The better the reference, the better the result!

If we are doing a portrait for example, we would want a well lit, up close photo. We would need to be able to zoom in to see the details/features (eyes, nose and mouth) clearly, not blurry. If you zoom in and can’t see it defined, then we cannot use that photograph.

We could always enhance the photo a tad, but keep in mind this affects the way the person looks. Same theory applies to pet portraits, those details in the photo are what make an uncanny portrait of your loved one. AI photo enhancing apps, or flipping an image so it faces the other way, can also alter the way the subject looks as we are not symmetrical beings.

As far as sending me a photo of another tattoo, I could use that to grasp which look you’re going for, BUT I do not copy other artists work. If you can find the original reference used, then we can work from that. For example if its a tattoo of a statue, we would have to look for the photo of said statue rather than basing it on their tattoo. However if the artist did an orinal design, we would have to design something along the lines of the idea, while it not resembling said reference. It would have to be our own version of it.

If you’re still wondering whether your photo is usable, just send it my way and we can discuss it further. Feel free to send me a couple more and I will gladly advice you as to what would give you the best tattoo.

Pricing is a Flat rate, rather than hourly. This depends on the specific project we would be doing, and factors like Placement, Intricacy, Detail, and Size.

To get a Free Quote, we would just need-

1. The reference image we will be using (the better the reference we use, the better the result)

2. A photo of the area where it would be going (on your body)

3. A size estimate in inches.

Please note I cannot quote you without all 3.

It is good to be clear with your inquiry, that way I can accurately quote you. “Something like this” while sending a photo of another tattoo, can be confusing. So I will still need all 3 requirements listed above prior to quoting or booking you in. Placements also affects the pricing as, some areas are easier to work on vs others.

Deposits are non refundable, and will be required to work on the design and reserve you a spot.

These will be taken through our email communication after you fill out the booking form, or through my one and only instagram page @weirdtattoo. Please Beware of scammers with similar pages, with ever so slightly spelling differences. This is my only website and my Instagram has the blue badge, you can DM me if you would like to verify with whom you’re communicating.

Hydrated skin is so much easier to work with, and saves us much time and pain. People who drink lots of water and moisturize regularly are the best! If this isn’t you, it’s never too late to start, and any tattoo artist (and your body) will thank you.

You should also avoid tanning for a month, or drinking alcohol for a few days before your tattoo. This can dehydrate your skin, and can cause excessive bleeding, which results in issues while healing.

The day of:

You want to come showered with a solid nights rest, and a good breakfast in your tummy. If you’re sleep deprived/tired it will hurt a lot more, you’ll be more restless and jumpy, making both of our lives harder. The breakfast helps with the low blood sugar and can prevent fainting. If you’re not a breakfast person, try having a shake instead.

Feel free to bring any none caffeinated drinks and snacks you may want throughout the day. As well as a pair of headphones with your favorite show/podcast downloaded. I find it helps to be distracted for such a long session.

Come in comfortable clothing, and one that allows us to work in the area we are tattooing. For example, if we will be working on your thigh, bring baggy shorts we may roll up. Black clothing preferably to avoid noticeable ink stains.

I always suggest leaving your friends, family, and partner at home. Keep in mind the length of your session, and there’s no need to make them sit for so long. In my experience it makes things worse as the animated talking makes you move, and distracts me.

Worth Noting:

Please let me know of any allergies, skin condition, medication, or special needs you may have prior to our session. This includes having been on accutane in the past, STD’s, diabetes, or anything else related to skin or blood. I can usually accommodate to all clients and may need to prepare by buying different gloves or products in case of allergies for example.

I’m also allergic to strong scents, so please be mindful as to not wear any cologne or strong scents.

Most sessions average 6+ hours. I do not charge hourly for this very reason, since I would never want the client to be concerned about the time it’s taking. I honestly do not know how long your tattoo would take, since there are many factors like skin condition that affect the process. I would plan for an all day sitting without a time restrain. For me it takes as long as needed to give you the best tattoo possible.

Placement also plays a huge factor, I would say working on limbs can be much quicker due to the positioning than tattoos on the torso for example. But over all hydrated and healthy skin saves us much time during the tattoo AND during the healing phase. Please read “How to prepare for your tattoo” above.

My name is Leo, and I’ve been tattooing since 2017. I have a background in Fine Arts & Illustration, and although most of the tattoos on myself are illustrative, I felt a calling towards Realism. To me there is no other style as technically challenging or as thrilling to perform as Black and Grey Realism. There are many factors as to why I absolutely love my job, from the people I meet and bond with, to the admiration I have for this ever evolving craft. I am grateful for all the clients that trust me with their vision, and I truly give it my all in return.

Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to work along side many talented artists, and visit many wonderful places. I’ve worked in Miami, Toronto, Hawaii, New York, LA, Phoenix, Texas, Las Vegas, amongst a few others. Currently I am residing in Salt Lake City, Utah, as to give myself a break from traveling, and I will probably stay here until the end of the year with the exception of a guest spot here and there.

I often get asked why I do not showcase my face or persona since it’s so common for tattoo artists to do so nowadays, but I genuinely believe that it should be solely about the Art in my case. I like to separate the person from the work. I also value my privacy in this technological world where everything is out there, but I do enjoy connecting with my clients in person and exchanging stories. So feel free to ask anything during our session. I love it when clients become friends, and faces I am happy to see again and again.

Thank you for reading,

Leo

For those who want to learn smooth shading, realism, and portraiture. Applicable for beginners and those whom already tattoo, but want to master their craft. Having a good system in place and knowing how to approach different motifs can make a world of difference.

