21 Oxford Street, Donegall Quay, Belfast, BT1 3LA

TATTOOS AT SKINWORKS

Go beyond the ordinary

Expert Artists, Genuine Care, Authentic Art

Tattooing is our craft, it is our passion, it is who we are.
No matter the style of tattoo you’re interested in, we have the best tattoo artist for you! Our artists are skilled in all varieties of tattoo styles; whether it is a pretty fine line tattoo, some cool traditional ink or even a whole realism sleeve, we’ve got you covered!
Collaborate with our talented artists to bring your unique vision to life.

At Belfast City Skinworks, our team comprises highly experienced and talented artists who specialise in creating tattoos that are both visually stunning and long-lasting. We take great care to understand our customers’ preferences and strive to accommodate their requests.

However, we also prioritise the longevity of the tattoo, and may suggest alternatives or modifications to ensure that the design will age well over time. Our artists draw from their extensive knowledge and expertise to provide personalised recommendations that will result in a high-quality tattoo that our customers will cherish for years to come.

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TATTOO STYLES

Would you like to get a tattoo and bring your ideas closer to our artists? Or are you looking for tattoo ideas? In any case, it helps that you are familiar with the different tattoo styles.
Anime
Anime tattoos feature characters and scenes from Japanese animation with bold outlines, vibrant colors, and exaggerated features like large eyes and wild hair. They capture the excitement and fantasy of anime worlds.
Biomechanical
Biomechanical tattoos depict anatomical elements like muscles, bones, and organs with a fusion of human physiology and machine-like mechanical parts. With a science fiction edge, they visualise a cyborg-like hybrid of technology and biology.
Black and grey Japanese
Black and grey Japanese tattoos utilise intricate monochrome designs like dragons, koi fish, samurai and geishas. Inspired by traditional Japanese art, they convey subtlety through delicate greyscale shading rather than vibrant colours.
Black and Grey Portrait
Black and grey portrait tattoos depict photorealistic renderings of faces using intricate monochrome shading and textures. Masterfully capturing depth and emotion, these portraits showcase an artist’s technical skill in greyscale inks.
Black and grey realism
Black and grey realism tattoos portray realistic scenes and objects like animals, flowers or landscapes using precise detailing and greyscale shading. With a monochromatic palette, they evoke a three-dimensional lifelike quality.
Blackwork
Blackwork tattoos use solid black ink with no shading to create bold designs with negative space. The stark contrasts make the intricate geometric patterns and floral motifs pop. Clean lines and high impact define this dramatic tattoo style.
Cartoon
Cartoon tattoos feature whimsical designs of well-known animated characters and imagery. With bold outlines, bright colours and exaggerated features, they encapsulate a playful, light-hearted aesthetic. These vibrant, nostalgic tattoos recall the silly fun of childhood cartoons.
Chibi cartoon
Chibi cartoon tattoos depict cutesy characters with oversized heads and tiny bodies in fun, exaggerated proportions. Featuring simple designs with strong outlines and bright colours, these charming mini caricatures embody a sweet, innocent anime-influenced aesthetic.
Colour floral
Colour floral tattoos feature vibrant, intricate blooms and botanicals like roses, lotuses, and peonies. With lush saturated hues, delicate gradients, and floral patterns they embody the beauty of a lush flowering garden. Vibrant colours bring these flowers to life.
Colour Japanese
Colour Japanese tattoos utilise vivid hues and intricate patterns like dragons, koi fish, samurai and geishas. Inspired by traditional Japanese art, they convey vibrancy and movement through saturated colours instead of subtle greyscale shading.
Colour pet portrait
Colour pet portrait tattoos capture the likeness of beloved pets using bright vivid pigments and lifelike detailing. Masterfully depicting fur, eyes and expressions, these custom tattoos memorialise animals with artistic splashes of colour and personality.
Fine line floral
Fine line floral tattoos feature delicate botanicals and blooms like wildflowers, leaves and ferns. With intricate thin lines and minimal shading, they have an elegant, understated look. This feminine style uses precision to create dainty, beautiful floral designs.
