shantattoos
@shantattoos
Stylized, black and grey, illustrative artist
♥Consent-driven tattoos for all bodies♥
Email me with any questions: shantattoos201@gmail.com
March and April Custom and Flash books open!
Bellingham, WA
Books closed
Thanks for being here! Please scroll down and read my booking info before requesting an appointment with me. Thank you (:
Hi friends! Thank you so much for taking an interest in my work! Here is all of my booking info. I understand it's a lot to take in, but please read through all of the text below before booking a tattoo with me <3
How to Book
I book two months at a time and keep my books open until they are full. I generally open my books on the third Sunday of every other month! (For example, my books will open on Sunday, April 19th, for May and June). All of our communication will take place over this platform. Flashbook forwards messages as emails! If this is our first correspondence, please check your junk/spam to ensure emails are not going there! I am also available via regular email if necessary - shantattoos201@gmail.com.
If you'd like to book a custom tattoo, fill out the form and follow the directions there.
If you'd like to book a flash tattoo, click on the photo of the flash you'd like and book from there.
Please note that I am not tattooing stomach, rib, or sternum (below nipple) placements at this time. No exceptions. These tattoos are tough on my body, and I need a break at this time. Thank you for understanding.
I will get back to you within 1-7 days! Thank you for your patience. After your submission is approved, you can pick a date from my schedule* and pay the deposit. Then, your appointment is confirmed!
*Please note that I typically only work Tuesday-Fridays with two time slots 10:30 AM and 2 PM. I understand that this can be hard for folks who work during the week, but ya girl doesn't regularly want to work the weekends either! I ain't self employed for nothin'. Thanks for understanding. I am occaionally doing later timeslots on Tuesdays to accommodate anyone who works during the day! Every once and a while I have Sunday slots available, but this is not a regular thing. If you are not seeing a slot on the calender, it does not exist or is already booked. A good way to peak my calender is to click on my flash to see what is availble. Thank you!
If last-minute appointments become available, I will post them to my last minute cancellation channel on Instagram or to my story.
Custom Designs
I am so excited and honored that you trust me with your ideas! It's important to know that I do not show you your design before your appointment. You will see your design at the start of your appointment, and any changes can be made then. I know this can be scary, but I prefer to make edits together in person! Because of my busy schedule, I often do not work on designs until the day before, which doesn't allow for adequate back and forth communication time for edits. Additionally, I believe communication is easier, and feels more collaborative to make changes together in person. I always set aside plenty of time for any edits that may need to be made, and I always encourage you to speak up about any changes you want! It is your tattoo and I want you to be completely happy <3*
*In the event that you want the design completely changed, we may have to reschedule you! But a lot of communication happens in the booking process to avoid this.
That being said, please ensure that your ideas are aligned with my current style before booking with me. You can get a good feel for this on my Instagram or just by scrolling through my work here. Currently, my style is rooted in semi-realistic illustration. Think akin to a black and grey modernized botanical illustration. My process uses strong linework, detailing, and stipple shading. Botanical work is authentic to the plants, but also offers some alteration that is often present in illustration. I do extensive reference research alongside the photos my cleints share with me to make sure I have fully captured my subject matter and its uniqueness.
Please give me as much detail as possible about your custom idea in your submission! Giving me at least a couple of sentences is best. Simple drawings can also be helpful for me to get the feel for what you're thinking. I will reach out if I have further quesitons about your idea. Here are some prompting questions to help you with your submission:
-Are there any elements of your idea that you feel especially specific about?
-Is there anything that absolutely must be present in your design? Is there anything that you definitly do not want in your design? (Example: if you were getting a blackberry sprig and you did not want any blossoms present, but definitely fruit!)
-(for bigger projects) Do you want a patchwork style sleeve (where pieces are separate, but fit nicely side by side) or do you want something more cohesive, with elements that are overlapping to create a bigger scene?
If you feel pretty open about design and are down to give me the reins, I feel great about that! You can note that in your submission <3
Things I do not tattoo at this time: other artists work!!!! (excluding old children's book illustrations, copyright-free botanical illustrations, or your own art that you want on yourself), color(occasionally I will do pops of red on a case-by-case basis), realism, super fine line work, tiny singular stand-alone tattoos below 2-inches in size, flower bouquets with 3 or more types of flowers in them smaller than 6 inches, tattoos located on fingers, feet, ribs, sternum (below nipples), stomach, neck, or face, full-sized trees, space themes, geometric work, mandalas, symbols, religious themes, etc.
