Working Class Tattoos

I absolutely LOVE my tattoo! This was my very first tattoo and may not be my last. You can be sure that when I do decide what my next one will be, I will be coming back! I stumbled across Steven when I was searching Unilocal for tattoos one night since I’ve always wanted a tattoo to honor my Japanese heritage and with the unexpected passing of my beloved dog, I wanted to honor her and have with me always. Upon my consultation, I shared with him what I was looking to do and he shared his thoughts & ideas with me and I felt very comfortable. Steven is such an amazing tattoo artist who has such a great mellow vibe and excellent reviews on Unilocal and as a bonus, he was conveniently located to work and home, I knew he would be the one for the job. Needless to say, he did such a beautiful job with the design & placement, I’ve received many compliments and I just LOVE my tattoo! Mahalo Steven, you’re the best!

Best tattoo experience you’ll ever have. High quality work, great customer service, comfortable digs. He’s my guy. Go see for yourself.

I’ve been seeing Steven for over 4 years now. I definitely can say he is an amazing artist and his work shows. The shop is located 9^th and Waialae in the second floor of the green building. His shop is very clean and comfortable. If you are looking for a great tattoo artist and reliable shop, this is the place to go. He’s reasonable on tattoo prices and does amazing work. I will definitely continue to go to working class and recommend anyone that wants to get a nice tattoo in hawaii.

Steven did a great job with my tattoo… he was super easy to work with in designing it and is also an ace artist :) I love my tattoo and if I ever get back to Hawaii, I’ll definitely be back for more work from him.

Steven is a brilliant artist. Attentive, thoughtful and professional, he was great at guiding me through my first tattoo, what it would look like and where it should go. Highly highly recommended!

Steven is great tattoo artist! I got both my half sleeves done but him and it was a great experience. He takes the time to work with you and come up with the concept of the tattoo that you want. We just toss ideas back and forth with each other which allowed him to truly understand what you want. He let me know what colors works well together and which colors don’t go good together. I have no artistic sense so it was great to have his input. He didn’t make me feel dumb when I asked questions. So not only is he a great artist but he is also a good guy. His shop is super clean and it has a good vibe!
I had tattoos done by other artist but i’m never going back to them. Grateful that I found Steven!

I sought out Steven at the Art & Ink Expo after researching his work. I wanted to do a back tattoo to honor my mom’s Okinawa heritage, including the family’s crest. Talking to him I knew he was the right guy and made the arrangement to meet at his studio. Because he is the only artist, he takes his time and doesn’t rush you like you were at Jiffy Lube.
I showed him a rough sketch of what I wanted and he did the rest. His talents showed in his sketches and I was thrilled at what he had drawn up for me. It’s very casual and he was patient in laying it out on my back.
It took 3 sessions to finish my back and my wife and I love it. I thought his pricing was fair, even cheep at times so I tipped generously as you should for great service. I already have ideas for another tat and you know who will be doing the work.

Im a hollywood tattoo sleaze… Stephan nailed both la guns and motley crue as good as Sunset strip got my stones and clash back 30 years ago. My first tattoo that was not with greg from sunset and stephennailed it. Im in line now. That sucks though. I need one before the year ends FASTER PUSSYCAT~

Got my second piece. Absolutely love the artistry and talent, Steven is amazing, he is professional, kind, and amazingly skilled at his craft. I am in awe of his work.

Many words have been written in reviews to describe Steven Lam, owner of Working Class Tattoos, and his work. A few of them include… friendly… amazing artist… honest… true professional… amazing work… you become his friend… collaboration… artistic opinion… clean lines… gentleman… I would like to add that Steven is a man with a humble spirit. The energy that he exudes is calming and comforting yet filled with humble confidence in his vast knowledge of artistic placement, ability to tattoo as if simply drawing on paper and painting on a canvas, and his amazing talent as an artist to draw what it is you want.
Whether you have a drawing of what you want… or if you just have an idea in your head… Steven Lam is the artist you want for your tattoo. Those who have had other tattoos done will surely be able to appreciate the quality of one’s experience with Steven. Those for whom Steven will be doing their first tattoo… you will have chosen the best person to initiate you into the world of tattoo.
The tattoo Steven did for me does not necessarily showcase the breadth of his artistic talent as I simply had sakura and a frame added to a 16 yr old kanji tattoo… but it does showcase what even his simplest work is artistic genius. I have had comments from friends as to how amazing my tattoo looks. I am not one to really post pictures of myself… or even write reviews… but I felt the need to express my appreciation by doing both.
If you allow Steven to create and/​or do your tattoo, you will undoubtedly be very pleased :) :) :)
Thank you Steven!!!

