LITOS’ Advice
“The right tattoo artist doesn’t just create great artwork—they take the time to understand your story.”
Choosing a tattoo studio is about more than finding someone who can tattoo well. It’s about finding artists you trust with something you’ll wear for the rest of your life.
At Forbidden Images Tattoo Studio, every tattoo begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand your ideas, discuss placement, size, style, and long-term results before creating a design that’s uniquely yours.
Since 2001, our family-owned studio has proudly served the Trinity and Tampa Bay communities with a commitment to professionalism, creativity, and exceptional client care. With nearly five decades of experience, LITOS believes great tattoos should not only look incredible the day they’re finished but continue looking strong for years to come.
Whether you’re planning your first tattoo, a meaningful memorial, a custom sleeve, or a cover-up, our goal is simple: to create artwork you’ll be proud to wear for a lifetime.
LITOS’ Advice
“Experience isn’t measured by the number of years you’ve tattooed—it’s measured by how much you’ve learned from every client you’ve had the privilege to tattoo.”
For nearly five decades, tattooing has been more than my profession—it’s been my passion and my life’s work. Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of tattooing thousands of people, each with a unique story, vision, and reason for choosing permanent artwork.
My approach has always been simple: listen first, tattoo second.
I believe every tattoo should be designed specifically for the individual wearing it. That means considering not only the artwork itself, but how it fits the body’s natural shape, how it will age over time, and what it represents to the person receiving it.
I continue to study new techniques, equipment, and advancements in our industry because learning never stops. My goal has always been to combine experience, creativity, and attention to detail to create tattoos that remain meaningful and beautiful for years to come.
“Every tattoo is an opportunity to earn someone’s trust—and that’s something I never take for granted.”
LITOS’ Advice
“The best tattoos don’t begin with a price—they begin with a conversation.”
Every tattoo is unique, just like the person wearing it. That’s why we prefer meeting with you before discussing pricing or scheduling larger tattoo projects.
During your consultation, we’ll talk about your ideas, the meaning behind your tattoo, placement, size, style, and how the design will complement your body’s natural shape. We’ll also answer your questions, explain the process, discuss healing, and make recommendations based on nearly five decades of experience.
A consultation allows us to provide an accurate estimate, establish a realistic timeline, and ensure we’re creating a tattoo you’ll be proud to wear for years to come. It also gives us the opportunity to get to know each other, because trust is an important part of the tattoo experience.
Our goal is never to rush you into a decision. It’s to make sure you leave feeling informed, confident, and excited about your tattoo journey.
“The consultation is where your story becomes the foundation of your tattoo.”
LITOS’ Advice
“A tattoo isn’t something you buy—it’s something you invest in. Our responsibility is to make sure that investment lasts a lifetime.”
The cost of a tattoo depends on several factors, including its size, placement, level of detail, color versus black and gray, and whether it’s a custom design or a cover-up. Because every project is unique, there’s no honest way to provide an accurate price without first understanding your vision.
At Forbidden Images, we don’t believe in giving rough estimates over social media or text messages. Instead, we invite you to meet with us for a consultation, where we can discuss your ideas, answer your questions, and provide a realistic quote based on your specific project.
Our goal is never to sell you the most expensive tattoo—it’s to recommend the right design, size, and approach to achieve the best possible result within your budget.
“The value of a tattoo isn’t measured by what you pay today—it’s measured by how proudly you’ll wear it for the rest of your life.”
LITOS’ Advice
“The best tattoos aren’t copied—they’re created with you, for you.”
Absolutely. In fact, creating custom tattoos is one of the things we’re most passionate about at Forbidden Images Tattoo Studio.
Your ideas, experiences, memories, and inspiration become the starting point for a design that is uniquely yours. Whether you bring us a simple concept, several reference images, or just a meaningful story, we’ll work together to create artwork that reflects your vision while complementing your body’s natural shape and movement.
