Blackwork & Geometric Tattoo Artist in Bristol

I'm Si, a blackwork and geometric tattoo artist in Bristol. I work from a private studio in Bristol, by appointment only.

Most of my work is larger custom pieces, sleeves, backs, blackouts and geometric work, and it all starts with your idea. I've been tattooing for over ten years. If you want a specialist for blackwork or geometric work in Bristol, this is the right place.

What I do

I focus on blackwork and geometric tattooing and do it every day. The work is bold and custom, and it's mostly larger pieces. What I take on:

• Blackwork sleeves and half-sleeves
• Geometric and sacred-geometry sleeves
• Mandala and ornamental tattoos
• Japanese-inspired blackwork, dragons, kimono patterns and woodblock motifs
• Dotwork and linework patterns
• Back pieces and bigger custom projects
• Blackout tattoos
• Cover-ups and blast-overs over old ink

See more finished pieces, with real session counts, on my Work page.

All of it custom, every piece drawn for you.

Geometric & ornamental tattoos

A lot of my work is geometric and ornamental, mandalas, sacred geometry and repeating patterns. Geometric work has to line up with the part of the body it's on, or it looks off, so I plan each design around the placement before we start.

This is precise work. Clean symmetry doesn't hide mistakes, so it takes constant practice. It's what I do most. More on my geometric tattoo page.

Japanese-inspired blackwork

A lot of my work draws on Japanese art, dragons, kimono patterns, and motifs from old books and woodblock prints. I take that imagery and rework it in my own blackwork style, in solid black, usually at a good size. I've got a lot of respect for where it comes from, so it's reinterpreted, not copied.

Blackout tattoos

A blackout tattoo is solid black coverage over part of the body, a forearm, a sleeve, part of a leg. It's a bold piece, and a good way to cover heavy old ink.

It's a lot of solid black, so I usually split a blackout over two or three sessions, which keeps the healing manageable. More on my blackout tattoo page.

Cover-ups & blast-overs

Blackwork is one of the best ways to deal with old or unwanted tattoos. A cover-up reworks the area into a new black design. A blast-over is different, I tattoo heavy new blackwork shapes straight over the old tattoo, with the old one still showing through underneath. I love doing blast-overs, and done right they look great.

Whether a cover-up or blast-over suits you depends on what you've got. Send me a clear photo and I'll tell you what's possible.

My process

Every piece is custom, so it starts with a consultation. Consultations are free, on the first two Saturdays of each month, in person at the studio or over video. We go through your idea, placement and size.

I design the whole composition on the day. I come in with everything ready from the consultation, then draw the design straight onto your body, working on the skin lets me get the best flow for the arm, leg, or wherever it's going. I work fast. If you'd rather see the design in advance, pre-design packages are available. From there it's tattooed over one or more sessions, depending on size and complexity.

The studio

I work from a private studio in Bristol, by appointment only. It's private and one-to-one, you get the space and the full session to yourself.

The studio's easy to reach from across Bristol, including Redland, Cotham and the wider BS8 and BS6 area. Working privately suits big, detailed pieces, it's quieter, and you've got my full attention for the session.

The studio's a three-minute walk from Clifton Downs station. If you drive, I sort you a parking permit. There are loads of cafes and restaurants nearby for the lunch break, we stop at 1pm for half an hour. And if you're travelling in for a bigger piece, there are plenty of small hotels and Airbnbs around.

Why a specialist

I only do blackwork and geometric work. It's all I do, every day, so it's where my focus and experience go. For bigger, detailed pieces that matters, the geometry has to be clean and the black has to be solid, and that comes from doing it constantly.

Does blackwork last? Longevity & aftercare

Yes. Blackwork is some of the most durable tattooing there is. Solid black holds its shape, so a good blackwork or geometric piece stays bold and clear for years, long after colour work would have faded.

How you heal it matters too. I'll give you full aftercare in the chair. The basics: keep it clean, don't over-moisturise, let it breathe, and stay out of soaking water and strong sun while it heals. Looked after in the first couple of weeks, it settles dark and even.

Common questions

How much does a blackwork tattoo cost in Bristol?

I price work as fixed full-day or half-day sessions, quoted for each project rather than from a set menu. The total depends on size, placement, complexity and how many sessions it needs. A deposit secures your dates and comes off your final session. Tell me your idea when you enquire and I'll give you a clear quote.

How long does a full sleeve tattoo take?

A full blackwork or geometric sleeve is usually around four to six sessions, and a full back is often about six. You can see real session counts on my Work page.

Do you do walk-in tattoos in Bristol?

No, by appointment only, and I focus on bigger custom pieces.

What is blackwork tattooing?

Tattooing done in solid black, bold shapes, linework and dotwork, no colour. It ages well and suits larger pieces.

Where is your tattoo studio in Bristol?

A private studio at 39 Alma Vale Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2HL, a three-minute walk from Clifton Downs station, with parking sorted if you drive. Easy to reach from Redland, Cotham and across BS8/BS6.

How do I book a tattoo appointment in Bristol?

Message me on Instagram (@si_tattoos) or use the booking link with your idea. We start with a free consultation, then a deposit secures your dates. I book ahead, so there's usually a wait, get in touch and we'll sort dates.

About Si

I'm Si, a custom blackwork and geometric tattoo artist in Bristol. I've been tattooing for over ten years, and I've guested and tattooed at studios around the world, Australia, Portugal, and across England and Scotland. I've worked with and learned from some of the leading artists in blackwork and geometric tattooing, and I've been tattooed by a few of them too, for a tattoo artist, that's one of the best ways to learn. I work alone, from a private studio, on bold custom pieces. There's behind-the-scenes work and aftercare on my YouTube, and my latest pieces on Instagram.