Steven is the best! He is a true artist. I got two tattoos from him and I love them both. I had a quote on my back and his lines were nice and clean. He also told me his artistic opinion on the placement. I would recommend him to anybody

I took a very long time trying to search for and select a Tattoo Artist and was very fortunate to have chosen the absolute most Best Tattoo Artist ever, Steven Lam owner of Working Class Tattoos. He is amazingly talented and a true professional. Everything he does is so well thought out and he helped me every step of the way with great patience. He was very honest and straight forward and guided me regarding design, size, placement, colors and after care and he answered all of my many questions without ever making me feel uncomfortable. I could not be any more happier with the outcome.
His studio which he built himself is stunningly beautiful, and very unique. The area that his business is in is very convenient, lots of parking all around and none of the congestion as in waikiki or the downtown area. I felt well cared for and am now super spoiled and would not ever want to go anywhere else.
If you want a great experience and want to have some amazing work of art on you, see Steven, you will be so pleased and happy as I am. Thank you Steven. I love my tattoos.

A tattoo at Working Class is unlike any other I’ve ever had. This man, this professional, transcends his craft. You become his friend instantly in a respectable manner. His private shop offers you intimacy, where your voice and idea is highly valued. You’re not an ordinary customer here. You’re more than a guest.
If you’re looking for a unique exceptional experience for your first tattoo or your 20^th. Steven Lam will deliver a service like no other. Words fail to boast his skill. This man will patiently work with you and unite his vision with yours to bring you the most perfect tattoo possible.
If you enjoy nosy settings, and inconsiderate obnoxious banter, this isn’t the place for you. If you’re looking for a place that will value you with Hawaiian Aloha; this home eagerly awaits your next tattoo.
Getting this tattoo before my departure from this island solidified my entire experience here in Hawaii. I hope that you, whomever you are, may consider this place, this professional artist.
They say actions speak louder than words, but here words and action become one.

Steven Lam is an artistic genius! He truly has a gift and is passionate about his craft. I trust him whole heartedly with my tattoos and I know he will create something unique for me every time. Such a great location and amazing vibes coming from his work studio located upstairs in his corner building. Everyone needs to be checking out his art, for reals! Steven is very easy to talk to. His studio is well designed and tastefully decorated with tattoo art he has collected over the years. Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!

Steven is a professional artist who takes much time and pride in his work. He is a caring and considerate individual who helped me feel calm and comfortable through the process. He is also very flexible with scheduling appointments.
This was my first tattoo and he guided me to the direction of simplicity vs. a busy look that would take away from the actual art itself. He allowed my brother to come in and chat/​photograph/​video my quick session (under an hour) and was very welcoming. I had planned to have the art done last October but many things came about and a couple appointments fell through. Thankfully he still kept my art and the ideas that he’d sketched out and 4 months later, created my first tattoo.
I definitely recommend Steven to anyone that has intricate ideas (I saw many detailed sketches of upcoming tattoo jobs in his work area), thoughts but need some guidance (I needed some help with simplicity), and for sure newbies.
Thanks again Steven!