Fine line ornamental
Fine line ornamental tattoos use thin precise lines to create intricate geometric shapes and patterns like mandalas, circles and dots. These delicate designs often feature symmetry and negative space for an elegant minimalist look with detailed ornamental flair.
Gamer
Gamer tattoos feature iconic imagery from video games like character skins, health bars, power-ups and retro pixel art. Representing a passion for gaming, they transform digital elements into cool tattoo designs with nerdy nostalgic vibes.
Horror
Horror tattoos use sinister imagery like zombies, vampires, skulls and demons to create dark, macabre designs. With gruesome, unsettling illustrations often involving blood and gore, they encapsulate the creepy, shocking themes of the horror genre.
Illustrative
Illustrative tattoos feature colourful, imaginative designs like dreamscapes, mythical creatures and nature scenes. With a whimsical storybook feel, they use vivid pigments and artistic interpretations to create magical narrative driven imagery.
Japanese
Japanese tattoos utilise intricate designs like dragons, koi fish, samurai and geishas. Inspired by traditional Japanese art, they convey subtlety through delicate linework, ornate patterns and symbolic iconography. Rich in culture and meaning.
Neo Japanese
Neo Japanese tattoos put a modern spin on traditional Japanese iconography using bold graphic styles, abstract interpretations and contemporary colour palettes. Blending classic Eastern designs with Western style, they resonate with both heritage and modernity.
New wave pop art
New wave pop art tattoos feature graphic illustrations of iconic pop culture references with bold outlines, solid blocks of colour and exaggerated dimensions. Capturing the spirit of indie art, they transform mainstream icons into edgy, avant-garde designs.
Pet portrait
Pet portrait tattoos capture the likeness of beloved pets using realistic detailing, expressions and lifelike textures. Custom designed to memorialise furry friends, these tattoos are heartfelt tributes that immortalise animals with artistic flair.
Polynesian
Polynesian tattoos feature intricate tribal patterns composed of black curved shapes and spirals. Inspired by South Pacific Islander art, these designs symbolise cultural heritage through protective motifs and customary rites.
Portrait
Portrait tattoos, a timeless art form, meticulously capture the essence of individuals. Skilled artists use shading and detail to immortalize faces, creating personal and emotionally resonant body art.
Realism animals
Realism animal tattoos showcase nature’s beauty with lifelike precision. Talented artists skillfully render intricate details, capturing the spirit of animals on skin through meticulous shading, creating captivating and immersive body art.
Realism portrait
Realism portrait tattoos elevate portraiture to a new level. Exceptional artists meticulously craft lifelike renditions, capturing nuances of expression and personality with remarkable detail, creating powerful and emotive body art.
Script
Script tattoos convey profound messages with elegant lettering. Each stroke is a brushstroke of meaning, as skilled artists transform words into art, creating timeless and personal expressions on the skin.
Stonework Norse Knotwork
Stonework Norse Knotwork tattoos evoke ancient Norse craftsmanship on the skin. Artists intricately weave powerful symbols into stone-like patterns, capturing the essence of Norse heritage with bold and enduring body art.
Surrealism
Surrealism tattoos plunge into the depths of imagination. Talented artists conjure dreamlike scenes, blending reality and fantasy with intricate details, creating mesmerizing and thought-provoking body art that transcends the ordinary.
Traditional
Traditional tattoos celebrate timeless artistry. With classic techniques and iconic imagery, skilled artists craft enduring designs, preserving cultural heritage on skin, creating bold and meaningful body art.
Traditional Japanese
Traditional Japanese tattoos embody cultural heritage on skin. Bold, vibrant designs, often featuring mythical creatures and symbols, honor the rich history of Japanese art, creating timeless and striking body expressions.
Trash polka
Trash Polka tattoos embrace chaos and creativity. This avant-garde style combines bold black elements, chaotic collage, and splashes of red, creating a visually striking and unconventional narrative on the skin.