I am open to doing font! My rule is that you have to choose your typeface. I will not retain the deposit for text projects.
Please note that I DO NOT repeat custom designs. They are one of a kind. Occasionally, I am able to do a new rendition of something if it's botanical, just because plants can be in many positions that allow for uniquness. But please do not ask me to repeat a custom piece that is specific. I retain the deposit for custom designs to cover the time it takes me to create them. Essentially, folks are paying for one of a kind designs, and I want to respect their singular idea. Thank you for understanding.
If I feel I am not the right person to take on your tattoo, I will kindly recommend another artist in town who will help you to achieve your tattoo dreams! I am a stylized artist and like to work within my style, as it is what I feel best at! I am not a "copy and paste" type of artist. I do not tattoo directly from a source you send me - I can reinterpret it in my style, but I do not copy other artists work. Let me know if you have questions about this.
Reworks/cover ups: I take on work like this on a case-by-case basis. I am very particular about the kind of work I take on within this realm because I want to ensure that I feel confident I will do a good job. If I don't feel I'm the best person for the job, I won't take it on! Reworks and cover-ups work best when you have a super specific idea in mind for the shape of your old tattoo, or you feel very open to my approach. Sometimes it's best to undergo a couple laser treatments to lighten particular tattoos to allow for more play besides just doing a full coverage blackout option. Feel free to email me photos of work you'd be interested in covering up/reworking and I can consult with you!
Patchwork sleeves
I am so grateful to be doing more full arm, patchwork sleeves! This is my favorite type of work to do. It is so fun to create a cohesive style and fit everything together. I am honored to be trusted with such large-scale work.
It’s essential to understand that projects like this require TIME. We are covering a lot of surface area. Sleeves are an investment! We are covering a whole limb with work that will be on your body forever. This is work that takes time and precision. We will work together to achieve all your goals. It is always incredible to get to know my clients through this process.
Cost: A full arm, wrist-to-shoulder patchwork sleeve can take anywhere between 20-30 hours to complete (about 4-6 five hour sessions). This equates to between $3,500-5,250. Total time depends on a number of factors: size of each individual piece, level of detail, how long you can sit for in a session, coverage goals, etc. Essentially: the more coverage and detail wanted, the more time it will take.*
*Please remember that this is only an estimate! Projects may take longer than the above stated.
I typically only work for about 5 hours at a time for a session. So, naturally, sessions are budgeted out into increments. I like to book things out as we go, that way we can check in about things like budget, timing, vacation, etc. We can always wait to book things. There is no rush!
I typically charge only one $100 drawing fee (this serves as the very first deposit) at the beginning of a project like this, with unlimited custom designs included, to slightly lower the cost. You will never have to pay for work aheaf of time besides this deposit!
Where to start: You are welcome to email me to consult on a project of this scale to start! (shantattoos201@gmail.com), if you need some intital guidence. If you already have 4-6 pieces in mind, I would go ahead and submit a request with these ideas, and then we can go from there! It is helpful for you to send a list of all the things you are wanting in your sleeve in order from most want to still want but not as essential. I like to design as I go for patchwork sleeves, in case new ideas arise. This allows for a more organic process. I don't typically design an entire sleeve in one go, as this is a ton of upfront drawing that is difficult to factor into my regular design load. It is fun to add things as we go and I find that this creates sleeves that look super well put together, not forced, if that makes sense.
I have not done any full leg sleeves, but would love to! I would estimate that leg sleeves would take about double the time of an arm sleeve becasue it's a lot more surface area and it is typically more painful. I am also always game for half sleeves - upper or lower sections of limbs.
Flash Designs
I love doing flash! Flash will always be priotized in my booking rounds!
Flash is organzied by size on my page. Size minimums are non-negotiable. Please do not ask me to size down. I am keeping longevity in mind when designing these pieces, and doing them smaller would put that at risk. If you want a similar piece at a smaller size, please submit a custom so that I can design with your sizing in mind. I am always willing to go bigger, but it will mean the price will increase!
