| Phone |
| (530) 400-9622 |
| Address |
| 219 E Street, Suite D (above 21-7, formerly Soga's) |
| Hours |
| Open Tuesday through Saturday |
| 12:00pm-9:00pm |
| Walk-ins Welcome |
| Payment Method(s) |
| cash or check only |
.
*New Students!!! (and older)* Look for our coupon in The Campus Special! Small typo on the address puts us at 209 E street when we are at 219 E street. Come by and get to know us!
Primary Concepts Tattooing & Body Piercing is tattoo and body piercing shop and art space run by owner Jessica Cooke. The tattoo room is also an art gallery, where 100% of the proceeds of work sold go to the artist. Current Artist is Andrew Ghrist; an 18 year old Davis local, who just started school this fall at the prestigous Chicago Art Institute.
TATTOO-We are primarily a custom tattoo shop, which means we work with you to design and draw for you a one-of-a-kind tattoo design. We are committed as artists to getting the perfect illustration for your body and think every tattoo, no matter how small, should be a work of art. If you need inspiration, we have a large library of art reference books that you can look at to help spark your imagination and solidify what you want your tattoo to look like. If you have the perfect design already, simply bring it with you and we will be happy to tattoo that on you as well!
PIERCING-We have one excellent piercer here 5 days a week now, from 12-9. You do not need to make an appointment to get a piercing at Primary Concepts, though you can if you would like to! Calling first also assures you that the piercer is not on his lunch break and lets you know that you can get pierced ASAP! He would like us to remind you that we use ONLY implant-grade, internally-threaded jewelry for piercing in our shop. Please don't get hurt by low-quality externally-threaded jewelry! It may be cheaper but is more likely to cause trouble in the long run. We are THE ONLY shop in Davis to insist upon this standard.
We also carry a large selection of natural body jewelry, especially a large selection of natural wood, bone, horn, silver, gemstone and shell pieces. Come check them out! 
Cast of Characters
Jessica Cooke, formerly of Electric Voodoo Tattoo in Vacaville is now tattooing at Primary Concepts. Jessica is an artist of many different disciplines, has a degree in art, and has been a professional tattoo artist for 8 years. She has mastered pretty much any tattoo style you could want, and you can see examples of her work in the portfolio section below.
Also working at Primary Concepts is tattoo artist Kai Smart, who learned to tattoo from Jessica and is a lifelong artist with a drawing/painting BA from UCSC. In former lives she drove an all-terrain forklift in Antarctica and was an antique book dealer in San Francisco. You can find examples of her work below as well.
Nathan was apprenticed with Gary Vargas (now of Sub Q in Rosewood) and now has become an amazing and capable piercer in his own right. Please see him for all your piercings, and piercing and jewelry related questions Sunday through Wednesday. He is also the shop "manager" and does the unforgiving job of scheduling all tattoos!
Brittany is one of the tattoo apprentices! When not charming everyone she comes in contact with and working on her multi-media art, she plays electric harp in the band "Cannons and Clouds" and lives in Sacramento. Brittany is already a great tattoo artist who turns out solid work, so come and see Brittany before she moves out of her (amazingly affordable) apprentice rate!
Dave is the other apprentice. An amazingly accomplished artist, Dave and his wife Tricia are recent transplants to Sac from the wilds of rural Maryland where they spent a whole year painting and working on their art. Dave is also doing amazing and innovative tattoo work at affordable rates. Take advantage of this while you can!
Tricia is another face who you may see behind the front counter. She is our bookkeeper, but can also set you up with an appointment, direct you to reference books etc. Feel free to ask Tricia for anything to do with the shop!
PAST CAST OF CHARACTERS/FRIENDS/EMPLOYEES ON HIATUS:
Cooper "The Coug" McBean
Ninja Paul
Chris Kelley
Super Bobert
Mykle "Shave and a Haircut" Hoban
Vaughn
Gary
Pictures
We are located at 219 E St.
