Question 1

UPDATE: Custom Design

Accepted Answer

Thank you so much to everyone who submitted a custom design request when my books opened on June 1, 2026!I have now responded to all submissions, and everyone who was accepted onto my waitlist will hear from me before the end of 2026 with more information about scheduling.My custom books are currently closed, and I plan to reopen them for new submissions around March 2027. Please keep an eye on my website, mailing list, and social media for updates as that date gets closer.Thank you again for your interest, patience, and continued support! If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to reach out via email at leahearltattoo@gmail.com.Updated 8/17/2026

Question 2

General Info on Custom Requests

Accepted Answer

General Info on Custom RequestsCustom Books: My custom books are currently closed. The information below is for clients who submitted a custom design request when my books opened on June 1, 2026.
How to Submit: All custom requests must be submitted by email to leahearltattoo@gmail.com. Please review the FAQ section “How to Submit a Custom Request” and include all required information. Incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Selection Process: Each request is thoughtfully reviewed. Projects are not accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. I select projects that feel like the best fit for both you and me.
I always try to accept as many projects as I can when my books open. However, depending on the number of submissions I receive, I may not be able to take on every project.
Consultations: Some projects may require an in-person consultation before scheduling. If a consultation is needed for your project, I will provide more information by email.
Waitlist & Scheduling: Many accepted projects will be placed on a waitlist while I work through my current schedule. I will be in contact with everyone on my waitlist before the end of 2026 with more information about scheduling.
Deposits: All custom appointments require a nonrefundable and nontransferable deposit to reserve your appointment.
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 questions about the process.

Updated 8/17/2026

Question 3

How to Submit a Custom Request?

Accepted Answer

My custom books are currently closed. PLEASE INCLUDE ALL OF THE INFO BELOW WHEN SUBMITTING YOUR REQUESTIncomplete 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.COMFull name and (pronouns if you would like)Phone numberAre 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 hoursA 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 ideaSize 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?

Question 4

Pricing, Deposit, and Tips

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the General FAQ for info on Pricing, Deposit, and Tips.

Question 5

Types of Projects?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Cover Ups?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Custom Design - Mock Ups or Design Preview

Accepted Answer

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.

Leah Earl Tattoo

Custom Design FAQ

Custom Booking Process FAQ