Resident artist
Erkan Zarif
A multidiscipline tattooer who moves between black and grey realism, colour, irezumi and heavy linework, and who has spent as many years teaching the craft as practising it.
Erkan works across disciplines that most artists treat as separate careers. Black and grey realism, colour realism, irezumi in the ukiyo-e tradition, Maori linework and cover-ups all sit inside the same pair of hands. That crossover is the point rather than a footnote: a realism piece built with the composition sense of Japanese work sits on the body differently, and a cover-up designed by someone fluent in heavy linework has more to work with.
He is as well known for teaching as for tattooing. A long list of his students are working artists in their own right now, and what he passes on is not only technique. Learning to tattoo is one thing. Working out what kind of artist you are is another, and that second part is where most of his attention goes.
He works the convention circuit through the year, so if you want to see the range in person before you commit to a large piece, that is the quickest way to find him.
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The work
What they do
- Black & grey realism
- Colour realism
- Irezumi · ukiyo-e
- Maori linework
- Cover-ups
- Large-scale sleeves
- Backpieces
- Teaching & mentorship
Before you book
How much does a custom tattoo cost?
There is no fixed price, because size, placement and detail move the figure too far to guess at. You get the exact number at the consultation, from me, before anything is booked. It does not change afterwards.
Do I need a consultation before booking?
Yes, and it is free. I work out what the piece wants to be, where it sits and how many sittings it needs. In the studio, or over Zoom if you are travelling in.
Will my tattoo be custom designed?
Yes. References are a starting point, never something to trace. The drawing is composed for your body, because a design that ignores where it sits will fight the muscle underneath it for the rest of your life. I do not copy another artist’s work.
How many sessions will my tattoo take?
Sleeves, backs and leg sleeves are built over several sittings. Skin stops taking ink cleanly after a few hours, so pushing on past that point costs you quality in the healed result rather than saving you a visit.
Can I see the design before my appointment?
You see it at the consultation or on the day. I put the stencil on your skin and you look at it in a mirror, because a drawing that works on paper can sit wrong on a shoulder. Changes happen then, not after.
How do I book an appointment?
Send the idea and any reference images through the booking form. We talk it through, agree a date, and a deposit holds it.
Consultations are free. Bring a reference, a story, or nothing at all.
Enquire with Erkan
