Jose Saiz — Tattoo Artist in Murcia, Spain

No. I usually have the design ready on the day of your appointment, and we review it together at the studio before we start. If needed, we can make small adjustments so it fits your body perfectly.

That is why it is important to explain clearly what you want and bring reference images. Some changes are easy to make—such as resizing, moving, adding or removing elements—while a completely different perspective or composition may mean reworking the design.

For very large tattoos, such as full backs, I will send you an initial layout in advance before preparing the final design.

Usually not, or I only have a very small number of flash designs.

Building up a flash collection is something I have always wanted to do.

If there is a tattoo on my profile that you especially like, we can use it as a starting point for a similar piece designed for you.

Yes, as long as the design works at a small size.

Because this style uses dense networks of fine lines, some designs need a minimum size. I generally prefer tattoos to be at least 15 cm.

It is easier than you might think.

Alicante Airport has connections to many European destinations. From there, you can reach Murcia by bus in under an hour, and my studio is within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Yes, but as a reference or starting idea only. I will redraw it in my own style so it works as a tattoo and ages well.

Yes, but please let me know what you want at least one week in advance.

No. I do not specialise in colour tattoos, although I may use a specific colour when a design calls for it.

Eat well, drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep, especially before a long session. Do not shave the area yourself; I will do that at the studio.

A tattoo is a wound, and like any wound it needs proper care.

Drink plenty of water and eat well. Your body will take care of the healing.

Only once the tattoo starts peeling and is completely dry should you apply a thin layer of moisturiser. This is usually around day four. Avoid using too much cream, as over-moisturising can increase the risk of infection.

Healing usually takes around two weeks.

The vast majority of my tattoos are original. Some classic motifs, such as swallows, sacred hearts and other traditional tattoo icons, are difficult to reinvent every time. They may not be identical, but they can look similar.

Generally, yes. I do tattoo over scars.

Sometimes. It depends on the existing tattoo and the new design; a cover-up usually needs to be considerably larger to conceal the original.

Yes, you can bring someone to the studio. They will need to wait in the reception area and can come into the tattoo room briefly when appropriate.

I accept cash, bank transfer, PayPal and Bizum.