After seven hours and four sittings under the needle, I am finally able to review Steven Lam and Working Class Tattoos. I know that most people are going to love their tattoo artist; they wouldn’t go to them otherwise, but I have nothing but high praise for Steven and his business. I could not have asked for a more enjoyable tattoo experience.
I started working with Steven during the idea phase of tattoo planning, and six months later, it is safe to say that everything went extremely well. He was professional and friendly throughout the entire experience. Each time I went back, I felt like I was visiting an old friend to hang out and catch up about sports, beer, food, current events, or whatever was on our minds. This personal relationship helped convert our ideas and thoughts into the perfect tattoos. The process was made up of a consult, some Email collaborations, some texts, and and some sketches being drawn/​altered. Collaboration was key.
I think the most exciting part of the process was seeing what sketches and drawings were awaiting me when I showed up for a session. The ideas were converted to paper (and then skin) perfectly. Steven took the time to plan everything out with meticulous detail. This is very comforting when getting a tattoo done; it is permanent after all.
Another highlight of this experience was Steven’s shop. It is located in an upstairs unit in Kaimuki which eliminates walk-​ins and passerby gawkers. The privacy was nice as I would prefer a small amount of distractions when under a needle. This lack of foot traffic also seemed to allow Steven to take the time to be with the client that was scheduled and focus on their needs.
Appointments were made a few weeks in advance, as Steven’s calendar was very busy — a good sign for business. Weekend appointments were usually at 1pm or 4pm, but you can be seen a lot sooner if you go on a week day.
Overall, I could not be happier about what Steven and Working Class Tattoos have provided in the form of the perfect tattoo for me. The quality of product and experience made the price seem like a steal. Obviously, I am leaving this adventure with some great tattoos, but I feel like I have the added benefit of great experiences and a new friend.

Steven is awesome!!! He did an amazing cover up on a ugly tattoo I had, now no one can tell the other existed. He has done mostly all my tattoos. He’s professional caring and super talented. He’s the only artist I will go to. And I’m not the only one who says that. Thank you Steven I’ll be seeing you soon.

Steven is a true professional and a true gentleman. I went to see him yesterday to get my very first tattoo and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the whole experience from start to finish. I found his shop on Unilocal and was really excited because I knew him when we both lived in San Francisco but had no idea he was living here in Honolulu. I took it as a sign that it was finally time to get cut. His shop is super classy and very tidy. He was a pro at putting me at ease because I was definitely a little nervous! Steven knew exactly what I was going for and after chatting about the old days for a bit, we got started. It was over before I knew it and the results are absolutely perfect. My husband (who has several tattoos) keeps looking at it and saying «Dude, this guy is a real pro»! I’m already thinking up what I want to get done next. Thank you, Steven, for my beautiful new tattoo and a wonderful new memory!

I was surprised to see that Unilocal does not carry over reviews once a business moves locations. It’s too bad because Steven Lam at Working Class Tattoos is easily one of the most talented artists in tattooing today. I’ve been fortunate to have multiple tattoos done by Steven and have been more than happy with each result. His line work, shading and overall artistic skills are impeccable. He is an artist, first and foremost, and knows how to work with you to conceptualize your ideas onto skin. You know you are getting a good tattoo when the healing process is quick, painless and leaves you with no scarring of the skin resulting in a beautiful tattoo. As for the new shop, it is super clean, comfortable and private so there is never any issues with lurkers or other distractions. You as the client is the main focus. Guarantee you will be leaving with a smile on your face and most likely wanting another tattoo from this talented guy.

I spent months over the last year looking for the right artist for a small tattoo of my son’s name. When I came across Steven’s portfolio and Instagram account, I knew I had found «the one.» I met with Steven back in May and I was taken away with his level of professionalism, shop cleanliness (honestly his shop is so bad ass) and his ability to capture exactly what I envisioned as he sketched away in front of me. Flash forward two months and I finally made the time to have the tattoo done. It’s perfect. Simple, clean and he nailed the placement. Steven is the only artist I’m ever going to recommend on this island.

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t only do good tribal or Japanese style tattoos in Hawaii. So when I found Steven, I was impressed at his attention to detail & his overall style. The first tattoo I got with him was a simple typography on my wrist & me just turning 18, he wasn’t condescending at all, he was very comforting & he’s just an overall chill guy. I got more creative with my second piece & he brought my idea to life. Couldn’t have asked anymore from him! His new location is a beauty & you pay for exactly what you get, QUALITY!