Portfolios
Jessica Cooke Portfolio
Kai Smart Portfolio
David Richardson Portfolio
Music Shows
Primary Concepts sometimes lends its beautiful studio out after shop hours for Cool as Folk live music shows. Past acts have included:
* ![[WWW]](http://wikispot.org/wiki/eggheadbeta/img/sycamore-www.png){kind=small}
Oh Foot
Comments:
Note: You must be logged in to add comments
2006-07-11 14:44:17 This is Chris who used to work at Urban Body. He's got amazing jewelery and great prices. Worth checking out if you want to be pierced by a professional, and if you want some cool jewelery! —CatStarr
2006-08-10 20:31:16 I got pierced by Chris, and I found him to be very professional, experienced, and gentle. He told me everything that I needed to know, was very friendly and knowledgeable, and gave me a great deal. I've been pierced at a few other places and I have to honestly say that this was my best experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who is in Davis and would like to get something done. On par to anywhere in a larger city. :) —EmyFargey
2006-09-17 18:43:55 chris kelley pierced and stretched my ears in two breaths. fucking awesome. —PxlAted
2006-10-13 18:30:34 Very nice guy and the cheapest place to get piercings that I've found... He seriously pierces in two breaths. I'd definitely recomment him. —SaThai
2006-11-16 16:59:38 Chris has done piercings for me and has been the best piercer I've had. In a recent chat with him at Primary Concepts, he proved very, very helpful in advising me re: some piercing questions. I recommend Chris 100%. —EliseKane
2006-12-06 22:43:25 Got a cartilage piercing at Urban Body. I liked the service I received. Then I was referred to Chris for my next two piercings: I felt like the pricing was much better, and Chris was most definitely quite cool too. While I don't have a ton of piercing experience, I can definitely add my own to his list of recommendations. —BobbyGray
2007-01-05 21:53:45 I got a new piercing from Chris recently and he was as wonderful as ever. He was knowledgeable, answered all of my questions and addressed my concerns, and even told me all about the amazing art in the place when I inquired about it. A very amiable laid-back guy. Extremely professional. —EliseKane
2007-01-25 18:37:01 I got my ears pierced by Chris back in October and it was wonderful! He was nice, quick and totally painless. I'd definitley go back to him and recommend him to all! —ChristineSmith
2007-02-14 13:59:14 I'm a bit nervous about getting my ears repierced, and Chris was very helpful about answering my questions and reassuring me. Unfortunately, I specifically asked if he would be open on Wednesday for Valentine's Day and he said yes. But when I went with my boyfriend after lunch to get my ears pierced as my gift it was closed. I prefer to support small local businesses, but the main reason I do is for good customer service. Saying you'll be open and then closing is not what I call good service. —JenniferKucich
——i sincerely apologize about what happened. my fiance surprised me at the last minute and had taken the day off of work. i would never intentionally give miss information. i hope to see you in the future. once again i am very sorry
— chris kelley
2007-02-19 12:56:08 My buddy got a piercing from here, 35 bucks and the work was great —StevenDaubert
2007-03-12 23:40:12 Last week my girl friend and I got pierced by Chris and he was very professional and friendly. Totally professional and one of the best piercers in NorCal. —AdamGarcia
2007-04-29 16:37:37 I had my first lobe piercing done here, and it was great. Quick, and Chris was very professional and friendly, as the person above me said. I'd recommend him to anyone who's thinking about getting a piercing. I myself plan to go back for a second lobe piercing, or maybe cartilage in the future.
