Shop hours:
12pm-10pm Sun-Thu
12pm-12am (midnight) Fri-Sat

Piercing Hours:
12pm-8pm Tue-THU
12pm-9pm Fri-SAT

Walk-Ins Always Welcome
Shop minimum for tattoos: $100

About Us

Established in 2018 by owner and artist Gordo Smeed, a 25 year veteran of the local tattoo community, Locally Famous Tattoo boasts a huge team of artists, featuring both up and comers in the industry, and long time experts of the trade. Our artists specialize in a wide array of styles, from portraiture, to black and grey realism, American/Japanese traditional, and full color Neotraditional and New Skool. Delivering quality tattoos for the whole family, Locally Famous strives to provide a safe, clean, welcoming environment for all our clients. Come see us today, and let us help bring your tattoo ideas to life. Walk-Ins are always welcome.

Safety Stanards

Our tattoo artists and piercers maintain up to date certifications and licensing for CalOSHA - Bloodborne Pathogens, San Diego DEH - Body Art Practitioner License, which are renewed annually. Client safety is always our top priority at Locally Famous Tattoo.

Our shop utilizes the highest standards for site, equipment, and procedure hygiene, including two-stage system, that includes enzymatic ultrasonic and autoclave sterilization, to ensure our clients and practitioners are always safe and protected. We also undergo an annual health department inspection, to maintain our permit to operate a body art facility.

Aftercare Products

Clients are always given detailed instructions on how to properly care for a new tattoo or piercing when done in our shop. While we do give guidance on acceptable over the counter products that are available at most general retailers, Locally Famous Tattoo offers a product line that covers complete aftercare for both tattoos and piercings.

Ollie the Impaler's antimicrobial lotion soap is a hospital grade, unscented cleanser that is safe and gentle for use on fresh tattoos and piercings. Redemption Organic Tattoo Ointment keeps new tattoos moisturized during the healing process. Priced at only $10 each, these products help make proper aftercare easy and affordable for all our clients.

Tattoo Aftercare Information

Piercing Aftercare Information

Tattoo Artists

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Gordo Smeed (owner)

Tattooing Since: 1996

Mentors: John Lloyd (Orange County)

Influences: Robert Williams, Ralph Bakshi, Leo Zulueta, Corey Miller, Bill Canales, Ron Earhart, Joe Capobianco

From: North County, San Diego

Gordo has an appreciation for all tattoo styles, and does not limit himself to a single specialty or narrow range of artistry. His books are always open for both new and returning clients, and Gordo prides himself being accessible to everyone, so that clients don't have to wait for months just to get work from him. As the shop owner, Gordo's humble approach to tattooing keeps him sharp and fresh for every client project that comes through the door.

Tattoo of the wolf's head crest from the book/tv series Game of Thrones

Tattoo of a coiled snake with an aggressive expression

Tattoo of an abstract starburst pattern on the elbow

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Arne Hansen

Tattooing Since: 2006

Mentors: Gordo Smeed

Influences: Nate Banuelos, Mike Debbie, Nikko Hurtado,

Carlos Rojas, Myke Chambers

From: Whittier, CA

Arne Hansen is a tattoo artist with over fifteen years of experience, who has worked alongside many other talented artists throughout his career, becoming proficient in a wide range of tattoo styles. Arne loves to get down with realism, biomechanical, comic characters, or bold American Traditional pieces, and prefers to take a collaborative approach to tattooing, so that clients are able to give their input with ease. He also keeps a balanced schedule, so that no client is ever shut out, or forced to wait months to book an appointment.

Tattoo in full color of the character Popeye squeezing a can of spinach into his open mouth

Tattoo of the Anarchist symbol, with a Kalashnikov rifle in the crossbar

Tattoo of a barbed wire heart, with custom lettering in the center that reads "Fuck Off"

Tattoo of a full color bat hanging upside down on a spooky tree, against the backdrop of a full blood moon

Tattoo of a military style saber in microrealism

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Mike "Hot Rod" Manley

Tattooing Since: 2017

Mentors: Bob Downie

Influences: Gordo Smeed, Arne Hansen

From: North County, San Diego

Manley specializes in American and Japanese Traditional, Neo Traditional, and many styles of flora and fauna tattoos. As a lifelong enthusiast of classic hot rods and vintage bicycles, Manley brings a wealth of artistic influences and life experiences to his ink work. He has a true flare for embodying the history and culture of SoCal in both his personal style and tattooing.