For a few years, I’ve been wanting to get a half-​sleeve tattoo with something to symbolize my three kids. I had a vague idea of what I wanted (ocean themed, with three sea creatures), but didn’t have a clear picture of how to represent them. I’ve checked out many artists work on Oahu, but nothing really stood out… until I came across Steven Lam.
When I saw his previous work, his clean line work is what really set him apart from the rest of the pack. I saw a previous tattoo of his which represented ocean waves, and I knew that’s the style that I had been looking for. I booked an appointment for a consultation, but was still hesitant because I didn’t have a clear picture of what I wanted. Steven sat down with me and asked me a few questions, then laid out a vision of how he wanted to go. Ultimately, we decided on three goldfish with each colored with my children’s’ favorite color.
Working with Steven is awesome! He has an unparalleled attention to detail and is extremely friendly and professional. While you are in his studio, you are his only focus. My complete sleeve took 12 hours total spread over four sessions, and in all that time, there were zero interruptions. No phone calls, no other customers, nothing!
Stevens shop recently moved from Chinatown to his new location on Waialae and he renovated the whole shop on his own. His new place is clean, elegant and quiet. This man is a pure artist and a true master of his craft. If you are looking for an artist who cares about you and has the vision to make your ideal tattoo a reality, do not hesitate to give Steven Lam a call. You wont regret it!

My husband, sister-​in-​law and myself booked appointments with Steven. But this review will be solely based on my experience.
After combing through all the different tattoo places in Honolulu, we decided we definitely wanted to set up an appointment with Steven/​Working Class Tattoos. All his reviews, ( Unilocal: «working class tattoos» too.) were great and consistent.
Working Class Tattoos moved to a new location. Which was cool since the new place seemed like a shorter drive from Waikiki and the building had a dedicated parking lot. The studio was nicely decorated and clean. Pretty cool artwork is displayed on the wall, along with shelves of design books. The big plus: good old school music played throughout our visit.
Onto Steven. He is an overall very chill (and professional) guy to work with.
The day of our appointment, we came a little early to go over fonts and designs. Steven was very patient with our ideas. I wanted to change up what I had originally wanted, and Steven quickly readjusted things for me.
He worked on my husband and sister-in-law’s pieces first. They came out great and exactly what they wanted. My husband got his last name tattooed on his bicep. I noticed that Steven had a really good eye, when he brought up that the design was slightly off due to regular arm movement. He considered the placement really well and took different factors into consideration and gave his opinion before the session started. Other places, the moment you tell them it’s good with you, they would most likely go with it and not care much. Steven was quick and kept his work station extremely clean and organized between sessions.
Now for my piece! I picked a rose and vintage key with a chain for mine. I already had a rose near the area I wanted the two pieces to connect somehow. Steven worked with it and was able to make it all come together. Even when I kept thinking the design was missing things, Steven continued to give his advice and even free handed designs while the sketch was on me. That was awesome! The area I got my tatt on was painful (at least for me). Haha! But Steven had a light hand, worked quickly but very efficiently. He always checked on me too, which was nice. His details are amazing!
Steven Lam is a true artist! I’m so in love with my piece. You can really tell the difference in his work. So glad I went with him. I definitely recommend him for any tattoo needs when you’re in the islands. Will most likely go back when I’m in the area.
Forgot to mention: I appreciated the «by appointment only» policy. You didn’t have random people walking in during your sessions, so there weren’t any interruptions and you knew your piece got full attention.
THANKS STEVEN!!!

When I first decided to get a tattoo last year, I was skeptical about who I would get inked by. I had a paranoia of someone messing up and leaving something on my skin I would regret for the rest of my life. That all changed…
Going to Steven Lam was one of the best decisions I have ever made in terms of getting a tattoo. He was more than helpful and understanding without making me feel under pressure or that any of my ideas were stupid.
Not only is he outgoing and professional, his work speaks for itself and ultimately the term, «you get what you pay for» makes a lot of sense here. You won’t be disappointed and you will have a tattoo on your body that you can be proud of and show off to the world.
Make an appointment if you want a quality tattoo and a new friend! Follow him on instagram @steventattoos !!!
I would type more, but the tattoo he just finished on my arm needs to be cleaned: D
Thank you for reading and make the right choice for your tattoo needs!