Pearl in a Sea of Talent ;)
11/16/2008 Posted by 7149291
After reviewing Portland's diverse and deep tattoo art talent, I decided to schedule an appointment with Tanya. I went with a few art elements and clear artistic/thematic goal but no clear vision of how to translate my ideas into art. The examples I'd seen of Tanya's art suggested that she'd be able to understand what I was after and create custom art I'd love. Tanya listened to everything I had to say and discussed some ideas that were wonderfully right-on. We scheduled the tattoo appointment and I left confident that I'd get the tattoo I wanted. I couldn't have been more right. Not only is Tanya a talented artist but she's a thoughtful person who is very serious and professional about what she does. Her studio is bright, friendly, and comfortable. The 2.5 hours (after half an hour of refining the art) flew by and the result is beautiful. reat detail and precision. This is my second tattoo, the first experience was fine but nothing special, nothing I would feel compelled to write a review about. Tanya is wonderful, I can't recommend her highly enough.

I felt like her guest!
11/15/2008 Posted by 5309600
I can truly say this is the best place to get a tattoo. Tanya has all her bases covered as far as doing the job efficiently. Not only that, but I really felt like I was a guest in her home, as she wanted to make me as comfortable as possible, even stopping in the middle of the procedure so that I could go use the restroom. Plus, she has a wide variety of music that she plays, and I found it made the experience more pleasant. When getting a tattoo, the best is never too good, plus she's right in the Pearl if you're looking to get one of your own. I'll definately be going to her for future designs.
Pros: great service on a personal level, nice sterile habits, beautiful artwork
Cons: none

Great Tattoo Artist, Great Studio ;)
11/07/2008 Posted by 7103811
Tanya was absolutely great. This was my third tattoo (first with Tanya), and it was definitely the best. She takes her work very seriously and is exceptionally talented. My tattoo took about 4 hours to complete, and the time just flew by. Most important of all, my new tat looks GREAT. Her studio is very clean and comfortable. I'd highly recommend Above The Pearl to anyone.
Pros: Clean studio, talened artist, good conversation
Cons: None.

Easily the best artist out of the 5 I've used so far ;)
11/01/2008 Posted by 4360326
Tanya did my most recent tattoo, the biggest one I've ever done. 1) She is obviously immensely talented both generally as an artist and as a tattooist. She managed to capture a lot of the detail in my design I was convinced I would have to sacrifice. 2) She's quite professional in her manner as well. She was so methodical and business like that in many ways it was like visiting the dentist. This was a welcome change from the rather cavalier bartender-like or flaky mannerisms I've encountered in the past. It definitely helped put my mind at ease. 3) Her fees are quite reasonable, so there's no problem there. 4) The only hitch occurred at the end, when I agreed to a modification of the design as she was tattooing it. We didn't fully talk it out, and I started to get concerned when I realized she was using way more ink than I would have expected. The change she made was nothing at all like what I envisioned. However, in the end she was right in how it would appear, and I'm glad I trusted her instincts. It really improved the tattoo. I'd definitely listen to her suggestions about potential changes. 5) In totality, I'd give her an A+ and I'll certain try to use her for my next tattoo, once I finally finish it. It's gonna be huge.

Best Tattoo Experience ;)
10/25/2008 Posted by 7041351
You have to go see Tanya... She made my first experience of getting a tattoo very nice... She is friendly and very clean... If you are thinking about getting a tattoo go see her! You won't regret it! No longer a tattoo virgin (Sherice)

Great first time experience ;)
10/20/2008 Posted by 7013841
Tanya is wonderful. Her small, clean, appointment-only studio is comfortable and private. She helps you relax, breathe and be as comfortable as possible. She created a fabulous original design based on the rough I ideas I brought in. She walked me through the whole process. She is very talented, professional and relaxed. She sends you home with great aftercare instructions. I would highly recommend her to anyone whether it's your first time or not.
Pros: Talented artist. Private, clean studio.
Cons: None

LOVE IT!
10/13/2008 Posted by 6978011
I was introduced to the work of Tonya but a friend of mine. I had an existing tattoo (15 years old) and Tonya incorporated my old work with the new work to complete the art that I was looking for. Tonya is very focused, professional and efficient. My tattoo is exactly what I had in my mind and it turned out wonderfully. You can't even tell that my existing piece is 15 years old!! LOVE HER, and HIGHLY recommend!!!