by the way, does anyone know what gauge he does the lobe piercings with? —SatomiNakajima
2007-04-30 18:24:03 Standard size is 18, but it could be 16 or 14. —MollyeKt
2007-05-06 11:01:41 I recently got plugs from chris, which were my first piercings. Chris was very professional, quick, and has been very friendly and inviting anytime i have questions. I highly recommend primary concepts. —colin
2007-05-16 22:47:31 Chris is rad. he's amiable, informative, calm, gentle, and funny. not to mention quick! love my piercings <3 i'm definitey going back to him (love his girl's art on the walls too). —JuliaRoseFurman
2007-05-19 18:59:47 Super nice! Super professional and hygenic! Highly recommended, and you no longer have to leave Davis to receive quality work anymore! —JoyChu
2007-05-21 14:35:07 Does anybody know how much the piercings go for? —Mindy
2007-05-22 00:51:51 Im not sure on the exact cost but if you are getting both ears done with the jewelery it will cost about $40. I had my ears pierced at 8g w/ jewelery and cost $40 and then had them stretched to 6g w/ jewelery for $40. So it shouldnt be any more than that for piercings. —AdamGarcia
2007-06-25 16:34:59 Chris pierced my 4-year-old's ears, and he was TOTALLY GREAT!! He explained everything to her, let her feel the needle... yeah, highly recommended.
oh, and he let me use his camera to take pictures. —alexg
2007-07-07 23:01:49 AMAZING! Chris and Jessica are great! I've recently been tattooed by the apprentice, Kai, she's great! They are all very friendly and so talented. They like when people go in and chat with them. They are professional and great people. Jessica and Kai have some beautiful art work, and Chris is great! —intangible
2007-10-07 01:52:43 Jessica is an amazing artist and an amazing tattoo artist. The best work I have ever had done interms of both art and technique. Want a gorgeous piece of art to carry with you through life? Go see Jessica. —SiobhanBraybrook
2007-10-07 11:03:22 i got my septum piercing here last night and i couldn't be happier. he pierces in one breath and i barely even felt it, and it looks great. can't wait til they move to the bigger location. plus he gave me sea salt so i can make my own saline. i'd def come back here for any other piercings. —MiranPark
2007-11-10 22:28:42 I went today to get a tattoo done by Kai and it came out wonderfully! She paid great attention to detail and put some of her own touch in it as well. I highly recommend this place! —WhitneyOral
2007-11-22 23:14:15 Its great that there is finally a really good tattoo shop in town.The shop is beautifull and the staff are'nt ego infated assholes who think there doin you a favor by giving you a tattoo or piercing....so good job PriCon. —IanN
2007-11-29 18:57:54 I'm so proud of by little sister jessica !!! she has done a few of my tats and i couldnt be hapier, not just because she is my sister but because she is a great artist and a great person. I recomend her as an artist to everyone and wouldnt dream of going to anybody else !! congrats sis you are the best !!! I love you with all my heart. —jcooke
2007-12-13 13:46:43 Got Navel Pierced by Chris. Great service & friendly fun environment! We loved it! =D great experience. 4 any first time bodypiercers highly recomended —EuciAna
2007-12-16 13:43:46 I recently got 5 piercings and a tattoo in one trip at this place. I have to say it is the best and cheapest place to get pierced and tattoo-ed in Davis. Everyone there is really cool, professional, and great at what they do. They just seem like people you would want to hang out with anyways. I have gotten many peircings and one other tattoo at other places, and this is definitely the best place to go... —Austen
2007-12-20 00:57:21 I had a great experience at Primary Concepts. Kai did a great job on my tattoo from the initial conception stages and working with me on getting the design right, all the way down to the actual inking. This was my first tattoo but having hung around many shops over the years this one had the warmest, welcoming people I've ever encountered in this industry. As someone noted above, it really felt a lot just like hanging out with friends and shooting the breeze.
