Custom Tattoo Design

Give me the idea, not a finished drawing

You don't need to draw the tattoo yourself. Start with the subject, body area, rough size and a few useful references. Tell me what must stay, what can change and why that part matters to you. I will work out how it can fit the body without becoming crowded.

Send the exact body area, approximate width or height in centimetres, and whether you want black and grey or colour. Add one straight daylight photo of the area and mention nearby tattoos, scars or marks that reduce the available space. Two or three references are normally enough when you explain what you like in each one.

Names, dates, words and symbols need to be checked before I draw them. If they come from another language, an old alphabet or a family mark, send a source you trust. I will not invent a translation or meaning because a symbol looks suitable.

Custom work is for a new drawing made around your idea and placement. If you already like one of my prepared designs, Flash Tattoo may be the simpler route. If the subject is still open, use the Tattoo Ideas library, compare tattoo styles, or look through my finished portfolio.

How I turn references into one tattoo

I choose the main subject first, then arrange the supporting parts and leave enough open skin for the design to read from a normal distance. I may crop an object, enlarge one flower, reduce a background or leave out repeated details. Another tattoo can show the mood or placement you like, but I won't copy the full design.

The body changes the drawing. A forearm turns, a shoulder is rounded and the back gives a different amount of space. Tiny lettering, faces and repeated lines need enough room to remain clear. If the requested size is too small, I will suggest fewer details, a larger size or another placement and explain why.

Revisions within the agreed brief are free, and I keep refining the design until you are happy with it. The stencil can still be moved or adjusted for fit on the day. A new subject, body area, style or several major additions change the scope. I reassess the drawing time, tattoo time and quote before continuing.

Drawing time, price and booking

A small custom drawing can be ready in about a day. Larger work may need one week to one month before the tattoo appointment. Send the idea early if you have a date in mind. I use that time to settle the composition and placement rather than rush the drawing.

The starting price shown above is for Custom Tattoo. The final quote depends on the drawing work, size, placement, detail, colour and expected tattooing time. Once the brief and quote are agreed, the deposit is 50% of the tattoo price. It holds the session and design work, comes off the final balance, and is paid only after I confirm the terms in writing.

Some tattoos fit one appointment and others need several. The pricing guide explains the main cost factors. The appointment time guide covers what happens around the tattooing itself. The booking form gathers the brief, placement photo and references in one place. If another service fits better, I will say so before you pay.