Beautiful work!! ;)
10/10/2008 Posted by 6968131
For my second tattoo I decided to check out Tanya the belly dancing tattoo artist. She works in a cool studio in the Pearl that is bright and airy with lots of funky pictures on the walls. It was clean and comfortable and Tanya was sweet and professional, putting me at ease from the beginning. I brought her my design idea and she made it exactly what I wanted. She made sure everything was perfect and I was always comfortable. She went over everything I needed to know about the healing of my tattoo and even offers a free touch-up within a year! I was so pleased that I made a second appointment to add on it my current tattoo and also to do another tattoo. She is so great that she does tend to get booked up quickly, so make your appointment now and enjoy your tattoo forever!!
Pros: Beautiful work, great atmosphere, lots of instruction, friendly service!! Cons: It takes a little while to get an appointment, but it's worth the wait!!

Incredible personalized art and extremely professional and calming!
10/07/2008 Posted by 6952871
I went to Tanya with an existing piece on my back between my shoulder blades. I loved the style, but the artwork was not perfect. Tanya was more than happy to sit with me to disucss her visions and get to know me better in order to fully understand me, my style, and most importantly, what I wanted out of this tattoo. I originally wanted to rework the existing tattoo, but I ended up expanding it to about three times the size of the original piece. She is extremely professional. She works with a gentle perfection. I look forward to seeing her again for my follow up appointment!

Awsome Tattoo Artist! ;)
09/29/2008 Posted by 6897001
I was very excited to have my existing tattoo touched up and a few details added to it. Tanya's studio was very private and clean which I really liked. My friends were able to sit and read and look at tattoo books while I got my tattoo. Tanya was professional, friendly, paid attention to detail and through in her work, I was impressed with her work and how beautiful my tattoo is now!:) I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to get a tattoo.

Professional and creative!!
08/28/2008 Posted by 7042933
Tanys is professional and relaxed at the same time.It's a small/clean studio with art all over the walls to look at. Her fees are fair and she won't charge you more if she goes over her time quote. She gives you a couple different options to choose from when you see your tattoo drawing. She gives out fun little after care bags and does a six week follow up to make sure everything with the tattoo is great. I would highly recommend Above the Pearl Tattoo! Pros: professional/sterile/creative/free parking

I LOVE my first tattoo... ;)
08/27/2008 Posted by 7034643
Tanya gave me my first tattoo this past weekend, which I absolutely love! I found her on City Search. She had a number of great comments and ratings. Plus her website allowed me to view her portfolio, which simplified the process of locating the perfect artist. Tanya is talented, patient and reassuring. Her shop is a private studio, which is even more inviting. Not to mention she did a phenomenal job with the petite, cursive writing I had done. I would highly recommend her to anyone. Thanks Tanya!

Exceptional Tattoo Experience!
08/23/2008 Posted by 6751041
My boyfriend and I both had tattoos done by Tanya. He had one that needed to be redone, as it was drawn backwards by another artist, and I just wanted another. She had great ideas to redo his tattoo. She saved the day, and it looks amazing. You can not tell what was there before. I had a picture of a tattoo I liked and she redid the drawing so it was original. It was 10 times better than the one I had started with. We are both very satisified with the work done. She is a very talented tattoo artist and the experience was far better than any other place we had been. She was very caring, made sure we were comfortable, very clean and did not rush to get it done like a lot of other places. The experience was exceptional, she takes pride in her work. I would recommend to ANYONE. We noticed a significant difference in the care she takes before and after the actual appointment to make sure the art is great compared to other experiences. The prices are fair and you wont be disappointed.
Pros: Talented Artist, Comfortable Setting, Clean!
Cons: None