The shop clean and very sterile, the people are nice, and it was an overall great experience. —dylanh
2008-01-20 14:22:42 I just had a piercing done by Chris. He was totally helpful and knowledgeable. He made me feel very comfortable during the piercing and was fast and gentle. He was super nice, and kinda cute too! I HIGHLY recommend him to everyone and anyone! —juliebeans
2008-02-08 14:53:28 I went in to primary Concepts today and got my ears pierced by their new guy Paul. I first went in with the intention of getting two more navel piercings, but he told me that it wouldn't be a good idea and my body would probably reject them and I'd end up with scars. I was very glad that he told me this instead of just going ahead with the piercings anyway so that he could make some money. It was very professional and made me think he is a great and experienced piercer. And he's really cute too, which is always an important quality with body piercers! —DaniClark
2008-02-24 20:44:06 Jessica is the most amazing artist that I've ever seen! And, being her younger sister Sarah, I can say that proudly to everyone I know. Her art stuns everyone that I show it to, and I've got people wanting tattoos from her that haven't even met her! She has a star personality and couldn't get any better. I love you Jessica! EE> —Porcelain
2008-03-05 19:53:55 Does anyone know what happened to Chris? He was so great, why did he leave? —juliebeans ...hello julie. well i guess it depends on who you talk to. but contrary to what some of you may have heard i unfortunately do not possess the ability to disappear. i am trapt by the confines of this mortal body. i have taken some time off from the shop but shall be back to my old shananigans in the future. i will post any updates on the wiki. i apologize for not posting anything earlier. in the mean time if anyone would like to get a hold of me please email me at pricon.one@gmail.com. this is my personal email. i miss and love all of you. see you soon.
...iamchriskelley
2008-04-01 17:35:33 Kai was fantastic. I just got a tattoo from her, and I will definitely go back. I went to Wild Bill's in Roseville over the weekend, and they were rude and full of themselves so I ended up leaving without getting tattooed (I wouldn't recommend that place if you want a good tattoo experience). Everyone at Primary Concepts was friendly and fun and helpful. Kai worked with me to give me what I wanted, and she was a very careful artist. I highly recommend going here... —nmspotswood
2008-05-01 15:40:10 This past Saturday I got my ears pierced by Paul. He was extremely helpful and friendly, and helped my picky self decide on the perfect gauge. The studio itself is very nicely decorated and feels both fun and hospitable. The only thing I would suggest is to have a bigger sign over the entrance - it took me a couple tries to find the place. Regardless, it was a great experience and I wouldn't hesitate to come back again. —HunterLower
2008-05-18 14:34:27 For those who have gotten tattooed here, how much did it cost and about how large was your design? —Nicole21
2008-05-21 15:04:20 does anyone know what services are provided and prices? i want to get my ear lobes re-pierced (and maybe something else pierced), and i'm trying to decide between this place and urban body. —ReneChan
Primary Concepts currently does not have any piercers. I checked today, and they are looking to hire someone but don't have anyone now that is able to pierce.
2008-06-29 10:12:00 This place is wonderful! I'm getting a tattoo next month and went in yesterday to get some questions answered, etc. and they were GREAT. The place has a very good vibe and everyone there is very friendly, very laid back, but at the same time, very professional. I talked to Kai for at least twenty minutes about my design, what I could expect, and every other question that I could think of. I also asked her if I could see the equipment. She showed it to me, explained how things worked, and even let me watch while she prepared for her next client. And they just got a new piercer in! His name is Gary and yesterday was his first day. I ended up getting 12 gauge lobe piercings (which cost me $45). He was also very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. Again, HIGHLY recommended! —HelenDahlberg
2008-07-02 15:27:21 The new piercer (Gary) is an awesome knowledgeable guy. He took the time to answer all my questions (I had quite a few). I didn't get pierced today, but I can't wait to go back! —NicoleWoodyard
2008-07-19 16:35:25 I went in today just to get my nose stud re-sized, thinking it would be a very quick operation. Unfortunately, my poor nose is pretty sensitive due to previous mis-treatment at a shop in SF, and the whole process was a lot more difficult than I had thought it would be. Enter Nathan. He was super-gentle, really made sure that I was comfortable through the entire experience, and was so patient and generous with his time. What a nice fella'! This was definitely the best experience I've had in a piercing shop, and I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for friendly piercers in a peaceful atmosphere. —AshleyB
2008-07-27 15:06:35 I just got tattooed by Kai and, as expected, it was a fantastic experience. Go here! —HelenDahlberg
2008-07-28 15:40:30 copious amounts of gratitude to kai for my first tattoo! incredibly talented and patient, and she did an amazing job of capturing exactly what i wanted from various images that i had given her; it turned out better than i ever could have expected. undoubtedly, i will be coming back in the future for additions. —cas
2008-08-17 14:59:28 I got my bottom lip pierced there just a few days ago, and they've also been doing some stretching of my ears. These guys are awesome! They gave me the right info on how to keep from getting infections and actually thought me a few things. Anyways, I am completely satisfied and will continue to go there. —AidanGilGage
2008-08-23 23:14:34 does anybody know how much cartilage piercings are here? I want to get my auricle [between cartilage and lobe] pierced, but I don't know how much money to bring when I do! —HannahFolkes Hi Hannah! The piercing you describe would start (with basic jewelry included) at $25. Thanks for your interest.
