Inception Tattoos
12244 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, Texas, 78217
“High quality custom Tattoos and great personal service”

Portfolio
Why Choose Inception Tattoos?
Inception Tattoos is a custom-focused studio where the artists, particularly Matthew Diaz, Stephanie, and Drake, consistently deliver realism and illustrative work that clients travel considerable distances to receive. The family and woman-owned shop, operating since 2009, combines skilled artistry with genuine hospitality and careful attention to detail, from initial consultation through aftercare guidance.
About Inception Tattoos
Inception Tattoos has earned a spot among the most respected studios in San Antonio, and once you talk to the people who get inked here, it's easy to understand why. This is a custom shop through and through, family-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned, working since 2009. They focus on one-of-a-kind designs rather than flash off the wall, and their artists are known for color, illustrative, and realism work. Ask anyone who's sat in a chair here and they'll tell you the pieces come out looking like something built just for them. Matthew, also known as Matt Diaz, comes up again and again in conversation.
Folks drive in from as far as Seguin and Schertz just to keep working with him, and one regular put it simply: they refuse to go to anyone else. People appreciate how he checks in during the session, makes sure the placement is right before he starts, and will happily fix or adjust anything until it's what you wanted. His larger work draws praise too, including full black-out sleeves. Stephanie and Drake have their share of loyal fans as well, with Stephanie's leg pieces and Drake's dragon work both getting good word around town. The shop does more than tattoos.
Roxanne, one of the owners, handles piercings and is known for taking her time with placement and making first-timers feel at ease, whether it's a birthday ear piercing for a kid or a navel piercing for a walk-in. Henry Havoc gets a lot of love on the piercing side too, especially for walking groups through the process one at a time and going over aftercare in detail without ever making anyone feel rushed. A few things come up in nearly every conversation about this place: how clean it is, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and fair pricing. Their own website notes they follow state-licensed, sterile practices, and that reputation for a tidy, professional studio holds up with the locals. It's the kind of studio where people feel comfortable enough to bring their whole family in, and where first-timers leave already planning their next piece.
Inception works by appointment, so it's best to reach out and set something up. If you're after custom work from an award-winning crew in San Antonio, this is a name worth knowing.
Location
What Customers Say on Google
“Matthew is an amazing tattoo artist and does a wonderful job taking care of tattooing my skin, especially doing a whole right arm black out sleeve. He brings good vibes and good atmosphere to the shop.”
“Roxanne, the owner, was up front and able to answer questions and make me feel at home. This is the kind of customer service that brings people to keep coming back.”
“The shop is very clean and professional with a relaxed atmosphere. They thoroughly explain the healing process and how to go about it.”
Source: Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About Inception Tattoos
Inception Tattoos is a custom shop built around one-of-a-kind designs rather than flash. Family-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned since 2009, the studio's reputation centers on realism, illustrative work, and color tattoos. Matt Diaz is frequently named for detailed custom pieces including full sleeve work, and the shop also draws repeat clients for piercings alongside tattoo services.
Inception Tattoos operates by appointment, though some visitors report being accommodated as walk-ins depending on the day and artist availability. For custom realism, illustrative, or color work, booking ahead with a specific artist like Matt Diaz or Stephanie is the more reliable route given the demand for their design work.
Inception documents its licensed and sterile practices on its own site, and repeat visitors describe the shop as clean and professional, with piercers like Henry Havoc and Ian noting equipment cleaned between each client. As with any studio, ask to see current licensing and sterilization setup in person, per Texas DSHS and the studio's own posted policy.
Matt Diaz comes up most often, credited with custom realism and full sleeve black-out work along with a loyal client base that drives in from outside San Antonio just to see him. Stephanie and Drake are also named for custom pieces like cobra and dragon designs, while Roxanne, Henry Havoc, and Ian handle piercing services.
Yes, alongside custom tattoo work, Inception offers piercing services handled by staff including owner Roxanne, Henry Havoc, and Ian. Visitors mention ear piercings for kids, navel piercings, and septum piercings, with piercers noted for walking clients through placement and aftercare in a clean, family-friendly setting.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +1 210-653-9118
- Address
- 12244 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, Texas, 78217
How Inception Tattoos Compares
in San Antonio
More reviews than 70% of tattoo shops in San Antonio
Opening Hours
- Monday
- 12-4PM
- Tuesday
- 12-9PM
- Wednesday
- 12-9PM
- Thursday
- 12-9PM
- Friday
- 12-9PM
- Saturday
- 12-9PM
- Sunday
- 12-4PM
Business Details
- Service Options
- Onsite services
- Payment Methods
- Credit cards, Debit cards












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