Getting a Tattoo at Ikigai... here's how it works
Getting a tattoo is a fairly permanent decision, so we believe the process should feel considered from the beginning.
At Ikigai Studio in Northcliff, Johannesburg, every tattoo starts with understanding what you want and how we can turn that idea into a piece that works on your body. Whether you're looking for a custom tattoo, Japanese-inspired work, black and grey tattooing, or a larger-scale project, here's what you can expect when working with us.
1. It starts with your idea
You don't need to arrive with a perfectly finished tattoo design. You might have a specific idea, a collection of reference images, a style you like, or simply an idea of what you want the tattoo to represent.
During the consultation, we'll talk through your concept, preferred style, placement, size and the overall direction of the tattoo.
For larger or more involved pieces, we'll also consider how the design can work with the natural shape and movement of your body.
Our job isn't simply to copy a reference image. It's to understand what you're trying to achieve and develop the right tattoo for you.
2. Consultation and planning
A consultation gives us the opportunity to properly understand the project before tattooing begins.
We'll discuss things such as:
Your tattoo concept
References and inspiration
Style
Placement
Approximate size
Complexity
The time required
The appropriate session
Your budget
The expected timeline
This is particularly important for larger pieces, where planning the composition and placement properly from the beginning can make a significant difference to the finished result.
3. Designing for the body
A tattoo isn't a flat picture. The body has curves, movement and different areas of skin, so placement and scale matter just as much as the design itself.
For custom work, we consider how the tattoo will sit on the body and how the composition works with the particular placement.
For larger projects, this becomes even more important. The goal is to create something that feels intentional as part of the body rather than simply placing an image onto it.
4. Booking your tattoo
Once we've agreed on the direction of the project, we'll determine the appropriate appointment and session length.
Depending on the tattoo, this may be a shorter appointment, a half-day or a full-day session.
Current session options include:
Session | Duration | Price |
Small Custom Tattoo | 1 hour | R800 |
Custom Session | 1–3 hours | From R1,250 |
Half-Day Session | 4 hours | R4,000 |
Full-Day Session | 7 hours | R6,500 |
For projects that don't fit neatly into one of these options, we'll discuss the requirements with you beforehand.
5. Getting a tattoo at Ikigai
On the day of your appointment, we'll make sure you're comfortable and that we're happy with the placement before we begin.
Then it's time to tattoo.
We aim to make the experience relaxed and professional, while maintaining the attention and care that goes into producing quality work.
For larger tattoos, the process may take place over multiple sessions. We'll discuss this with you during the planning stage so you know what to expect.
6. After your tattoo
Your tattoo continues to change and heal after you leave the studio, which is why aftercare is an important part of the process.
We'll provide you with the relevant aftercare guidance for your tattoo and explain what you need to know before you leave.
If you're unsure about anything during the healing process, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
How much does a tattoo at Ikigai cost?
There isn't one price for every tattoo.
The cost of getting a tattoo at Ikigai depends on factors including the size, complexity, placement and time required.
For this reason, we'll discuss the project with you before booking so that you have a clear understanding of the expected cost and appointment requirements.
What should I bring to a tattoo consultation?
The most useful thing you can bring is your idea.
Reference images can be helpful, particularly when communicating a style, composition or visual direction. You can also bring examples of tattoos you like — and examples of things you don't like.
Don't worry if you haven't figured everything out yet. That's part of what the consultation is for.
Why choose Ikigai?
Ikigai Studio is an independent tattoo studio in Northcliff, Johannesburg, led by Heath.
The studio focuses on custom tattoos, Japanese-inspired tattooing, black and grey work and larger-scale tattoo projects.
Our approach is deliberately considered: understand the idea, plan the tattoo around the body, and make sure the client knows what to expect before the tattoo begins.
Ready to start?
You don't need to have everything figured out.
Bring us the idea and we'll start the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a consultation before getting a tattoo?
For custom or more involved tattoo projects, a consultation is the best place to start. It gives us an opportunity to discuss your idea, placement, size, style and the overall direction of the tattoo before booking the appropriate session.
Can I bring reference images to my consultation?
Absolutely. Reference images are useful for showing us the kind of style, composition or feeling you're after. You can also show us tattoos you like as well as things you don't like. You don't need to have the design completely figured out before your consultation.
How much does a tattoo at Ikigai cost?
Tattoo pricing depends on the size, complexity, placement and time required. Our current session options range from one-hour custom tattoos through to half-day and full-day sessions. For larger or more involved projects, we'll discuss the expected cost with you during the planning process.
How long does a tattoo appointment take?
It depends on the tattoo. Smaller pieces may take around an hour, while larger projects can require a half-day, full-day or multiple sessions. We'll discuss the expected time when planning your tattoo.
Do you do custom tattoos?
Yes. Custom tattooing is a core part of what we do at Ikigai. We work with you to develop a tattoo based on your idea, preferred style, placement and the way you want the finished piece to look.
Do you specialise in Japanese tattoos?
Japanese-inspired tattooing is one of Ikigai's areas of focus, alongside black and grey and larger-scale tattoo work. If you're interested in a Japanese-inspired piece, we'll discuss the visual direction and how we can approach it specifically for your body and placement.
Do you do large tattoo projects?
Yes. Larger pieces such as sleeves and other multi-session projects can be planned as a complete project rather than treated as a series of unrelated tattoos. This allows us to think about composition, placement and how the different elements work together.
How do I book a tattoo?
The best place to start is by getting in touch with us and telling us about your tattoo idea. From there, we'll let you know what information we need and whether a consultation is appropriate for your project.
What should I do before my tattoo appointment?
We'll give you the relevant preparation information before your appointment. If you're unsure about anything beforehand, just ask — it's better to clarify something than arrive wondering whether you've done the right thing.
What happens after I get my tattoo?
You'll receive aftercare guidance for your new tattoo before you leave the studio. Following the recommended aftercare is an important part of allowing the tattoo to heal properly.
Where is Ikigai Tattoo Studio?
Ikigai Tattoo Studio is based in Northcliff, Johannesburg.
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