welcome
Welcome to The Thirteenth Floor Tattoo & Art Studio.
We focus on custom, unique tattoos with clean execution and a calm, professional experience. Every session includes design review, precise sizing, sterile setup, and aftercare guidance.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!!
artists
If you would like to join our team and be part of the thirteenth floor,
please submit resume and portfolio to:
tanchez
Founder/Artist:
Tanchez is a 37 year old father. Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Tanchez came to the United States with his mother at the age of 1 year old.
Growing up Tanchez was the oldest of his siblings and was always creative and drawing. As the years passed, his skills grew and enhanced. Eventually his skills led him to the art of tattooing.
Tattoo Styles: 12+ years tattooing
Black and Gray, Sleeves, Large pieces, cover ups, color tattoos. lettering, geometric, freehand tattoos, fine line, elegant, bold clean lines, and many more styles.
the process
From setup and sterilization, to design and application, even a small tattoo takes time.
Here’s what you can expect:
You’ll reach out with your tattoo idea, reference pictures, body location, and approximate size.(in inches). Reference pictures are essential; just saying “A rose tattoo” isn’t enough. There are countless ways to draw one. Sharing your vision helps ensure accuracy in style, angle, and detail.
initial contact
CLIENT TO ARTIST
Based on your idea, body placement, and size, the artist will recommend the right session length and also give prices at this time: Our shop is session based. What this means is the artist has an idea on how long your tattoo will take based on their experience and will tell you which session to book. Minimum: 1 hr or less Short Day: 2–3 hrs Half Day: 4–6 hrs Full Day: 8–10 hrs Flash Tattoo: 1 hr (simple, pre-designed) You can view availability and book directly through our online system.
booking
session
ARTIST TO CLIENT
day of
tattoo
ARTIST & CLIENT
[ FIRST STEP ] Consultation and Design Your appointment begins with a short consultation to confirm or adjust your idea in case you had any last minute changes or additions to your tattoo. Together, we’ll review: PLACEMENT: Tattoos follow the body’s natural flow, so the artist will guide you for the best look. DESIGN: The artist creates or customizes your tattoo. This may take minutes or hours depending on complexity. APPROVAL: You’ll review the final design, and we’ll print multiple sizes to test which fits best. [ SECOND STEP ] Setup and Sterilization Before tattooing, the artist prepares a sterile environment: Setting up new, single-use needles and supplies. Disinfecting all surfaces and equipment. Cleaning and shaving the tattoo area to remove oils, dirt, and hair. [ THIRD STEP ] Stencil Application A stencil transfer gel is applied to your skin. The design is placed, transferred, and allowed to dry for at least 15 minutes. Once fully set, the stencil is ready for tattooing. [ FOURTH STEP ] Tattooing With everything sanitized and prepared, the artist begins tattooing — carefully turning your idea into a permanent piece of art.
reviews
what our clients are saying
Tanchez (the owner) is a very talented and skilled artist and is very knowledgeable. He completely transformed two previous tattoos I had done somewhere else into a beautiful cohesive piece. I am so happy with my new tattoo.
- erica
“ First time getting help with an old tattoo plus adding a design. Love the result and will be coming back for more! "
- anette
" I loved the vibe of the place as soon as I walked in. My artist was very helpful and answered all my questions. another think I greatly appreciated was that he was honest and told me the idea I had originally might not look good. I’d rather have honestly than a tattoo I will hate in the future. He was very talkative which helped distract me from how scared I was. Overall this was probably my best tattoo experience so far and I will def be back for my future tattoos!! "
- kyleigh
Most important tattoo of my life and bro really came through for me I am forever grateful.
- jordan
Couldn’t be happier with the work. Submitted an idea and they made it so much better than I could’ve imagined. 10/10 recommend this shop to anyone looking for work. Good people and some damn good work
- thomas
My wife and I had a great experience with Tanchez. The studio is great and he did a tremendous job helping us design. Will be back!
- jesse
Absolutely loved this shop and my artist. He was extremely understanding to what I wanted and ensured I was happy with work before he started. I believe the price was beyond fair for the careful consideration he took to make the experience enjoyable and to make my tattoo look great. Definitely plan on coming back for my next piece when I have a chance.
- kris
If I could rate it 10 stars I would! 🌟
I’ve been to this shop multiple times and each visit had me counting down the days until the next! 😂 Tanchez and ink up locos both have such light touches, yet impeccable line work. They take the time to make sure perfect placement and that you’re comfortable before each piece. Ink up locos also makes the cutest engraved boxes too!!! Funniest and sweetest people around, and coolest looking shop in the DMV! Can’t say enough about how awesome everyone at this shop truly is!!!
- kaylm
I heard great things about thirteenth floor so decided to go for my fifth and most meaningful tattoo yet. Tanchez, the owner, consulted with me prior to making a final decision on specifics. I went in saying I want my grandma’s name, Josephine, in a script font. He showed me how using her handwriting was actually going to be more meaningful and look classier. He took his time to answer all of my questions too!
- michelle
“ This was my first tattoo experience and Tanchez did an exceptional job. I really appreciated his attention to detail sketching and applying my tattoo the application took about 2 hours for a sword from LOTR). He explained the process thoroughly and his studio itself was a very clean and comfortable space. 10/10 recommend and will be back for more :) ”
- priya
" Great experience, love my tattoo!!"
- debbie
“Hands down the best shop I have been to! Tanchez work is amazing, I gave him my idea and he made it 100 times better than I could have asked for. I will be going back to him for future projects! The shop is super clue and a great vibe! Everyone was super kind and nice.”
- zach
I just got done getting my first ever tattoo, and Tanchez is legit. Not only is his shop clean and comfortable, and not only is he a great guy who makes you feel welcome, but it’s clear that he’s a true artist who puts a ton of pride into his work. I only ever planned on getting one tattoo, but based on the experience and how great it looks, I’m already thinking about getting more (with Tanchez). Highly recommend!
- aj
Not only is Tanchez great at his work and professional, he is also such a nice guy. I chose him for my largest and most meaningful tattoo because of his line work and ability to do flowers, but I was also pleasantly surprised at his ability to make you comfortable and feel at ease when sitting for a long time. Part of the reason I have waited so long to start a sleeve is my social anxiety, and this was just not a thing with him. Five stars for his work and ability to put your mind at ease!
- natalie
They were fantastic both my wife, brother and myself got some amazing beautiful work done. Guy is great and very accomadating.
- marshal
Tanchez is hella cool and incredibly kind. He's got a light touch and I felt nothing but welcome and comfortable the entire time. It was my first time at the shop but it honestly felt like I was just chilling with a friend. And the vibes of the shop are IMMACULATE. 10/10 recommend. I'll be getting tattood here again and again and again.
- shelby
I’ve been wanting a tattoo for a while now, but haven’t pulled the trigger. I last minute decided to go with my friend to The Thirteenth Floor Tattoo & Art Studio. She had been communicating with the owner, Tanchez about her tattoo. He let me tag along the same day to get a tattoo. He was calm, kind, and supportive I went back and fourth about what I font I wanted and where to get the tattoo. He made me feel at ease during the whole process. The shop is super unique and clean. I would definitely recommend and can’t wait to go back for my next tattoo!
- victoria
Tanchez did a great job and paid excellent attention to detail on the piece he did for me. It was easy to get an appointment and I had a good time chatting it up with him. I'd highly rec him to anyone looking for affordable and high quality work in the area.
- steven
" Laid back environment, the staff makes you feel at home, they do great work. Definitely where I'd get my next tattoo as well. "
- jonathan
" For the best artist and a cool shop, get your tattoo at the 13th floor tattoo shop in downtown Alexandria. No other place compares. I’ve had my sleeve in my head since 911 but never thought anybody could do it until I found the 13th floor by far the best experience I’ve ever had with a tattoo. I will never use another shop ever again. "
- shane
I love it here! Always excellent work and they value their clients. Definitely my go to for tattoo work.
- rane
Great place with a cool vibe. Had a very small piece I wanted done. Quick communication over text to swap ideas, and when I arrived at the shop Clarissa was friendly and fast to process the paperwork. Tanchez mocked up a few designs and sizes, and I completed the piece same day in the time estimate he provided. Highly recommend
- stephen
We had a great experience! Helpful scheduling and design consultation. The follow-up after was appreciated! And cool shop!
- hillary
Totally excellent experience: courteous, respectful and accommodating service; amazingly talented and skilled artist, who worked with me to create and provide exactly the design I wanted.
Plus, the shop is dope!!!! Great vibe, immaculate, and very upscale, yet old school ink-den feel.
Without doubt, THE ink-parlor in Old Town, bar none!
- dr. g
Got a dope hip piece done here and couldn't be happier with the way it turned out! Staff was very caring and helpful throughout the whole process. Definitely coming back to get more pieces!!!
- maryam
I recently had a tattoo done for my birthday that I've been thinking about for the last year. I am completely happy with the results and the professional guidance given by the Artist. The shop itself is really clean and he takes the time to understand your vision and give custom suggestions for best placement and continuation for future work. I will be back.
- e
october
tattoo 🎃 sales
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OCTOBER EGGS:
Find the haunted tattoo egg in Old Town Alexandria and unlock 13% OFF your next tattoo. Beware—the spirits may be lurking...
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24% OFF SESSIONS:
Save 24% OFF full-day and half-day tattoo sessions this October. Don’t let this spooky deal slip into the shadows!
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XXXTRA $300 OFF
Book two back-to-back full days and get an extra $300 OFF. Perfect for sleeves, back pieces, and other large-scale creations.
GOOD LUCK AND KEEP IT SPOOKY
frequently asked questions
Who are the artists at The Thirteenth Floor Tattoo & Art Studio?
At the moment we have a talented artist like Tanchez, who excels in various styles from realism to cover-ups. This artist brings their own unique flair and expertise to ensure you get the best tattoo experience.