Can I Bring My Own Tattoo Design? Here's What You Need to Know Before Your Appointment
So, you've got a tattoo idea. Maybe it's something you drew yourself, a piece of flash art you saw online, or a collage of images you're obsessed with. Whatever it is, you're probably wondering: Can I bring my own tattoo design to the artist?
At Cherry Bomb Studio, the answer is “Hell yes!” but with some important things to keep in mind. Whether you're a first-timer or covered in ink, here's what you should know about bringing your own tattoo design to a professional studio.
Can You Bring Your Own Tattoo Design?
Yes! Most tattoo studios especially custom-focused shops like Cherry Bomb welcome your design ideas. We want your tattoo to reflect you, and bringing in references or a personal design helps us understand your vision.
That said, there's a difference between inspiration and something ready to tattoo straight out of your sketchbook. Your artist will often adjust, refine, or completely redraw parts of your design to make sure it works as a tattoo.
Why Designs Usually Need Adjustments
Tattooing isn't the same as drawing on paper. Here's why we often need to tweak your design:
Skin is a living canvas: It stretches, moves, and ages. A good tattoo artist will adapt your design so it flows with your body and still looks amazing years from now.
Linework and contrast matter: Not all lines, shading, or colors work well in tattoo form. What looks great on a screen might not hold up on skin. Your artist knows how to make it work.
Sizing + placement: You might love a hyper-detailed design, but if it's too small, that detail will blur with time. We'll guide you toward a size and placement that will age well.
What Should I Bring to My Tattoo Consultation?
Bringing your own tattoo idea? Here's how to set yourself up for a great session:
Clear reference images (drawings, screenshots, photos whatever inspires you)
Ideas about placement and size (even a rough guess is helpful)
Openness to collaboration (we're here to make your idea work as a tattoo)
Inspiration, not copies we don't replicate other artists' custom tattoos line-for-line. But we can absolutely take elements and reinterpret them for your body.
What We Do Differently at Cherry Bomb Studio
At Cherry Bomb, we love working with personal ideas and concepts. Here's how we make the process better:
Artist match-making: We'll help you connect with the artist whose style fits your idea best, whether it's blackwork, fine line, bold color, or flash.
Collaborative sketching: We'll refine your idea with you, making sure it fits your body and holds up over time.
No ego, no pressure: This is your body. We're here to guide, not gatekeep.
Our artists are known for custom work, and we're proud to help bring your concept to life safely, professionally, and with style.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can bring your own tattoo design. Just know it's likely to evolve once you talk to your artist and that's a good thing. Tattooing is a collaboration, and our goal at Cherry Bomb is to take your idea and make it even better.
Whether it's your own drawing, a Pinterest board, or a vibe you've been dreaming about, we want to see it. Come in, let's talk, and let's make something permanent (in the best way possible).
Ready to get started? Walk in or book a consult with one of our artists. Your idea. Our hands. Your forever.