Frequently Asked Questions

About Still. and Tom

What is Still.?

Still. is a private, appointment-only tattoo studio in London W2, founded by Tom Markwick. The studio is built around a slower pace of work — calm, focused, and considered. It's a space designed to feel separate from the rush of the city, where the work can take the time it needs.

Who is Tom Markwick?

Tom is a London-based fine line tattoo artist who has been tattooing since 2022. His work is recognisable for clean, precise linework, minimalist composition, and an instinct for designs that hold up over time. He works across small fine line pieces, larger custom projects, and bespoke commissions.

What makes Still. different from other tattoo studios?

Still. is a private studio rather than a walk-in shop. Every appointment is booked one-to-one, with no walk-in trade or background activity during sessions. The studio has two working stations and occasionally hosts a guest artist in residency, but your booking is always with the artist you've chosen. The atmosphere is closer to a private design studio than a high-street tattoo parlour.

Where is the studio located?

Studio 112, 65 Alfred Road, London W2 5EU. The studio is in West London, a short walk from Westbourne Park station. See How do I get to the studio? below for travel directions.

Booking and pricing

How do I book a tattoo at Still.?

Bookings start with the appointment request form, accessible from the Book Now link in the navigation. The form asks for your tattoo concept, preferred dates, and reference images. After you submit, the bookings manager will reply within 48 hours to discuss the design and confirm a quote. Once you're happy with the quote, a deposit secures your appointment date.

How much does a fine line tattoo cost at Still.?

Appointments start from £200. Every piece is quoted individually based on size, placement, complexity, and the time required. Quotes are given after the bookings manager has seen your concept and reference images so the price reflects the actual work involved.

Why is there a studio minimum?

The minimum reflects the time and care that goes into every appointment at Still. — preparation, design adjustments in person, the tattoo itself, and aftercare guidance. Even small pieces require the full appointment process.

Do you charge by the hour or per piece?

Quotes are given per piece rather than by the hour. This means you know the cost before the appointment begins and there are no surprises if a piece takes slightly longer than estimated.

Are deposits refundable?

Deposits are non-refundable, but they're deducted from the final price of the tattoo. If you need to reschedule with more than 48 hours' notice, your deposit transfers to the new date. The submission fee on the booking form is also non-refundable and is credited against your deposit if you book.

How far in advance should I book?

Tom's calendar usually books out several weeks ahead, sometimes longer for larger custom projects. If you have a specific date in mind — a birthday, an anniversary, a deadline before a trip — the earlier you submit, the better the chances of a match.

Do you offer same-day appointments?

No. Still. is private and appointment-only, and the studio isn't open to passing trade during sessions.

Do you offer free consultations?

The booking form acts as the consultation — you describe the piece, share references, and the bookings manager works with you on the quote and design direction before booking. Tom then prepares your design ahead of your appointment, and you'll review and adjust it together in person at the start of your session. Appointments at Still. are scheduled with extra time built in for this.

The work

What is fine line tattooing?

Fine line tattooing is a style that uses thin, precise lines rather than the bold, heavy outlines of traditional tattoo work. It tends to produce delicate, minimalist, illustrative results — well suited to botanical motifs, script, geometric work, and small detailed designs. The technique requires a steady hand and a measured pace, which is part of why the studio is built around an unhurried rhythm.

Do fine line tattoos fade?

All tattoos age, but a well-executed fine line tattoo holds up cleanly over the long term. Tom's work is designed to heal well and stay sharp. A single touch-up appointment around four weeks after the initial healing period is usually all that's ever needed — and touch-ups on Tom's work are free, for life.

How long do fine line tattoos last?

Fine line tattoos are permanent. Tom's work is built to heal cleanly and last. Most clients never need anything beyond the optional touch-up at the four-week mark.

Can I bring my own design?

Yes. Many clients arrive with a reference image, a rough sketch, or a strong description and Tom adapts the idea into a final design. The booking form asks for reference images for this reason. Note that Tom doesn't copy other artists' work — references are used as a starting point for an original interpretation.

Do you do custom designs?

Yes. Custom work is a large part of what Tom does — bring a concept, a feeling, or a story and the design is developed for you.

Can you do colour tattoos?

