When to book
Book your tattoo for the last day or two of your trip. A new tattoo has to stay out of the sea, pools and hot tubs and away from direct sun until it heals, which usually takes 2–4 weeks. Getting tattooed on day one means spending the rest of the holiday out of the water.
Message as soon as your dates are set. Summer weeks fill up quickly.
Which tattoo suits a holiday
Pieces that can be finished in one session: fine line, and small to medium black and grey or micro realism. Large realistic work needs several sessions a few weeks apart.
Avoid spots that swimwear, sandal straps or bag straps will rub on the way home. The forearm, upper arm and calf are easier.
Choosing an artist
- Look for plenty of work in the style you want, and ask for healed photos, not only fresh ones.
- Check that needles or cartridges are single-use and opened in front of you, and that gloves and barrier film are used.
- A good artist redraws your idea for your body and suggests a size that will still read in ten years.
Booking with me
I’m Musa Tekpak, a tattoo artist in Bodrum (fine line, black and grey realism, micro realism). Message me on WhatsApp at +90 532 615 09 01 with:
- your idea,
- the placement (a photo of the area helps),
- an approximate size in cm,
- reference images,
- the dates you are in Bodrum and where you are staying.
My work is on the work page.
Aftercare while travelling
- Wear loose clothing over the tattoo on the flight or drive home.
- Wash it gently with lukewarm water and unscented soap, pat dry, apply a thin layer of unscented aftercare cream.
- Do not pick scabs or scratch.
- After it has healed, use high-factor sunscreen on it, especially on fine line work.
- See a doctor if redness and swelling get worse instead of better, or if you get a fever.
