IslandTAT works only in Polynesian tattooing, and every design is drawn freehand on the body rather than printed as a stencil. Joshawa Elsas has been tattooing since 1999, studying Samoan tatau, Hawaiian kākau, Tongan tatatau, Māori tā moko and Marquesan design as distinct traditions.
If you are comparing studios from Orange County, the useful comparison is not distance but how the design is built and what the healed work looks like. Review the portfolio and the design process, then decide whether the trip is worth making for your project.
The studio is in Lemon Grove, south-east of downtown San Diego, and is appointment-only. Check your own drive time when you book — an earlier appointment leaves more room on either side of the session.
For travelling clients the consultation usually begins by phone or email, with the freehand design session held in studio before tattooing starts. Sleeve, leg and back projects are planned across several sessions booked in advance. The Polynesian tattoo San Diego page below covers scheduling, deposits and studio details.
If you are planning a project from Orange County, 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 Orange County
- 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: