Sanctuary Pittsburgh

I absolutely adore Sanctuary as both a tattoo shop and a vintage store. I’ve been tattooed here by some of the previous artists that worked there and also by Karpa who’s still at the shop! Every experience I’ve had there has been wonderful! Everyone who works here is so queer friendly and it’s definitely one of the most identity affirming shop experiences I’ve had! The tattoos I’ve gotten from here are all wonderful and the artists are so professional and fun to talk to! I had my first tattoo done here, and I cannot recommend the shop more (especially Karpa!)! I also love doing gift shopping while I'm there! There's a great selection of jewelry and clothing, and an online store in case you can't make it in person!

Ashley made my first tattoo experience better than I ever could’ve imagined. She’s absolutely a genius in her work and the kindest human. I can’t say enough! She explained the whole process and made me felt nothing but comfy!

Sanctuary is such a great tattoo studio and I highly recommend to anyone wanting a tattoo! It's also the only studio I've been to that has snacks (extra points for that!) and Ashley (Karpa) is incredibly kind, laidback, and patient. She very patiently worked with me on a custom design and made the whole experience just so great. Two thumbs up!

Absolutely LOVE this place. Ashley took the time to let my friend and I come get matching tattoos, and we squeezed in a couple more! The tattoos and the people are the greatest.

I got a last minute walk-in script tattoo from Ashley Karpa and she was absolutely incredible! She kept checking in to make sure I was comfortable and to check if I needed anything. She was a doll from start to finish. The vibes were immaculate in the shop as well! It smelled amazing and felt so homey. I would without a doubt go back and recommend to anyone and everyone:)

Susie was awesome for my first tattoo! Very kind, cool, and creative. Shop is very clean and accommodating. Barely any redness right after. Healed incredibly fine. Would go back to them in a heartbeat!

I love this shop! Karpa is the best when it comes to making you feel comfortable, getting the tattoo you want, and her designs are SO beautiful. Can’t wait to book my next one!

I have loved working with Karpa on a few tattoos! They are welcoming, warm, professional and awesome! I can't wait to get started on another piece.

I got tatted by Ashley Karpa, and she was absolutely amazing. She communicated with me the whole time, offered snacks, drinks, and provided such a safe environment. The other artists were kind and funny, too. I am excited to come back to get more art done by her!

Karpa (Ashley) was dope as hell. She made on the spot changes to the design, was super patient while we moved the piece around while debating size, shape, and overall placement. She added her own flare to the piece while respecting the original inspiration and honoring any thing we pushed back on. She understands that it’s her art but your body, so while she had some dope ideas, she’d prefer YOU love the piece cause you have to love with it.

Would highly recommend when you’re in the area

Ashley Karpa-Strang was amazing to work with! They made me so comfortable and cozy in their space, and I am so pleased with the artwork they did. Thank you so much!

Jay Ivy is an incredible artist — the rest of the team were very kind and professional. Highly recommend!

I love working with Karpa! She totally gets my vibe, my vision for custom pieces, and has the best flash sheets. Super easy to talk to during appointments, a true delight. My go-to artist in PGH!

Great experience! She was very easy to work with and really ran with the design when I told her to use her judgement. Frequently checked in with me to make sure I didn't need a break.

My husband and I had an awesome experience with Rachel at Sanctuary! Her design was spot on and her line work is *chef’s kiss*. She made the whole appointment super enjoyable. Will definitely be back in the future!

I had the best experience with Rachel. She was so nice and gentle and did exactly what my friend and I envisioned!

Amazing experience! Rachel Looney was absolutely amazing and portrayed exactly what my friend and I had envisioned:) Such a safe space at Sanctuary Pgh! Could not recommend enough!

Rachel did such an amazing job. Her line work is amazing. The shop is a very nice too. I definitely recommend it here!

Rachel is an awesome artist! She’s professional and personable she’s very thorough and does beautiful work