Walk-ins also available
Walk-ins also available
5000+ clients
Golden Child is your destination for high-quality tattoos and precision piercings in the heart of Escondido, proudly serving the greater San Diego area. Whether it’s your first tattoo or a new piercing to add to your collection, we’re here to help craft your legend.
Welcome to our creative space and home away from home. This is where we make art and enjoy the good company of our clients and fellow artists. Our space is the cleanest and the best tattoo shop you’ll find anywhere in San Diego. And we put a lot of love into cultivating an environment that’s comfortable, welcoming, inspiring, and reflects what we’re into as artists and people.
Sanitation First
Hospital-grade hygiene and one-use tools in every procedure
Custom Artistry
No cookie-cutter designs—only collaborative, meaningful work
Top-Rated in San Diego
5-star Google reviews from hundreds of happy clients
Diverse Artists & Styles
Find someone who speaks your aesthetic
Client-Centered Experience
Relaxed, judgment-free zone. You belong here.
Our Founder
I’ve been making art since I was a kid and tattooing since 2007. My medium is the human body. Through my tattoo and piercing shop, and my personal coaching business, I help build up people’s sense of personal power and agency.
I was once the black sheep of my family, embracing graffiti, punk rock, skateboarding, and getting tattooed at 14, while my sibling was the golden child. Through art, fitness training, and inner work I found the gold shining in me. And I believe there’s a golden child in all of us.
This space is dedicated to all the outcasts: everyone, at some time or another, who felt out of place and unappreciated. Let’s help you shine, you beautiful, golden child.
Picture the moment you leave glowing: artwork on skin, gold in your grin. We promise a design journey that feels as legendary as the result.
5000+ clients
Walk-ins also available
We settle for nothing less than offering the highest quality tattoo available in San Diego and beyond. Our shop is home to a team of highly skilled artists carefully picked for talent and professionalism. Everyone brings a unique touch and we cover the full range of styles and techniques—from detailed portraits to intricate lettering to vibrant color bombs. Styles include traditional, neo-traditional, realism, portaiture, new school, fine-line, lettering, and much more.
In addition to the broad range of styles in which we offer fully custom tattoo designs, we also offer the highest quality selection of flash tattoos and the best get what you get tattoos in the San Diego Area.
Our piercers bring decades of experience and a gentle touch to every piercing procedure. We guarantee yours will not only look impeccable but also heal beautifully. From classic earlobe piercings to gorgeous dermals—and virtually any type of body piercing you could ask for we cater to any placement and style you’re after, always prioritizing your comfort and safety.
We use the highest quality surgical titanium and gold jewelry from brands like BVLA and Buddha and adhere to the highest sanitation standards. Whether it’s your first piercing or an addition to your collection, trust Golden Child to make it a positive experience getting an amazing piece of jewelry placed to perfection.
🔍 Click a piece for artist name + portfolio & booking links. Explore the full set here.
5000+ clients
Still have questions for us? Here are a few more details you might be curious about.
Maintaining a clean and safe environment is our top priority. We adhere to strict sterilization protocols, using single-use needles and disposable equipment wherever possible. Our studio is regularly cleaned and sanitized, and all artists and piercers follow rigorous hygiene practices to ensure your safety.
We understand that pricing is an important consideration. At Golden Child, we prioritize quality, safety, and artistry. While other shops may offer lower prices, we believe in delivering exceptional value through our highly skilled artists and piercers, premium materials, and commitment to client satisfaction. We believe we offer the best value of any tattoo and piercing shop in the San Diego area. Stop in and we think you’ll agree!
Yes, we offer free consultations for both tattoos and piercings. These sessions allow us to discuss your ideas, provide professional advice, and plan the best approach to achieve your desired outcome.
Our business hours are:
Please check our website or Google Business Profile for any holiday adjustments.
We look forward to seeing you!
We gladly welcome walk-ins and have a large staff, so we can usually accommodate walk-in clients without much wait. However, we highly recommend calling ahead if you want to ensure we can fit you in, especially for more detailed work. As with any popular shop, weekends tend to be our busiest times, so booking in advance can help guarantee your spot while minimizing wait times.
You can schedule your appointment through our Contact Page, by DMing us on Instagram, or by calling the shop directly. Walk-in consults are available too, but booking ahead ensures dedicated time with the amazing artist.
