Portrait tattoos in Edinburgh
A portrait only works if it is unmistakably them. That likeness — the set of the eyes, the exact weight of a smile — is what I spend most of my time chasing.
The photograph decides how far the tattoo can go
Nearly every portrait I tattoo starts from a photograph, and that photograph sets the ceiling. Sharp focus, soft even light and a full-resolution file give me the skin texture and tonal range to work with. A small, heavily compressed screenshot does not, and I would far rather tell you that at the consultation than halfway through a session.
Memorial pieces, without a clock running
A good share of this work is memorial. If that is what you are planning, there is no hurry on my side. Bring whatever photographs you have, including the imperfect ones, and we will work out together which of them actually carries the person.
Built to still read in ten years
Black and grey portraits age well when they are built with enough contrast to survive settling. I tattoo them for how they will look once healed rather than for how they photograph on the day, which is why much of the gallery below is healed work rather than fresh.
Portraits — healed and fresh.
86 pieces from the archive. Tap any photograph to see it larger.
Frequently asked
What kind of reference photo do you need?
Can you work from an old or damaged photograph?
How many sessions does a portrait take?
Other styles
Ready to start
your piece?
Tell me your idea and I'll take it from there. Consultations are relaxed and there's no obligation.