Black & Blue Tattoo has been part of San Francisco's tattoo culture since 1995, when it opened as the Bay Area's first queer, woman-owned tattoo shop. Founded by Captain Idexa Stern, who trained and taught alongside Fakir Musafar, the studio built its reputation on free-hand and custom tattoo work at a time when most shops relied on pre-made flash sheets. The studio remains woman-owned and is gender- and POC-inclusive, offering a warm, collaborative space where clients work closely with artists to design one-of-a-kind pieces drawn directly on the skin.
The shop's identity is tied to a maritime theme, honoring the seafaring roots of tattooing and the sailor traditions that shaped American traditional style, as well as the owner's own lifelong connection to the coast. Today the crew reflects a range of diverse styles and talents, continuing a culture of curiosity and ongoing learning among its artists. In November 2022, the San Francisco Small Business Commission recognized the studio as a San Francisco Legacy Business, honoring its role in fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment within the city's tattoo industry. Walk-ins are sometimes available, and appointments can be booked directly with individual artists.
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Megan Massacre
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