Absolutely. We follow strict safety standards for every form of body art we offer. That means hospital-grade sterilization, single-use needles, and only the safest tattoo inks and implant-grade body jewelry. Our artists and piercers are trained professionals committed to delivering clean, beautiful work every time.
Yes, we welcome walk-ins for both tattoos and piercings on a first-come, first-served basis. Flash days are also announced regularly — follow us on Instagram for updates.
At Golden Child, we understand the importance of matching you with the right artist to bring your vision to life. Our team comprises diverse artists, each specializing in various styles. And we’ve made it easy to help you find the perfect artist to realize your vision.
Here are the ways to explore our team’s creative talents:
Absolutely. Our artists are experienced in working with all skin tones and are adept at tailoring designs to complement and highlight individual skin characteristics. We take pride in creating tattoos that are vibrant and meaningful for every client.
Tattoo healing times can vary based on the size and location of the tattoo, as well as individual healing rates. Generally, the surface of the skin heals within 2-3 weeks, but complete healing can take up to 6 weeks. Following our aftercare instructions will help promote optimal healing and start that art on it’s journey toward looking beautiful for a lifetime.
Pain perception varies among individuals and depends on the tattoo’s placement and size. While some discomfort is expected, many clients find the experience manageable. We do offer numbing options for certain procedures or as needed; please discuss this with your artist during the consultation to determine the best approach for you.
And if you’d like to ask for numbing solutions during your tattoo, please don’t hesitate to speak up. We want you to have the best tattoo experiences of your life with us. That requires personalized care as well as creative trust. You can count on us to take care of you!
Tattoo pricing in San Diego varies based on the design, size, placement, and the artist’s experience. At Golden Child, small tattoos typically start around $100–$150, while larger custom pieces are quoted individually either by the hour or by the project. We believe in transparent pricing and will always walk you through cost estimates during your consultation.
Yes, we welcome clients to bring their own designs. Our artists will work with you to adapt your design as needed to ensure it translates well into a tattoo and aligns with your vision.
Absolutely. Our artists specialize in creating custom designs tailored to each client’s ideas and preferences. We encourage you to share your concepts during a consultation, and we’ll collaborate to craft a unique piece that reflects your vision.
To prepare for your tattoo appointment, we recommend getting a good night’s sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced meal beforehand. Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications prior to your session. Be sure to wear clothing that you will both be comfortable in and that allows easy access to the tattoo area.
Proper aftercare is crucial for healing. We advise keeping the tattoo clean and moisturized, avoiding direct sunlight, and refraining from submerging the tattoo in water until fully healed. We offer a selection of aftercare products at our shop to support your healing process.
Piercing prices vary depending on the type of piercing and the jewelry you choose.
While you may find cheaper piercings at chain stores in the mall, the difference is in the expertise, precision, and quality you receive at Golden Child. We prioritize safety, comfort, and artistry, ensuring your piercing is placed with precision for the best healing and aesthetic outcome. Our jewelry selection includes some of the best brands in the industry, such as BVLA and Neometal, offering you stunning, high-quality pieces that won’t cause irritation or reactions.
Base prices, listed below, come with a stylish surgical-grade titanium jewelry piece included.
Lobes:
Navel:
Everything else:
If you’re looking for a truly custom, long-lasting, and safe piercing experience, Golden Child is the place to be. Read on to learn more about our dedication to quality, jewelry selection, and expert piercers that make all the difference when choosing where to get pierced.
We offer a full range of ear, facial, and body piercings, using only the highest quality jewelry and the most precise techniques to ensure a safe and beautiful result. Whether you’re looking for a classic helix piercing, a bold septum ring, or a unique curated ear stack, our skilled piercers will guide you through the process.
However, we do not offer certain piercings due to safety and healing concerns. These include:
If it’s not listed above, then we do it!
Not sure which piercing is right for you?
We’re happy to consult with you, offering expert input on which placements and jewelry styles will best complement your unique features and aesthetic. Whether you want a minimal, delicate look or an intricate constellation of piercings, we’ll help you design a style that’s uniquely yours.
Yes! In fact, this is one of our specialties. We have one of the most stylish and diverse curated body jewelry collections in the San Diego area, catering to a wide range of aesthetics and enabling thousands of possible configurations for a truly unique stack. Our expert piercers are glad to consult with you to help create a fully customized jewelry stack, for a 100% original ear style.