2008-11-10 22:49:23 I got many tattoos done by Kai Smart including a wrist cuff she had completed and a small feather on my ankle. I get compliments on my tattoos all the time! She is an amazing artist and very talented at her artistry! Everyone is friendly and helpful at the shop. I would totally recommend getting pierced and tattooed here! —PeonieS
2008-11-24 11:19:06 omg that sucks. I love that painting jessica! some one's on my shit list too now, I just wish I knew who did it. —PxlAted
2008-12-27 13:59:33 I got a tattoo here last week on my calf. Totally love it. I've had work done a number of places, and would have to say that Primary Concepts is by far one of the most chill and cool spots to get work done. They answer every question with a smile. —Aaron.Curtin
2009-01-18 12:52:10 Just got my septum done by Nathan @ Primary Concepts. I was super nervous, but it turned out super awesome and straight. Primary Concepts is a super friendly and clean shop,Tthe piercing is healing very nicely. Thank you, Nathan! —AllisonMiller
2009-02-07 19:24:34 I absolutely love these guys. Without a doubt some of the best Tattoo art I have ever seen. Affordable, convenient, clean and comfortable with the friendliest staff you could ever find, Period.
As for the piercings, I'm not big on it, but I have to admit, the work I have seen done by Gary and company is freaking awesome. Add to this that they are the only shop in town using surgical grade steel (not just surgical quality sterilization like some others around here) and it just seems to place them well above the rest in quality and service.
I also know that Kai, maybe some of the others, does commissioned art for whatever projects you might want done and absolutely love it.
Anyway.. Hope this comment was helpful for those fence-sitters trying to find a home for their tattoo and piercing needs. —WesOne
2009-02-21 14:36:34 Vaughn pierced my rook this weekend and I was more than impressed! I walked in and was able to be pierced within 30 minutes. He was funny and informative, and it didn't really hurt. He was great, and I will be returning for the next piercing I need. It looks great and I love it! Thanks!!! —Millie
2009-04-28 20:47:36 If you want a true piece of art, check out Primary Concepts. Jessica did the most beautiful and colorful thigh piece (not to mention quick, too! done in two sessions) on myself and she will be starting on my half-sleeve next week. She also did a fantastic sleeve on my boyfriend, the color is stunning. She's definitely worth the price and the wait! —Aleia
2009-05-02 14:04:24 Jessica does amazing work. She just did a redwood tattoo on my bicep and it looks incredible. The colors are vibrant and the attention to detail is amazing. I went in with a vague idea of what i wanted and she helped turn it into art. —JamesMulalley
2009-05-04 14:18:36 Kai is super friendly and creative! I brought in a sketch and asked if she had suggestions—I'm so pleased with the result! Everyone in the shop is welcoming and super-chill but still professional, the place itself is well-lit, spacious and hygenic. Prices are very affordable. Awesome experience for a first tattoo.