Reference photos are always welcome, but we don’t believe in simply copying someone else’s tattoo. Instead, we use them as inspiration to design something original that you’ll be proud to call your own.
Every custom tattoo is carefully planned with artistry, balance, longevity, and placement in mind—because a great tattoo should look just as incredible years from now as it does the day it’s completed.
“Your tattoo should tell your story—not someone else’s.”
LITOS’ Advice
“A cover-up isn’t about hiding the past—it’s about creating something you’ll be proud to wear in the future.”
Yes, but every cover-up begins with an honest evaluation. Some tattoos can be transformed into beautiful new artwork, while others may benefit from laser tattoo removal to lighten the existing ink before beginning the redesign.
During your consultation, we’ll carefully examine your current tattoo, discuss your goals, and recommend the best approach based on its size, color, age, and placement. Our priority is never to simply cover the old tattoo—it’s to create a new piece that looks intentional, balanced, and natural.
With thoughtful planning and the right design, many unwanted tattoos can become some of the most rewarding transformations we create.
“The best cover-up is one where people admire the new tattoo—not wonder what’s underneath.”
LITOS’ Advice
“A little preparation before your appointment can make a big difference in your comfort, your experience, and the final result.”
Getting ready for your tattoo is simple, but it does matter. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal before your appointment, and stay well hydrated. Your body will handle the tattooing process much better when you’re rested and properly fueled.
Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before your appointment, as they can increase bleeding and make the tattooing process more difficult. If you’re taking prescription medications or have a medical condition, let us know during your consultation so we can discuss any important considerations.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed, and don’t hesitate to bring headphones, a snack, or anything that helps you relax during longer sessions.
Remember, getting tattooed isn’t a test of endurance. If you need a break, simply let us know. Your comfort is important to us, and we’ll work together to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
“The better you prepare, the better your tattoo experience will be.”
LITOS’ Advice
“Temporary discomfort can become a lifetime of pride.”
The honest answer is yes—getting tattooed does involve some discomfort. However, most people find it’s much more manageable than they expected. The sensation varies depending on the area being tattooed, your individual pain tolerance, and the length of the session.
Some areas of the body are naturally more sensitive than others, but our goal is always to make the experience as comfortable as possible. We’ll explain what to expect, check in with you throughout your session, and encourage you to let us know if you need a break.
For many clients, the anticipation is actually worse than the tattoo itself. Once the session begins, they often relax and realize it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as they imagined.
Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, we’ll guide you through the process with patience, professionalism, and respect.
“Don’t let the fear of a few hours keep you from enjoying a lifetime of meaningful artwork.”
LITOS’ Advice
“Your tattoo doesn’t end when you leave the studio. How you care for it over the next few weeks plays an important role in how it looks for years to come.”
A new tattoo is an investment, and proper aftercare is essential for achieving the best possible results. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions specific to your tattoo before you leave the studio, and we’re always available if you have questions during the healing process.
In general, keep your tattoo clean, avoid scratching or picking at peeling skin, and follow the recommended aftercare products and routine. During the healing period, avoid prolonged sun exposure, swimming, hot tubs, and soaking the tattoo until it has fully healed.
Every person’s skin heals differently, so don’t compare your healing process to someone else’s. If you ever have a concern, we’d much rather answer your questions than have you guess.
“A beautiful tattoo deserves beautiful healing. Taking care of it today helps preserve it for a lifetime.”
LITOS’ Advice
“Your tattoo doesn’t end when you leave the studio. Great healing is the final step in creating great artwork.”
A new tattoo is an investment, and proper aftercare is essential for achieving the best possible results. Every person’s skin heals differently, so if you ever have a question or concern, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d much rather answer your questions than have you guess.
Normal: Mild redness, tenderness, slight swelling, and a small amount of plasma or ink residue.
Normal: Tightness, itching, light peeling, and a dull or cloudy appearance.
