Tattoos

Every industry has its own insider language, and tattooing is no different. One glance at artists’ Instagram pages, or step into any tattoo studio and you’ll hear artists and clients using phrases that might sound unfamiliar, or even confusing if you’re new to the world of tattooing. Tattoo slang isn’t just fun jargon, it’s part of the shared history, traditions, and identity of the tattoo world.

Like surf culture, skateboarding, or music scenes, tattooing developed its own vocabulary long before it became mainstream. Tattoo slang often came from sailors, bikers, and early tattoo pioneers who created a shorthand to describe techniques, designs, or experiences. Knowing the lingo helps clients feel more comfortable in the studio, and it helps artists communicate quickly with one another.

In this post, we’ll break down some of the most common tattoo slang terms, where they come from, and what they say about the art form.

Flash
Pre-drawn tattoo designs displayed in a studio. Flash is often used for inspiration or as “pick-and-stick” designs clients can choose from.

Sleeve
A tattoo or series of tattoos that cover an entire arm, creating the look of a “sleeve” of artwork. Variations include half-sleeves (shoulder to elbow) and quarter-sleeves (shoulder to mid-bicep).

Cover-Up
A tattoo designed to hide or transform an old or unwanted tattoo into something new.

Custom Piece
A tattoo that’s designed specifically for you, rather than chosen from flash. Custom pieces are one-of-a-kind and often involve consultations with the artist to bring your ideas to life.

Rework
When an existing tattoo is freshened up or improved. A rework might involve sharpening faded lines, adding colour, or adjusting details to make the tattoo look new again.

Stencil
The outline of a tattoo design that’s transferred onto the skin before the tattooing begins. Stencils act like a roadmap for the artist, keeping proportions and placement spot-on.

Linework
The foundation of a tattoo. Linework refers to the clean, crisp outlines that define the design. Strong linework is crucial for a tattoo that ages well.

Shading
The technique used to add depth, contrast, and dimension to a tattoo. Shading makes a flat design look dynamic and helps elements blend smoothly.

Single Needle
A style of tattooing done with just one needle. Single needle tattoos are known for their fine, delicate details and are often used for minimalistic work.

Colour Piece
A tattoo that uses bright pigments instead of just black and grey. Colour pieces can range from subtle pops of color to bold, full-spectrum designs.

Stipple Shading / Dotwork
A style of shading that uses tiny dots instead of solid lines or fills. Dotwork creates a softer, textured look and is especially popular in mandala and geometric tattoos.

Bodysuit
An extensive collection of tattoos that cover large portions, or the entirety of someone’s body. Bodysuits are often created over years and represent a huge commitment to the art form.

Tattoo slang might sound like a secret code at first, but once you know the terms, it opens up a whole new level of understanding and appreciation for the art form. From the precision of linework to the commitment of a bodysuit, every phrase tells a story about the creativity, skill, and culture behind tattoos. Whether you’re booking your very first custom piece or planning a full colour sleeve, knowing the lingo makes the whole experience more exciting, and helps you connect with your artist on their wavelength.

Have you heard some tattoo slang and not sure what it means? Let us know! We love breaking down the lingo and helping our clients feel at home in the studio. And if you’re ready to turn that new knowledge into fresh ink, come chat with us about your next custom piece!

In a world where technology evolves daily, it’s no surprise that AI-generated images have made their way into the tattoo world. Platforms like DALL·E, Midjourney, and others can now create incredibly detailed, artistic concepts based on a few simple prompts. It’s inspiring, exciting, and a powerful way to explore ideas visually, especially for those who struggle to describe what’s in their heads.

But here’s the important bit: AI is a tool, not a tattoo artist.

While AI can help bring a concept to life, it often creates unrealistic expectations for how that image will translate onto skin. Why? Because AI doesn’t understand some of the fundamental realities of tattooing.

It Doesn’t Understand Human Anatomy
AI doesn’t know if your design wraps around a forearm or fits on a shoulder blade. It won’t adjust for muscle structure, skin tone, or movement, all of which are crucial to a successful tattoo.

It Ignores Composition
Tattoo artists spend years learning how to create balanced, well flowing designs that work with your body. AI just throws elements together in a flat image, without thinking about placement or cohesion.

AI Doesn’t Age — Your Tattoo Will
An AI image might look ultra-detailed and sharp, but tattoos change over time. Lines soften, ink spreads, and skin shifts. AI doesn’t account for that… but your artist does.

It Doesn’t Heal
Your tattoo goes through a healing process, and not all details survive the journey. AI doesn’t know how fine lines or white ink will settle in your skin.

So… Is AI All Bad?
Not at all! It’s actually a fantastic tool for inspiration. It can help you refine an idea, mood, or layout idea that resonates with you, especially in the early stages of planning. Bring those ideas to your artist, and they can use their experience to adapt and evolve them into a custom design that actually works on skin.

In Summary…
Use AI as a sketchbook, not a blueprint. Trust your artist to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality. That’s where the real magic happens.

In recent years, numbing creams have surged in popularity among tattoo clients, especially as social media has normalised longer sessions and large-scale pieces. But what even is it, and is it worth using?

For many, the idea of sitting through hours of tattooing without discomfort sounds too good to pass up. These topical aesthetics can help reduce pain and anxiety, making the experience more manageable for those with lower pain tolerance or first-time clients.

Tattoo numbing creams typically contain one or more active ingredients designed to dull pain by blocking nerve signals. The most common are:

• Lidocaine – A local aesthetic that numbs the surface of the skin.
• Prilocaine – Often paired with lidocaine for enhanced effect.
• Benzocaine – Another aesthetic that works similarly but is generally milder.
• Tetracaine – Stronger and longer-lasting but less commonly used due to potential side effects.

These creams work by temporarily desensitising the nerve endings in the skin, which reduces or eliminates the pain signals sent to the brain during tattooing. They’re typically applied 30–60 minutes before a session and sometimes reapplied during breaks, depending on the product and the artist’s comfort with it.

Is it worth it? That depends. For some clients, especially those with low pain tolerance or undergoing long sessions, numbing cream can make a huge difference in comfort. But it’s not a magic solution—results vary depending on skin type, placement, and the product used. Also, once the cream wears off (usually after a couple of hours), the pain can return suddenly and more intensely. It’s also important to consider the artist’s preferences—some won’t work on numbed skin due to changes in texture or healing outcomes. If you’re interested, it’s always best to have a conversation with your artist beforehand to weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation.

One of our artists, Elliot, recently completed this incredible cover-up design over the course of a few sessions.