Rising Tide Tattoo

Awesome tattoo shop! I moved from the east coast last year, and have since been on the look out for a place to go in Boulder.
Although I have 4 tattoos already, I’m always a little bit of a nervous customer. So I very much appreciate a shop that is welcoming and makes me feel comfortable.
I called Friday afternoon to ask if they had any availability that afternoon for something small. They guy on the phone was super helpful and I made an apt for 2:30.
The shop is awesome, and is also an art gallery. It has huge windows and lots of light. Everyone is so friendly and professional. (Tip: they are cash only and do not have an ATM, so come prepared!) They also have a $ 100 minimum. Shops I’ve visited in the past have a $ 50 minimum… But I’m telling you it’s worth it. My ink looks AWESOME and perfectly don’t. Their care is professional and I will definitely be back for my next. Thanks to Stevie for doing an amazing job!

Yesterday I went to Rising Tide to consult about a design I had for a tattoo. I had been to 3 other places in Boulder (horrible customer service at one, very opinionated at another) and finally stopped by Rising Tide. I was able to speak immediately with Phil and ultimately worked with Darren Hall. He listened to me and created EXACTLY what I wanted without having to infuse his own opinions and ego into the mix.
They even played the music I requested!
The studio is clean, open and cheerful and they support local artists by regularly having art openings and displaying art on the walls.
I highly recommend! Love my new tattoo!

Fransisco is new artist at rising tide and I want to let you know he is awesome! I live in st louis and was traveling to Colorado looked up rising tide to get a tattoo based on their reputation they turned me on to Fransisco their new artist who took the time to call and consult with me about my design before I got to boulder her made some adjustments and recommendations we finalized the design and he delivered… quality guy quality shop I highly recommend to check them both out for you next tat
Cheers!

Got my first real artful tattoo done by Francisco about a week ago and let me just say «WOW!» He worked with me to come up with a design that blew me away then color and shading that just made the piece a serious work of art. I got a huge forearm piece and I have gotten dozens upon dozens of compliments. Francisco has a solid art background and I felt super comfortable giving me free range with everything and I honestly couldn’t be happier. This is the first piece to a full sleeve and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for it. If you are able to I would recommend him to anyone.

Last Friday, my two best friends and I all went to get small tattoos at Rising Tide. Our appointment was with Danny, who was clearly knowledgeable and skilled at what he does. We are all beyond pleased with his work, and love our tattoos. However, I knew I had to write this review for another very important reason. While my friend was being tattooed, my sister (who had accompanied us to our appointment) unexpectedly had a seizure. Obviously, this was very scary for us. Danny sprang into action once he knew what was going on and held her head, all the while assuring us she would be okay. He sat there with us, still holding her head, until the paramedics came, and generally kept us calm. He also called us the next day to make sure everyone was okay (my sister is doing just fine now). We all appreciate Danny’s kindness so much, as well as his skills as an artist. We will definitely be back to Rising Tide for any future ink!

Much respect to Danny! He’s a true scholar and master of his craft. He is both friendly and talented. I would recommend Danny wholeheartedly! I couldn’t be more happy with my new ink. The shop is incredible place and is run really well by Phil. If your going to get a tattoo don’t go anywhere else but Rising Tide. Thanks again Danny!

I was recently at your shop and was tattooed by Adrian. Wanted to extend my thanks to him. It was my first tattoo and I certainly came with some nervous energy and reservations. Immediately upon meeting with him, I was quite comfortable. Not only was he very professional, but also extremely collaborative. We went back and forth on a few designs and ultimately ended up executing an outside design. His work was tremendous and I am overly pleased with the results. As for the shop itself, I was thoroughly impressed. I shopped around a bit, but immediately identified with the vibe, aesthetics and overall energy of Rising Tide. And felt comfortable from the time I made the consultation appointment with the front desk to when I walked out of the shop weeks later with my tattoo. Needless to say, I would highly recommend both Adrian and Rising Tide. I can’t that you enough for making my first experience exceptional.

