Custom tattoos in Edinburgh · Cover-ups
Custom tattoos
in Edinburgh & cover-ups.
Send me your idea first. It doesn’t need to be fully worked out. I’ll tell you what can work and what it will take.
Starting with your idea
It doesn’t need to be finished.
Tell me what you want the tattoo to be about, where you want it and roughly how big. A few references are useful, but you don’t need to arrive with a finished design. We can talk it through and work out what makes sense.
First
Send the details
Tell me what you want the tattoo to be about, where you want it and roughly how big. A finished design isn’t needed.
Then
Talk it through
We’ll go through the idea and placement. I’ll tell you what I think will work. For a cover-up, include a clear photo of the tattoo.
Before booking
Agree the plan
I’ll tell you how long it’s likely to take, how many sessions it may need and what it will cost before we set a date.
Sessions
The right session for the work.
For a new project, send your idea first. I’ll recommend a session and explain the likely time, number of sessions and cost before we book.
For larger projects
Full session
For sleeves, cover-ups and larger custom tattoos.
For smaller projects
Flexible session
For smaller tattoos, additions or continuing work. I’ll price it for the project.
Laser removal
Edinburgh · Mondays
For tattoo removal or fading before a cover-up. I’ll advise whether fading could give us more options.
About
Davids Strods.
I’m a tattoo artist in Edinburgh. I’ve been tattooing since 2013, mainly in illustrative realism: colour, black and grey, and larger compositions built to flow with the body. My background in tailoring and construction affects how I think about shape and placement.
You can come to me with a rough idea or a few references. I’ll work out what can be done around your body and placement. References help me understand what you like, but I don’t copy another artist’s tattoo. If I don’t think it’ll work, I’ll tell you before we start and explain why. With some cover-ups, laser fading gives us more options. I approach every tattoo with the same care I’d want if I were the one wearing it.
Edinburgh tattoo gallery
Recent work.
A selection of work from my Edinburgh studio: illustrative realism, colour, black and grey, cover-ups and larger projects.
Client words
What clients said.
“Super relaxed experience, great tattoo, ‘nuff said. Thank you David.”
“Been going to Dave for years now, always easy to book in, excellent work and he is more of a brother than a tattoo artist!”
“He was incredibly helpful before, during, and after the session and thanks to his advice it healed beautifully.”
Edinburgh studio
The studio.
87 Rose Street Lane, Edinburgh. By appointment only.
FAQ
Questions.
Send me your question with the idea, placement and size.
What if I don’t have a finished idea?
That’s fine. Send me the subject, a few references if you have them, and where you want the tattoo. We can work out the design together.
Will you copy a reference tattoo?
No. References help me see what you like. I use them to make an original design around your idea and the placement.
Can we talk the idea through?
Yes. The first 15-minute video call is free. If you miss it or arrive too late to have the call and need to book another, the new call will be chargeable.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the size, detail and placement. Once I know what you have in mind, I’ll give you a realistic plan before you book.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the size, detail and placement. Once I know what you have in mind, I’ll recommend the right session and explain the cost before we book.
Can you cover an existing tattoo?
Yes. How long it takes depends on the tattoo’s size, colour and condition, your skin, and whether you’re prepared to commit to laser fading first or want a cover-up without laser. Laser can give us more options; without it, we work with what’s already there. Send me a clear photo and I’ll tell you what I think can work.
Will I see the design before the session?
I finalise the design in person before the session, then we can make adjustments together. If you want dedicated time to develop the design in advance, that can be booked separately.
How do I choose between a full and flexible session?
You don’t need to choose before you enquire. Send me the idea and placement and I’ll recommend a session.
Where are you based?
87 Rose Street Lane, Edinburgh.
When are laser removal appointments?
Laser appointments are on Mondays in Edinburgh. Other days or longer appointments are booked as an extended session.
Edinburgh · Custom work · By appointment
Send your idea.
It doesn’t need to be fully worked out. Tell me what you have in mind and I’ll let you know how we can move forward.