Highly Recommended if you want exceptional beautiful work on your skin! ;)
08/13/2008 Posted by 6700071
It was a design I had made on a notebook in High School. Many years later it still had spiritual meaning to me, and Now I was going to get it tattooed on my skin. But I didn't really want what I was able to draw, I needed an artist to put it together...But how do you find the right tattoo artist? Then my friend had a wonderful tattoo done by Tanya at Above the Pear Tattoo. It was really a work of art, and she raved about Tanya. I loved her new tattoo and really liked the idea that Tanya only sees people by appointment in her off the street studio. I went to her website and loved what she said, liked her work better then any I had ever seen. I emailed Tanya and made the appointment, showed up with books and a glass plate that all had parts of what I wanted on my tattoo. The day of my tattoo appointment, I saw the finished design and was thrilled -- Tanya had taken my thoughts, the books and plate and combined it all into a balanced beautiful work of art. In the next few hours, I watched the design take shape. Tanya was very thoughtful, checked in with me often to make sure I was doing alright. The work went very well, and I will wear it with joy and pride for the rest of my life. Tanya is a fine artist, and takes pride in her work, there is no rushing, everything is done in the cleanest safest way. I would Highly Recommend her if you want exceptional beautiful work on your skin!
Pros: Inspired Artist, Excellent Hygene, comfortable studio
Cons: none really

Great art, attentive service.!
08/13/2008 Posted by 6695901
Tonya is amazing! I had known for months what I wanted done, but had a difficult time finding just the right image to bring her as an example. When setting up our consultation appointment, she suggested I gather a collection of the images I liked best to show her. With the images I brought, she was able to draw a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece that would fit the shape of the area perfectly (she took a tracing of the top of my foot to make sure the art would work thereon). She gave two different designs for me to choose from and gave me her very professional opinion of which would work best in this case. Now, I knew a tattoo on the top of my foot would hurt, and BOY DID IT EVER (Feet are apparently one of the top most painful areas)! She didn't sugar-coat it for me either; she admitted it would hurt pretty bad, but she was very attentive, considerate, and compassionate when the pain seemed the most unbearable. She actually CARED about making me as comfortable as possible despite the VERY uncomfortable situation. Tonya was also very informative. In my experience, most places are in such a hurry just to get the tattoo banged out and send you on your merry way - because her tattoos are also statements of her artwork, Tonya makes sure you are well informed BEFORE and AFTER your appointment, to ensure that you're not only happy and prepared, but that you are able to take the best care possible to keep your tattoo looking great for a very long time. Though I am not looking forward to more pain, I am excited to see her again when I return for my touchups. I would DEFINITELY recommend her to anyone interested in getting a new tattoo - one of my friends has already been in for their consultation!
Pros: Private studio setting keeps others from seeing you wincing in pain, beautiful artwork
Cons: Parking on street

A Tattoo is worth a Million Words... ;)
07/12/2008 Posted by 5018736
...and all million of them, in the case of my tattoo, would be exclamations of awe. Not only is Tanya a consummate professional, and the keeper of the hands down cleanest, most comfortable, least intimidating tattoo studio I've ever seen anywhere -- but she's also an astounding, gifted Artist. Artist with a capital A. My latest tattoo was an adaptation of a very, very intricate engraving by Gustav Dore -- and she nailed the fine shading and delicate linework in a way I had no idea was even possible. My expectations are beyond exceeded; the final result was breathtaking. I will most definitely be referring all of my friends and family (and all of the strangers who will be complementing my new tattoo) to Tanya from now on.
Pros: Artistic skill, professionalism, atmosphere
Cons: I can't think of one

Fantastic Tattoo Artist!!!
07/10/2008 Posted by 6518001
I just got back from getting work done from Tanya and she was wonderful. I am very pleased with the work, she is clearly a very talented artist. The studio is great--very professional yet private, and Tanya is very pleasant and informed. I had some freehand work done on my back that was pretty bad and she cleaned it up and made it beautiful. Tanya was also very clean and thorough and even gives you a goodie bag (with a sample of the lotion to use, aftercare tips and vitamin water for that post-tattoo drop in b. sugar). I've been to three artists before her and their work, ambiance and professionalism doesn't even come close to her. I really can't say enough about above the pearl, but believe me, I would recommend Tanya above anyone else in Portland if you're looking to get an amazing tattoo!
Pros: Ambiance, Professionalism, Great Work Professional, personal, and most importantly - a great artist. ;)

