Custom Design FAQ
My custom books are closed.
My books will reopen for submissions winter of 2027.
Custom Booking Process FAQ
Thank you to everyone who submitted a custom design request when my books opened on June 1, 2026! My custom books will likely reopen in Winter 2027.
I'll be reviewing submissions over the coming weeks. Since it's just me working through every request, please allow 6–8 weeks for a response. I appreciate your patience.
While I won't be able to accept every project, I will personally review and respond to every submission. Whether I'm able to move forward with your project or not, you'll hear back from me.
Thank you again for your interest and support! If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out.
Leah
Updated 6/2/2026
General info on Custom Books
Custom Books: My custom books are now closed. They will likely reopen winter of 2027. If you submitted a custom request on 6/1/26 the info below is for you
How to Submit: All requests must be emailed to leahearltattoo@gmail.com. Please review the FAQ section “How to Submit a Custom Request” and include all required information. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Selection Process: Each request will be thoughtfully reviewed. Projects are not accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. I select those that feel like the best fit for both you and me. I try to accept as many projects as I can when my books open. However, depending on how many submissions I receive I may not be able to take on every project.
Consultations: Some designs may require an in-person consultation, which will be scheduled separately if needed. You’ll receive details by email if this applies to your project.
Waitlist & Scheduling: Many requests will be placed on a waitlist while I work through accepted projects. Scheduling for accepted designs will take place between August-February.
Response Time: While I do my best to reply as quickly as possible, please allow up to 6–8 weeks for a response as I work through all submissions. I will reply to everyone who submits a request, even if I cannot take on your project.
Deposits: All custom designs require a nonrefundable deposit.
If you have any questions about the custom process, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at leahearltattoo@gmail.com. I’m always happy to answer any questions you may have.
My custom books are currently closed and will likely reopen in Winter 2027.
PLEASE INCLUDE ALL OF THE INFO BELOW WHEN SUBMITTING YOUR REQUEST
Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
My studio hours: Tuesday-Friday 12pm-7pm. My latest appointment time is 5pm.
Please submit your idea via email to LEAHEARLTATTOO@GMAIL.COM
Full name and (pronouns if you would like)
Phone number
Are you a new or returning client?
Will you be traveling 3+ hours or out of state to get to the studio?
Time and days that generally work for you during my open studio hours
A brief description of what you are looking for. Please keep this to just 2-3 sentences.
REFERENCES - I am a visual person and will need photo references to understand your idea
Size of tattoo in inches (width x height)?
Placement - A picture with the placement highlighted is very helpful as well!
Do you want the design to be in linework only, color, or black and gray?
Consults: Larger or more complex custom requests will need in person consultations. If your design needs a consult I will provide info on how that works via email.
Hourly Rate
Starting June 1st, 2026 I will be pricing each piece individually or using a half day/full day rate and will no longer be charging hourly. (unless otherwise stated or agreed upon).
Pricing
Small-medium custom pieces (pieces done in 1 session) - I’ll provide a flat-rate price estimate for the entire design.
Large custom pieces (pieces done over multiple sessions) - I charge my half day/full day rate depending on the type of project.
Half day: $800
Full day: $1400
Minimum Pricing
Custom minimum pricing: $400
Deposit
Deposits are not refundable or transferable under any circumstance.*
$150 nonrefundable deposit smaller custom work.
$300 nonrefundable deposit for larger custom work.
Your deposit will be held for 4 months if you do not schedule an appointment. After 4 months your deposit will be forfeited.
*All deposits are non-refundable, including in the event that Leah is unable to perform the tattoo due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, disability, or death.
Tips
Tips are very much appreciated but not required. Most clients choose to tip but that is a personal choice and is not an expectation. Typical tip amounts range from 10-25%.
I do my best to price all of my work fairly. I am a fast tattooer and each piece is priced based on the time and detail involved, without any expectation of a tip. While I do greatly appreciate tips, they’re never expected.
Please reach out via my email leahearltattoo@gmail.com if you have an questions.
Projects that I feel the most inspired by:
"Traditional-ish"/ Folky Traditional
Reproductions of Vintage Illustration (for example works by James J Audubon, Elizabeth Gould, etc.)
Flora/fauna designs
Projects I do not accept:
Religious tattoos
Tattoos that support hatred or violence
Please view the most up to date examples of my work on my instagram @leahearltattoo or my portfolio. Please reach out to me via email (leahearltattoo@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
Do you do cover-ups?
Yes, I do take on cover-ups if/when they’re a good fit. However, cover-ups are not a one-size-fits-all kind of project, and not every tattoo can be fully covered.
Why can’t you tell me right away if my tattoo can be covered?
Cover ups depend on several factors. I need clear information about your existing tattoo and your idea of what you want to cover it with before I can determine what’s possible.
What affects whether a cover-up will work?
Size of the existing tattoo
Darkness and density (how saturated it is)
Colors used (black vs. color)
Placement on the body
The design you want to cover it with
All of these impact whether a cover-up is possible and what approach we can take.
What are the possible outcomes for a cover-up?
Full cover-up: The original tattoo is no longer visible
Blast-over: A new design is tattooed over the existing one, but parts of the old tattoo may still show through
Not possible: In some cases, the existing tattoo is too dark, large, or restrictive to successfully cover
Laser Removal: Some tattoos are not possible to cover and laser removal is needed
Can you just “make it lighter” with a new tattoo?
No, tattoos don’t work that way. Ink is layered, not erased. Lighter designs cannot cover darker tattoos.
Will I have to go bigger or darker?
Almost always, yes. Cover-ups typically require a design that is larger, darker, and more complex than the original to properly mask it.
What if my tattoo is too dark to cover?
You may need to consider options like laser removal to lighten the tattoo before attempting a cover-up. I recommend the folks at Removery for laser removal treatments. I am personally getting a small piece removed and they have been awesome to work with.
What do you need from me to assess a cover-up?
Please include:
A clear, well-lit photo of the existing tattoo
The approximate size (in inches)
Placement on your body
A brief description or reference of what you’d like to cover it with
Can I get exactly what I want as a cover-up?
Not always. Cover-ups require flexibility and realistic expectations.
Please note that I do not typically send you your design prior to your appointment time. This policy helps protect both my time and the integrity of my work.
For larger or more complex custom projects, I do offer in-person consultations where we can collaborate together and create a rough draft of your idea.
I understand that not seeing the design beforehand can feel a little nerve-wracking, but there will be plenty of time during your appointment to review the design and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you feel confident moving forward.
Sneak Peek Option
If you would strongly prefer to see the design before your appointment, I can offer a sneak peek a few days in advance for an additional fee. This fee is based on the size and complexity of the project and typically ranges from $50–150. Please note that this fee is separate, nonrefundable, and will not be applied toward the final tattoo cost.
I need to know if you would like this option 2 weeks prior to your appointment time.
If you are looking for general info or info about a flash sale please check out this FAQ.