Inkwell

Pick one off the wall.

Four artists, four styles, walk-ins most days. Try it on before you commit.

Four chairs, four styles.

Everybody here does one thing really well. Pick the style first and the artist comes with it.

Lupe Ybarra, a woman with traditional tattoo sleeves and a red bandana, at her station in front of the flash wall

American traditional

“Twenty years, one chair by the window. If it is on the wall, I can probably do it today.”

Best for
Walk-ins, classic flash, your first one
Books
Taking walk-ins today
Juniper Ng, an artist with a short black bob and small fine-line tattoos, at a tidy station with a plant

Fine-line, single needle

Juniper Ng

“Small, quiet, precise. Nervous? Good. Sit in my chair and we will go slow.”

Best for
Botanicals, tiny pieces, first-timers
Books
Next opening Thursday
Dell Marchetti, a bearded man with heavy blackwork sleeves and a black apron, arms crossed at his station

Blackwork and ornamental

Dell Marchetti

“Go big. Sleeves, backs, the things that take a few Saturdays and look better for it.”

Best for
Sleeves, backs, geometric and dotwork
Books
Booking big pieces for December
Simone Batiste, a smiling woman with braids and colorful illustrative tattoo sleeves, at her station

Neo-traditional color

Simone Batiste

“Jewel tones and animals with attitude. My books open four times a year, so set a reminder.”

Best for
Color animals, portraits, ornate pieces
Books
Books open Jan 6

Checking the board…

How it heals.

Slide through the first month. Every tattoo goes through the same few weeks.

Day 1

Red, tender and a little shiny. It may weep clear plasma and some ink.

  • Leave the wrap on as long as your artist says.
  • Wash gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, then pat dry with a clean paper towel.
  • A very thin layer of unscented aftercare balm.

Follow your artist's aftercare instructions. This isn't medical advice. Spreading redness, heat, pus or a fever means see a doctor.

Got an idea? Tell us.

  1. Your idea
  2. Placement and size
  3. Style and artist
  4. Budget and timing

Your idea

Reference images (optional)They stay on your device for this preview. Nothing is uploaded.

Come by.

Inside the shop: cobalt walls covered in flash, four black tattoo chairs and a wooden front counter
Address
1408 Mesquite Row, East Austin, TX 78702
Hours
Tue to Thu, noon to 9 pm
Fri and Sat, noon to 11 pm
Sun, noon to 7 pm. Closed Mondays.
Parking
Free street parking on Mesquite Row. After 5 pm, the lot behind the taco trailer is fair game.
Call
(512) 555-0143

How much will it hurt?

Everybody is different. This is the shop's honest average.

  • Outer forearm
  • Inner forearm
  • Upper arm
  • Calf
  • Upper back
  • Thigh
  • Chest
  • Ankle
  • Ribs

Eat a real meal an hour or two before, drink water, and skip alcohol the day before. Wear something that gets out of the way of the spot. Bring a snack, headphones and your ID. Ask anything. Nobody here thinks it is a dumb question.

Yes. You have to be 18 or older with a valid government photo ID, every time. No exceptions, even with a parent.

A $50 deposit holds a flash appointment and $100 holds a custom one. It comes off your final price. Move it free up to 48 hours ahead; inside 48 hours or a no-show, the deposit stays with the shop.

$80. That covers a fresh needle, setup and cleanup, even for the tiniest piece.

A design the artist tattoos exactly once. When somebody gets it, we write GONE on the sheet and it comes off the wall for good.

Tips are not required but they are appreciated. Most people tip 15 to 25 percent, cash or card.