Black Bear Tattoo

I’d recommend this shop to anyone looking to get a tattoo. Bear is a really nice guy and a well rounded artist. As soon as you meet him he treats you like he’s known you for years. He’s done three tattoos for my wife and one for me. His years of experience shows in his work. We’ll both definitely be returning as soon as we possibly can.

These are my first tattoos and I absolutely love them. The shop is very nice and clean. Bear is such a nice down to earth person. I loved the music playing, it was very relaxing. I definitely recommend his tattoo shop and will be back again. Thank you Bear!!!!!

Bear is a terrific artist!!! Great personality & professional. I highly recommend checking out his shop, the work photos & especially ask around to view his tattoos for other clients.

Bear is an amazing person! Very friendly and such a sweet man. So easy to get along with. Me and my husband and our two friends went together to get our first tattoos and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience!!! and his work is phenomenal all four of us love our tattoos!!

I was in North Carolina for a weeklong camping trip/creative retreat, and decided I’d like to get a tattoo as part of it. So I hopped on Google and searched “tattoo shops near me” and hoped for the best.

I found Black Bear Tattoo, and upon entering the shop I was impressed by the atmosphere. Very clean, very professional, but also with a cool vibe.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to make it work for me as a walk-in that day, but when I began planning my return trip to Elkin the following year, I knew I wanted a tattoo to commemorate the trip and tried to plan ahead.

I tried to do my research on ig, which is my usual go to, so I was surprised to find not much of an online presence.

Instead I summoned my courage to Make A Phone Call, and asked about booking some time. Bear didn’t have any openings the week of my trip, but told me to stop by the shop anyway, since he can typically accommodate walk-ins.

Cut to March of 2022; I show up at the shop and talk to Bear about my idea, he’s got some time to fit me in later that afternoon. Upon my return, we talked a bit more about my idea and he advised against parts of it, and then went to draw up the newly improved idea.

While I waited, several people came into the store to inquire about getting work done; so I was able to observe the way Bear treats his clients, which by the way, is very well. He was eager to speak with them about plans for future work, gave honest feedback if he didn’t think something was a good idea, offered alternatives and suggestions.

When he was done drawing up my stencil, we began the tattoo process. It’s only my second tattoo, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but the experience was great. Super friendly and easy to talk to, obviously highly skilled, just an all—around good guy. And once I met him properly I could sort of see why he’s not an Instagram kind of guy. Likes to keep things old school, in a good way.

Also I love my tattoo.

10/10, will definitely be back next time I’m in town. Maybe this time I’ll even get my act together early enough to schedule some time in advance. Thanks, Bear!

I have a few tattoos, and all of them have meaning for me. My most recent one that bear did was to memorialize the death of my dad. Bear did an amazing job, listening to what my thoughts were and then eventually tattooing it on my arm. He’s a great guy with a giant heart and some amazing stories. Highly recommended! (Bear added the rosary beads to an existing tattoo)

Bear is an awesome guy who does amazing work. I came in with a piece that had been done years ago and was an eyesore. Bear has bright it back to life and it odd ready to have more added, to begin my sleeve. Felt at home and like I’ve known him for years. Would recommend to anyone.

Bear did an outstanding job on my memorial tattoo for my mom. He is professional, talented and extremely personable. I enjoyed getting to know him and cannot thank him enough for his craftsmanship and attention to detail. I’m looking forward to having him complete my next tattoo. Thanks again Bear!

I was a walk-in here. The place was very clean and had a relaxing atmosphere. Bear was super chill and made the process smooth and quick for me and my first tattoo(ever). Talking through the tattooing, which only took about 20 minutes or so, I barely noticed any pain. Bear did an amazing job at redrawing and refining my design, and his lines are flawless. It's been 5 days and my tattoo is already almost totally healed up. I wash the area and apply a tiny bit of Aquafor or Hydrocortisone (for mild itching) 2-3 times a day. The first 3 days I wore loose long sleeves to protect the area from pet dander, dust, bacteria etc. I'm very happy with how everything turned out. I will definitely be going back to Bear for my next tattoo!

If you’re thinking about coming to Bear for a tattoo.. don’t hesitate, just do it!! The sweetest guy and was so funny and easy to talk to and his work speaks for itself. Overall a wonderful service!! The best part for me is that he surprised me when he told me he liked Bad Bunny too.🤣 100/10 experience we can’t wait till next time
-Lucia and Dianna
(we put on our own saniderm)