Manakin Tattoo - Premium Custom Tattoos in Pismo Beach, California

The following information will answer questions about the studios process, and how I conduct my business. Please read through everything. If you have more questions please email or call me.

Every tattoo I do (with a few exceptions) is a custom, one-of-a-kind design created specifically for that client, based on an exchange of ideas and a general discussion of all the logistics, such as artwork, money, time, traveling, and scheduling.

ARTWORK

I will discuss the artwork, ideas and expectations of the client before making any appointments or agreeing to do the tattoo and taking money. This ensures the quality of all the work we do, and that it will be inspired and an enjoyable process for both the client and the artist.  At the time of your first appointment we will discuss in detail all aspects of your design and how it looks on your body.  For long distance clients this discussion usually takes place over email or the phone, but whenever possible this discussion is always best in person at the tattoo studio. I am fully capable any style you might be interested in. Of course the more artistic and conceptual freedom provided by the customer, the better each piece of artwork will turn out.

MONEY

I charge $150 per hour for tattooing (cash only) and I take a $100 non-refundable deposit up front when starting new work. This deposit is taken one of 3 ways: by cash here at the shop, money order made out to Manakin Tattoo and mailed to 231 Pomeroy Unit G, Pismo Beach, Ca, or by credit card over the phone. The deposit always goes towards the cost of the last sitting.

Prices for single-sitting tattoos are determined upon completion of the piece, unless the client tells me a spending limit in advance. Prices for large pieces are determined on a sitting-by-sitting basis only. Since we charge hourly, however long a project takes to be considered as perfect as I can get it is the only criteria we go by. This ensures the quality of the work, and that neither the client nor artist gets locked into a predetermined price that is no longer accurate by the end.

TIME

Most of the tattoo artwork we end up doing is larger, multi-sitting pieces—although we still enjoy doing smaller, single sitting tattoos as well. Most full sleeves end up taking anywhere from 20 to 60 hours, divided up into sittings that can span about 3-12 months, depending on how frequently a client comes in or how long they can sit for at one time (among other things). A full back piece could be even longer than this. Regardless, it all depends on the particular client and their individual project.

Ideally, appointments will be scheduled 3-5 weeks apart until the project is completed. Generally speaking, the more time that goes by between sittings or until we get to finish an involved tattoo project, the harder it is for us to maintain the artistic continuity and inspiration needed to produce the best possible large-scale work. So please keep this in mind if you’re thinking about starting a larger tattoo project with us. If you think that factors such as money reliability, job, distance, etc may drastically interfere with your ability to schedule tattoo sittings at regular intervals, then you may want to consider getting a smaller, 1 or 2 session piece, or waiting until you’re surer of your logistics. Getting large work done is a commitment!

SCHEDULING

I am usually booked from two to three months in advance. Please keep this in mind when planning your next tattoo.

TRAVEL

Manakin Tattoo Private Studio is one block from the beach in Pismo Beach, Ca. There are several hotels and vacation rentals within the same block as the studio. Interstate 101 is 2 blocks from the studio and Pacific Coast hwy 1 is one block from the studio. Complete driving directions to the studio can be found in the in the contact section of this website.

MISCELLANEOUS

Once again, every tattoo we do is a one of a kind custom piece for the individual client. Because of this we do not have the time nor energy to draw things for people who are not already booked with an upcoming appointment.

Because of the unique and custom, fine art aspirations of our tattoos, they are not meant as designs to be copied or plagiarized. They are posted on this website as a way to advertise and promote our work, and as examples of what we can do or have done artistically. Using them as inspiration only, rather than copying them, is sincerely appreciated, especially by the clients who wear them.