No Walk-Ins: Why We Do Tattoos Differently

We are a private, appointment only tattoo studio in Chippenham, Wiltshire. We don’t offer walk-in tattoos because our work is centred around planning, collaboration and creating tattoos specifically for the person who will wear them.

For us, getting tattooed isn’t simply about choosing a design and filling an available space in the diary.

It starts before you arrive at the studio.

Why Avant Art Tattoo Is Appointment Only

Walk-in tattoo studios can be perfect for spontaneous tattoos, flash designs and people who already know exactly what they want.

That simply isn’t the service we specialise in.

At Avant Art Tattoo, most of our clients come to us because they are looking for something more personal: a custom tattoo, a particular artistic style or help turning an idea into a design that works beautifully on the body.

Our artists work across watercolour tattoos, fine line tattoos, abstract tattooing, illustrative work and bespoke contemporary designs.

That type of work benefits from preparation.

Before tattoo day, we want to understand your idea, placement, approximate size, references and what you would like the finished tattoo to feel like. This gives us time to determine which artist and service are best suited to your project.

It also means that when you arrive for your tattoo, the time has been reserved specifically for you.

Tattoos Don’t All Need the Same Booking Process

One reason we don’t use a walk-in system is that tattoo projects can be completely different from one another.

Someone wanting a small fine line tattoo from a clear reference doesn’t necessarily need the same process as someone planning a large custom watercolour piece.

Rather than forcing every client through the same journey, we offer different ways of planning your tattoo depending on what you need.

Straightforward Tattoo Bookings

If your tattoo idea is relatively simple and we have enough information to understand exactly what you want, you may not need an extensive consultation.

Send us your idea, reference images, approximate size and placement through our enquiry process.

We can review the project, recommend the appropriate artist where necessary and provide information about pricing and availability. Avant Art currently reviews tattoo enquiries before responding with a quote, availability, artist recommendation or other guidance where needed.

This works particularly well for smaller or clearly defined tattoo ideas.

Custom Tattoo Consultations

Some tattoos need a conversation.

If you have an idea but aren’t sure how to translate it into a tattoo, a consultation gives us the opportunity to explore it properly.

We can discuss composition, placement, scale, colour, style and the elements that matter most to you.

You don’t need to arrive with a perfectly developed design. Part of our job as tattoo artists is helping you understand what will translate successfully from an idea or image into a tattoo.

This is particularly useful for bespoke tattoos, meaningful pieces and designs combining several different references.

Bespoke and Larger Tattoo Projects

Larger tattoos require considerably more planning.

A large watercolour tattoo, abstract composition or piece designed around the natural shape of the body cannot always be approached in the same way as a small standalone tattoo.

Proportion, movement, existing tattoos and the anatomy of the placement can all influence the final composition.

For these projects, the design process becomes part of the service.

The goal isn’t simply to reproduce an image on skin. It is to create something that belongs on your body.

Why Planning Your Tattoo in Advance Matters

A tattoo is permanent. We don’t think choosing one needs to feel rushed.

Planning gives both you and your tattoo artist time to make better decisions.

Sometimes the reference a client initially sends needs to be simplified. Sometimes a tattoo needs to be larger to age well. Sometimes changing its position by only a few centimetres dramatically improves the composition.

And occasionally, the tattoo someone initially asks for isn’t the tattoo we ultimately create together.

That’s one of the advantages of working with an artist rather than simply selecting a design.

A Private Tattoo Studio Experience

Being appointment-only also changes what happens when you actually come to the studio.

Avant Art Tattoo was created as a calm, private alternative to the traditional busy tattoo shop environment. The studio operates exclusively by appointment, so clients have a more personal space during their session.

There aren’t people continually walking through the door asking about availability while you’re being tattooed.

Your appointment is your time.

For first time clients, people having longer sessions or anyone who simply prefers a quieter environment, this can make the tattoo experience feel considerably more relaxed.

Can I Just Come Into the Studio to Discuss a Tattoo?

Because Avant Art is a private tattoo studio, we ask clients to contact us before visiting rather than dropping in.

Our studio is located at 66 St Mary Street in Chippenham town centre, but visits and tattoo sessions are arranged in advance.

This also means we can give your enquiry proper attention rather than trying to discuss your tattoo while another client is in the middle of their appointment.

What Should I Send When Enquiring About a Tattoo?

You don’t need to have everything figured out.

The most useful starting point is a description of your idea together with reference images, the area of the body you would like tattooed and an approximate size.

From there, we can determine what your project needs.

It might be a straightforward booking.

It might need a consultation.

Or it might develop into a completely bespoke piece created specifically around you.

Looking for a Custom Tattoo Artist in Chippenham?

If you’re looking for the quickest available walk-in tattoo, we may not be the right studio for what you need.

If you’re looking for a tattoo artist who will take the time to understand your idea, guide you through the process and create something considered and personal, that is exactly what our appointment system is designed for.

Start your tattoo enquiry with Avant Art Tattoo⁠, fill our form here.

Avant Art Tattoo Team