If other studios have ever felt cold or cocky, you’re about to feel the difference at our top-rated tattoo and piercing studio.
Walk-ins also available
5000+ clients
You deserve a tattoo shop that treats you like the golden child you are—guiding you from first spark to healed masterpiece.
For 18 years, Golden Child has done exactly that, pairing thousands of clients with talented artists who honor their story with creativity, care, and sterile technique.
A safe, judgment-free space where every session ends with you feeling stronger, brighter—and a little more legendary.
Brandon “Sixer” Castillo bought a humble, one-room tattoo shop in 2007, hardly bigger than a garage but thrumming with punk-show energy, graffiti dreams, and an outsider’s hunger to belong.
Word spread; the modest storefront soon rebranded as **The Ink Spot** and, by 2014, five resident artists were booking months in advance.
In 2024, the studio expanded to 2,500 sq ft and re-emerged as Golden Child Tattoo & Piercing Studio—a luxe yet family-warm haven where every outcast can find their shine. Today, eight in-house tattoo artists, private piercing suites, and 600 + five-star reviews carry the dream forward.
Golden Child Tattoo was founded by Brandon “Sixer” Castillo, a San Diego native and award-winning artist who began tattooing in 2007. Originally known as The Ink Spot, the shop built a loyal following with its dedication to custom tattoos and high-quality body art. As both the clientele and creative vision evolved, Sixer rebranded the studio as Golden Child — a name that reflects the elevated experience and aspirational energy we bring to every appointment.
Golden Child is more than a tattoo shop — it’s a sanctuary of transformation. Built on Sixer’s belief in artistic empowerment and personal evolution, the studio continues to grow as a beacon of excellence, attracting top-tier artists and loyal customers from across California and beyond.
Send us a sketch, a Pinterest board, or just a feeling you can’t shake. A quick intake form captures your style, budget, and timeline so we can start translating vision into art.
Within 48 hours, our studio manager pairs you with the artist or piercer whose portfolio, technique, and availability fit you best. You’ll hop on a 15-minute consult, see transparent pricing, and lock your date with a simple deposit.
Arrive at a private, pre-sanitised station where your custom stencil or sterilised jewellery is ready. Walk out with an after-care kit in hand, free healing check-ins on the calendar, and art that makes you feel legendary for life.
Meet Our Founder
I’ve been making art since I could hold a Sharpie and tattooing professionally since 2007. Through every needle stroke I help people reclaim their power—because I, too, was the black-sheep kid searching for belonging.
There’s a golden child in all of us; my job is to help yours shine.
18 years licensed under the CA Safe Body Art Act • Blood-borne Pathogen Certified • 2,500 sq ft tattoo and piercing studio owner
From bold blackwork to whisper-thin fine-line, our skilled team of tattoo artists and piercers covers every aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for vibrant color, custom tattoos, or a subtle, minimalist design, our creative pros specialize in bringing visions to life.
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.
🔍 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 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.
