Tattoos & Piercings of Legend

The Best Tattoo Shop in San Diego (Located in Downtown Escondido)

We’re here to tell your story. Ours is about the tales we tell on skin: the sublime stories our pieces and piercings tell their wearer and witnesses.

Your story

is our story

Client Words

What People Say About Our Work

4.8

Autumn Wenzel

I made an appointment with Birdie to have my 7 year old daughter’s ears pierced after seeing recommendations in the local moms group for Ink Spot. When we first showed up my daughter was a little scared, so we walked outside and talked for a minute. She decided that she was ready and we walked back in. Birdie met us at the counter and talked to my daughter for a few minutes while I filled out the necessary paperwork and we walked right back. The process itself was quick and relatively painless. She shed a few tears after the first ear was done, but Birdie encouraged her to check out her new jewelry and she was ready to get the next side done. Birdie gave her (and myself) cleaning instructions and even showed her how to show off her new earrings to her friends when they ask.Our experience with Birdie was extremely positive! She made my daughter feel comfortable by asking her about friends, school, and her favorite princess. I really appreciated that she talked directly to my daughter because this was her experience and Birdie made sure it was a great one!

Penny Lane

Took my daughter (age 5) to get her ears pierced here, after a recommendation from another parent. Birdie was SO wonderful, she even asked what my kids fave movie was, and proceeded to put the theme song from said movie on the speakers in the Whole Shop! All the artists were singing along, and it made my daughter feel so comfortable and relaxed- she didn’t even blink an eye when the needle went in, either time!! No tears, all smiles, and we’re all so pleased with the results. I want more people (+ parents) to know that this is NOT just your average heavy metal playing, dingy tattoo shop: The Ink Spot is SO MUCH MORE, and they went above and beyond for our family yesterday. There are just not enough good things to say about the shop, and Birdie (who works there) and the whole experience was pleasant and enjoyable. Thank you So Much, Birdie, for making a lifelong memory for my daughter- not just a quick ear piercing, but truly an EXPERIENCE for her, which will stay with her forever.

Response from the owner: Thank you for the great review we appreciate you!

Macy Rae

I usually go to Josh(amazing as well) but he wasn’t there and I really just wanted to get my ears pierced and Birdie was amazing! She helped me pick out exactly what I wanted and she explained the whole process so great and made me feel so comfortable! 100% will recommend her!

Response from the owner: Thank you for your great review. We appreciate you!

Himura4Life

Great shop, friendly people! They hosted a guest tattoo artist Pancho @hawaiian_panch on Instagram, great artist!

Response from the owner: Thank you for your great review. We appreciate you!

Welcome to The Ink Spot, the go-to destination in Escondido (and throughout San Diego) for top-tier tattoos and precision piercings since 2007. Led by the renowned Brandon Castillo, our team is committed to bringing your unique vision to life through masterful ink and expert piercings.

Whether you’re seeking a personalized tattoo or a meticulously placed piercing, we prioritize artistry, quality, and a tailored touch in every masterpiece we create. We’re known for our dedication to our crafts and for our friendly, highly professional staff.

Let The Ink Spot crew turn your body art vision into reality while we share in some good vibes and good times at our world-class shop.

Tattooing Services

It is our goal to provide you with the highest quality tattoo that the industry has to offer. Our shop is home to a team of highly skilled artists carefully selected for talent and professionalism. Everyone brings a unique approach to our team covering the full range of styles and techniques—from intricate portraits and freehand designs to vibrant color bombs, we can do it all. We hit all major styles of tattooing including traditional, neo-traditional, realism, portaiture, new school, fine-line, lettering, and much more.

PIERCING SERVICES

Our piercers, Birdie and Josh, bring decades of experience and a gentle touch to every piercing procedure. We guarantee yours will not only look impeccable but also heal beautifully. From classic earlobe piercings to gorgeous dermals—and virtually any type of body piercing you could ask for—we cater to any placement and style you’re after, always prioritizing your comfort and safety.

We use the highest quality surgical titanium and gold jewelry from brands like BVLA and Buddha and adhere to the highest sanitation standards. Whether it’s your first piercing or an addition to your collection, trust The Ink Spot to make it a positive experience getting an amazing piece of jewelry placed to perfection.

Our Crew

THE FINEST IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Meet Our Founder

Body Design is Our Passion & Mission

I’ve been making art since I was a kid and tattooing since 2007. My medium is the human body. Through my tattoo & piercing shop and my fitness coaching, I’m on a mission to build up peoples’ sense of personal power and agency. The work we do goes deeper than surface.

— Brandon “Sixer” Castillo

Our Crew

Tattoo Artists

Jose A. Rodriguez Jr.

@inbetweenlife

American-traditional and neo-traditional style injected with a touch of illustration and black and grey realism.

Nick Crawford

@costlymistake

Specializing in American-Traditional tattoos, Nick keeps that classic traditional look without veering away from that timeless style.

Brandon Castillo AKA Sixer

@sixer.one

Shop owner Sixer is a versatile artist tattooing in a range of styles, with crisp, clean lines, saturated blacks and colors to create contrast throughout his work.

Estefan Ortiz AKA Rayz

@hunson13abadeer

Specializing in a Neo-Traditional and illustrative style, Rayz's tattoos come filled with either saturated colorful pieces or soft, texturized black and gray ones.

Autumn Sky

@inkbysky

Autumn comes through with a dynamic style; from intricate geometric work to black and grey realism to colorful neo-traditional or straight blackwork, she can handle it all.

Mike Veytia

@Mike.veytia

A seasoned artist with 2+ decades of experience, Mike is a versatile artist with mastery in many styles, from intricate portraits to vibrant color realism.

Johnny Montejo

@sanctifiedentity

As a notable American traditional style artist, Johnny creates bright, bold masterpieces ranging from straight traditional to neo-traditional.

Denise

@denisedoesart

Denise brings a range of styles to our shop, from neotraditional to fine-line/delicate and illustrative work, with mastery working with a wide range of line weights, colors and shading techiques.

Jason Veytia

@v8ia

With 25+ years of experience, Jason has developed his own style, incorporating traditional, neo-traditional, realism, illustration, and more into his work.

James Mares

@tattzbyhamz

James's work represents a classic west coast tattoo style with heavy representation of Chicano influences and themes in black and grey, featuring realism, scripts, and some illustration and traditional elements.

Piercing Artists

Josh Rivera

@poka_piercings

Josh has been piercing with us for over 8 years. With his many years of experience, he can do virtually any piercing and do it fast... yet with the utmost precision to get yours placed perfectly. And his winning personality will put you at ease!

Renae AKA Birdie

@piercingsbybirdie

Everyone feels super comfortable before they get pierced by Birdie. She can pierce just about anything, so if any ladies want to be pierced by another female for any privacy reasons, she’s your girl.

THE SHOP

OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOMES

Welcome to our creative space and home away from home. This is where we make art and enjoy the good company of our clients and fellow artists. Our space is the cleanest you’ll find anywhere in San Diego. And we put a lot of love into cultivating an environment that’s comfortable, welcoming, inspiring, and reflects what we’re into as artists and people.