burnet Rd, Austin, Texas, 78756
How Great Wave Tattoo Compares
in Austin
More reviews than 81% of tattoo shops in Austin
Walk-ins Welcome — 1 of 66 in Austin
Good Value — 1 of 78 in Austin
Opening Hours
- Monday
- 12-8PM
- Tuesday
- 12-8PM
- Wednesday
- 12-8PM
- Thursday
- 12-8PM
- Friday
- 12-8PM
- Saturday
- 12-8PM
- Sunday
- 12-8PM
Business Details
- Service Options
- Onsite services
- Payment Methods
- Cash-only
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