Custom Tattoos in Taksim, Istanbul

It depends on the area. Ribs, feet, inner arm and around the elbow are sensitive; the outer arm and leg, back and shoulder are comfortable for most people. The pain comes in waves rather than constantly, and after the first ten minutes your body largely adjusts. We take breaks during long sessions. Don't come on an empty stomach and get a good night's sleep — both have a big effect on your pain threshold.

Size alone doesn't decide it. The level of detail, the amount of shading and gradients, whether colour is used and the placement set the time — and the time sets the price. A small but very fine piece can take longer than a large, simple line of lettering. For a clear figure, send your idea, the approximate size in centimetres and the placement on WhatsApp and we'll give you a range. For cover ups and removal we need to see a photo of the existing tattoo first.

No, you can walk in. All three studios are open every day from 09:00 to 01:00. But if you send your idea and size on WhatsApp beforehand, the design will be ready and you won't have to wait. Large and multi-session pieces are done by appointment.

Don't drink alcohol the night before; it thins the blood and makes it harder for the ink to settle. If you regularly take aspirin or blood thinners, tell us before you come. Eat before your session and bring water. Wear loose, comfortable clothes for the placement — a button-up shirt for ribs, shorts for a calf piece. We don't tattoo freshly sunburnt or irritated skin.

Both are fine. If you bring a reference, rather than copying it exactly we redraw it for your placement, size and any existing tattoos — the same drawing doesn't look the same on a different arm. Just an idea is enough too; we'll start by talking it through. No needle touches your skin until you approve the drawing.

Keep it covered on the first day. After that, wash it two or three times a day with lukewarm water and unscented soap, pat it dry and apply a thin layer of aftercare cream — a thick layer stops the skin breathing. Don't pick the scabs or peeling skin; let them fall off on their own. No sea, pool, hammam, sauna or direct sun for the first two weeks. Heavy exercise and lots of sweating are also hard on the tattoo during this time.

Yes. Scabs and dead skin form a layer over the ink, so the tattoo looks dull in the second week. The colour comes back as the skin renews; it can take two to six months to settle into its final look. Don't judge the result before then. If there really are gaps in the lines once it has healed, come in and we'll take a look.