Peachy Kean Jelly Bean... ;)
06/04/2008 Posted by 357578
Mmmkay, I just left Tanya about 20 minutes ago...she gave me my second tattoo in as many months. I took my mom there for Mother's Day and she did work on both of us, it was a great experience. I had so much FUN and enjoyed her artwork, friendly face, the atmosphere...well everything...that I couldn't wait to get back in and have another tatt done. I have recommended Tanya to many friends, co-workers and family. I HIGHLY recommend her to you as well. I have had one other tattoo and the place was crawling with creeps and I felt like just another client...Tanya is one and one, very personable...heck, she even gave me a hug when I left! So, what are you waiting for?
Pros: Ambience, Friendly Face, Superb Artwork, Location
Cons: Nope

Tonya is the best!!
04/29/2008 Posted by 6124801
Tonya designed a gorgeous butterfly tattoo to go over an existing tattoo that I had... she created several designs and the one I picked turned out beautifully. She is very professional and does amazing work. I would recommend her to anyone who wants an original piece of art on their body -- she's the best.
Pros: Artistic, creative & professional
Cons: none

Incredible!!! ;)
04/25/2008 Posted by 6105681
I chose Tanya based upon the ratings on City Search, so I feel the need to add my comments also! I worked with Tanya to get an older tattoo "jazzed" up, and her art far surpassed my expectations. I feel as though I have a beautiful piece of artwork on my body, instead of just a tattoo. Tanya was patient, professional, warm and truly interested in what I wanted, not what she felt I needed. Her studio was a comfortable place to be, and her cleanliness beyond reproach. I would recommend OTP to anyone wanting a tattoo, as you will not be disappointed!

Amazing!!
04/12/2008 Posted by 6033441
Seriously, the best tattoo experience I've had. Tanya is super friendly and informative, not to mention very talented and detail-oriented. And her rates are INCREDIBLY reasonable. Her space is great. Soothing and very clean. I would recommend her to anyone.

Professional, personal, and most importantly - a great artist. ;)
04/07/2008 Posted by 397664
Tanya's knowledge of her craft, art, design, and the human form are impressive, to say the least, and would be enough to make me return for all of my work, but add to that the care she puts into every bit of art to have ink that will look good a long time from now seals the deal. The private, appointment only setting really helps to make Above The Pearl a no pressure atmosphere where I felt more comfortable than being worked on in a fishbowl and having my art rushed over a counter top. Most people hope to find one person to be their one artist and I have found mine.
Pros: Everything
Cons: Nothing

A great tattoo, and a great experience!
04/06/2008 Posted by 6000841
Getting a tattoo at Above the Pearl was a great experience. Tanya worked with me to get an awesome design for my tattoo. The prices were reasonable, especially for the quality of work. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a tattoo artist.

Great tattoo experience ;)
03/11/2008 Posted by 5859351
Hi, my name is Rio and I have been a tattoo artist for 45 years and a teacher for 35 years, so I feel I can speak with some authority when I say that Tanya is a talanted and creative tattoo artist. She is highly motivated to put on the best tattoo possible, she is also concerned that she fulfill the vision the client has for his or her tattoo. You will find yourself in very relaxing and pleasent surrondings while your being tattooed. Also, her sterile techniques are immaculate.

Best Tattoo-side Manner Ever!
03/10/2008 Posted by 5853751
"Thanks again for the great experience yesturday. You have the best bed-side manor I have ever experienced with any artist. Being the big wuss I am about getting tattooed/but love getting them at the same time it really made it easier to sit through such a long tattoo. I am excited to get something else started. Thanks a TON !!!!!!!!!!! A great tattoo, and a great experience ;)"

Like Getting a Tattoo in Spa ;)
04/04/2008 Posted by 1697619
Tanya, the artist at Above the Pearl, has created a lovely space here. Before we started on my first piece, she met with me and discussed exactly what I wanted as far as style, placement and finished design. She is courteous, professional and holds herself to the highest safety and design standards. I have gotten some wonderful work done by other artists in Portland and in California. However, I chose Tanya to complete both my right and sleeve because she is so good to work with. She really puts the client's needs first. Absolutely no rock star attitude (but rock star quality work!) My left sleeve is almost complete and I have already booked an appointment to get my left sleeve done with her. If you are looking for a warm, safe, sterile environment to get a tattoo in, I would go to Above the Pearl. While I love more traditional tattoo shops, getting a tattoo at the Above the Pearl is like going to a spa.

