IslandTAT works only in Polynesian tattooing. Designs are drawn freehand on the body rather than applied as a printed stencil, so the layout follows your own muscle and bone structure. Joshawa Elsas has been tattooing since 1999.
The studio is in Lemon Grove, south-east of downtown San Diego, and is appointment-only. From North County the drive is usually made down I-5 or I-15 — check your own route and traffic when you book, and allow time either side of the appointment.
Because the trip from Carlsbad takes planning, consultations can begin by phone or email before your first visit. Larger work such as sleeves, leg pieces and chest panels runs across several sessions, which can be booked in advance and spaced to suit a North County travel routine.
Before you travel, it is worth reviewing the healed work and the design process, then deciding whether the approach fits your project. The Polynesian tattoo San Diego page below covers scheduling, deposits and studio details.
If you are planning a project from Carlsbad, the Polynesian tattoo San Diego page covers scheduling and studio details, the Polynesian tattoo guide explains motifs and placement, and the portfolio shows recent and healed work. Background on the studio and team is on the about page.
Planning a Visit from Carlsbad
- The studio is at 7912 Lester Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945, and is appointment-only — there are no walk-ins, so confirm dates before arranging travel.
- There is no consultation fee. Consultation and on-body freehand design are part of the tattoo process — there is no separate in-studio design fee. Remote design (for clients tattooed elsewhere) is a separate paid service.
- A non-refundable deposit equal to one hour of your artist's hourly rate is required to hold your appointment, and is applied toward your session total.
- Design happens on the body. Allow time for the consultation and freehand design session as well as the tattoo session itself — for larger work these are usually separate visits.
- Sleeves, chest panels, leg and back compositions are built over multiple sessions. If you are travelling in, ask about session length and spacing when you book so the trips can be planned in advance.
- Before you travel, review healed and recent work and the artists to decide who and what you are booking for.
Visiting the Studio — FAQ
Other Areas We Serve
Nearby areas with their own project notes and travel details: