Tattoo Design Process

The design process starts once your appointment is booked.

The design is half the work. Most of the time, it takes longer to draw a piece than to tattoo it. This is because as we design, we make sure every mark and line is exactly where it needs to be.

We will draw out the rough sketch, shade it (if shading is needed), erase or add parts. Look at the picture from a different perspective, erase and add again, repeating the process until the art work is refined and perfect. All the while, planning how each element will be tattooed on skin, and making sure the piece will heal and age well.

Let me take you step by step through my process because this can be quite different for each artist.

I want the process of getting a tattoo with me to feel easy, open, and inspiring. The more detail you share in your request, the better I can understand your vision and bring it to life in a way that feels true to you. Here’s what helps most when you reach out:

1. Your Idea / Story

Tell me about the tattoo you’re dreaming of. It doesn’t have to be perfect, you can share a theme, a symbol, a personal meaning, or even just a feeling. If you know specific elements (flowers, animals, myths, objects), list them. If you’re open to my artistic interpretation, let me know the mood you want me to capture — delicate, bold, airy, dark, organic, etc.

2. Placement on Your Body

Let me know where you’d like this tattoo to live, it can be on arm, chest, ribs, thigh, or anywhere else. If it’s close to another tattoo, tell me if you’d like me to weave it in or keep it separate. Photos of the area (taken straight-on in good lighting) help me plan for flow and fit. If you don’t have a picture of the area, thats totally ok too.

3. Size

Give me an idea of how big you’d like it: Please include inches or centimetres to help visualize. I’ll always adjust details to make sure the tattoo ages well on your skin.

Pictures are welcome! These don’t need to be exact, they can be tattoos you admire, artwork, photos, even rough sketches. I’ll never copy another tattoo, but seeing what inspires you helps me tune into your vision.

Above are examples of references that are great to send. Photo and tattoo style, which are usually the kind of references I get the most.

This example is for a client that wants a scenery tattoo in micro realism. And the photo is to show the scenery they want. The Tattoo Style reference is to show the kind of style they would like.

Artwork

Design is provided to you at least 1 week before your booked appointment

No Copying

I do not offer exact copies of another artists tattoo or art work.

72 Hours

Changes are allowed with at least 72 hours before your ppointment

Design Changes

2 Minor design changes are allowed, such as take a way a flower or giving the dog a happier smile.

Redraw

Redraws are allowed if time permits and for a $25-$100 fee, depending on size and complication. Redraws are if you requested a rose, and want to change to a lily.

Adding

Forgot to add an element? Additions are allowed up to 1 weeks before your session. It may change the quoted price.