Why Remington Tattoo Parlor Dominates “Best San Diego Tattoo Shops” Lists

When you Google “best San Diego tattoo shops,” it’s no coincidence that Remington Tattoo Parlor — along with Terry Ribera, Jasmine Worth, Chris Cockrill, and Kristjan Olson — consistently shows up. These artists have built reputations not just on stunning work, but on a philosophy of collaboration and craftsmanship that separates them from the rest.

A Local Reputation Built on Artistry and Trust

Remington Tattoo Parlor has earned distinctions like Best of San Diego and maintains a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on Yelp. Hundreds of reviews highlight the same qualities: exceptional artistry, professionalism, and tattoos that “fit” the person, not just the design.

This reputation isn’t hype—it’s the result of consistent dedication to custom tattooing. Unlike shops that rely on templates or pre-drawn designs, the artists here treat every project as a unique collaboration. Their approach turns each tattoo into a personal artwork, designed to evolve with you over time.

Meet the Artists Defining San Diego’s Tattoo Scene

Terry Ribera

As founder and lead artist, Terry Ribera sets the creative standard at Remington Tattoo. His large-scale, composition-driven tattoos—from full sleeves to back pieces—show an understanding of balance, anatomy, and flow. Terry’s clients often describe his process as immersive: every curve, shadow, and transition is intentional.

Jasmine Worth

Jasmine Worth brings a fine art background to her tattooing, drawing on her experience in oil painting and gallery exhibitions. Her work feels deeply personal, often blurring the line between tattoo and fine art. Clients praise her intuitive sense of color, balance, and meaning—she crafts tattoos that feel lived-in from day one.

Chris Cockrill

Chris Cockrill is known for his adaptability and precision. His clean lines and hybrid style range—spanning traditional, illustrative, and black-and-gray—make him one of San Diego’s most versatile tattoo artists. Whether you bring a clear concept or a loose idea, Chris builds around your vision with care and clarity.

Kristjan Olson

Kristjan Olson leans into bold, high-concept projects—dragon sleeves, fantasy-inspired motifs, and complex multi-session pieces. His work embodies ambition and technical depth, earning recognition from both local fans and online tattoo communities. Clients describe his designs as both powerful and deeply considered.

What “Custom Tattoo” Really Means at Remington

In many tattoo shops, “custom” just means picking from a modified flash sheet. At Remington Tattoo, custom tattooing means full collaboration—original art created from scratch and shaped to your body’s unique flow.

Here’s what that process includes:

• Client collaboration: Your input informs every draft and design change.

• Anatomical precision: Tattoos are shaped to enhance your natural movement and symmetry.

• Originality: Every piece is drawn specifically for you—no recycled designs.

• Longevity: Each tattoo is planned for how it will age, not just how it photographs on day one.

This approach reflects the difference between being tattooed and being artistically interpreted.

Smart Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

Before booking with any artist—whether at Remington Tattoo or elsewhere—ask questions that reveal their commitment to true custom work:

• Can I review preliminary sketches before the session?

• How will this design fit my specific body shape or flow?

• Should this be completed over multiple sessions for better detail?

• Are revisions part of your process before final approval?

An artist who welcomes these questions signals professionalism and respect for collaboration. If the answers feel hesitant or vague, that’s a sign to keep looking.

The Takeaway: Quality Is in the Process

If you’re seeking a tattoo that feels personal and timeless, start by studying the artists who’ve earned their reputations through consistency, originality, and communication.

Remington Tattoo Parlor and its artists—Terry Ribera, Jasmine Worth, Chris Cockrill, and Kristjan Olson—embody the standard of what “custom tattooing” should mean in San Diego.

You don’t have to choose them, but you should measure others by their level of care and collaboration. Because being the best tattoo shop in San Diego isn’t about who’s busiest—it’s about who listens, refines, and creates art that feels truly yours.