Words From My Clients

  • "I've wanted a sleeve for longer than I can remember, but I always gave into fear. Fear of physical pain (I have a very low pain tolerance). Fear of what others might think (not so much now because I'm in my 40s and give very few fucks). Fear of making a life long commitment involving my body and art. After two divorces and a shit ton of challenges throughout my life, I finally decided to move forward. I'd been talking about it for years with little to no action. Even my kids would ask, "Are you ever going to get that tattoo you keep talking about?" I turned 44 and over my birthday weekend I knew it was time. I gathered various pieces of inspiration I'd been collecting over the years and started dreaming more intentionally about the design. My best friend got some work done and I LOVED it. She referred me to Tess and I never looked back. It's rare to find someone in today's world who genuinely cares about people and exhibits sincere passion in what they do for their career. Tess brings professionalism to a whole new level. She leads with compassion, empathy, humor, collaboration, and creativity. I cannot imagine getting a tattoo from another artist as long as she's in the business and as long as I have remaining skin on my body to tattoo. From beginning to end, she led with curiosity. I felt like she truly wanted to know exactly what I was looking for and then make it happen. Every step, every level of design, and each moment was steeped with intentionality. She recommended the best numbing cream money can buy and it made ALL the difference in the world. She made me feel completely comfortable, even though I was a nervous wreck the first time I met with her. Looking back, I realize I sat for 10+ hours - me... someone who cried when I got the words "LET GO" tattooed on my wrist a decade ago. I didn't flinch or quit. I wasn't even tempted to. I wanted to keep going and I owe so much of that to Tess and her approach. She filled me with so much confidence that my own level of confidence grew throughout the process. Said simply, I felt empowered and finally look like and feel like the badass I know I've always been. The best part is, my 14 year old twin boys think their mom is a badass. They still talk about how impressed they are that their former-wuss-of-a-mom got a half sleeve and saw it through to the end. I showed them a side of me I didn't even know I had. If you're even remotely considering a tattoo artist for your work, look no further than Tess with Bloodstain Bettie Tattoos! I assure you, you will NOT be disappointed. In fact, she will exceed every single expectation you might have for yourself and the process."

    — Lindsey L.

  • “so much love for tess and everything she does! such a creative and genuine soul, i’m so excited to work with her again!"

    — Milo A.

  • “The best tattoo artist I’ve ever had! So patient and helpful when it comes to designs and placement. Her suite is also so nice and clean and she provides snacks and blankets which I really love! Tess has such an amazing ability to make your dream tattoo come to life!"

    — Sonya

  • "Tess always does very excellent, high-quality work. She’s the only tattoo artist I’ve ever gone to and will continue to go back to her whenever I’m ready for my next piece! I highly recommend her to anyone looking for tattoos in the style she specializes in."

    — Adam Howell

  • "She is the best. You pay for the tattoo and get a free therapy session lol."

    — Mohamad

  • "Tess is so talented, detail oriented, professional, and awesome! I came with my own designs this time, but I can’t wait to work on some custom designs with her!"

    — Emily K

  • "Received my 3rd tattoo today from Tess and it is gorgeous. I am happy to have found such a talented and professional artist. Plus scheduling online is easy."

    — Brandy

  • " Accommodating in every way from snacks to breaks, Tess is really an exceptional tattoo artist. Very kind personality and easy to talk to, the hours go by in the chair with ease and she is truly enjoyable to work with."

    — Brandon Torres

  • "It is always such a pleasure working with Tess! She is so meticulous with her designs and her placements, making sure it is absolutely perfect. She makes you so comfortable, it’d like hanging out with a friend! I have been a repeat client ever since the first experience I had with Tess and will continue to be a loyal client of hers!"

    — Taylor Stewart

  • "Not only is Tess an incredible artist with amazing talent- especially with fine line- but she’s also so so kind and genuine. Her studio is such a safe space where you will be heard. My fine line dainty fairy princesses this is the artist for you; trust me!!!"

    — Sonya

  • "Tess came highly recommended to me by a friend because I was looking for a tattoo artist who specialized in fine lines, and I am so happy that she did! Her line work is insanely clean and vivid. Tess valued my input, questions, and comfort. Also making herself available post appointment for questions."

    — Brandy

  • "Tess was absolutely amazing!! She made the entire process comfortable and empowering. She goes above and beyond to make sure you're happy with the design, placement and checks in throughout. She even provides snacks and water!! I've had quite a few tattoos but Tess really gives 5 star service. I can't wait to work with her again!!"

