# Original Tattoo Concept Custom Tattoo Designs Made For You I turn your ideas into original tattoos with thoughtful design, clear communication, and a personal artistic approach. A focused design experience for turning your idea into a tattoo with personal meaning and visual clarity. A More Personal Way to Shape Your Tattoo I begin by listening to what you want the tattoo to express, including your references, preferred style, placement, and overall feeling. From there, I develop an original concept that brings those elements together in a balanced composition. The process is guided by conversation, so the design reflects your direction while benefiting from my artistic perspective. You do not need to arrive with every detail decided. I can help refine loose ideas, combine visual influences, and identify the details that will make the final piece feel distinctly yours. The result is a considered tattoo concept prepared with your body and long-term vision in mind. Ideal For Clients with a clear tattoo ideaPeople developing an early conceptMeaningful or symbolic tattoo projectsAnyone seeking original artwork How It Works Share Your Idea: Tell me about your concept, references, placement, and preferred direction.Develop The Design: I shape your ideas into a cohesive custom tattoo concept.Refine The Details: We review the direction and prepare the artwork for your tattoo. - Custom design session ## About My name is Mike Mendes. I've been tattooing all over the world for the last 20 years, and have recently settled in Vancouver, Canada. From flash designs to large-scale projects, I work with people who want something distinctive and timeless. I enjoy exploring different styles, and approaches while keeping with traditional tattoo principals. I tend to lean more towards black & grey work but am always up for working with color. Whether you arrive with a clear concept or want to build an idea together, I bring an open mind and a hands-on artistic approach to every tattoo. Just let me know what you'd like to have done and we can go from there! ## Services - [Flash Tattoos](https://mikemendes.com/services/flash-tattoo-designs.md): I offer ready-to-tattoo flash designs from my current books. - [Large Tattoo Projects](https://mikemendes.com/services/large-tattoo-projects.md): I work with you on detailed multi-session pieces and backpieces. - [Tattoo Touchups](https://mikemendes.com/services/tattoo-touchups.md): I refresh and refine healed tattoos with considered touchups. ## FAQ ### How do I begin planning a tattoo? Start by considering the subject, placement, approximate size, and visual qualities that matter to you. I can help shape those ideas into a design that suits the body and translates well to skin. ### Can a tattoo artist work from my own idea? Yes, personal concepts can provide a strong starting point for a tattoo. Sharing references and explaining what you like help me understand your direction and make sure we're on the same page. ### How should I choose the placement and size? Placement and size affect how a tattoo flows with the body, how much detail it can hold, and how it may change over time. I can discuss these considerations and help you choose an approach that fits your goals. ### What should I consider before getting tattooed? Certain things like the design you can leave up to me, but there are many things that come down to personal preference that you should try to figure out prior. Things such as the general placement and how the tattoo fits your personal style and daily life, are all important as well. ### Why is it important to work with a professional tattoo artist? A professional brings artistic skill, technical knowledge, and an understanding of how designs work on the body. Their guidance can help create a considered tattoo while supporting a thoughtful and responsible experience. After 20 years of tattooing, I am determined to just give people the best tattoo that they can possibly get. ## Contact - Email: mikemendestattoos@gmail.com - Address: 207 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, Canada