Totally recommend Primary Concepts!! —ViVi
2009-07-14 14:34:20 placed a $5 deposit on some plugs they were supposed to order and they said they'd call when they came in (2-3 weeks). not only did the plugs never come in, but they never called. ON TOP OF THAT, i have called numerous times (at least 4 times, spread out weeks apart) to figure out what happened, and they would tell me repeatedly that they would just call back. it's been over 6 months and i still haven't gotten my 5 dollar deposit back nor the plugs they were supposed to order. totally unprofessional. i thought urban body's attitude was bad, but at least they follow through and are up front about being jackasses. —datsyuk
- I won't try to justify whatever is going on here with excuses, but rather we would like to show you the true integrity and charisma of our shop. Please stop by and speak with any one of us and we'll gladly try to take care of you. We do really hope for your forgiveness and that everything can be worked out. -sincerely, Primary Concepts
2009-07-16 10:25:47 I got my tragus pierced by Nathan about two months ago, and my experience was wonderful! Highly recommended. —LauraKaroly
2009-08-08 11:18:54 I have had good experiences getting pierced at primary concepts, they know what they are doing. But its a pain because more than 50% of the times ive wanted to get something done there is no piercer there. Ive learned to call before going, after walking in 3 times and no piercer was there or they were closed (on a day when they were supposed to be open). —equitonic
-Equitonic-
You are right, calling first assures you that a piercer will be there and is not on his lunch break or is running shop errands. I have amended our piercing description above to include your valid suggestion. We have had some weird piercing schedules in the past, but now that (workaholic) Nathan is at the shop 9 HOURS A DAY, 5 DAYS A WEEK we don't think you will encounter this problem anymore! Please come in at your whim for a piercing and we will look forward to your call beforehand ;) !!
love, Primary Concepts
2009-10-12 16:19:51 I got my nose pierced a couple years ago and the person who did it really messed up and it has never healed right. Does anyone know the price to get your nose pierced here? including jewelry? im thinking of repierced and i heard this was good? —alphalau
2009-10-26 22:37:58 Just got my first tattoo there a couple days ago from the apprentice Brittany. She was really professional and helpful for somebody who was a little nervous about it and did a great job. The shop was really clean and beautifully decorated too. Definitely the best place. —AlexLane
2009-11-08 05:29:01 i like primary concepts. great group of folks. kai is an amazing artist. —WarrenJones
2009-11-13 17:20:23 I have had my naval pierced and got my first tattoo (a rib piece) from Primary Concepts. I have no complaints. I walked in with a million questions, and they patiently and professionally answered every one. I would highly recommend them to anyone who asks. PS: my artist was Brittany, the apprentice. She's amazing, and very sweet. =) —ReeseLayton
2009-11-17 16:40:04 I have two teenage daughters, oldest is almost 18, and youngest 161/2. They had their belly buttons pierced at another Davis facility six months back. I chose that business place because it was the only one that I was aware of in Davis. I was very dissapointed with the service and did not feel welcome by the person who did the procedure. (the tatoo artists where very friendly though) I felt like we were an annoyance. A month or so later my youngest had to have her appendix removed along with her belly button ring. She was anxious to have the piercing redone however, I was determined to find a different place. I used my new iPhone to search the web, this time (either my valley yellow pages are outdated, or I didn't see primary concepts the first time) I found this site and called immediately. The person I talked to was friendly, professional and informed me of exactly what ID was required ( my address is a PO Box my daughter accidently put our physical address, 2 trips required on 1st experience) and invited us to come in at any time." WOW," what a difference between our experiences in the exact same scenerio. Nathan was AWSOME! He was so patient and informative ! I had never heard of interior or exterior threading! Nathan was extremely sanitary and spent time marking the spots, then blink, it was over with hardley a notice. The piercing was quick and it looked great and straight ( finally) . My daughter was thrilled she. " didn't even feel it. " My husband brought my older daughter in later to have her nose pierced, again done by Nathan and again a thouroughly pleasant experience. My husband was amazed at the difference in the atmosphere and very Impressed with Nathan. Again he devoted 100% of his attention to us. We will be returning tonight for my younger daughters nose and upper ear. As two parents not completely thrilled about multiple piercing, we are put at ease by the staffs knowledge and experience. We feel welcomed by the entire staff. The temperature is perfect not overheated at all and there is room to walk around and enjoy the featured art work. Nathan also does follow-ups to check the piercing site and make neccesary adjustments. As Davis born and raised natives, we like to support local businesses, Primary Concepts is a pleasure to support. I wish I had searched harder the first time. Thank you! Ali G.
—AliG