Your tattoo will continue healing beneath the surface, even if it appears healed. Continue to:
Once your tattoo has healed, protecting it is easy:
These simple habits will help preserve the detail, contrast, and vibrancy of your tattoo for years to come.
| Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mild redness, tenderness, slight swelling, plasma or ink residue. |
| Days 2–4 | Tattoo feels tight, begins drying, mild itching may start. |
| Days 5–10 | Peeling and flaking are completely normal. Do not pick. |
| Weeks 2–4 | Surface healing is nearly complete. Tattoo becomes clearer and brighter. |
| 4–8 Weeks | Deeper layers of skin continue healing. Enjoy your new tattoo and begin protecting it with sunscreen. |
LITOS’ Advice
“A tattoo heals only once. Be patient with the process, trust your body’s ability to heal, and remember—we’re here if you need us.”
LITOS’ Advice
“Healing isn’t a race. Give your tattoo the time it needs, and your skin will reward you with the best possible result.”
Most tattoos appear to heal within 2 to 4 weeks, but your skin continues healing beneath the surface for up to 6 to 8 weeks. The exact healing time depends on the size of the tattoo, its location, your overall health, and how well you follow your aftercare instructions.
During the first few weeks, it’s completely normal to experience mild peeling, itching, and a temporary cloudy appearance. As your skin continues to heal, the tattoo will gradually settle, revealing its true clarity and vibrancy.
The most important thing you can do is be patient. Avoid picking, scratching, or exposing your tattoo to excessive sun or water while it’s healing. Following the recommended aftercare routine will give your tattoo the best opportunity to heal beautifully.
“A little patience during healing helps preserve a lifetime of beautiful artwork.”
LITOS’ Advice
“A great tattoo is created in the studio, but it’s preserved by how you care for it over the years.”
A professionally applied tattoo should remain beautiful for decades, but like anything you value, it benefits from proper care. The biggest factor in preserving your tattoo is protecting it from the sun. UV exposure is the leading cause of fading, so applying sunscreen whenever your tattoo is exposed will help maintain its color, contrast, and detail.
Keeping your skin healthy also makes a difference. Regular moisturizing, staying hydrated, and maintaining healthy skin all contribute to keeping your tattoo looking its best. While some natural softening is expected over time, a well-designed tattoo created with quality techniques and proper aftercare will continue to look beautiful for many years.
“Take care of your skin, and your tattoo will continue telling your story for a lifetime.”
LITOS’ Advice
“From the moment you walk through our doors, our goal is to make you feel comfortable, informed, and confident.”
When you arrive at Forbidden Images Tattoo Studio, we’ll welcome you, review your design together, confirm the placement and sizing, and answer any final questions before we begin. We want you to feel completely comfortable and excited before the first drop of ink touches your skin.
Once everything is approved, we’ll prepare your skin, create the stencil, and carefully position it to ensure you’re happy with the placement. We never rush this part—taking the time to get every detail right is essential to achieving the best possible result.
During your session, we’ll check in with you regularly to make sure you’re comfortable. If you need a break, just let us know. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, we’re committed to making the experience enjoyable from start to finish.
Before you leave, we’ll review your aftercare instructions, answer any remaining questions, and make sure you feel confident about the healing process.
“Your experience matters just as much as your tattoo.”
LITOS’ Advice
“Some of the best tattoos happen spontaneously—but the best experience starts with the right amount of time and planning.”
Yes, we welcome walk-in clients whenever our schedule allows. If one of our artists is available, we’ll be happy to discuss your idea and, whenever possible, begin your tattoo that same day.
For larger custom pieces, sleeves, cover-ups, or highly detailed work, we recommend scheduling a consultation first. This gives us the opportunity to fully understand your vision, develop a custom design, and dedicate the time your project deserves.
Whether you walk in or book an appointment, our goal is the same: to provide you with exceptional artwork, honest guidance, and an experience you’ll enjoy from beginning to end.
“Every great tattoo starts with a conversation—whether it’s planned weeks in advance or begins the moment you walk through our doors.”