01 · Custom
Custom tattoos
Send a short description of your idea. AJ works across many styles and techniques and draws it for you.
Hours
By appointment
Send a tattoo request to check open dates. Replies within 24–48 hours.
Licensed tattoo artist · Newport News, VA
Virginia's tattoo artist
14+ years in the chair. Custom work and cover-ups, drawn for you and done right.
Fresh ink
The work
More on Instagram
Recent sessions, cover-ups and open dates go up on @inkby_aj first.
Color realism by AJ
Meet the artist
AJ
"Specializing in many different styles and techniques, I'm guaranteed to bring your vision to life."
Licensed tattoo artist with over 14 years of experience. Born and raised in Portsmouth, VA, AJ started tattooing after graduating high school, and in 2019 had the opportunity to work at Black Ink Atlanta.
14+years licensed
757Portsmouth born, Newport News based
ATLworked at Black Ink Atlanta, 2019
Book with AJ
Replies within 24–48 hours
Services
What AJ does
02 · Rework
Cover-ups
Outgrew an old piece? Cover-ups are a regular part of AJ's book. Mention it in your inquiry.
03 · Design
Design before you sit
Your design goes out 1 day before the appointment, sooner for big sessions. Major changes need 7 days' notice.
04 · Payment
Split it up
Balance is paid in cash on arrival. Pay-later plans are accepted.
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Booking
Get on the books
Send an inquiry
Fill out the tattoo request form with a short description of your idea. Replies within 24–48 hours.
Sign the waiver
Fill out the appointment waiver. Disclaimer fees and payments are non-refundable.
Review your design
Your design arrives 1 day before the session. Big changes must be discussed 7 days out.
Show up on time
Pay the balance in cash before the session starts. More than 15 minutes late risks a reschedule.
100%
Client reviews
Recommended by every reviewer on AJ's Facebook page, across 6 reviews.
Your turn
Ready for your next piece?
Answer a few quick questions and AJ will reach out about your design.
Policies
- All disclaimer fees and payments are non-refundable, even if paid in full.
- No extra guests unless they have the appointment right after you.
- Wear a mask if you're coughing. If you're sick, please reschedule.
- Major design changes inside 7 days carry a $50 last-minute design fee.
- One reschedule each for client and artist. Within 72 hours there's a $100 fee, due before rebooking. Rebook within 30 days or the deposit is forfeited.
- Split sessions need a rebooking fee before a new date is set.
- No call, no show forfeits the deposit.
Aftercare
- Second-skin bandage can stay on for up to 7 days.
- Wash twice a day with lukewarm water and gentle antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or antibiotic ointment.
- Don't scratch, peel or pick.
- No swimming (fresh, salt or chlorine) and limit sun for at least 2 weeks.
- Once healed, always use high-SPF sunscreen on the tattoo.
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