Yes. Tom works in colour as well as black-and-grey. Colour realism — highly photographic colour work — isn't his style, but illustrative, graphic, and stylised colour pieces are very much on the table. If colour is central to your concept, share references on the booking form and the bookings manager will confirm the fit.

Do you do large pieces and longer projects?

Yes. While much of Tom's visible work is small to medium fine line pieces, he regularly takes on larger custom projects, multi-session work, and back/sleeve pieces. If you have a bigger piece in mind, mention it on the booking form.

Is there a minimum age?

You must be 18 or over to be tattooed at Still., in line with UK law.

Preparation

How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Eat a proper meal beforehand, hydrate well in the day or two before, and try to get a decent night's sleep. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed. Avoid alcohol the night before and on the day of the appointment.

Can I drink alcohol before my appointment?

No. Alcohol thins the blood, which interferes with how the tattoo takes and increases bleeding during the session. Sessions can't proceed if you arrive having been drinking.

Can I take painkillers before?

Avoid blood-thinning painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin in the 24 hours before your appointment. Paracetamol is fine. If you take prescribed blood thinners, please flag this when booking.

What should I wear?

Wear something comfortable that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. For pieces on the back, ribs, or chest, consider a button-up shirt or a zip-up hoodie.

How long will the appointment take?

Most small to medium fine line pieces take between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Larger pieces, full sleeves, and back work are scheduled across multiple sessions. Your quote includes the estimated session length.

Can I bring someone with me?

Plus-ones are fine — but no more than one person per appointment. The studio is built around a calm working environment, so please don't bring a group.

Aftercare

How do I look after a new tattoo?

Detailed aftercare instructions are given at the end of every appointment, including a written summary you can refer back to. The short version: keep the tattoo clean, follow the guidance for the first 24 hours, wash gently with unscented soap, moisturise lightly, and keep it out of direct sunlight while it heals (around 2–3 weeks).

When can I shower or swim after a tattoo?

Showering is fine the day after your appointment. Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, and the sea until the tattoo is fully healed — usually 2–3 weeks.

Can I go to the gym after a tattoo?

Light exercise is fine after a few days, but avoid anything that stretches or rubs the tattooed area for the first week. Heavy lifting, contact sports, and anything that makes the area sweat heavily should wait until the tattoo is healed.

Do you offer touch-ups?

Yes. Touch-ups on Tom's work are free, always — for the life of the tattoo. The most common need is a single touch-up around four weeks after the initial healing period, and after that the tattoo is usually good for life. Touch-ups on other artists' work are quoted individually.

What if I think my tattoo needs a touch-up?

Wait until the tattoo is fully healed (usually 4–6 weeks) before assessing it — new tattoos go through a flaking phase that can temporarily affect how solid the work looks. If after full healing there are spots that need refining, get in touch with the bookings manager and we'll book a short touch-up appointment.

Logistics

How do I get to the studio?

The studio is at Studio 112, 65 Alfred Road, London W2 5EU. The closest tube is Westbourne Park (Hammersmith & City / Circle lines), a short walk away.

For full directions, parking, and accessibility notes, see the Visit the Studio page.

Is there parking near the studio?

The building has a car park with visitor spaces available to book on request. Let the bookings manager know in advance and we'll arrange one for your appointment. If you're using public transport, Westbourne Park is the closest tube station.

Do you offer home visits or off-site bookings?

Yes. Tom takes private bookings outside the studio — home or hotel visits, weddings, and off-site events. Any booking that takes Tom out of the studio starts at £2,000, with multi-day and international bookings quoted on request. Full details and enquiries are on the Private, Weddings & Events page.

What are the studio's opening hours?

The studio runs by appointment only. Appointments are typically Wednesday through Sunday, with daytime and early evening slots. Specific availability is offered when the bookings manager replies to your booking enquiry.

Is the studio accessible?

Yes. The studio has step-free access and the building has multiple lifts. If you have specific accessibility needs not addressed here, please flag them when booking and we'll work with you to make sure the appointment is comfortable.

Can I buy a tattoo as a gift?

Yes — gift cards are available through the shop, redeemable against any tattoo work or merch. They're a flexible way to gift a tattoo to someone without committing them to a specific design or date.

Do you have guest artists?

Still. has two stations and occasionally hosts guest artists for residencies or short stays. Guest artist availability is announced on @still.tattoo.studio on Instagram. To enquire about a residency yourself, see the Residency page.