Black & Blue Tattoo

Black & Blue Tattoo is a tattoo shop in San Francisco, CA, serving clients with custom and freehand designs, specializing in a diverse range of artistic styles. Founded in 1995, it is a woman-owned, queer- and POC-inclusive studio known for its welcoming, collaborative environment and commitment to clean, consensual practices. The shop has built a reputation as one of the city’s most respected studios, with a 4.90 rating and strong client feedback. It is located at 3290 22nd Street, situated between Boogaloos Restaurant and The Latin American Club, near the intersection of Valencia Street.

The shop was established by Idexa Stern, a pioneering artist who helped redefine the tattoo industry in the 1990s by emphasizing hygiene, ritual, and inclusivity. As the Bay Area’s first queer, women-owned tattoo shop, Black & Blue created a safe space during a time when such environments were rare. Idexa trained with Fakir Musafar, a foundational figure in modern body art, and her influence continues to shape the studio’s ethos. The shop maintains a scent-free policy and welcomes walk-ins, while also offering private appointments with Idexa at her off-site studio, PlantInk, in Occidental, Sonoma County.

Located on 22nd Street, Black & Blue Tattoo sits just a short walk from City College of San Francisco Mission Campus, The Marsh theater, and Luna Rienne Art Gallery Parklet, surrounded by greenery including the notable tree named OneTrees. The area is a vibrant cultural hub, reflecting the neighborhood’s artistic and educational character.

The shop is widely recognized as a leader in San Francisco’s tattoo community, celebrated for its long-standing commitment to diversity, quality artistry, and inclusive practices. Its enduring presence since 1995 underscores its deep roots in the city’s creative landscape.

Black & Blue Tattoo stands as a cornerstone of San Francisco’s tattoo culture, where art, history, and community converge in a space defined by authenticity and respect.