20+ Year LA Artist Stephen Carballo ~ Tattoos for Those Who Wander
If you’re ready, let’s do this! Pick your session date, describe what you’re after, pay a small deposit (to be applied to the cost of your tattoo), and I’ll follow up promptly to guide you to a great tattoo experience.
Want to chat to make sure I’m the right artist for you? You can schedule a consultation here.
Note that I offer Buy-Now-Pay-Later through AfterPay, Klarna, or Affirm so you can spread out the cost if you would like to.
Wondering what to expect?
Fine‑line ink should never come with fine‑print confusion. Below are the questions I hear most from Venice locals, cross‑country wanderers, and first‑time collectors—answered in plain English so you can lock in your date with total confidence.
You can book online above if you're ready. If you want chat first, there are a few ways to reach me:
~ Share your idea (you can attach inspiration photos if you'd like)
I reply within an hour during studio days.
A $50 deposit locks your two‑hour window at my private loft on Abbot Kinney in Venice (or wherever we meet on the open road). The deposit applies to your flat‑rate total—no extra fees, no hourly surprises.
Most designs are born live and start one of two ways — you either pick something from my deep flash library (fine line and micro-realism), or we sketch something up together based on what you like in my portfolio and/or the inspiration you provide.
I love consulting, so don't feel like you need something for me to look at. No matter what, we’ll dial it in live and keep it clean. We sketch together at the start of your session so your piece feels fresh, personal, and inspired.
If you need a general concept-check first, I’m happy to send a rough outline—just ask when you book.
I’m in Venice most weeks, usually tattooing Tuesday through Saturday — four sessions a day. I travel often (my son’s a professional snowboarder), so I keep the schedule flexible. Right now, it’s pretty easy to get in — but that can change fast, so the sooner you reach out, the better.
A typical piece takes anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, but I book 2-hour blocks so the whole process stays relaxed. Average needle time is about 20 minutes. You’ll be in and out in under two hours, including design and aftercare briefing.
Bigger idea? Multiple tattoos? We’ll just add another session!
It can. Depends on the tattoo style and placement and the artist's experience level. My clients rate the pain around 3/10 and often say it’s gentler than expected thanks to my light hand and single‑needle setup.
My studio is appointment-only. I don’t take walk-ins so I can give each piece the focus it deserves. That said, sometimes I’ve got last-minute openings — just shoot me a DM and I’ll let you know what’s possible.
Feel free to bring a friend to your appointment!
Venice tattoo pricing is on a spectrum: the quick-turn tattoo and piercing spots you might find along Ocean Front Walk advertise flash pieces for as little as $80-$120—but you’ll often find their focus is more on cranking out generic flash and upselling you on piercings and expensive jewelry you didn't ask for.
Mid-tier studios hover around $150-$250 per hour, and specialty fine-line artists typically quote anywhere from $200 to $800 flat for palm-sized work.
My pricing falls toward the low-mid range, thanks to the speed-to-masterpiece I've achieve through 20+ years doing this work. Right in the sweet spot between “walk-in roulette” and Instagram hype. More than 7,000 clients have cast their vote for that balance with perfect ★★★★★ reviews, trusting that the extra care behind each thin line is worth every dollar. Full pricing details below.
“Exquisite detail, fair price, and a great dude.” ~ Matt M.
Most of my work lands between $250 and $350. The upper end for a 2-hour session is $400. You’re paying for quality — clean, precise line work done in a private studio curated for your comfort and creative vision.
Once I know the size and detail, I’ll give you a flat rate. Once I know size and detail, I’ll send the exact price alongside your deposit link so there are zero surprises. No surprises, just solid work and a relaxed experience.
I work exclusively in black‑and‑gray fine‑line and micro‑realism. Sometimes with a touch of red for dynamic contrast. Choose a pre‑drawn flash piece or bring a reference for something custom—either way, we’ll refine it together on the spot so it flows with your placement and feels like it’s always been part of you.
If you're confident I'm the artist for you, grab your appointment using the scheduling form above!
If you want to talk through your idea, share it here or schedule a consultation. I look forward to exploring your vision together!
Still have questions? Text me at (424) 317-8652 or use the contact form below.
I’ll get back within an hour or two most days.
Wherever I tattoo — LA, San Diego, Denver, and beyond — the best part is always the people. I’m grateful for the trust and all the good vibes I encounter among people who are drawn to my work.
Like what I do? Let's make tattoo magic.
The Los Angeles River ~ Tattoos by Stephen Carballo
Fine Line & Micro-Realism Tattoos for Those Who Wander
Text me: (424) 317-8652
© 2025 LA River Creative Space LLC - All Rights Reserved | Privacy & Terms