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Oscar Gudino

Tattooing Since: 2017

Mentors: Self Taught

Influences: Hard Workers

From: North County, San Diego

A native of San Diego, Oscar Gudino credits the industry's hardest working artists, those who dedicate themselves to the professionalism of the craft, as his greatest influence. He appreciates all genres of the trade, with a comfortable mastery of black and grey realism and fine line styles, and is especially drawn to bold and dramatic floral tattoo projects. Oscar prides himself on attention to detail in his tattoo work.

Tattoo of a viper snake in full color, American Traditional style

Tattoo of a red rose, with cursive script above that reads "self love"

Tattoo of flowers and vines in full color, American Traditional style

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Randy Faber

Tattooing Since: 1983

Mentors: Colonel Todd, Paul Rogers, Larry Riggs

Influences: The Pike Era artists

From: Los Angeles, CA

Randy Faber earned his bona fides as an ink slinger while working alongside many of the old school tattooers of the 1980s, from whom he gained a wealth of knowledge and skill rarely surviving in the modern trade. As a published artist, Randy has worked all across the United States, participated in the convention circuit from its heyday to the present, and has even been a shop owner himself. Since 1991, Randy has worked exclusively in the San Diego area, specializing in the bright and bold colors of New Skool and Neo Traditional, as well as traditional black and grey, realism, and fine line styles.

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Haley Rogers

Tattooing Since: 2018

Mentors: Ray Burciaga, Arne Hansen

Influences: Maud Wagner, Jessie Knight, Kate Hellenbrand, Nell Brinkley, Don Bluth, James O'Barr, Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt

From: Los Angeles, CA

Haley Rogers has the good fortune of working alongside some of the best and most talented artists in the local tattoo community. Haley's specialty is bright and bold full-color saturation, across a variety of styles, with an emphasis on cartoon and comic panel art. Clients looking for pieces in pop-culture themes, especially movie and video game subject matter, will appreciate Haley's ability to bring these pieces to life! She also strives to create a safe, welcoming environment for anyone getting tattooed in her chair.

Tattoo of Medusa in full color, Neotraditional style

Tattoo of a blue moth, with a crescent moon and flowers

Tattoo of Stitch from the Disney animated film, in full color

Tattoo of a crescent moon enclosing an bright yellow sunflower

Tattoo of Bart Simpson on a skateboard, from the television series The Simpsons

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Aleksey "Aleks" Ponomarev

Tattooing Since: 2017

Mentors:

Influences:

From: Stalingrad, Russia

Alex Ponomarev owned a tattoo shop in his native Russia, before making the trek to the United States in 2020. Proficient in a wide range of styles, as his portfolio aptly demonstrates, Aleks skillfully traverses the whole landscape of artistic range, from his stunning black and grey realism tattoos, to the bombastic color work of his Neo Traditional pieces.

Tattoo of a hairless sphinx housecat with blue eyes, against a backdrop of flowers

Tattoo of a blossoming lotus in rich, vibrant hues of pink and blue

Tattoo of a roaring lion with fiery eyes, in full color

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Jake "No Luck" Shrock

Tattooing Since: 2015

Mentors: Ricardo Avila

Influences: Anthony Ramirez, Mr. Grouch, Migzone, Big Jasen

From: North County, San Diego

No Luck is a lifelong artist, who grew up in the street art scene drawing and painting on anything he could find, before becoming a graffiti artist, and then ultimately making the transition to tattooing. He absorbed a wealth of knowledge from the other artists and tattooers in the region, which helped him develop his own unique style of black and grey realism.

