Business Details
24 Years
experience
Custom Tattoo Studio in Ithaca, NY
Medusa Tattoo Studio has been serving the Ithaca community since 2002, establishing itself as a premier destination for custom tattoo artistry. We pioneered the region's first custom tattoo shop and art gallery concept by removing traditional flash designs to focus exclusively on personalized creations. Our commitment to safety and quality is demonstrated through our use of non-toxic inks, single-use needles, and autoclave sterilization processes that exceed industry standards. With over two decades of combined experience, our team of four skilled artists brings diverse artistic backgrounds to every custom design, from intricate portraits to elaborate botanical motifs. We transitioned to an appointment-only model in 2020 to provide more personalized experiences, maintaining this approach even beyond the pandemic due to its success.Our studio continues to host visiting artists and remains dedicated to supporting local art while maintaining strict hygiene protocols certified through regular spore testing. The four founding artists collectively bring over 75 years of tattooing experience, having trained under established professionals before developing their unique styles. We maintain transparency in pricing with clear minimums and hourly rates, while our comprehensive aftercare guarantees ensure client satisfaction. Our reputation as one of the area's top tattoo studios has been built through consistent quality, artistic integrity, and community engagement.
Services
Custom Tattoos
Cover-Up Designs
Artistic Consultations
Tattoo Removal Consultation
Guest Artist Sessions
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in custom tattoo artistry since 2002 with a team of four experienced artists
- Our studio maintains autoclave sterilization with regular spore testing for infection control
- All artists have formal art education backgrounds and professional training certifications
- We offer guaranteed touch-ups within six months following proper aftercare instructions
- Appointment-only system ensures personalized attention and dedicated design consultation time
What people say
Talented artists
Comfortable atmosphere
Magical work
Professional, exquisite work
Best tattoo experience
Services
Custom Tattoos
Our artists transform client concepts into unique body art through collaborative design consultations. Each piece receives individualized attention with hand-drawn sketches tailored to personal stories and body contours. The process includes detailed planning sessions to ensure perfect placement and visual impact.
Cover-Up Tattoos
We specialize in transforming existing tattoos through creative redesigns that incorporate original elements into new compositions. Artists assess visibility, color contrast, and skin condition to develop effective cover-up strategies that maximize aesthetic results.
Artistic Consultations
Complimentary planning meetings help clients develop tattoo concepts through collaborative brainstorming with selected artists. These sessions focus on translating ideas into wearable art while considering anatomical features and long-term appearance.
Tattoo Removal Consultation
Professional evaluations determine the feasibility of modifying existing tattoos through strategic design integration. Experts analyze ink depth, color density, and skin condition to recommend optimal revision approaches.
Guest Artist Sessions
Periodic opportunities to work with traveling tattoo professionals from across the country provide access to diverse artistic styles. These special appointments offer unique creative perspectives while maintaining the studio's quality standards.
People
Carol Oddy
Co-Owner & Lead Artist
Carol Oddy, co-founder of Medusa Tattoo Studio, brings over 25 years of professional experience. Her illustrative style incorporates body contours into detailed compositions using both color and grayscale techniques.
Cesar Enciso
Co-Owner & Senior Artist
Cesar Enciso, with two decades at Medusa, creates narrative-rich designs through meticulous research. His custom work combines intricate details with symbolic elements that reflect each subject's unique characteristics and personality traits.
Dan Trocchio
Custom Tattoo Artist
Dan Trocchio specializes in personalized designs that reflect individual authenticity. His artistic approach prioritizes meaningful self-expression through body art that maintains creative integrity and personal significance.
Jen Lightfoot
Tattoo Artist & Illustrator
Jen Lightfoot creates custom floral, portrait, and horror-themed tattoos informed by her formal fine arts training. Her work integrates surreal elements with traditional tattoo composition techniques to produce distinctive body art pieces.
Questions
What are your pricing guidelines for tattoos?
We have a $100 minimum for arm/leg tattoos and $125 for other body areas. Larger pieces cost $200 per hour with deposits starting at $80.
Do you offer piercing or other body modification services?
No, we exclusively provide tattoo services using professional-grade equipment and safety protocols developed through years of specialized practice.
What safety measures do you implement?
We use single-use needles, autoclave sterilization for tools, and follow strict infection control procedures. All artists maintain bloodborne pathogens certifications for client safety.
Can you recreate tattoos from photographs?
We can incorporate elements from reference images into original designs, but we don't directly copy existing tattoos unless they're standard flash patterns.
Do you guarantee your tattoo work?
Yes, we offer free touch-ups within six months when clients follow our aftercare instructions to maintain proper healing and color retention.
Reviews (5)
Chris Bode
Jan 04, 2020
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Clean, safe place with some very talented artists and genuine people. I visited 7 different tattoo shops looking for a place that I liked and trusted before finding Medusas. I was planning a custom piece that really meant a lot to me but needed an artist to flush out the design. Cesar was the first artist I talked to who was interested in what the piece meant to me. He wanted to know the story and emotion in order to really capture it in the art. Everyone here is very professional and actually care about what they do. They take to heart that their art will be on someone forever and want each
Bonny Renner
Jan 02, 2020
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I have been a client of Medusa Tattoo for over 10 years, and I have detailed pieces from both Cesar and Carol that frequently receive compliments. Cesar and Carol are talented, sincere, down-to-earth artists who take great pride in their work and who care deeply about their clients. I am proud to wear their art, and I look forward to receiving more in the near future!
Jen Romain
Sep 18, 2019
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Carol and Cesar are not only amazing tattoo artists, but they are amazing people. They are family people who make you feel so very comfortable and right at home. Their level of talent is out of this world and worth every single penny and more you spend! I have been going to Medusa since 2000 and people still ask if my work that was done way back when is new because the color and lines are just that good. If you want something custom, a portrait, something unique, and amazing artwork...go...now...go now!
Jamie Brown
Sep 06, 2019
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Medusa Tattoo does amazing work! I have had 4 tattoos done by Carol and each one looks as good as it did the day it was done. Everybody that works there is great company and really rises to the challenge of making your art work customized.
Reiley Schoen
Aug 23, 2019
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Cesar and Carol are phenomenal artists and human beings. Creative, attentive, compassionate and caring. I have had a number of large pieces done by them both and always had a professional and pleasant experience. I appreciate their knowledge and expertise when it comes to details and placement. The shop is clean and bright and their walls have art from local artists as well as cool metal monster sculptures. Carol and Cesar are welcoming and you are sure to wear a stunning piece after your appointment!