    — Chelsea

  • "Tess is the BEST! She is always so kind, patient, helpful, and creative. A unique and relaxing tattoo experience and I always love going back."

    — Natalie

  • "Loved the experience with Tess. She has a great approach to design and really ensures that you love it. Her work is incredible. Already planning my next tattoo with her!"

    Katie DeLorensi

  • "Absolutely amazing experience for my first tattoo! Walked me through the whole process, explained everything clearly, and made me feel completely comfortable the entire time. Super talented, patient, and friendly. Truly couldn’t have asked for a better first tattoo experience :)"

    — Emilea White

  • "Tess does impeccable work! I’ve gotten two tattoos from her in the last month, and she has such a gentle touch — I barely felt a thing. She makes sure you’re comfortable with everything and involves you in all decisions in every part of the process. I can’t recommend her enough!"

    — Lindsay Disidore

  • "She’s just a joy and love her work! I’m always 💯 satisfied."

    — Ranee

  • " Tess is amazingly talented, warm, and professional. Love getting work done by her. I've gotten 4 tattoos from her and will go back in the future."

    — Genny S

  • "TESS IS INCREDIBLE she is so so thorough with you and cares so much about your tattoo and what you want! My appointment was so fun and felt super personal. Absolutely would book again"

    — Reagan Storck

  • "Absolutely incredible experience! She was extremely professional, kind, and well-prepared from start to finish. Her attention to detail and artistic skill blew me away — I love my tattoo! It turned out even better than I imagined. I would 100% recommend her to anyone looking for amazing work and a wonderful experience!"

    — Stephanie B.

  • "Tess is incredible! The whole experience, from start to finish was so easy. She is an incredible artist and my tattoo is exactly what I’ve been dreaming about for years. I felt like I was just hanging out with a girlfriend while I was getting tattooed. I will be back!"

    — Lori

  • "Tess is super down to earth and a great artist. She makes you feel super comfortable from the moment you walk in then through the design process and placement and has such a gentle touch while tattooing. 10/10 for sure."

    — Juan G Colon

  • "The sweetest and most welcoming gal ever!!! She made sure I loved everything before she started & of course did an amazing job!! I will be back soon!"

    — Kylie Denaro

  • "Tess is truly amazing. She took care of me and eased my anxieties after I told her it’s my first tattoo. I’m happy and lucky that I got my first tattoo from Tess. She captured my puppy perfectly and I’m so happy with my tattoo."

    — Yami

  • " Tess was amazing!!!!!! She made us feel so comfortable. Her studio is so clean and neatly organized. We didn't feel any pressure when adjusting and editing our designs. She took her time and made sure she got what we envisioned. Tess is super friendly and easy to talk to. Love love love our tattoos!!! Thank you so much for taking excellent care of us!!! 💚💚💚"

    — Cessca H.

  • "I love Tess at Bloodstain Bettie! She is an amazing artist. Incredible detail! Tess is kind, funny and patient! Tess has done 4 incredible tattoos and re-invigorated 2 old tattoos for me! Highly recommended!!"

    — Lisa L.

  • "Tess is the absolute best! She is so patient and really put me at ease. She walked me through designing a custom piece and made every requested change until it was perfect. Her studio is so lovely and private, so much nicer than other places I’ve been that have 6 dudes and blasting heavy metal. I’m already planning to go see her again for my next piece!"

    — Kelsey

  • "Tess is an incredibly talented artist and a true professional in her craft. She’s thorough, takes her time to walk you through the entire process, and ensures you’re completely comfortable. I have six tattoos from her and plan to get more. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for quality work and an amazing tattoo experience. She’s my go-to girl! 💛"

    — Ally Slater

  • "Tess was amazing! The whole experience was super chill and easy going. She made me and my SIL feel really comfortable and didn't rush us to know what we wanted to get done. We are both so happy with our end results! Will definitely come back if/when we're ready for another :)"

    — Alicia Musgrove

  • "Tess is so detail oriented and intentional! Her space is cute, comfortable and makes getting a tattoo such a great experience. This was my second time getting tattooed by her and I would recommend 1000x over. Can’t wait for more Bloodstain Bettie pieces! ✨"

    — Iraida

  • " Tess is the tattoo queen! She made me feel comfortable and at ease every step of the way. She truly took the time to understand my vision and brought my dream tattoo to life with incredible skill and attention to detail. Her professionalism and warm personality made the entire experience enjoyable. If you're looking for an artist who will not only meet but exceed your expectations, Tess is the one. I can’t recommend her highly enough!"

