Blackwork

Black is the ink that lasts. A solid black panel at twenty years old looks like a solid black panel. Dai builds large pieces to the shape of the body, drawn on the skin freehand as often as from a stencil.

Dai works in black only: geometric and sacred-geometry pattern, ornamental and mandala work, dotwork shading, solid black blast-overs on old or failed tattoos, and large flowing pieces that are drawn directly onto the body with markers before any needle is picked up, so the pattern follows your arm and not a flat sheet of paper. It takes a consultation and usually a drawing session, and then day sessions.

Blackwork is honest about pain: solid black packing over hours is harder going than a line piece, and we book in sessions you can sit through rather than heroics. Healed black can be worked into later with more pattern or left as it is, and it never needs a colour touch-up because there is no colour to fade.

What is included

• Drawn on the body, to the muscle
• Geometric, ornamental, dotwork, solid black
• Blast-overs of old tattoos
• Planned across sessions you can sit
• Lining and packing with the same artist
• Free touch-up within three months

What it costs

Half-day £350, full day £650. A geometric half-sleeve is typically two to three days. Small blackwork pieces from £120. Prices include VAT. Flash prices are on the flash wall; every tattoo leaves with the aftercare sheet.