How to get a custom tattoo

Here at sunset tattoo we welcome all tattoo inquiries, big and small, and are happy to help with the process of getting a tattoo you love from start to finish. We have curated a team of expert professional artists, who each have their own strengths and styles.

The best way to get a tattoo that is world-class stands the test of time, and looks amazing on the body is to get a custom tattoo from a specialist in their style. Although we do take requests for small designs and ideas that people bring in themselves, the truth is that the way to make a great piece of tattoo art is to work with an artist whose style and approach appeals to you, to get something that you love. Our artists have spent years studying and refining their art, and have years of experience in making sure that their tattoos work on the body, in the very specific medium of tattooing. With all that in mind, here is our step-by-step guide to getting a great custom tattoo.

Step one- Pick a Style

The best way to do this is to research the style of tattoo art you love, look at our artist’s portfolios, and match who would best suit the job. The internet has become an amazing place to find good examples of tattoos and tattoo art, and with some careful research, you can start to see what really works and what doesn't work as a tattoo. We have artists specialising in Japanese, Western Traditional, Blackwork, Fine line, Black and grey, and much more. Often if you follow the artists you love on their social media you can get a great idea of what sort of stuff they are doing in real-time, which can help to get an idea of who is doing work that you really connect with.

Step two- What, where, and how big?

Now that you know what kind of tattoo you want to wear, start looking for reference photos of tattoos that you love the look of, gather them together, and save them. Try to come up with an idea of the subject matter of the tattoo. Once you have decided on size, placement, and a rough idea of what you want the tattoo to be, you are ready to book a consultation.

Step three- The consult

If you email us through what you want to get done- size, placement, subject matter, style, and preferred artist (if any) we can set you up with a consult.

At the consult, the artist can give you advice around what will work and what won’t. Often we have to give advice about composition, what level of detail can be achieved, what subject matter will work and make sense, and what they might be excited to do. Usually consults involve a tattoo artist making sure that they can achieve what the client wants while ensuring that the tattoo will both work technically and look aesthetically pleasing. In our experience, a tattoo that looks really good will have a happy wearer. A tattoo that isn't suited to the medium of tattooing often becomes a source of regret later!

Step four- BOOK IN

Book in for the tattoo. Come to your appointment rested and well-fed. Enjoy! Each artist works differently and will advise you in how the actual tattoo process works.