Tattoo of a Chicano style woman with clown makeup portrait

Tattoo featuring a Chicano style scene showing a woman in clown makeup, blowing bubble gum, holding a pistol, with a Lowrider classic car

Tattoo of a Chicano style "Smile Now" mask

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Matthew "Wimpy" Duffield

Tattooing Since: 2019

Mentors: Yellow, Speedy

Influences: The Italian tattoo scene

From: Inland Empire, CA

Duff grew up in and around the tattoo industry, gaining an early passion for the culture and art of tattoos, that has now become his career path. That career began in Fallbrook, CA, where Duff was fortunate enough to learn from a number of great artists. He has a particular respect for the Italian tattoo scene, and their influence on the American Traditional style. He specializes in American Traditional himself, and is always equally comfortable doing fine line black grey work, as well as a variety of other styles. Duff is intensely family driven - he does it all for them.

Tattoo of a woman's hand making the shape of a finger gun, with the words "fight like a girl"

Tattoo of butterflies and sunflowers in black and grey

Tattoo of a jellyfish with a skull inside it

Tattoo of a grim reaper holding an hourglass, that reads "die slow"

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Johnny "Crash" Farnsworth

Tattooing Since: 2005

Mentors: Terry Newhouse

Influences: Norm, Big Sleeps, Steve Soto, Niz, Steve Butcher

From: North County, San Diego

Johnny Crash grew up enamored with the Chicano art style that originated in Southern California, especially its influence on the tattoo and graffiti art worlds. It was the artistic creations of his big homies adorning walls and skin, that ultimately inspired Johnny Crash to take up tattooing almost 20 years ago. He specializes in Chicano, black and grey, custom lettering, and Neo Traditional styles. Come see him today for some awesome tattoos with an authentic California street style.

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Gus "The Plug" Casillas

Tattooing Since: 2020

Mentors: Sunny Granados

Influences: Big Sleeps, Case One, David Vega

From: Indio, CA

The Plug came up in the tradition of California street art, where his love of graffiti work translated into a foundation in black and grey, and his unique brand of custom lettering tattoos. His portfolio is a testament to the finer details of applying ink to skin, whether it be in larger designs, or microscale applications. The Plug is also still active in graffiti art, and is available for professional art commissions.

Tattoo of a shot glass, with liquor splashing out of the glass, and a skeleton shaped ice cube inside the glass

Tattoo of a Chicano style woman's eye, with clown makeup

Tattoo of a delicate crescent moon and flowers, with dangling chandelier beads and crystals

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Ryan "Skrappy" Patterson

Tattooing Since: 2022

Mentors: Skooby

Influences: Aleckzi Ramos, Big Meas, Mouse Lopez

From: San Diego, CA

Skrappy is an up-and-coming tattoo artist, continuing the family tradition by following in the footsteps of his older brother Skooby, who is well known in the local body art community. His talent definitely exceeds his short time in the business, and Skrappy boasts a particular skill for Chicano black and grey, realism, and lettering styles of tattooing. Its the passion for the creative process, bringing art from concept, to visual reference, and finally to permanent exhibition on the skin, that drives Skrappy's artistic motivation. While he has a friendly and sociable vibe with clients, when tattooing, Skrappy often gets lost in the process, fixating on the artistic details of the creative process.

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Matt Ortiz

Tattooing Since: 2006

Mentors: Self Taught

Influences: The Natural World

From: North County, San Diego

Matt Ortiz is a veteran of the tattoo trade, with over 15 years experience in every aspect of the industry. As the former owner of 3 Aces Tattoo in Escondido, Matt understands the importance of balancing high quality tattoo work, with creating an excellent overall client experience. Matt specializes in bringing his clients' ideas to life in high end, one-of-a-kind tattoos, providing an atmosphere of comfort and luxury. He is a well-rounded artist, adept at tattooing almost any style, although Matt is most known for his work in realism, American Traditional, and black and grey styles.

Tattoo portrait of Kobe Bryant, black and grey realism

Portrait of a lioness with flowers, black and grey realism

Tattoo of praying hands holding a rosary, black and grey realism

Tattoo of a Greek god, surrounded by lightning bolts and olive branches, black and grey realism

Tattoo of a grim reaper, with a scythe atop a red rose, American Traditional style

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Kamryn O'Malley

Tattooing Since: 2021

Mentors: Adrian Idso, Daeinks

Influences: Ed Hardy

From: San Diego, CA

Kamryn O'Malley specializes in the American Traditional style, with its "bold holds" that last a lifetime. As a tattooer, Kamryn strives to produce rad tattoos, and provide a comfortable environment for clients as they go through the whole tattoo process. Whether black and grey, or full color, Kamryn loves bringing artistic concepts to life in tattoos that make for happy client experiences!

