MULTI AWARD-WINNING COLOUR REALISM TATTOO ARTIST BASED IN MANCHESTER

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Colorful tattoo on a person's arm featuring a smiling young girl with dreadlocks, butterflies, a full moon, blue sky, twisted tree branches, and a haunted castle in the background under a night sky.

custom tattoos

Colorful tattoo of a futuristic soldier wearing a helmet with the letter 'A', glowing eyes, and a metallic face mask, on a person’s calf.

Online seminars

A woman with dark hair and tattoos on her arm observes a tattoo artist with many tattoos and a shaved head, working on a tattoo in a tattoo studio.

The Dean Taylor Podcast

WHO AM I?

A Visual Storyteller

I'm a Capetonian born and bred artist. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa. I've been tattooing since 2008.

I started out self taught and progress was extremely slow with very limited information in those years, but the passion for art kept me hungry to learn and keep pushing and keep chasing that hunger.

In 2017 I decided to take a massive leap of faith and immigrate to the UK to chase my career dreams and goals as I did not see many opportunities to grow as an artist in my country.

My Tattoo portfolio

full portfolio

Full back tattoo of underwater scene with coral, fish, and a diver in blue and green tones.

Tattoo of a menacing clown face with a fiery background, including a volcano erupting and a stormy sky.

Colorful tattoo sleeve featuring a dinosaur skull, ocean waves, and a landscape scene with a horse and mountain in the background.

Tattoo of a pirate ship with a skull on the sails, sailing on the ocean above an octopus attacking a ship's anchor.

Colorful tattoo sleeve featuring a dragon, a wizard, and magical elements on a person's upper arm.

Colorful tattoo sleeve featuring Native American man with feather headdress, full moon in night sky, and a woman dancing in a desert landscape.

Tattoo FAQs

Does getting a tattoo hurt?

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Yes, getting a tattoo does involve some discomfort, but pain levels vary depending on the person and the placement. Most people describe it as a scratching or burning sensation rather than sharp pain.

How long does a tattoo take?

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Tattoo time depends on the size, detail, and placement of the design. Small tattoos can take 30–60 minutes, while larger or more detailed pieces may take several hours or multiple sessions.

How much does a tattoo cost?

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Tattoo pricing varies based on size, detail, placement, and time involved. The best way to get an accurate price is to consult with your artist directly.

What should I do before my tattoo appointment?

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Make sure you eat a good meal, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol the day before, and wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area.

Which tattoo placements hurt the most?

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Areas with thin skin or close to bone—such as ribs, spine, feet, and hands—tend to be more sensitive. Fleshier areas like arms, thighs, and calves are usually more comfortable.

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

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Initial healing usually takes 2–4 weeks, while full healing beneath the skin can take up to 6 weeks depending on size and aftercare.

How do I take care of my tattoo?

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Clean your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare cream and keep the area clean and moisturised.

Is peeling or itching normal?

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Yes. Peeling and itching are a normal part of the healing process. Avoid scratching or picking at the tattoo to prevent damage.

When can I shower, swim, or take baths?

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You can shower as normal, but avoid soaking your tattoo in baths, pools, or hot tubs for at least 2–3 weeks.

Can I work out or exercise after getting a tattoo?

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Light movement is fine, but avoid intense workouts, excessive sweating, or friction on the tattoo during the early healing phase.

When can I expose my tattoo to the sun?

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Avoid direct sunlight until the tattoo is fully healed. After healing, always use high SPF sunscreen to protect your tattoo from fading.

Will my tattoo need a touch-up?

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Sometimes. If small areas heal unevenly or fade slightly, a touch-up may be recommended once healing is complete.

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