Shanghai Tattoo celebrates new ‘larger’ digs in historic Folsom – Folsom Times

It was in 2018 that world-renowned tattoo artist Zhuo Dan Ting and her husband Joshua Thompson decided to make Historic Folsom the home of their Ms. Tings Shanghai Tattoo shop. Just five years after the couple expanded their business here, all from China, they celebrated the expansion and ownership on Saturday night with a Choose Folsom ribbon cutting at their stunning new building in the Historic District.

Originally located in an upstairs space at 718 Sutter Street, Zhuo and Joshua took the plunge and purchased their own building at 705 Wool Street in the District. Over the past few months, the couple has invested countless hours into adding their own touches to the new space, which is much larger than their original space, which they had outgrown. The couple’s efforts in the Historic Folsom space have not gone unnoticed, as they have breathed new life into the already distinctive building perched on the hillside.

“It’s exciting to see how the Shanghai Tattoo footprint has grown since they originally opened here in the district,” said Judy Collinsworth, Executive Director of the Folsom Historic District Association. “They expanded from their original location and because of their popularity, they’ve quickly outgrown it.”

Shanghai Tattoo was born far from Folsom, with its first location becoming a reality in 2007 in Shanghai, China. When they originally decided to expand their shop, they looked at many options. Those options included places like Australia; Germany; Portland, Oregon and others. They quickly narrowed their choices down to Folsom, a location that made sense since it was close to Sacramento, where Thompson was born and raised.

“We originally looked around downtown Sacramento, but it was already kind of oversaturated with tattoo shops and we didn’t want to add any more,” Joshua explained in a previous Choose Folsom article shortly after they originally opened. At the time, some family members had moved to Folsom, which prompted them to check it out, and they both fell in love with the charm of the entire historic district.

The shop is primarily an appointment-only studio, but they do accept walk-ins in most cases if their artists do not have appointments at the time. Those appointments are consistently booked with their many talented artists, in addition to Ting himself. Their work has showcased their incredible artistry and attention to detail since they first opened. “It is always best to call ahead to ensure availability,” they advise customers who are browsing their website and considering a tattoo. Even if you have to wait a day or two to get an appointment, it will likely be worth the wait, just look at the many examples of their work on their website and social media pages.

Zhuo, better known as Ms. Ting, and her fellow artists specialize in large to small scale tattoos in all styles including black and gray photorealism, color realism, Asian traditional, American traditional, neo-traditional, geometric, biomechanical, bio-organic, watercolor, abstract, blackwork, trash polka, and more. When it comes to her own work, Ting specializes in black and white photorealism. In the tattoo world, portrait artists are few and far between. When it comes to the work you’ll see on the walls and in the examples in Shanghai, there’s no doubt that Ting’s work is a labor of love that produces extraordinary results, all by hand. You won’t find any generic computer or artificial intelligence work here.

“I got my very first tattoo done at Shanghai Tattoo and from start to finish the experience was amazing. Both Ting and Joshua are amazing, helpful, open, welcoming and Ting does an amazing job,” quoted customer Nina Strom who gave the business a huge five-star rating. “Friendly, efficient, great quality and super clean and professional. I can’t wait to schedule my next one… Shanghai Tattoo rocks!”

Just like the previous location, the new digs for Shanghai offer a relaxed atmosphere. Customers walk into a bright and airy studio with numerous chairs, surrounded by colorful walls and decor. As they did before, they offer a very “chill” atmosphere to their customers, who include a wide range of age groups, both male and female, all of whom are welcomed into the family feeling from the moment they walk in.

Saturday night was a ribbon cutting unlike any other. The event welcomed residents, community members, representatives from city, county and state leaders. Guests enjoyed an art show, delicious barbecue, a tattoo raffle and many visual elements. Among the visual elements were lavish costumes and decorations that embraced much of Chinese tradition and history, including the talents of the Sacramento Lion Dance performing. The spirit of the event showcased the spirit that both Ting and Thompson bring to the community.

“Joshua and Ting are now even more involved in the district as property owners,” Collinsworth told the Folsom Times after Saturday’s event. “They recently hosted a merchant gathering in their new building and most of the merchants who attended had never been in the building before. I have visited the building in the past and appreciate all the work they have put into the building. They are a great addition to our historic downtown.”

Earlier this month, the Folsom Merchants District Association named Shanghai the winner of its Most Patriotically Decorated Business contest, held in conjunction with the Historic Folsom Hometown Parade. Despite being very businesslike putting the finishing touches on their new building, the couple took their time decorating the exterior with a heavy dose of red, white and blue.

“They love the historic Folsom District, their home, and their community spirit shines through every day,” Collinsworth said.

Now that their official ribbon cutting is complete, Zhou, Joshua and their talented staff are looking forward to meeting new clients and seeing many of their regulars in the new space. For those who would like to learn more about them. There you can meet their team of artists who offer all types of work, view their work or book an appointment, check out their website at www.Shanghaitattoo916.com. You can also call them at 916-370-9658.