Introduction
Tattoos are more than ink on skin—they’re symbols of who you are, what you believe, and the stories you carry. In a city known for its artistic legacy, custom tattoo designs in Edinburgh offer a unique way to express yourself through truly one-of-a-kind body art.
Unlike flash tattoos or standard templates, custom designs are built entirely around your ideas. Every line, shade, and shape is crafted with purpose. Whether you envision a minimal wrist piece or a full back mural, custom tattoos ensure your ink is original, personal, and perfect for you.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the benefits of custom tattoos, popular styles in Edinburgh, how to prepare for a custom design, and why Sanatorium Tattoo stands out as one of the city’s top studios for bespoke body art.
What Are Custom Tattoo Designs?
Tailored From Scratch
Custom tattoos are fully original artworks created specifically for you. Unlike pre-drawn flash, these designs are hand-drawn based on your concept, story, and preferences.
Collaborative Process
Custom tattooing is a partnership between client and artist. You bring your ideas, and the artist brings their creativity, technical skills, and vision to shape them into lasting art.
No Two Are Alike
With custom designs, you’ll never see someone else with the same tattoo. It’s entirely your own, making it ideal for people who value individuality and intention.
Why Choose a Custom Tattoo Over Flash Art?
Personal Meaning and Symbolism
Custom tattoos often carry deep personal stories—names, memories, spiritual symbols, or life milestones—that mass-produced designs can’t capture.
Better Body Fit
Custom pieces are sized and shaped to flow with your anatomy, enhancing natural curves and movement for a seamless, polished look.
Higher Creative Freedom
When you go custom, you’re not limited to pre-made designs. You can blend styles, request unique subject matter, and adapt as your idea evolves.
Long-Term Satisfaction
Because you’ve helped shape the design, you’re more likely to remain connected to it years down the line.
Popular Custom Tattoo Styles in Edinburgh
Black and Grey Realism
Hyper-detailed portraits, animals, or nature scenes rendered in smooth shading and grayscale tones. Great for memorials or storytelling pieces.
Fine Line and Minimalist
Delicate lines, soft shapes, and clean structure define this modern, elegant style—perfect for small, symbolic tattoos.
Traditional and Neo-Traditional
Bold lines, bright colours, and classic motifs like roses, daggers, and pin-ups—reimagined with contemporary twists.
Geometric and Mandala
Custom mandalas, sacred geometry, and symmetrical shapes that blend mathematical precision with visual balance.
Floral and Botanical
Flowers, leaves, and natural elements can be stylised or realistic, often layered into custom sleeves or as standalone pieces.
Lettering and Script
Names, quotes, dates, or mantras crafted in custom fonts or hand-drawn calligraphy for a meaningful, timeless look.
Surreal and Abstract
For those who want something imaginative and non-literal, surreal tattoos use metaphor, illusion, and visual play to convey unique ideas.
How the Custom Tattoo Process Works
Initial Consultation
You meet with your chosen artist to discuss the idea, reference images, size, placement, and overall vision. The artist may take notes or do quick sketches.
Design Drafting
Based on your consultation, the artist creates a custom design. This could take a few days to weeks depending on complexity and the artist’s schedule.
Feedback and Revisions
You’ll have a chance to review the design and request adjustments. This ensures the final artwork meets your expectations before inking begins.
Tattoo Appointment
Once approved, the design is stenciled and applied during your tattoo session. Large or intricate pieces may require multiple sittings.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
Reference Images
Bring photos or artwork that capture the style, elements, or feeling you want. These are used as inspiration, not to copy.
List of Symbols or Elements
Write down any must-have symbols, meanings, or imagery you’d like included in the design.
Placement Ideas
Know where on your body you’d like the tattoo to go. This helps shape the flow and orientation of the artwork.
Be Open-Minded
The best designs often evolve through dialogue. Trust your artist’s expertise while keeping your personal story central.
Why Choose Sanatorium Tattoo?
Edinburgh’s Custom Tattoo Experts
Located in the heart of the city, Sanatorium Tattoo is renowned for producing some of the most distinctive and custom tattoo designs in Edinburgh. Every piece is treated as a creative collaboration, never rushed or reused.
