Available Tattoo Designs
Eli tattoos custom designs in his style & has thousands of pre-drawn options available 👇
About Eli
Eli is a tattoo artist and illustrator based in Bristol, UK. his work draws on folk art, naïvety and the absurd.
Eli followed a self-taught route to tattooing, developing a process shaped by a lifelong compulsion to draw and formal study in design and bodywork.
His work weaves anatomy and design principles, and is recognisable through its use of texture, negative space, and flashes of colour.
Tattooing is a sacred act to Eli. He provides an inclusive space for all clients and sessions range from lively and conversational to quiet and meditative. It depends slightly on how much coffee he’s had that day.
If you have anything else you’d like to know before making a booking feel free to send Eli a message, he’s always happy to chat things through.
Testimonials
faqs
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Do I need to know what I want tattooed before booking?
No, not at all. Many clients book based on availability first and decide later. You can email me once you’ve chosen, or we can even decide together in the studio on the day.
The only exception is custom designs. If you’d like something drawn specifically for you, I’ll need at least one week’s notice before your appointment.
Do you do custom designs?
Yes, I love doing customs. They cost a little more because of the extra drawing time, and I’ll need at least a week’s notice.
Before deciding you need something fully custom, have a proper look through my Artwork page. The filters make it easy to browse by style or motif, and people often find something they love that’s already drawn.
Even if you don’t, it’s a great place to start. Send me one or two designs with bits you like, and I can combine ideas or use them as a starting point. They’re already drawn with skin and the body in mind, so it’s a really clear way to show me what you’re after.
Do you repeat flash designs?
Yes, generally. If you’ve seen a design or tattoo of mine you love, it’s usually available. Repeating flash means I can put much more time and care into each drawing, rather than it disappearing after one tattoo.
If I’ve tattooed a design lots of times, I might suggest a small twist. And if it matters to you that yours is completely one of a kind, just tell me and we’ll sort that out.
Custom designs drawn just for you stay yours. I might draw something inspired by an idea later on, but I won’t reuse your exact design.
Do you do coverups?
Yes, I do, and I really enjoy them.
After booking, I’ll ask for a photo of your existing tattoo and send a few draft cover-up ideas. We’ll refine your chosen design route together on the day so it works cleanly with what’s already there.
How much do your tattoos cost?
I price tattoos individually rather than to a fixed hourly rate.
If you’d like a quote, just send over a short description of the idea, placement, and approximate size and I’ll give you a rough estimate before booking. My minimum charge is £130, and I offer reduced rates for clients booking multiple tattoos or for designs I’m especially keen to make.
How do I book, and what happens after I book?
Just click the Book Tattoo button at the top of the page. It’ll take you to a page showing all my available dates and times for you to choose from.
A £55 deposit is taken at the time of booking to secure your appointment, and this is deducted from the final price of your tattoo.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. A couple of days before your session, I’ll send a follow-up email with everything you need to prepare.
Can I request changes to a design?
Absolutely, I love taking existing designs and working with clients to add a new twist. A lot of this can be done in person during the session itself, which is often the most efficient approach.
If you’re planning a larger change, please give me at least a week’s notice so I have time to redraw.
How do you make sure tattoos age well?
I’m very conscious of how tattoos age, which informs my approach to drawing, line weight, spacing, scale, and placement. I care as much about how a tattoo will look in years to come as I do when it’s fresh, and I’ll always be honest if something is unlikely to hold up long term, offering alternative approaches where needed.
How much time do we have to choose the size and placement?
As much time as we need.
I allow plenty of time in each session for sizing and placement, and I’m very particular about getting it right. Small adjustments can make a big difference, so we’ll take the time we need and re-place the stencil until it feels right to both of us.
What inks do you use? Are they safe?
I use the best inks I can, and safety is something I take very seriously. I work with modern tattoo inks from reputable brands and trusted suppliers, and source as much of my ink catalogue as possible from EU REACH-compliant inks.
REACH is a strict EU safety standard that regulates which pigments are permitted in tattoo inks. While it doesn’t formally apply in the UK, I choose to follow it wherever possible as the highest current benchmark for ink safety.
Occasionally, certain colours aren’t available with the same vibrancy under REACH compliance. In those cases, I use well-tested, UK-compliant inks from trusted manufacturers, selected for their saturation and long-term stability. I’m always happy to talk openly about the inks I use and why.
Is it okay if I’m nervous or this is my first tattoo?
Absolutely. Many of my clients are first-timers.
I work calmly and at a steady pace, and I’m always happy to explain things, answer questions, or pause if needed. There’s no pressure, the priority is that you feel comfortable throughout.
Will I see the design before the appointment?
Yes. For custom tattoos, I’ll usually email your design the day before your appointment. I find this timing keeps the design fresh and considered, while still giving you time to review it and share any feedback.
I don’t typically send designs earlier than this, but if you’re feeling nervous or would like to talk through specific details, just let me know and I’m always happy to accommodate where possible. For flash designs, there’s no need to send anything in advance.
Do your tattoos hurt?
A little, but usually much less than people expect.
I’m often told I have a light hand, and I work with a delicate, high-quality machine on low settings, using a technique that prioritises minimal trauma to the skin. Most people find the sensation settles after the first few minutes as the body relaxes.
That said, it is a tattoo, and certain placements or styles can be more sensitive. In those cases, there’s always space to pause, take breaks, and work at a pace that feels manageable.
What does aftercare involve?
Nothing complicated. I’ll talk you through it on the day, send you detailed instructions afterwards, and you can message me any time while it heals.
Worth planning around: for about 3 weeks after your tattoo
- No swimming, hot tubs or soaking in the bath (showers are fine)
- Keep it out of strong sun
So if you’ve got a holiday, beach trip or festival coming up, it’s worth booking around it.
The basics:
- I might cover it with second skin or clingfilm, and I’ll explain how long to keep it on
- Once it’s uncovered, wash it gently with lukewarm water and a mild unscented cleanser, then let it dry properly
- When it’s ready, lightly moisturise with a fragrance-free product
- No picking or scratching, and try not to get too sweaty
Once it’s healed, sun cream is your tattoo’s best friend.
What if I need to reschedule?
That’s absolutely fine, I understand that plans sometimes change. If you need to reschedule, just let me know as soon as you can so the slot can be offered to someone else.
Full details are outlined in the booking terms, but in short I ask for around 10 days’ notice. More than anything, clear communication is what matters.
How long does a tattoo session take?
Session lengths vary depending on the tattoo. When booking, you’ll see a few tattoo size options, each with its own session length. These are good guides, but tattoos don’t always run exactly to plan.
Some sessions finish earlier, others can overrun slightly. My focus is always on doing the tattoo as well as possible rather than watching the clock, so it’s worth leaving a little flexibility in your day.
As a rough reference, a medium-sized tattoo session usually takes around two hours all-in, including setup, placement, and tattooing.
Things Eli Makes and sells
global shipping on all products 🌼
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Price Adjustable Tattoo Voucher
Regular price From £20.00Regular priceSale price From £20.00 -
The Neti Neti Tee
Regular price £24.50Regular priceSale price £24.50 -
Soulful Spiral Print ~ Canvas, Wooden Frame
Regular price £34.00Regular priceSale price £34.00 -
Sticker Anthology: Volume 1
Regular price £6.80Regular priceSale price £6.80 -
Blue Sunshine Tee
Regular price £24.50Regular priceSale price £24.50 -
Friend of a Fish Tee
Regular price £23.00Regular priceSale price £23.00