I originally went in hoping to get work done by Phil because he has beautiful work, but he was booked for a long time so I decided to get my tattoo done by Danny instead because he could fit me in sooner. He did a wonderful job and I love my piece, it was based off of a drawing I did and he modified it just so. He has a few pictures of his work on the shop’s facebook page and a small seemingly outdated portfolio of work in the shop, but I feel they don’t do him justice, if you see the drawings he has within his work space at the shop they are beautiful, he is very talented!
Overall the shop is very clean and everyone was very friendly, I recommend it for sure and would definitely go back!

Being somewhat new to the tattoo world (before going into Rising Tide my gf who was still in tattoo school at the time did my first one). I was a bit apprehensive. I knew I wanted my first version covered up, being that I couldn’t stand to look at it. Phil Bartell was recommended to me, and I called to make an appt. To my disappointment Phil was booked out quite a few months in advance. Not wanting to wait until then to get my old tattoo covered. I took the receptionists advice and made an appointment with Danny (One of the walk in artists). Since I would not be going with the artist I requested, I was even more apprehensive. However I am very glad I took the risk, not only did Danny do exquisite work, but answered all of my questions. He was patient when I freaked out about the shading being too dark, reassuring me it would fade once healed. He was professional when making my requested changes and making suggestions. Now that my new tattoo is nearly healed I am very pleased with how it turned out (and yes the shading is fading in the way that I wanted it to). It is obvious that Darren and Phil are great artists being that they are often booked up, but don’t discount the walk in artists. I’m so glad I didn’t! The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars (I really wanted to give 4.5 stars) was don’t expect to start right away or on time. In fact plan to spend the day. Idk maybe that’s expected like I said I’m new to the tattoo world

I’ve been wanting a certain tattoo in while, but I have been having a had time trying to schedule an appointment with my usual artist. Yesterday, impulsive and wanting my tattoo, I dialed up Rising Tide. The phone was answered immediately by a sweet and enthusiastic woman, and she got me scheduled in a few hours later.
I arrived and was greeted immediately and told I would be taken care of. I was referred to the artist Adrien (male) ;)) who came out promptly to speak with me about the tattoo I wanted. The wait wasn’t long and I loved the tattoo he drew up the very first time he did it. The whole experience was awesome. Adrien was kind and friendly and more than willing to alter the tattoo to how I wanted it. I would definitely see him again if I wanted to get another tattoo done. Awesome place.

Phil is the best! Just finished my first session, and can’t believe how much I love the work. It’s been 4 days and my skin is almost back to normal (enhanced by Phil’s brilliance!) I would definitely recommend Rising Tide to everyone. I will post photos when the work is done.

Had a friend recommend this shop but warned me I might wait a while because they typically have a busy and full schedule. Went in to just get the idea on paper and get on the schedule. Ended up seeing Darren Hall and he drew up the idea and had the time for the quick 1 hour job. He did a great job and he has some great ideas for a few other projects I am working on. I would recommend this shop, they are professional, clean and are have great artists. I will be back to see Darren soon.

Love this place! Getting tattooed in a warm, inviting environment is just the best! Can’t wait to get back in there:) Yay Rising Tide!

I could not be happier! I am so happy I found Darren. I was comfortable and felt that Darren understood what I wanted. I have a huge piece and every detail looks perfect. I am very picky when it comes to tattoo artists after some bad experiences so I definitely did my homework before hand. Everyone who works there was nice and the music kicked ass! Love the layout of the shop and the attention to detail was impressive. Price was reasonable considering you are getting top notch work. I recommend Darren and Rising Tide in general to anyone. Can’t wait to get another tattoo here!

Agreed!
Phil is by far the best Tattooist in Boulder. not to mention he’s a great guy, Loves his art, and helps create a warm atmosphere.
Cheers guys!

Hands down, Phil is my favorite tattooer. 5 of my 7 tattoos are his design.