Diverse and Talented Artists
The studio houses a team of artists with specialties in blackwork, realism, fine line, traditional, and illustrative styles—ensuring a perfect match for your vision.
Client-Centric Design Process
From consultation to aftercare, Sanatorium Tattoo prioritises communication, creativity, and care. You’re not just a client—you’re part of the design journey.
Clean, Professional Studio
At 8 Drummond Street, Sanatorium Tattoo provides a modern, hygienic space that adheres to all UK safety standards. Sterile equipment, premium inks, and client comfort are guaranteed.
Walk-Ins Welcome, Appointments Preferred
While some custom pieces may be designed for walk-in clients, detailed work is best booked in advance to ensure thorough planning and execution.
Custom Tattoos vs. Cover-Up Tattoos
Custom Tattoos Are Created Anew
Unlike cover-ups, which need to work with an existing design, custom tattoos begin on a blank canvas and allow complete freedom.
Cover-Ups Often Include Custom Elements
Even cover-ups are typically redesigned from scratch to creatively mask the original tattoo. Sanatorium Tattoo excels at both.
Cover-Up Designs May Be Limited by Size/Colour
With custom tattoos, you’re less restricted by the shape or density of existing ink, allowing for finer detail and more delicate linework.
How to Choose the Right Artist for Custom Work
Review Portfolios Carefully
Look for examples in the style you want. Does the artist handle detail well? Are their lines clean? Do they show healed work?
Match Style to Artist
Don’t expect a blackwork artist to excel at watercolour or realism. Choose someone whose strengths match your concept.
Ask About the Design Process
Great artists welcome collaboration. Ask how they approach drafting, feedback, and finalising a design.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Sanatorium Tattoo consistently receives praise for custom designs that exceed client expectations. Look for proof of professionalism and artistic care.
How Much Do Custom Tattoos Cost in Edinburgh?
Pricing Based on Time and Detail
Most custom pieces are priced hourly—typically between £80–£150 per hour depending on the artist and complexity. Larger or highly detailed work can take multiple sessions.
Design Fees May Apply
Some artists charge a separate fee for the design phase, which covers time spent drafting and refining custom artwork.
Sanatorium Tattoo Offers Transparent Quotes
Your consultation at Sanatorium Tattoo includes a clear price estimate based on size, placement, and detail.
Aftercare Tips for Custom Tattoos
Follow Your Artist’s Advice
Each tattoo has unique healing needs. Listen to your artist’s specific guidance regarding washing, moisturising, and protection.
Use Tattoo-Friendly Products
Fragrance-free soaps and dedicated aftercare balms work best. Avoid petroleum-based products unless recommended.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Water Exposure
Protect your new tattoo from UV rays and avoid pools, hot tubs, or soaking until it’s fully healed (usually 2–4 weeks).
Check In if Needed
If something doesn’t look or feel right, Sanatorium Tattoo’s artists are happy to answer your questions or recommend touch-ups.
Conclusion
A tattoo should be as unique as the person wearing it. With custom tattoo designs in Edinburgh, you’re not just picking a design—you’re telling a story. You’re marking a moment, a memory, or a mindset in a way that no one else can replicate.
If you’re ready to take your tattoo journey to the next level, choose a studio that values creativity, professionalism, and collaboration. At Sanatorium Tattoo, you’ll work with talented artists who listen, design, and execute with care—ensuring the final result is everything you envisioned and more. Make your mark. Make it personal. Make it custom—with Sanatorium Tattoo.
FAQs
How long does a custom tattoo take to design?
It depends on complexity. Simple linework designs may take a day or two, while full sleeves or realistic portraits may take several days to plan.
Can I bring my own drawing or idea?
Yes! Bringing your sketches, references, or even rough concepts is a great way to guide the design process. Your artist will refine it into tattoo-ready art.
Are custom tattoos more expensive?
Custom tattoos often cost more than flash tattoos due to the time spent designing. However, the result is unique and perfectly tailored to you.
Is Sanatorium Tattoo good for custom work?
Absolutely. Sanatorium Tattoo is one of Edinburgh’s top studios for bespoke tattoos. Their artists are known for detailed planning, creativity, and precision.
What if I want changes to the design?
That’s part of the process. Your artist will revise the design as needed before tattooing. Communication is key to achieving the perfect result.