    — Tana Howell

  • "Tess is incredible. She was so prompt in responses and did a thorough consultation for my cover up. Booked a set time and then sent me appointment reminders and checked in about any changes I’d like to see from our original chat over the course of a few weeks. Then sent me a final design the day before, as promised. She was a joy to work with and so friendly and easy to talk to. She did a BOMB job on my tattoo and I will definitely be back for more artwork. 10/10"

    — Vanessa Frates

  • "Tess is amazing! So collaborative and attentive. Gave everything I asked for. Thank you!!!"

    — Rebecca

  • " Hands down, the best tattoo experience I've ever had. Tess was so great to work with from the immediate follow up on my design to her cozy & private studio space. She made me feel safe, heard, and ensured she communicated through every single step of the process. She also spent time talking through my entire patchwork vision so we could plan for more appointments. Lastly, she has the LIGHTEST touch when it comes to her fine line work!! I am ecstatic to have found her and can't wait to continue my tattoo vision with her!"

    — Carli Conner

  • "Tess is amazing! She made me feel extremely comfortable throughout the whole appointment. She offered great advice when I sought out her opinion while also making sure that I was pleased with the final product. I love her work and couldn’t recommend her enough!"

    — Alexa Wheeler

  • "Loved my experience with Tess. She was fun to chat with and her work is great! Got some stuff updated on my wrist and she was so gentle! Looking forward to getting more from her and recommended her to friends already!"

    — Katie B

  • "Tess is the best! She truly cares about giving you your dream tattoo and her art is gorgeous. She made me feel so comfortable and I love my new tattoo."

    — Portia

  • "Update (3/5/26): I LOVE my tattoos!!! The lines are crazy clean. Tess is such a talented artist and cares deeply about what her clients want! I was super picky and she was super sweet the whole time. She helped my vision come to life and was amazingly accommodating. I can't recommend her enough! I had a design session with Tess and it was the best experience. I left the session feeling so happy and satisfied! She has the perfect balance of friendliness and professionalism. I felt listened to the whole time when it came to my wants and opinions on design elements. I've worked with artists who weren't thrilled to collaborate on the design, so this design session was such a great option. She had no ounce of defensive-ness and was just super happy to help me create my dream tattoo no matter how picky I was. She didn't pressure me at all, but I was so stoked that I immediately booked an appointment to get the tattoo done. I'll update my review after, but until then, I have nothing but good things to say about Tess and I'm super excited to get my tattoo!"

    — Mimis Jimenez

  • "I have gotten a lot of tattoos, and this was literally the most lovely experience I have ever had. Tess made me feel so comfortable, was an excellent communicator, and did fantastic work. I can’t recommend her enough!"

    — KB Sousa

  • "the most thoughtful tattoo experience i've had. tess is a gem of an artist -- she's extremely thorough with the whole process, making you feel fully assured, confident, excited by the time you come in for the appointment so that the actual appointment is easeful and enjoyable. amazing communication throughout the pre-appointment consult + design session feel like a standard for me moving forward, to make sure i'm getting 100% what i want and not feeling pressured in the moment to make a decision on something i really love how mine came out, after a lot of back and forth and changes to placement so stoked to have found my go-to artist in the city! can't recommend enough"

    — Ali Jangbar

  • " A “Yami” Yamagiwaopen_in_new Local Guide • 45 reviews • 59 photos starstarstarstarstar Mar 27, 2025 $50–100 Tess is amazing! My sister and I found her on Instagram and booked our tattoo session. It’s my first tattoo and when I told her about it, she generously gave me a complimentary video consult to answer all my questions and tweak some design elements. I gave her a photo of my dachshund and she perfectly captured him through her art. On the day of my appointment, she was very friendly and kept me at ease. She gave me all the details I need about aftercare and gave me a goodie bag! She is the best and I’m so happy and lucky that I got my first ever tattoo from her. 🤍"

    — A “Yami” Yamagiwa

  • "Just had my third tattoo with the lovely Tess. She makes getting a tattoo virtually painless. She has a light touch and a knack for putting you at ease to make the time just fly on by. Can't wait for my next one!!!"

    — Kim Pigg

  • "Tess is the best! She has done 7 tattoos for me so far and I plan to go back for more. She is so kind, easy to work with, and easy to talk to. At each appointment, she has helped me with design and placement for as long as I’ve needed her to. I am so happy with the tattoos she’s done for me."

