20+ Year LA Artist Stephen Carballo ~ Tattoos for Those Who Wander

Submit Your Tattoo Idea

Online Consultation

Exploring an idea and finding out if I'm the artist for you is easy. Please fill out the form below to start realizing your vision. Describe your tattoo. Upload inspiration images. Share as much or as little as you want. I'll do the rest.

What are you thinking of getting — and where on your body? If it’s a flash piece, just say so. If you’ve got a concept, share a quick description. You don’t need to have a full story or super clear idea — we’ll figure it out together. But if there’s meaning behind it, or a reason you want it, I always love hearing that.
Got something in mind? Feel free to upload any tattoos, artwork, or reference images that help show what you’re into — whether it’s the subject, vibe, or style. You can also send a photo of the spot you want tattooed if that’s helpful.
Questions? Notes? Ideas you want to talk through? Drop them here. If you’re wondering about availability, pricing, or the process, happy to answer. No pressure.

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2324 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, USA

Client Reviews

Here's What My Clients Say

Five‑star reviews from LA to Lisbon fuel every clean line I pull. See why adventurers, designers, and first‑timers still finding themselves alike trust me with their stories.

 Every quote above is a healed piece in the wild.

Ready for a tattoo worthy of a rave review? Let's create it together.

Wondering what to expect?

Straight Answers Before You Book

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.

What kinds of tattoos do you offer? Can I bring an idea, pick from flash, or request something custom?

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 here.

If you want to talk through your idea, share it here or schedule a consultation. I look forward to exploring your vision together!

How does your design process work? Will I see the design before my appointment?

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.

How does booking work? Do I need a deposit?

You can book online here if you're ready. If you want chat first, there are a few ways to reach me:

~ Shoot me a text

~ Fire off a DM on Instagram


~ 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.

When are you available? How far ahead should I 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.

How long does a session take?

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!

Does it hurt to get a tattoo?

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.

Can I walk in or bring a friend?

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! 

Is it legal to tattoo at home in California? What if I know a guy?

Technically, no. California law requires tattooing to be done in a licensed, health-department-approved facility. If someone's tattooing out of anything other than a licensed studio, turn the other way. I work out of a fully certified private studio in Venice — clean, legit, and way safer than someone’s living room. 

Do you do body piercings in your shop?

I don’t offer piercings — just tattoos. My studio’s all about clean, minimal, fine line tattoo work. If you’re looking for a piercing spot, I’m happy to recommend someone nearby.

How much is a tattoo in Venice, generally?

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.

How much will my tattoo cost if I work with you?

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.

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.

Minimal Tattoos with Maximum Meaning

Schedule a one-on-one session with LA artist Stephen Carballo — minimalist tattoos that feel timeless.

The Los Angeles River ~ Tattoos by Stephen Carballo

Fine Line & Micro-Realism Tattoos for Those Who Wander

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