From Regret to Redemption

Our skilled tattoo artists possess the talent and expertise to transform your inked regrets into stunning masterpieces. Don’t let the past define you; embrace the opportunity to rewrite your story with our transformative cover-up services. 

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Getting Started on Your New Tattoo

A tattoo is a transformative experience. We want you to enjoy every step of the process, from initial consultation to aftercare.

The initial consultation is crucial as it allows the artist to understand what you want and how they can bring your vision to life. Once you’ve decided on a design, it’s important to take care of it properly during the healing process. Following the aftercare instructions provided by your artist is essential to ensure your tattoo heals properly and looks great for years to come.

At every step of the process, we want you to feel comfortable, confident, and excited about your new tattoo.

01 | Choose a tattoo style

We offer a wide range of tattoo styles for you to choose from.

Browse our work:

  • Check out the tattoo styles featured on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter feeds. This will give you a good overview of the different styles we specialize in.
  • Look through the gallery on our website to see examples of various tattoo styles our shop offers. This will help you get a sense of the range of work we do.


Pick your style:

  • Make a list of the styles you like best based on the tattoos you’ve seen from our shop. Traditional, new school, blackwork, portrait, Japanese, tribal – we cover it all.
  • If you’re deciding between a few different styles, feel free to screenshot examples to show us. We can help guide you towards the style that’s the best fit.
  • Tell us which styles catch your eye from the work we’ve done, and we’ll match you with the artist whose expertise fits your vision.

A tattoo consultation is a great chance to see what we can do with your idea. You can talk about what your tattoo design will look like and see if the artist’s style works for the tattoo you want. It’s also your chance to get a quote on price, decide the size and placement, etc.

What to bring to your consultation in Belfast:

  • Your photo ID.

    • You need to be 18 to get tattooed in Northern Ireland.
    • There are no exceptions to this law!
  • Any reference photos.

    • The cleaner the photo, the better!
    • Your artist can help you find reference photos during your consultation, so don’t worry if you can’t find the perfect image.
  • Screenshots of the artist’s portfolio/social media.

    • When consulting a specific artist, look at their recent work and screenshot some pieces that match your ideas.
    • This helps the artist see what you like about their particular work.
    • Emailing these in advance is always appreciated!
  • All your favorite tattoo ideas.

    • We want to hear all your ideas for your new tattoo so we can create something meaningful and completely unique.
  • Money for a deposit.

    • For small pieces, the deposit is £50.
    • For large pieces, the deposit is £100 
    • Having deposit money at the consultation lets us get you booked right away.
  • An open mind.

    • Each artist has their own incredible style and approach, which makes our team so strong.
    • Our years of experience give insight on placement, size, color, style, etc. – this can be invaluable for your session and the final tattoo.
  • Trust in our vision.

    • We know your tattoo has special meaning for you—and we’re excited to bring your idea to life!
    • Please trust our artistic experience and vision when designing your tattoo: The more creative freedom you give us, the happier you’ll be with the final art.

Discuss your budget:

  • Your artist will talk about their hourly rates and quote you a price for your piece during the consultation.
  • If you have a budget, now’s the time to discuss it!
  • We don’t haggle over rates, but we’re happy to work within your budget if possible.
  • This may mean scaling back the size, limiting colors, using other techniques to reduce time, or splitting a large tattoo into multiple sessions.

We sometimes have availability for walk-ins—but if we need significant time to design a piece or you want a certain artist, you may have to wait a few weeks.

  • Some high-demand artists are booking 2-3 months in advance currently.
  • The right artist is worth the wait!
  • If you want to come in ASAP, email us or call. We can see if any artists with the right expertise are available.

Why do I need to leave a deposit?

  • Your deposit holds your appointment time/date.
  • It shows us you’re serious about getting the tattoo before we spend time designing it.
  • For small pieces, the deposit is £50. For large pieces, it’s £100. 

What if I need to cancel or change my appointment?

  • Each artist has their own policy, so contact them directly if you need to make a change.
  • Typically with enough notice, we can switch your time/date without a new deposit.
  • We don’t refund deposits for cancellations, generally.
  • If you don’t show up, you lose your deposit and will need a new one to reschedule.
  • If exposed to COVID, tell your artist ASAP to reschedule!

What if I want to change my design?

  • Use your consultation to avoid changes.
  • Small details can impact tattooing time, so changes may increase the price or adjust your appointment.
  • Your deposit covers the design discussed at the consultation.
  • It’s up to the artist whether to allow changes or require a new deposit if they’ve already started.

Things to remember on the day of your tattoo:

  • Wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the tattoo area.

  • Bring a light blanket if you’d like, as the shop can get quite cold.

  • Pack snacks and drinks (no alcohol!). Bring something sweet to maintain blood sugar.

  • Bring photo ID.

    • We cannot tattoo without ID proving you are 18 or older.
  • Leave plenty of time!

    • Parking in Belfast city centre can be tricky – check our FAQ for tips.
    • Traffic around town can also be an issue. Don’t feel rushed or stressed for your big day – allow enough time.
  • Eat a meal that isn’t too heavy to keep your blood sugar stable without upsetting your stomach.

  • Aftercare is a key factor in ensuring your tattoo looks beautiful for years to come.

  • We have detailed aftercare guidelines to help you in your healing journey.

  • Your artist will go over aftercare with you after your session, and you can always give us a call with any questions

"Professional from start to finish, an absolute pleasure. I was in for a full day and without exception masks were worn at all times, brilliant to see. As for the quality of the work, simply awesome, a pleasure I will definitely be repeating. Thanks guys"

Jonny Bingham