    — Sarah Parker

  • "I loved the whole experience, Tess was super inviting from the jump. I felt very comfortable in conversation and in the process of tattoo placement and sizing for my first tattoo! Overall I loved the design and the flexibility of tweaking a minor detail at the appointment. I highly recommend her ❤️"

    — Alice Villarreal

  • "I seriously cannot recommend Tess enough -- especially if it's your first tattoo! My mom and I got matching tattoos with her over the weekend and Tess was so lovely to work with from start to finish. Before our appointment, she shared our design, and a ton of safety/aftercare information, which was so helpful. On arrival, Tess was so kind and welcoming and immediately put my mom (it was her first tattoo!) at ease. She was patient as we made minor adjustments and helped us place our tattoos perfectly. It was such a great experience, my mom ended up getting a second one on the spot! Thank you Tess for everything!!!!"

    — Lindsay Rudoff Messina

  • "Tess is the tattoo queen! She made me feel comfortable and at ease every step of the way. She truly took the time to understand my vision and brought my dream tattoo to life with incredible skill and attention to detail. Her professionalism and warm personality made the entire experience enjoyable. If you're looking for an artist who will not only meet but exceed your expectations, Tess is the one. I can’t recommend her highly enough!"

    — Tana Starr Howell

  • "Tess has quickly become my favorite tattoo artist! She makes you feel very comfortable whether that is texting or in person. She's super professional and cares about making sure you are getting EXACTLY what you want. She doesn’t rush you or make you feel bad for suggesting a change. She wants to make sure you are happy and leave satisfied with her work. Her skills are amazing! I love the fine line work and the coloring. I am currently working on a second large tattoo with her, and the process is super smooth. From my perspective, she is also fairly priced. She also has a light hand and keeps you distracted. I have not needed my phone at all. Her workspace is cozy, and she even gives you a goodie bag for your aftercare. I have never worked with an artist who cares as much as she does. Highly recommend!"

    — Coral Gutierrez

  • "Hands down the most professional and skilled tattoo artist for fine line work in ATX. If I could give ten stars I would! Tess made us feel so welcome, took her time adjusting our design work until it was perfect and was just so knowledgeable above the whole process. She also has a light touch so no raised red skin after the tattoo. LOVE THIS ARTIST!"

    — AP

  • "I recommend Tess highly for your fine line tattoo needs! Her salon is cute and clean and makes you feel safe and welcomed. She is thorough and thoughtful, and you can tell she puts her heart into every piece. She took the time to make sure my design and placement was just right. She’s very gentle, so a great artist for first timers. She provides aftercare tips and is helpful if you have any questions. Book now!!!"

    — SK

  • "I have gone to Tess for my last 4 or 5 tattoos, and I will rave about her until I’m blue in the face. She cultivates such a safe and welcoming queer environment, and I love how empathetic and supportive she is during each session. Never have I had an artist that takes such care of her clients!!!!! 100000/10"

    — Fern Butoryak

  • "I will never use another tattoo artist again. Tess is incredible at her craft. She is diligent in her art, thoroughly communicates before, during, and after the appointment. She did a custom fine line for me and was meticulous throughout the entire process. She is patient and wants to ensure everything from design and placement is exactly as I wanted it. She offers one free touch up appointment for fine line which is a testament to how much she cares about her work. 10/10. I drive from the DFW to see her and won’t go anywhere else. She’s the best at what she does. On top of it all she is kind and enjoyable to talk with during the appointment. Can’t say enough good things about her."

    — Brooke Allen

  • "Tess was absolutely wonderful! Best tattoo experience I’ve had! I could say so many great things about her. Her studio space is clean and welcoming. She is such a kind person and really made me feel at ease throughout the whole process. She is so intentional and skilled with her art; the entire tattoo experience was just great! I am beyond happy with my beautiful tattoo and will definitely be back to see Tess again!"

    — Taylor Trolinder

  • "I could not recommend Tess enough! She made me feel super comfortable and took the time to make sure the design was perfect. Even the process of tattooing, she would count down and check in to make sure I was okay. She's also very professional and had so much info available prior to the appointment (pre appointment instructions, aftercare, etc.). The tattoos came out amazing and her fine line work is 🔥"

    — Dori Ginsburg

  • "Excited for my upcoming appointment with Tess! She did my friend’s tattoos and they looked amazing. She’s been so easy to communicate with and she wants me to be happy with all my tattoos! I can’t wait"

    Joanna Lu

  • "Super friendly and has put big effort into making her space inclusive and safe for everyone. Amazing with fine line tattoos and does free touch ups! The tattoos i got from her are some of my favorites! shes super talented and i highly recommend."

