Charleston's Oldest, Most AwardedTattoo Studio

After experiencing catastrophic loss caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, owners Tim Dennis and Alyx Baranow made the decision to move to the Lowcountry of South Carolina and open Charleston's first legal tattoo studio since the mid-1960s ban.

After finishing his apprenticeship under Jacci Gresham — America's first female tattoo shop owner — Tim began tattooing on Mardi Gras Day 1994 at her shop in the New Orleans French Quarter, Art Accent. There, Tim enjoyed tattooing a diverse range of clientele, including celebrities such as Lil Wayne and Tim McGraw.

After years of tattooing across various U.S. cities, Tim took his acquired knowledge and with Alyx's help they created a gumbo of a shop known as Blu Gorilla right here in the Holy City. Throughout our almost 18 years on the peninsula, we have been voted best shop in the city for 14 years by the Charleston City Paper — as chosen by local Charlestonians. Blu Gorilla has also acquired its own celebrity clientele, including members of Trampled by Turtles, The Chicks, and Saints Super Bowl champion Anthony Hargrove.

We tattoo everything from walk-in mementos — fine-line work, flash designs — to full-scale body suits, because every client's wants and needs are unique and it is our pleasure to accommodate accordingly.

Walk-in consultations and tattoos available daily, or call for an appointment anytime.