And our styling expertise goes beyond ears!
From dermals to facial piercings, we’re known not only for our precise placement techniques but for guiding clients toward the best jewelry choices that accentuate and complement their unique features and personal style.
Whether you’re looking for a minimal, elegant arrangement or a bold, statement-making constellation of multiple piercings, we’ll help you achieve the perfect look.
We prioritize the use of high-quality, hypoallergenic materials for all piercings. Our selection consists exclusively surgical-grade titanium or 14+ gold to ensure safety and minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Plus, our selection of these come in a diverse collection of curated pieces in different styles and with various gem stone options.
Yes, we carry a range of premium jewelry brands, including BVLA and Neometal, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and quality.
Keep in mind that not all shops’ collections are going to be as varied and well-curated, even if they carry the same brands. We work hard to keep our selection expansive, unique, and filled with the latest styles as well as the classics.
Common concerns include pain during the procedure, healing times, and the risk of infection. Our experienced piercers ensure a swift and precise process to minimize discomfort. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and are available to address any questions during the healing process.
Certain piercings, such as nipple piercings and baby ear piercings, may require appointments to ensure proper preparation and care. We recommend contacting us in advance to schedule these services. We want to make sure every single client who’s under our care has a great experience!
While we always keep a 100% professional and welcoming shop atmosphere, we are better able to provide any minors or those with privacy concerns during the daytime before things get busy.
Yes, we do! Tooth gems have become one of our most popular services, and we offer a wide range of stylish options to fit your aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for subtle, elegant accents or bold, eye-catching designs, we have high-quality gems to suit your style.
Our experienced piercers apply tooth gems using a safe, non-invasive bonding process—no drilling or damage to your teeth. If you’re interested in adding a little extra shine to your smile, visit us to explore our selection and get your perfect gem applied by our skilled team.
When you come in for a piercing, our professional piercers will consult with you to understand your preferences and answer any questions. The procedure will be performed in a sterile environment using high-quality materials. Afterward, our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and recommendations for optimal healing.
Yes, getting pierced at a professional tattoo studio is strongly recommended. At Golden Child, our piercers follow strict hygiene protocols, use single-use needles, and only work with safe, high-end jewelry. Unlike mall kiosks, we offer expert placement, sterile technique, and a clean, calming environment that puts your safety first.
At most premier tattoo and piercing studios like Golden Child, piercing prices generally start around $40–$60, depending on the placement. Jewelry is priced separately, and we only use implant-grade titanium or solid gold for your safety and comfort. Our team will guide you through all jewelry options and total costs before the procedure.
Some of the more challenging piercings include industrials, surface piercings, and specific cartilage placements, especially those that depend heavily on your anatomy and have longer healing times. But don’t worry—our experienced piercers will assess your anatomy and talk you through the pros, cons, and best placement options for your body and lifestyle.
At Golden Child, we use only implant-grade body jewelry—specifically titanium and solid 14k gold. We stock trusted brands renowned for safety, comfort, and aesthetic quality. This means no nickel, no mystery metals—just clean, safe, high-end jewelry for all piercings.
Most navel piercings take around 6 to 12 months to fully heal. During that time, we recommend following our aftercare instructions closely and checking in with our team if you have any questions. We also offer downsizing and jewelry upgrades once the piercing is stable.
Cartilage piercings usually involve a bit more pressure than a lobe piercing, but the discomfort is brief and manageable. Most clients say it feels like a quick pinch. Our calm, supportive environment and experienced staff help make the process smooth from start to finish.
We support your healing every step of the way. Your artist or piercer will take you step-by-step through care, and you’ll receive a detailed care guide via email after your appointment, covering:
Take care of your new tattoo or piercing with our step-by-step Aftercare Guide →
We Are Currently:
Open
Our Hours:
Mon
12 pm - 7 pm
Tue
12 pm - 7 pm
Wed
12 pm - 7 pm
Thu
12 pm - 7 pm
Fri
12 pm - 7 pm
Sat
12 pm - 8 pm
Sun
12 pm - 6 pm
Stop In!
We’re at 505 W. Washington Ave in Escondido, CA, 30 minutes from downtown San Diego:
Know who you want to work with? Or have questions for one of the piercing artists before you decide?
While you can call or submit the form here and we’ll get you squared away promptly, you can also connect directly with a piercer.
Below are their details. Note: please text them before calling.
