Business Details
50 Years
experience
San Francisco's Iconic Tattoo Studio Since 1976
Established in 1976 by Pat Martynuik, Picture Machine Tattoo has grown from a small San Francisco shop into a legendary institution in the tattoo industry. Our founder's dedication to craftsmanship and relentless work ethic earned him the nickname 'The Picture Machine,' a standard of excellence we uphold today. Over decades, we've maintained a reputation for producing high-quality tattoos in an unpretentious, bustling street shop environment while attracting some of the most influential artists in the field. Our legacy includes mentoring numerous tattooers who later became industry icons, ensuring our impact extends beyond our walls. We offer both traditional and custom tattoo work, catering to collectors seeking timeless designs.With decades of combined experience, our artists approach each piece with respect for the permanence of the craft and a commitment to client satisfaction. Our hours reflect our dedication to accessibility, remaining open late daily to accommodate diverse schedules. We prioritize clean, graphic designs with solid outlines and strategic shading, rooted in American and Japanese traditional techniques. This focus ensures longevity and visual impact while maintaining artistic integrity. Today, we continue operating at our Geary Boulevard location, preserving the no-nonsense ethos that has defined us since 1976.
Services
Custom Tattoos
Cover-Up Work
American Traditional
Japanese Traditional
Portrait Tattoos
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in traditional tattoo artistry since 1976
- Our artists trained under industry pioneers like Pat Martynuik
- We maintain strict quality standards with proven shading techniques
- Our shop nurtured many now-famous tattoo artists
- We offer extended hours for client convenience
Services
Custom Tattoos
We create personalized tattoo designs tailored to individual preferences. Our artists collaborate closely with clients to develop unique pieces that reflect personal stories and aesthetics. The process emphasizes graphic clarity and lasting visual impact through proven techniques.
Cover-Up Work
Our specialists transform existing tattoos into new artwork while maintaining skin integrity. We employ strategic design adjustments and shading techniques to effectively conceal previous work while creating aesthetically pleasing new compositions.
American Traditional
We preserve the heritage of bold-line tattooing with standardized color palettes and time-tested designs. This style emphasizes clear outlines and limited color usage to ensure longevity while maintaining visual recognition across generations.
Japanese Traditional
Our practitioners maintain the conventions of traditional Japanese tattooing while adapting designs to modern body contours. We focus on proper placement and compositional balance while respecting the cultural significance of classic motifs.
Portrait Tattoos
We specialize in translating photographic references into durable skin art. Our approach combines detailed shading with structural outlining to preserve facial features and expressions through the natural aging process of tattoos.
People
Pat Martynuik
Founder
Canadian-born tattoo pioneer who established Picture Machine in 1976. Known as 'The Picture Machine' for his relentless work ethic, he mentored multiple generations of artists before his passing in 1989.
Lyle Tuttle Jr.
Current Owner
Third-generation tattoo professional who acquired the shop in 2005. Trained under Pat Martynuik from age 12, he maintains the shop's traditional standards while overseeing its modern operations.
Jason Storey
Senior Artist
Specializes in combining punk rock aesthetics with classical tattoo techniques. Trained in fine art traditions, he focuses on creating durable designs that balance personal expression with technical precision.
Jen Wong
Lead Artist
San Francisco native dedicated to creating customized tattoo solutions. Expert in both original designs and reworking existing tattoos to meet clients' evolving preferences while maintaining artistic integrity.
Guy Martynuik
Former Owner
Son of founder Pat Martynuik who operated the shop after his father's passing. Maintained the family legacy before transitioning ownership to Lyle Tuttle Jr. in 2005.
Questions
What tattoo styles do you specialize in?
We focus on American and Japanese traditional styles while offering custom designs that maintain graphic clarity for long-term wear.
Can you cover up existing tattoos?
Yes, our artists specialize in transforming previous tattoos through strategic design adjustments and shading techniques.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact us directly during business hours or use our online form to reach specific artists for consultation.
Are walk-ins accepted?
We welcome walk-ins during our extended operating hours while maintaining quality standards for all clients.
What makes your studio unique?
Our decades of tradition, mentorship of industry leaders, and commitment to proven tattooing techniques create lasting results.
Do you offer aftercare services?
We provide detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up consultations to ensure proper healing of your tattoo.
