Getting inked should never feel like picking a design off a wall at random. A custom tattoo is made for one person only: you. At Studio Vanassa on Whyte Ave in Edmonton, custom work is the heart of what we do. Here is how the process works, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your design appointment.
What is a custom tattoo, and how is it different from flash?
Flash is a pre-drawn design, made once and available to be tattooed as is. Plenty of people love flash for its spontaneity, and we release flash drops of our own at the studio. A custom tattoo, on the other hand, is designed from scratch for your body and your story. Nobody else on earth will have it.
The difference shows in the details. With custom work, the artist adjusts the composition to fit your anatomy: the flow of your shoulder, the curve of your ribs, the shape of your forearm. Fine line florals, ornamental blackwork, script lettering, butterflies: the style can be anything, but the design is yours.
Where do I start? What should I bring to my consultation?
You do not need a finished drawing. Most of our favourite pieces started as a single sentence: "I want something for my grandmother," or "I love the look of ornamental filigree." Here is what helps most.
References you love. Save screenshots, Pinterest pins, or photos of tattoos whose style, mood, or details appeal to you. Three to ten images that need not match give us a clear read on your taste.
Placement and size. Tell us where on your body you are thinking, and roughly how big. Not sure? We will advise on what fits the anatomy and holds up over time.
Meaning, if there is any. Some pieces mark a milestone, a person, a fresh start. Share whatever you want us to know. It shapes the design more than you would think.
Honesty about pain and budget. Placement affects comfort and size affects price, so we would rather design within your real limits than surprise you later.
After the consultation, your artist designs the piece and you see it before the needle ever touches skin. At our studio, the consultation often happens right before the appointment itself.
What tattoo styles do you do at Studio Vanassa?
We are an art-driven studio, which means the drawing matters as much as the tattooing. Our artists work in fine line, ornamental blackwork, minimalism, florals and botanicals, script and lettering, butterflies and delicate illustrative pieces, and bold concepts for larger work like shoulder and upper-arm pieces. If your idea sits outside our wheelhouse, we will tell you honestly.
How much does a custom tattoo cost in Edmonton?
Every custom piece is quoted individually, based on size, detail, and placement. Smaller pieces are usually completed in a single session, while larger or more detailed work may take multiple sessions across several visits. During your consultation we will give you a clear, honest quote before anything is booked. We never start work without your agreement on price.
How long does the whole process take?
Design time varies with complexity. A small fine-line piece might be designed in a few days, while a large ornamental shoulder piece can take weeks of drawing. The session itself depends on size: a small piece may take an hour or two, while a large detailed piece can be a full-day session. We block off the full day for big sessions so there is time for breaks and for the artist to work without rushing.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Good preparation makes a real difference to how your skin takes the ink and how you feel in the chair.
Get a good night of sleep and eat a real meal beforehand.
Stay hydrated in the days leading up to your session, and skip alcohol the night before.
Moisturize the area for a few days before your appointment, but arrive with clean, product-free skin.
Wear clothing that gives easy access to the placement area.
Bring snacks and water, especially for longer sessions.
Avoid sunburn on the area in the weeks before. Freshly sunburned skin cannot be tattooed safely.
What does tattoo aftercare involve?
Your artist will wrap your new tattoo and walk you through aftercare before you leave. The basics: keep it clean, lightly moisturized, and out of the sun while it heals. Do not pick at scabs or flakes. Avoid soaking the tattoo, so no baths, pools, hot tubs, or long swims, for about two weeks. Healing usually takes two to four weeks on the surface. Follow the instructions your artist gives you, because they are written for your specific piece, and reach out to us if anything looks off. Touch-up sessions are quoted separately; we will always be upfront about the cost.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring a finished design? No. Bring your ideas, reference images, and an open mind. The design is our job. Your job is to tell us what you love and what you don't.
Does getting a tattoo hurt? Honestly, yes, but most people find it far more tolerable than expected. Fine-line and ornamental work on fleshier areas like the upper arm or thigh is often described as a scratchy buzz. Bonier areas like ribs, spine, and feet tend to be spicier. Your artist will check in with you throughout the session.
Can you cover up an old tattoo I don't like? Sometimes. Cover-ups depend on how dark, large, and saturated the old tattoo is, and not every piece can be covered with what you want. A consultation is the only way to know. Bring photos, or better, come in so we can see it in person.
How far in advance should I book? It depends on the size of the piece and the artist's schedule. Smaller custom pieces can often be booked within a few weeks, while large pieces need design time built in. If you have a deadline, like a trip or an event, tell us early so we can plan around it.
Do you take walk-ins, or only appointments? We work by appointment so every piece gets the design time it deserves. Reach out through the booking form on our website, call or text us at (780) 297-8030, or message us on Instagram. We are on Whyte Ave in Edmonton, open Monday to Friday 10am to 9pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.
Ready to start designing? Bring your ideas to Studio Vanassa and let's make something unmistakably yours. With hundreds of five-star Google reviews from Edmonton clients, we will take good care of you and your skin.