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Donovan "Duffs" Kargenian

Tattooing Since: 1996

Mentors: Rukus

Influences: Uncle Allan, Jack Rudy, Norm Will rise, Stanislav Gromov, Felix Seele, Fokis

From: San Diego, CA

With over 20 years of experience in the tattoo industry, Duffs has a full range of styles and skills, covering everything from fine line black and grey, to full color NeoTrad tattoos. He occupies a rare niche in the tattoo market, specializing in gothic, grunge, and custom blackletter tattoos. His style is one of the most unique genres of contemporary tattoos, and makes for truly one-of-a-kind works of art for every client. Duffs is incredibly personable, someone who can get along with anyone, and tends to make a strong connection with all his clients.

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Bob Downie (R.I.P.)

1982-2023

Bob Downie was a tattoo artist for over 20 years, a lifelong native of San Diego, a skilled fisherman, and a beloved friend of Locally Famous Tattoo. His legacy is still felt by the artists and staff who knew him best, and his memory lives on at the shop. We are grateful to have known and worked with Bob, and for the great times we were blessed to spend with him. May he rest in peace.

Piercers

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Piercing Since: 2018

Mentors: Chad "Chato" Gifford, Ricky Ormsby

Influences: Elayne Angel, Fakir Musafar, Jim Ward, Steve Haworth

From: North County, San Diego

Website: www.OllieTheImpaler.com

Trained and mentored by two local legends in the tattoo and piercing industry, who had over 35 years of combined professional experience between them, Ollie the Impaler brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to their piercing practice. With a formal educational background in anthropology and philosophy, Ollie has a deep love and appreciation for the history of body modification, and its various manifestations as both personal, and cultural forms of expression. Prior to their current home at Locally Famous Tattoo in San Marcos, CA, Ollie the Impaler pierced with Fatkid Tattoo, and Grand Legacy Tattoo in Escondido, CA.

Warning: This gallery includes NSFW piercings.

Picture of a double industrial piercing on an ear

Picture of earlobe piercings, and stacked earlobe piercing

Picture of a navel (belly button) piercing

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Mike "Ironhead" Walliser (R.I.P.)

1946-2023

"Ironhead" Mike was a professional body piercer for over 30 years, who loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles, once worked as a professional drummer during the heyday of Rock N' Roll, and was an all around great guy. He was a member of the Locally Famous Tattoo family from day one, bringing smiles to all our faces here at LFT for many years. Mike is dearly missed, and will be remembered fondly by many who loved him.

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locally_famous_tattoo
3,280 Followers
Tattoo & Piercing Shop

💥All Tattoo Styles Welcomed Here💥
Walk-in Availability!
Private Studio Rooms
744 Grand Avenue Suite 101 San Marcos, CA 92078
(760)290-3009

Shop hours: 12pm-10pm Sun-Thu 12pm-12am (midnight) Fri-Sat Piercing Hours: 12pm-8pm Tue-THU 12pm-9pm Fri-SAT Walk-Ins Always Welcome Shop minimum for tattoos: $100

About Us

Tattoo Artists

Gordo Smeed (owner)

Piercers

Follow Us On Instagram

locally_famous_tattoo 3,280 Followers Tattoo & Piercing Shop

💥All Tattoo Styles Welcomed Here💥 Walk-in Availability! Private Studio Rooms 744 Grand Avenue Suite 101 San Marcos, CA 92078 (760)290-3009

Shop hours:
12pm-10pm Sun-Thu
12pm-12am (midnight) Fri-Sat

Piercing Hours:
12pm-8pm Tue-THU
12pm-9pm Fri-SAT

Walk-Ins Always Welcome
Shop minimum for tattoos: $100

locally_famous_tattoo
3,280 Followers
Tattoo & Piercing Shop

💥All Tattoo Styles Welcomed Here💥
Walk-in Availability!
Private Studio Rooms
744 Grand Avenue Suite 101 San Marcos, CA 92078
(760)290-3009