Introduction

 Custom tattoos give you the freedom to tell your story through ink. In a city as artistic and culturally rich as Edinburgh, standing out means embracing originality. That’s where custom designs come in. At Sanatorium Tattoo, we specialize in one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to your personality, style, and life experiences. No flash sheets just thoughtful, hand-drawn designs made just for you.

What Are Custom Tattoos?

Unlike pre-designed flash tattoos, custom tattoos are developed in collaboration between the client and the artist. Every line, shape, and shade is crafted to match your idea. These tattoos can be:

• A symbolic representation of an important life event

• A tribute to loved ones or heritage

• A visual expression of your passions or beliefs

• A blend of styles for a unique aesthetic

Every design at Sanatorium Tattoo begins with a consultation to understand your concept deeply.

Why Choose a Custom Tattoo?

There are countless benefits to getting a custom piece:

• Uniqueness – Your design will never be duplicated.

• Emotional Significance – Custom tattoos often hold deep personal meaning.

• Fit and Flow – Designs are tailored to your body’s contours and movement.

• Artistic Collaboration – You and your artist co-create the final look.

This approach ensures you get a tattoo you’ll be proud to wear forever.

Custom Tattoo Styles Offered at Sanatorium Tattoo

Our team of skilled artists can work across a variety of tattoo styles, including:

• Blackwork – Bold, high-contrast ink designs

• Fine Line – Delicate lines and minimalistic detail

• Traditional – Classic styles with bold outlines and rich shading

• Neo-Traditional – A modern twist on traditional designs

• Realism – Lifelike depictions of people, animals, or objects

• Mandala & Geometric – Symmetrical, spiritual, or abstract patterns

Each artist has a distinct style, and we match you with the one best suited to your vision.

The Custom Tattoo Process

 Here’s how the process unfolds at Sanatorium Tattoo:

1. Consultation – Share your idea, story, and inspiration with us.

2. Design Planning – Our artist sketches a concept and gets your feedback.

3. Revisions – You can suggest tweaks until the design feels right.

4. Booking – A deposit is taken and your session is scheduled.

5. Tattooing Day – Your final design is inked with precision and care.

6. Aftercare Support – We guide you through the healing process.

This collaborative approach ensures you feel involved and excited throughout the journey.

How to Prepare for Your Custom Tattoo

To make the most of your experience, come prepared:

• Bring reference images, sketches, or mood boards

• Think about placement and size in advance

• Hydrate and eat well before your session

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the tattoo area

And most importantly—be open to your artist’s suggestions. They’re here to enhance your idea.

Design Inspiration: Custom Tattoo Ideas

Looking for creative inspiration? Here are some popular custom tattoo themes:

• Personal symbols – Astrological signs, initials, dates

• Nature themes – Trees, mountains, animals

• Cultural art – Celtic knots, tribal patterns, Japanese motifs

• Portraits – Loved ones, pets, or idols

• Spiritual elements – Mandalas, sacred geometry, deities

Your story is the foundation—let us build something meaningful from it.

How We Tailor Tattoos to Fit Your Body

Placement is key to a great tattoo. We consider:

• Muscle flow – Making sure the design moves naturally with your body

• Size ratio – Ensuring the piece doesn’t look too big or too small

• Symmetry – Balancing your design with existing tattoos

• Visibility – Helping you decide between visible and discreet locations

Custom tattoos should look like they belong on you—not just stuck on.

First Custom Tattoo? Here’s What to Expect

If it’s your first time, don’t worry. We love helping newcomers through the process:

• We walk you through everything in the consultation

• You’ll get full details on pricing and timeline

• Our artists create a calm, welcoming environment

• We prioritize hygiene, safety, and professionalism

By the time your session arrives, you’ll feel confident and excited.

Tattoo Aftercare for Custom Tattoos

 Proper healing is essential for keeping your ink vibrant. We recommend:

• Gently cleaning the tattoo with mild soap

• Using a fragrance-free aftercare ointment

• Avoiding sun, swimming, and tight clothing during healing

• Following our aftercare sheet for optimal results

We’re always available for follow-up advice, and touch-ups if needed.

Tattoo Consultations at Sanatorium Tattoo

 Every great custom tattoo begins with a great consultation. Here’s what to expect:

• Listening to Your Vision – We want to understand what this tattoo means to you

• Style Matching – We’ll pair you with the best artist for the design

• Early Sketches – We may show a few rough ideas during the consult

• Timeline & Budget – You’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of cost and sessions

Custom work is all about collaboration, and that begins with honest communication.

Sanatorium Tattoo: Why Clients Trust Us

Here’s why Sanatorium Tattoo is one of the top destinations for custom tattoos in Edinburgh:

• Award-winning artists with years of experience

• Clean, modern studio in the heart of the city

• A strong portfolio of custom pieces

• Transparent pricing and process

• Respectful, inclusive environment

Whether you're a tattoo enthusiast or a first-timer, we treat every project with the same dedication.

Located in the Heart of Edinburgh Visit us at:

8 Drummond St, Edinburgh EH8 9TU, United KingdomWe’re easily accessible by public transport and a short walk from the Royal Mile. Surrounded by Edinburgh’s historic charm and artistic spirit, our studio fits perfectly into the city’s creative culture.

Custom Tattoos vs. Flash Tattoos: What’s the Difference?

Still unsure if custom is right for you? Here’s a quick comparison:

If you want something truly personal and symbolic, custom tattoos are the way to go.

How Long Does a Custom Tattoo Take?

The timeline depends on the size and complexity:

• Small designs – 1–2 hours

• Medium designs – 3–6 hours

• Large designs or sleeves – Multiple sessions

We’ll give you a clear timeline after your consultation.

Cover-Ups and Redesigns

Have an old tattoo you want to rework? Our artists specialize in custom cover-ups that breathe new life into faded or unwanted ink. We design:

• Full cover-up pieces

• Partial touch-ups with new elements

• Creative redesigns using negative space

Bring photos of your old tattoo to your consultation and we’ll discuss the best options.

Tattooing for All Skin Tones

We’re proud to tattoo clients of all backgrounds. Our artists understand how ink behaves on different skin tones and adjust techniques accordingly to ensure:

• Rich saturation

• Balanced shading

• Clean linework

We want everyone to leave with a design that looks stunning and heals beautifully.

Conclusion:

Make Your Mark with Sanatorium Tattoo A Custom tattoos Edinburgh is more than ink it’s a part of who you are. At Sanatorium Tattoo, we honor that. Whether you’re dreaming of a minimal symbol or a complex, multi-session design, we’re here to collaborate, create, and bring your vision to life. Visit us at 8 Drummond St, Edinburgh EH8 9TU, United Kingdom to start your custom tattoo journey with expert care and artistic excellence.

FAQs

Q1: How much does a custom tattoo cost?

Pricing varies by size, complexity, and artist. We provide clear quotes during consultation.

Q2: Can I bring my own design idea?

Absolutely! We encourage it and will work with you to refine it for tattooing.

Q3: Are deposits required for booking?

Yes, a deposit secures your spot and goes toward the final cost.

Q4: How far in advance should I book?

For custom work, booking a few weeks ahead is ideal—especially for larger pieces.

Q5: What if I need to reschedule?

No problem! We just ask for 48 hours’ notice to rebook your session.