Lions Den is appointment only, so every tattoo starts with a conversation. The better the first message, the faster that conversation gets to a plan. You don't need a finished drawing. You need five things.
1. The idea, in your own words
Say what you want and, if you like, why. "A panther walking down my forearm" is a great start. So is "something for my dad, he loved roses and the river." The story behind a piece often decides how it gets drawn.
2. Where it goes
Placement shapes the design. A forearm is long and narrow, a shoulder is round, a calf tapers. Tell us the spot, and if you can, send a photo of it. It shows the space your artist has to work with.
3. A rough size
Palm size, half sleeve, a full back: a rough idea is enough. Size matters more than most people expect, because detail needs room. Tattoo ink settles slightly into the skin over the years, so a detailed design squeezed too small can soften and blur. If your idea is detailed, we'll suggest a size that keeps it sharp.
4. Reference photos
Screenshots, photos, sketches, other tattoos you like the look of. Clear, well-lit images are best, especially for anything realistic, where light and shadow carry the whole piece. References show your artist what you mean; the design itself is drawn for you.
5. The best way to reach you
A phone number or an email you actually check. We reply to every inquiry to talk it through, usually with a few questions about size and placement.
What happens next
- We read your inquiry and reply with questions or a first idea of the plan.
- We agree on the design, the size and how many sessions it takes.
- We book a time that works for you. Nothing is booked until you're happy with the piece.
The inquiry form on this site asks for all five, with room for up to three photos. It takes about two minutes.