I often get messages from artists all around the world, asking which supplies I use as well as advice. Many inquire about Online Seminars, but I don’t think online learning is as effective as in person. Which is why I only offer One-on-One Coaching.

All supplies are provided, synthetic skin, machines, needles, ink, etc. However bringing your own tattoo machine is advisable since that’s the tool you are familiar with and will likely continue to use.

We start by sitting for 30 minutes going over my set up, principals, tips and tricks, and over all approach that makes me work better. You’re welcomed to ask questions as I go along.

Once we go over those, comes the application part. Everyone learns differently, but a hands on approach works best. We will be using synthetic skins, an empty one until we get the hand motions down, then we each work on a stenciled section of the tattoo together. I find this to be the quickest way to learn.

If interested or have any questions, just DM me!

The most important stage is the healing. This will determine how your tattoo will hold and look forever.

If we used Plastic Wrap:

Keep it on between 1-2 hours after you leave the shop. Then remove it with clean hands. Skip reading what’s bellow and continue onto “Once you take it off”

If we used Derm Shield:

Also known as Second Skin, Saniderm, etc. by other brands, Take it off 24 hours after you leave the shop.

Some recommend keeping it on for longer, or shorter amount of time to be replaced with a second wrap. But I find the pulling of the 2nd adhesive unnecessary, or the prolonged cover time with it similar to keeping a bandaid on a cut for too long.

So just keep the first wrap I put on you for the first 24 hours while your the skin is most exposed, then let it breathe.

Granted it hasn’t come off and your tattoo hasn’t been exposed, if so take it off as soon as it has been exposed. Keep an eye on the area surrounding the wrap, as a very small number of people do get a reaction to the adhesive. This tends to look like a rash around, rather than on the tattoo, and it is often on individuals whom also get a reaction to bandaids.

It doesn’t have to be 24 hours exactly to take it off, just the next day in the evening (or the following day in the morning if you have pet hair on your bedsheets and are too lazy to change them.)

You can take a shower as the luke-warm water will aid the removal. Be sure to wash your hands before removing, and to pull downwards rather than upwards.

Once you take it off:

Clean your hands well, splash some lukewarm water in the area and clean gently with either Baby Soap, or Antibacterial Soap, Unscented preferably. Clean gently with your fingers, do not scrub nor pressure wash the area.

Once it is clean, Dab dry with clean paper towels or just let the area air dry. Do not wipe nor use any other kind of towel that has been used before.

First day after you take it off:

You want this tattoo to dry after taking things off. Just clean it once or twice in your day. Repeat if you happen to get it dirty or rub it on a dirty surface, but otherwise just leave it alone to “do its thing” and heal.

Second day after you take it off:

Starting the second day, you may start putting a tiny bit of lotion on your tattoo after you wash it, with clean hands of course. You want the skin to breathe, so a very light amount, just so it looks like a light sheen.

Do not clog the pores by using too much, nor use any lotion containing Alcohol or Petroleum in the ingredients. There are tons of Tattoo intended ones such as ‘Hustle Butter’ or ‘Tattoo Goo’.

More lotion doesn’t mean faster healing, on the contrary. Clogging the pores can mess up your tattoo. The sheen should only look so for a bit as your skin will absorb it, and that is fine.

Around Day 3-4:

The tattoo usually flakes similar to a sunburn, dries up, and you may even get a scab. This is totally normal as well as how itchy it will be.

It is very important that you do not pick at the scabs/flakes. This may result in ink loss or even scar tissue.

Just apply a bit of lotion once it’s been cleaned, and practice some mental strength. Do NOT slap the area nor smack it to calm down the itchyness. Keep in mind the skin is trying to heal and we want to hold the ink in there, while smacking it can be very harmful.

Just keep it clean by washing it once or twice a day, and moisturizing it after. Less is more for proper healing. The body is very wise, so as long as you follow the instructions, and keep it clean, it will heal great.

Thing to keep an eye on:

Your tattoo should feel like a sunburn for a couple of days. However if it gets redder, has discoloration, oozes, then these could all be a sign of an infection. At which point you should seek medical assistance. But this is rare and if you’ve kept it clean, its nothing to worry about!

Things to avoid on your tattoo:

Animal hair, deodorant, sunscreen, sunblock, dirt/bacteria, lotions not intended for tattoos.

Do not submerge under water (such as beach, pool, jacuzzi, lake, etc) for at least two weeks.

Avoid direct sunlight.

Don’t wear anything constricting in the area until healed. For example if its on your wrist, don’t wear a watch.

In Conclusion:

I’m sure everyone you know will have an opinion on how to heal a tattoo, but always listen to the artist who did your tattoo since they are the ones responsible for it.

The tattoo should be healed enough in a few weeks to resume regular endeavors, but will be fully healed when the darker areas stop being shiny. Timing on this will vary as everyone heals different according to their diet, genetics, etc. This is when it is safe to go back over it and touch it up if it needed it.

Other than that its just your basic ‘keep it clean rule’.

Less is more, and dry healing is ok too if you’ve already done this process successfully before hand.

I would also appreciate any healed photos, or hearing if you’re happy with the tattoo. Those messages always make my day.

Concerns:

I genuinely care for my work healing well, as you have see from the amount of care I put into the process. So please take care of it (but don’t over do it) and this will be something we can both be proud to show off.

If you have any concerns do not hesitate to message me with a video or photo of the area. If this is your first tattoo it can be scary the first time you go through the healing, so I am here to answer any questions.

Thank you for trusting me with your new tattoo!