    — Madi Wallace

  • "I literally cannot give Tess enough praise. I have gotten multiple tattoos from her, including a multi-session cover up, and she goes above and beyond every time! She’s caring and understanding to your needs, ensuring every session is enjoyable and comfortable. Her space is private and very clean, along with being adorably decorated. She’s an amazing artist, great to talk to, and truly the best experience I’ve had while getting tattooed."

    — Brock Vincent

  • "From over the phone to in person at the appointment Tess is nothing but an absolute sweetheart! You can tell she prides herself in her art and making clients feel comfortable. I’ve gotten 4 tattoos from her and am about to get my 5th done! Very talented and has a loyal customer"

    — Kaylee Yee

  • "Tess is a truly one-of-a-kind tattoo artist. She cares so deeply about her clients and will bend over backwards to make sure they are comfortable during their appointment. She is an incredibly talented fine-line tattoo artist and has the lightest hand of any artist I have been to (I have been to 10+ diff tattoo artists). I have been seeing Tess for the past 3-4 years and do not plan on stopping anytime soon. I couldn’t recommend her enough!!"

    — Julia Barkelew

  • "Tess did a beautiful coverup for me & I love it. She was so sweet & fun to talk to. I can’t wait to come back for more"

    — Ashley Franke

  • "Tess is absolutely amazing!! Super responsive & accommodating :) She did matching tattoos for my 2 friends & I, and did individual tweaks for everyone to make each piece even more special. Her studio is cozy & chatted like we knew each other forever"

    — Samantha Tellez

  • "Tess is a super talented artist! She is so great about working with any ideas you might have and tweaking designs and placements as much as you need! She is very accepting of all bodies and happily answers any questions, her studio is very clean and she always makes sure you’re as comfortable as possible. I have multiple pieces from her and will be back 🖤"

    — Leslie Ramirez

  • "I had been thinking about getting my rose for years and have been so grateful every day since I finally stopped in. Truly a work of art. Best tattoo / tattoo experience I’ve had yet. So much appreciation for you. Can’t wait to get back in for more. Also healed no touch up needed yet almost 2 years later. Literally could not be more perfect. Thank you Tess 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻"

    — Sophia L

  • "Tess is one of the most gentle tattooers I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. She made me feel so comfortable with her confidence and expertise. One of my sessions with Tess was for tribute pieces for loved ones passed. I was able to watch her process of creating a piece I had no idea I would love so much. She is a true artist and a genuine human who listens and cares so deeply. Her passion shows with every piece she creates! 100/10 recommend Tess for your next tattoo creation!"

    — Renee Turner

  • "Tessa’s line work is amazing! She was thorough with making sure the placement, color, and details were everything I wanted before starting the piece. She has a great personality too so it made the session feel like hanging out with a friend."

    — Jennifer Le

  • "Tess is incredibly talented, sweet, and professional! I’m obsessed with my tattoo that she designed, it’s my favorite one I have. She has such a light touch & was so fun to talk to."

    — Rachel

  • "Tess has done a few of my tattoos. She is highly skilled and very professional. 10/10 would recommend."

    — Mickey Fitzpatrick

  • "Loved the experience with this tattoo artist, she was very welcoming and ask if I need breaks during my tattoo session. She works very diligently and is making sure that the final product will be something proud to show off."

    — Hayden Nguyen-Moore

  • "Tess is the best and I don’t think i’ll ever go to another artist for my tattoos. I got multiple fine line tattoos on hands and fingers and after one touch up have held up well!!! so kind and accommodating, Tess deserves all the hype and more!"

    — Lakyn Allen

  • "My time at BloodStain Bettie was fantastic! Tess, the skilled tattoo artist, runs a private studio with a warm atmosphere. Beyond her impressive skills, Tess is highly responsive and committed to ensuring clients get the tattoos they desire. With two amazing tattoos already, I can't wait for more. I'm thrilled with the results and wholeheartedly recommend her for a personalized and professional tattoo experience.

    — Nathalie Valiente

  • "Tess tattooed my fingers and wrist in 2022 and I am so greatful she's the artist i chose to do them! I work as a bartender and hairstylist to my hands are always getting roughed up and the tattoos still look amazing! I know over time I will need touch ups and i look forward to every one with her. I will also definietly be getting more in the future. I have about 10 friends now who have gone to her and i know they all love their results too. Tess is such an extremely talented artist who took her time to create the perfect pieces on my fingers. I sent her a butt load of inspo and told her to go crazy. She had so many beautiful ideas and then took over and hour to move and tweak til they where perfect for me. Tess' attention to detail is insane and you won't regret booking with her!!!!!"

    — Melissa Beebe