Size

The size of your tattoo determines much more than how large it looks on your body. It affects the amount of detail that can fit into the design, how many sessions may be required, and how long the appointment will take.

A small tattoo isn’t always faster or less expensive. Highly detailed artwork requires time, regardless of size, and squeezing too much detail into a small area often makes a tattoo more challenging to execute.

Placement

Where a tattoo is placed affects its overall design, comfort level, and difficulty. Different parts of the body stretch differently, and areas such as the ribs, side, or lower back can change dramatically as your body moves. Because of this, placement can influence the final size of the tattoo, the amount of detail that will fit, and the overall time needed to complete the work.

Detail

The amount of detail in a tattoo has one of the biggest impacts on pricing and appointment length.

Imagine two roses that are exactly the same size. An American Traditional rose with bold outlines and simple black shading may only take a short amount of time to complete. A full-color photorealistic rose of the same size could require several times longer because of the additional texture, blending, and color saturation involved.

When requesting a quote, describing the level of detail you’re looking for is just as important as describing the size.

Consultations are recommended for larger custom pieces, sleeve projects, and nearly all coverup tattoos.

During your consultation, you’ll discuss your ideas, determine the ideal size and placement, review reference images, and receive recommendations on what will work best for your body.

For larger projects, Sky will also take measurements or create tracings so the design can be custom fit specifically to you.

A drawing deposit is collected during this appointment and generally ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the complexity of the artwork.

If you’d like to see your design before your tattoo session, you can schedule a Drawing Review Appointment.

This short meeting allows you to review the artwork, request any adjustments, and feel completely confident before tattooing begins.

Small tattoos are generally palm-sized or smaller and are ideal for simple custom designs, lettering, or traditional walk-in style tattoos.

If your idea is straightforward and can be designed quickly using readily available references, there is usually no need for a consultation beforehand.

If you’d like to see examples of tattoos that fit this appointment type, visit Sky’s Walk-In Tattoo Portfolio.

Large Tattoo Appointments are designed for projects lasting three hours or longer, including sleeves, back pieces, and multi-session tattoos.

Appointments may last anywhere from three to seven hours depending on the project and your comfort level. If you’d rather work in shorter sessions, that’s perfectly fine. Many clients complete larger tattoos over multiple shorter

One of the most common questions is, “How much will my tattoo cost?”

The honest answer is that every tattoo is different.

Pricing depends primarily on three things:

• Size
• Placement
• Detail

These factors determine how much time your tattoo will require, which is ultimately what determines the cost.

Shop Minimum: $100

Very small tattoos on uncomplicated areas of the body begin at $100. Tattoos on the hands begin at a $150 minimum because of the increased difficulty.

Small Tattoos: $100-$250

Most palm-sized tattoos fall within this range, provided they are not highly detailed or photorealistic.

Hourly Rate: $200 per hour

Large custom tattoos, sleeves, and multi-session projects are billed by tattoo time only. Setup, cleanup, and freehand design work are not included in your hourly tattoo time.

Smaller tattoos can often be quoted accurately. Larger custom projects are typically estimated as a price range rather than an exact total.

If you’re working within a specific budget, simply mention it during your consultation. Whenever possible, the design can be adjusted to fit your goals while staying within your budget.

A custom tattoo is designed specifically for you from the ground up.

Whether you have a fully developed concept or only a rough idea, Sky works with you to develop a design that reflects your personality, fits your body, and will age well over time.

Reference images are always encouraged, especially if they help communicate style, mood, or artistic direction. They don’t have to match the exact subject matter of your tattoo—they simply help explain what you’re drawn to visually.

AI-generated artwork is generally discouraged as reference material. While AI can create interesting images, it doesn’t understand how tattoos must flow with the body or how designs need to be simplified to heal properly over time. Starting with real artwork usually leads to stronger custom designs and more realistic expectations.

If you’re considering a large custom project, visit the Custom Sleeve Tattoo Portfolio to see examples of Sky’s work.

Coverup tattoos are one of Sky Rockenbach’s specialties.

Many people who seek a coverup have already experienced the disappointment of receiving a tattoo they no longer enjoy. The goal isn’t simply to hide the old tattoo—it’s to replace it with artwork you’ll be proud to wear for the rest of your life.

Every coverup begins with understanding what currently exists and what your goals are moving forward.

Laser removal doesn’t always have to erase a tattoo completely. Often, one to three laser sessions can lighten an old tattoo enough to dramatically increase your coverup options.

If you choose laser treatment first, remember that you’ll typically need to wait about six months before receiving a new tattoo over the treated area.

Many tattoos can be successfully covered without laser treatment.

Color tattoos often provide the greatest flexibility because fully saturated pigments can conceal older work more effectively. However, black and grey coverups are also possible in many situations by using carefully layered opaque grey tones and strategic design choices.

Successful coverups depend heavily on choosing the right design.

Subjects with natural texture and detail—such as flowers, feathers, scales, ornamental designs, or geometric patterns—often provide more opportunities to disguise older tattoos.

This doesn’t mean you’re limited to those subjects. Portraits, figures, and softer imagery can often be incorporated as long as they’re designed around the existing tattoo rather than directly over it.

Every coverup is approached individually, with the goal of creating artwork that feels intentional—not like a compromise.

If you’d like to see examples, visit Sky’s Coverup Tattoo Portfolio.

Booking an appointment is always free.

Appointments can be rescheduled or cancelled online up to three days before your scheduled date.

If your appointment is less than three days away, please contact Sky directly through the website or by calling or texting (512) 522-5713.

Life happens, and unexpected situations are understood. However, repeated no-shows prevent other clients from scheduling.

First-time clients who fail to show without notice may not be permitted to book future appointments. Returning clients who miss an appointment without contacting the studio will have a $100 no-show fee added to their next appointment.

Healthy skin heals better, so avoid sunburns, cuts, rashes, or irritated skin before your appointment.

The day before your tattoo, drink plenty of water, get a full night’s sleep, and eat a substantial meal before arriving. For longer appointments, bringing snacks is encouraged. Complimentary bottled water and honey sticks are available in the studio if needed.

The goal is to make every appointment as comfortable as possible. You’re welcome to bring headphones, a pillow, a blanket, a book, or something to watch during longer sessions.

The studio is climate-controlled, and appointments take place on a comfortable padded tattoo table. One guest is welcome to accompany you if you’d like company during your session.

Sky arrives approximately fifteen minutes before every appointment to prepare the workstation, allowing your tattoo session to begin shortly after you arrive.