The process of creating a custom tattoo step by step

A tattoo doesn't start with the needle

Many people think the tattoo process begins on the day of the session. In reality, by the time you arrive at the studio the work has already been underway for hours — sometimes days. Here's how the process works from start to finish.

Step 1: First contact and consultation

Everything starts with a conversation. You can contact me via WhatsApp, through the booking form, or in person. In that first exchange you tell me your idea: what you want to tattoo, where, roughly what size, and whether you have any visual references.

The consultation is free and with no commitment. Its purpose is to understand your vision and assess whether it's technically viable in the placement and size you have in mind. It's also the moment to answer all your questions about the process, pain, aftercare or price.

Step 2: The design

Once the details are agreed, I begin the design. For realism, this involves selecting and working with the photographic references you've provided, adapting them to the shape of the body, and deciding how light and composition will be handled.

I don't share the complete design before the session — this is standard practice in serious studios to protect the creative work. We can discuss the composition and adjust details before we begin.

Step 3: The tattoo session

On the day of the session, we transfer the design onto the skin and make any necessary adjustments to positioning and scale. Before we start, I confirm you're happy with everything.

During the session I work by zones, usually starting with the areas of greatest detail. Duration depends on the complexity of the piece — from 2–3 hours for a small piece to 6–7 hour sessions for larger work. We take breaks whenever needed.

Step 4: Aftercare

When we finish, I give you detailed aftercare instructions. This phase is as important as the execution: poor aftercare can ruin even the best tattoo. I explain which products to use, how to clean the area and what to avoid during the first weeks.

Step 5: The touch-up (if needed)

Once the tattoo has healed completely (between 4 and 8 weeks), we do a review. In most cases the result is exactly as expected, but if any area has healed irregularly or needs reinforcement, we touch it up at no additional cost.

The result

A well-executed and well-cared-for realism tattoo is a permanent work of art. It's not just an image on the skin — it's a unique piece that exists nowhere else in the world. That is the goal of every piece I create.