The One & Only
Studio 27
Founded in the early 90s by Daniel Upton. Now a proud woman-owned studio led by Evette Ford.
Award-winning tattoo & body piercing in the heart of San Marcos, TX. Book a consultation 24/7.
Our Story
The One & Only Studio 27 is the next step in the evolution of tattoo studios inspired by award-winning Texas artist Daniel Upton.
Starting in the early 90s with his first studio "Dandyland" in San Antonio, followed by the "Golden Apple Studio" on Austin\'s iconic 6th Street for 10 years of tattoo crazy fun.
The quaint college town of San Marcos, with a river running through, became home. Now owned by Evette Ford, we are proud to be rebranded and remodeled as The One & Only Studio 27.
"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."
San Marcos, we love you and are grateful for your amazing support!
Meet Your Artists
Six professionals. Decades of combined experience. Every style from photorealism to fine line to handpoke.
Nick
Daniel
Channing
Laura
Echo
Recent Work
Questions we hear every day
The stuff people ask at the counter, answered straight. Anything else, call the shop — a human picks up.
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes. Piercings are walk-in only, first come first served, Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 8pm — no piercings on Mondays. Tattoo walk-ins are welcome whenever an artist has an opening, and consultations are always free. The studio is open noon to 8pm every day.
How much does a piercing cost?
Fifty dollars covers earlobe, conch, helix, forward helix, tragus, and nostril, and that price includes an implant-grade titanium post and bead. Sixty covers navel, eyebrow, rook, daith, lip, labret, philtrum, and monroe. Industrials and paired sets like snake bites run a little more, and every price includes the jewelry.
Can minors get pierced at Studio 27?
Yes, with a parent or guardian present to sign. Earlobes start at age 7, second earlobes at 11, and most other piercings from 16. Industrial and nipple piercings are 18 and up only. Bring your valid state ID and your child's birth certificate plus photo ID, and make sure they eat within two hours before coming in.
What jewelry do you use?
Every fresh piercing gets ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium — the same material used in surgical implants. No mystery metals and no plated jewelry in a healing piercing, ever.
Do you do custom tattoo designs?
That is the specialty. Bring reference photos, a half-formed idea, or nothing but a concept — your artist designs a custom piece around it, and consultations are free before any needle touches skin. Every style is covered across our five artists, from fine line and script to color realism and traditional.
How should I care for a new tattoo or piercing?
We walk you through it before you leave, and the full step-by-step guide lives on our aftercare page — the washing schedule, which soap to use, and what to avoid while you heal. When in doubt, call the shop and ask. That is what we are here for.
How do I book with a specific artist?
Start on the artists page and find whose style matches your idea — all five artists keep their own portfolio, specialty, and schedule. From there, book a free consultation online or just call the shop and we will point you to the right chair.
Where are you located?
173 S LBJ Dr in downtown San Marcos, Texas, a short walk from the square and Texas State. Open noon to 8pm, seven days a week, with street parking nearby on LBJ and the surrounding downtown blocks.
Visit Us Today
Book a tattoo consultation 24/7 through Vagaro. Piercings are walk-in only, first come first served, Tuesday through Sunday.