All of my flash designs are infinitely repeatable until they are retired. This means someone out there may have the same piece as you, which I think is pretty fun! For flash tattoos I do not retain the deposit that you pay to me when you book. If we end up working an hour together in person the session will cost $150, but only $75 will be due at the end of your appointment because you already paid $75!
Flash variations: I am game within reason (think a leaf or two added, extra shading, a few extra lines, etc). We will do the variation together in person, and the extra time will be factored into my hourly rate! If you want most of the tattoo to be different, then I would ask that you just submit for a custom piece. You can include my flash in the reference and explain what you're wanting! Thanks!
If you don't see a photo of the flash you are looking for from Instagram, it may be retired. Email me a screenshot of the old design, and I may consider doing a new rendition of it.
Please note that shading will appear different in person! Photos you see on here or Instagram are a semi-accurate portrayal of the whip shading I do, but it's impossible to fully display what it ends up looking like on skin. Please reference my photos of tattoos on skin on Instagram for accurate representations.
Payment
My current rate is $175/hr. (effective 1/1/2026)
My minimum is $175.
I do require a $75 deposit for all tattoos paid through this platform. This deposit will be deducted from the final price of flash tattoos and retained as a drawing fee for all customs. The deposit is retained for custom tattoos to cover the time I spend designing your tattoo before our appointment.
I ONLY accept cash on the day of your appointment! I charge hourly from the start of your appointment until the very end after we've put the saniderm/wrap on. Please be prepared to pay at the end of our session. I charge cash to avoid high processing fees on larger amounts that most providers like Venmo/cardreaders charge. Thank you for understanding.
I will give a price estimate the day before our appointment. I will give you a range so you come prepared! Please note, this is an estimate, your tattoo may be more expensive than the estimate I give.
If you are working within a budget please let me know and I will do my best to work with you. I'm always down to split things up into multiple sessions to help with budgeting too! We can easily do a lining session and then a shading session a month or so later.
*If your "custom" tattoo is smaller than 2.5 inches in size for a singular design or is me essentially just tracing over your own design/drawing we have agreed upon, I usually will not retain the deposit, as I did not have to spend too much time on your custom piece. I will let you know if this is the case.
A booking fee and card processing fee will also be due when you pay the deposit, but do not count toward the cost of your tattoo for flash or custom tattoos. These fees cannot be refunded in the event you cancel your appointment with no reschedule! I have decided to have clients pay the fee to increase transparency, rather than increasing my deposit rate to make up for the fee.
Refunded deposits will be sent back to you via venmo.
Sales tax is included in the total price of your tattoo on the day of.
Appointment
I will send you a message 24 hours before your appointment with the studio's location and other information.
Please arrive right at your start time. I use the time before our appointment together to prepare!
Wear appropriate clothing for the placement of your tattoo, which allows easy access for me (if we are working on your shoulder, a tube top or tank top with easily moveable straps is great, wearing a skirt for a thigh piece is helpful, bikini top or bra for sternum, etc). Wear black or clothes you don't mind getting ink on, just in case! Ink does not come out of clothes :(
I am happy to spend our appointment together in whatever way makes you comfortable. I am game for being chatty and just as keen on being silent together. This is a safe space where there is no expectation of you, you can feel comfortable to show up however feels right for you in the moment. Tattoos can be overwhelming because of the pain and general experience, I totally understand if you need to put head phones in, be on your phone, practice silence, etc. I am always open to talking about this during or before our appointment together. I often have clients let me know before we start that they will be putting in head phones and I just share that I'll be checking in periodically to make sure they're doing okay!
Please prepare for your appointment by getting a good night's sleep, eating a solid meal beforehand, and coming in very well-hydrated. Tattoos can be hard on the body, and treating yourself well beforehand can make a big difference.
The Studio
I share a studio in downtown Bellingham, WA, with the amazing @linesbylau. We have recently moved as of 11/1/25! The new address will be in the messege I send the day before!
Please note that because I share a space, it's likely that another person will be getting a tattoo at the same time as you. Please let me know if you need any accommodations.
