Memorial Portrait Tattoos
A memorial portrait is a way of keeping someone with you — a parent, a grandparent, a partner, a pet. It's the most meaningful work I do, and the piece I take the most care over: the likeness has to be right, because you'll know every detail of that face better than anyone.
Working From the Photos You Have
Memorial pieces rarely start from a perfect photo, and they don't need to. Old prints, a favourite holiday snap, a wedding photo — send everything you have, and I'll pick the reference that will carry the likeness best. What matters most is that the photo shows the version of them you remember: their smile, their expression, the way they actually looked at you.
I'll always be straight with you at this stage. If the photos will support a faithful portrait, I'll tell you which one and why. If they won't, I'll tell you that too, before you've paid anything — a portrait of someone who mattered has to be right or not done at all.
The design comes to you for approval before your appointment, so you'll see exactly how the portrait will look before any needle touches skin.
A Private Studio, Not a Busy Shop Floor
A memorial session can be an emotional few hours, and it shouldn't happen in front of strangers. My studio is completely private — one client in the building at a time, no walk-ins, no other artists, no audience. Talk, sit quietly, take a break when you need one; the day runs at your pace. You're welcome to bring one person with you for support.
Read more about how a day at the studio works.
Portrait Work From the Studio
Recent black and grey portraits, photographed at the studio — judge the likeness for yourself before you trust anyone with someone's face.
Questions People Ask About Memorial Portraits
- The only photos I have are old or a bit blurry. Is a portrait still possible?
- Often, yes. Memorial portraits regularly start from older photos, and part of my job is picking the reference that will hold up best in skin. Send everything you have — even prints photographed on your phone — and I'll tell you honestly what's achievable. If no photo is strong enough for a faithful likeness, I'll say so before you book rather than risk getting someone important to you wrong.
- Can you include dates, names or other elements with the portrait?
- Yes. Dates, a name, a short piece of script, or meaningful details like roses or a clock face are often worked around a memorial portrait. Small additions usually fit the standard sitting; a portrait within a larger scene needs a longer one — I'll confirm which when I see the design idea.
- How much does a memorial portrait tattoo cost?
- A single portrait at A5 size is a 4-hour sitting at a flat £350, with a £50 online deposit that comes off the total. Larger pieces, portraits with background scenes, or more than one subject need a longer sitting — send a quote request and I'll tell you exactly what your idea needs.
- Is there a right time to get a memorial tattoo?
- That's entirely personal. Some people book quickly; others wait years. There's no deadline on it — the photos don't change, and neither does what the piece means. Whenever you're ready, the process is the same, and there's no pressure at any stage.
- Can I bring someone with me on the day?
- Yes — you're welcome to bring one support person. The studio is private with one client at a time, so it stays a calm space; because of the limited space, guests are limited to one.
Remembering a pet? See pet portrait tattoos.
When You're Ready
Send the photos and tell me about the person or pet you want to remember. I'll tell you honestly what will work, what it needs, and what it costs — and there's no pressure from there.