TATTOOS
Tattoo Services – Fine Line, Micro Realism & Portraits in Tampa Bay
At Nova Star Studio in Tampa, I specialize in fine line tattoos, black and grey realism, and color micro realism. My current focus is on building a portfolio of realistic portrait tattoos — both animals and people — while continuing to offer clean, delicate designs that speak to your story.
Whether you’re drawn to the precision of fine line work, the softness of micro realism, or the emotional weight of portraits, I work with care and intention to create custom tattoos that reflect your vision.
Clients come from across Tampa Bay — including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Brandon — seeking tattoos that combine artistry and meaning in a welcoming, judgment-free space.
Interested in a custom design or realism portrait tattoo? Let’s bring your idea to life — contact via email, [email protected], or Instagram DM.
GALLERY
How to Book
Currently booking through Instagram dm or email. To set up an appointment please:
-Explain your design in a few words.
-Approximately size and placement.
-Send a few references pictures of something similar to what you want and the style.
-Include a picture of yourself showing the area of your body you want the tattoo so I can have an idea of the frame we will be working on.
-Please come alone to your appointment, at least you are getting matching tattoos. my studio is very small.
Frequently Ask Questions
–It is important that you keep the area of your tattoo well moisturized and free of damage, no sunburn, acne, bruises. (I recommend coconut oil)
-Please eat a full meal before coming to your appointment.
-Never come in a rush, have in mind that sometimes a tattoo session may take longer that what was expected, plan accordingly.
-If you are planning on going swimming, hiking or any activity that prevents you from keeping your tattoo clean and away from the sun, then schedule for after that activity.
-If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask your artist.
To book an appointment a no refundable deposit is required. This deposit will go towards your tattoo total cost.
Please reschedule or cancel at least 1 week before the beginning of your appointment. If you have an emergency, please contact me to let me know you won’t be able to make it.
As long as you go to a reputable artist that is following all recommended safety precautions, getting a tattoo is perfectly safe. All my needles and everything that gets in contact with your skin is completely disposal. Make sure you’re fully honest about any medical condition as acne medications, blood thinners, HIV, severe allergies, pregnant or nursing, diabetes.
You should avoid being in direct contact with the sun until your tattoo has fully healed even for the first few months is best to keep them cover when being outside. Exposing your tattoo to excessive sunlight can affect the healing process and cause it to fade and become blurry.
Only after your tattoo has fully healed apply sunscreen every time you go outside, doing so will prevent your tattoo from fading quicker.
My price is determined by design and size. My minimum is $150, this means all designs will start at that price.
Please bring no more than one person and only if it is fully necessary for example you are getting matching tattoos. I would prefer you come alone to your appointment, in my experience another person will only influence in your tattoo desire on placement and over all desing. The shop is also small and no comfortable for more than two people in the room.
After Care
-Any time you open the skin, you leave yourself vulnerable to scaring and infections. Caring for your tattoo can prevent those complications and ensure that the tattoo heals properly. Both you and your tattoo artist play equal roles in this process.
For the first 2 weeks gently wash your tattoo 3 or 4 times a day with cool or lukewarm water, using an unscented antibacterial soap. After each wash apply a thin layer of fragrance and alcohol-free moisturizer to it. Don’t over saturate the skin with ointment. It is not needed and does more damage than good. A thin, conservative coat is all it needs.
Your tattoo will start to scab around day 3. Flaking and peeling is normal. DO NOT PICK AT OR ITCH YOUR HEALING TATTOO.
Around the second week the scabs will begin to flake off. At this point your skin may feel very itchy. You can apply a cold compress. It will take away the itchiness immediately. This should only be done after your skin’s top layer has completely healed. Keep applying a thin layer of the ointment if skin feels too dry.
Around day 15 or 30 most of the big flakes will be gone and the scabs should be going away, this is the last stage of healing. You might still see some dead skin, but it should eventually clear up too. The tattooed area might still look dry and dull. Keep moisturizing until the skin looks hydrated again. By the second or third week, the outer layers of skin should have healed. It may take three to four months for the lower layers to completely heal. By the end of your third month, the tattoo should look as bright and vivid as the artist intended.
You may expect some slight swelling, redness and discomfort around the site. If any of the following symptoms appear promptly consult a health care provider:
- Unusual drainage
- Excessive bleeding
- Excessive pain / discomfort
- Excessive swelling/ redness/ feeling that skin is hot to touch
- Temperature greater than 101°F within 24 hours of the tattoo
After tattoos are fully healed use daily sunscreen and always keep them moisturized.
Disclaimer: These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention.