I allow ONE extra guest per client. Please let me know if you plan on bringing a guest. I'm all for having a friend accompany you, but please ask your guest to be respectful of my personal space. I can't have guests standing over my tattoo station, causing you to move, or being too distracting. Thank you for understanding.
Unfortunately, we cannot allow any minors (anyone below 18) or dogs (unless it is a service animal) in the tattoo shop! Thanks for understanding.
Our studio does not require masks at this time. I am happy to wear a mask if it would make you more comfortable, just let me know beforehand.
Parking: We are located in downtown Bellingham, WA. There are tons of metered street parking spaces around the studio. A block above, you can find some non-metered street parking. There is a parking lot for the building that offers some visitor spots for 2-hour periods. Please don't park there if your appointment is scheduled to be longer than 2 hours. I will have more parking information in the email sent out 24 hours before your appointment.
Rescheduling/Cancellations
Please let me know within 48 hours of your appointment if you need to reschedule. Otherwise, I will retain your deposit to make up for a loss in time/materials, and a new deposit will be required to reschedule with me.*
If you are sick, I am happy to reschedule you under the same deposit no problem! I do not want to get sick and I don't want you to get a tattoo while being sick, because that would be really hard on your body! If I am sick, I will also reschedule. I want us both to be 100% healthy and ready for our appointment together to ensure the best end product, thank you for working with me on this!
2 reschedules are permitted per deposit if made before the 48-hour mark. The third time you reschedule, I will require a new deposit.*
No call, no shows will not be rescheduled or booked again.*
*Please communicate with me as best you can about what's going on, and we can work something out if life is hitting you hard!
Touch ups
I offer free touch ups!
Tattooing is an imperfect art. Skin is always changing and sometimes pieces need a little extra help to get them as close to perfection as possible! I tend do have a lighter hand because I would much rather have to touch up your piece than be unable to fix something.
Please wait until your tattoo is 4-6 months old to decide if you need a touch-up. Email me at shantattoos201@gmail.com with a photo of your tattoo to schedule a touch-up or if you need opinions about a potential touch-up.
When possible, I prefer to do touch ups at the same time that you are getting a different tattoo to cut down on supply costs. I will subtract out the time we spent on the touch-up from your total for the other tattoo. Thank you.
I want you to be completely satisfied with your tattoo, so please, please do not hesitate to reach out to me about a touch up!
My practice has no room for discrimination of any kind. All people are welcome in the studio!
Your comfort and consent are very important to me. Tattooing is a uniquely intimate exchange. I enter every appointment with the strong intention to make my clients feel as comfortable as possible. I encourage you to speak up if you need anything/have any thoughts during, before, or after our time together. Please let me know how I can best accommodate you.
Thank you! Please email me if you have any other questions.
Hello friends! I am a tattoo artist located in Bellingham, WA. I grew up in the South Bay Area, California. I came up north for college and attended Western Washington University, where I got a BFA in oil painting, a BA in mixed media, and a minor in art history. I've worked in many mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, installation art, ceramics, etc. After graduating from the BFA program at the same time COVID hit, I had to reimagine my career as an artist. During this period, I developed an interest in learning how to tattoo professionally. It was a natural progression to move into this medium after working in blackwork ink drawing for years and enjoying process-based art making. After learning, practicing, and consulting other artists, I am now a fully licensed tattoo artist in my fourth year of work. I run my own business out of a private, shared studio in downtown Bellingham.
My tattoo style is ever evolving with me and my art. Currently, my style is rooted in semi-realistic illustration. Think akin to a black and grey modernized botanical illustration. My process uses strong linework, detailing, and stipple shading. Botanical work is authentic to the plants, but also offers some alteration that is often present in illustration. I do extensive reference research to make sure I have fully captured my subject matter and its uniqueness. I have found a deep passion for the process of tattooing. Adorning one’s own body with art can be a beautiful way of reclaiming it. I have personally found that I feel most like myself with each new addition to my body. Tattooing can also just be fun! It's a unique way to explore art, showcase individual artists' work, capture memories and moments in time. I hope to share this experience with my clients within my practice and welcome each individual's own personal experience. Clear consent, exchange of ideas, good communication, and comfort are of utmost importance at each appointment. I look forward to sharing my practice with you and all the art to come. All the best!