Excellent tattoo experience!
03/29/2008 Posted by 5957251
I had an excellent tattoo experiene at Above the Pearl. It was my first tattoo, so I was very nervous, but the sterile and artsy atmosphere was relaxing. The original artwork on the walls acted as a nice distraction from my initial anxiety about getting the tattoo. Tanya, the owner of Above the Pearl, was very professional and receptive to my tattoo design ideas. I could tell that she was invested in making the experience as comfortable and calming for me as possible. I was very impressed with Tanya's accomodating nature and her helpful insight about the tattoo process. I would highly recommend Above the Pearl to those who are thinking about getting a tattoo done!
Pros: Service, atmosphere, cleanliness

Great Tattoo Place ;)
03/29/2008 Posted by 5957181
I went to Above the Pearl for my first tattoo and it was agreat experience. The studio is great with art all over the walls. It is also a very sterile environment, as well as comfortable. I was very nervous, but Tanya was very professional and made me feel confident that my tattoo would turn out great. She has great original art work, but she was very open to us bringing our own designs. I would recommend Above the Pearl for others who are interested in getting a tattoo done, especially first timers.

Excellent first time tattoo experience!
03/29/2008 Posted by 5955731
I want to highly recommend Tanya at Above the Pearl Tattoo. We worked for months on my artwork as I got up the nerve to go through with it. She is very professional and knows a great deal about her art and craft. I love my tattoo. The whole experience was excellent. Tanya is an extremely talented artist and a patient practitioner. She has an excellent location and a very clean shop. My tattoo turned out awesome. My family loves it. You can't go wrong having Tanya do your tattoo.
Pros: excellent practitioner, clean safe environment, great personality, comfortable
Cons: none

Unique, Artistic and Professional! ;)
03/27/2008 Posted by 5942321
I don't even live in Potland and I stumbled across Tanya's website just by chance when searching for some ideas for tattoo designs. I really loved her unique designs and use of color and was in luck because I just happened to be going to Oregon. I immediately e-mailed her and asked if she would work on someone from out of town. She was great - promptly answered me and was very communicative to all the e-mails I sent her. She is not only very artistic - she is very attentive and professional in her work. I highly reccommend her and would even consider going all the way back to Potland if I ever need to touch ups down (it was a great place to visit anyway!)
Pros: Communicative, professional, artistic, unique, good price

Awesome tattoo artist & belly dancer!
03/25/2008 Posted by 5931801
I've had the pleasure of having 2 tattoos from Tanya. She expanded on an existing tattoo i had; with the ideas i shared with her she came up with wonderful drawings for me to choose from and now i LOVE my tattoo and get compliments on it all the time. She really captured what i was looking for. My other tattoo is on my foot and i absolutely LOVE it too! Again i gave her my ideas and she came up with a drawing and now i have something i will enjoy looking at forever :) I also get a lot of compliments on this one... Her shop is clean and comfortable with great art work to look at. Tanya is very pleasant to be around. She has pride and passion in her work and it shows. Eventually when i get another tattoo, there is no doubt in my mind who will be inking me! Tanya you rock girl!
Pros: creative, captures your ideas, works with you
Cons: parking at times can be difficult but oh well that's ptld

Superb Artist in Portland! ;)
03/23/2008 Posted by 5921591
I met Tanya in August of 07 for a tattoo idea and thus far has been my only artist. She is excellent in everything she does whether it be ink, lines, shading, cover-ups (I have seen her work in that field) and also sketching your ideas. Her work space is a very comfortable setting and also a clean one at that! She is very understanding in what you want and will work her best towards the goal in what you are striving for. Her charges are exceptionally reasonable. Definitely choose Tanya the belly-dancing tattoo artist for your next piece, it will be the best decision you've ever made for a life-long commitment on your body.
Pros: Provides beverages and lollipops!
Cons: Hardly any chicks around to show your ink.

This lady...!
03/13/2008 Posted by 5864763
... is fantastic! She is friendly, thorough, and super-creative. Her shop is relaxing and spotless with all kinds of wonderful art placed about. She makes sure her clients have a clear understanding of their undertaking of getting a tattoo and the responsibilities that come with it. She will go the extra mile to make sure you have a creation that you will love, and she works so hard to acheive the best results possible. I'm honored to call her my artist! :)
Pros: Atmosphere, music, art, creativity, cleanliness, friendly attitude.