About

Firstly, a big thank you for finding me. If you're here then there's a good chance you've tracked me down for my tattooing or illustration work. So, who am I and what do I do?

Foremost…I love to draw. That's at the very core of what I do, and what I've always done for as long as I can remember. It thrills me no end, every single day, that I have the opportunity to apply my passion for drawing in the exciting field of tattooing. Somehow I've found myself in the privileged position of attracting an incredible client base who enjoy my own brand of illustrative tattooing, whether it be wildlife, figurative, fantasy or Sci-fi themed.

Even prior to tattooing, my career path has been very much within the field of illustration. I worked in the computer games industry for several years, the pinnacle of which was being part of the concept team at EA where I worked as a concept artist on titles such as Themepark World, Formula 1 and Harry Potter, before paving my own way by starting a merchandise company called ‘Strangeways’ that showcased my predominantly goth and alternative artwork.

I'm also very prone to indulging in leather-crafting (I do sell my leather-work projects through my shop on Etsy on occasion) and costume building & cosplay has become a huge passion of mine. In essence, I’m unapologetically geeky with a natural leaning towards all things sci-fi and fantasy, but also have a tremendous love for and connectivity to nature.

Opening hours

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday: CLOSED

Wednesday: 10am to 3pm

Thursday: 10am to 3pm

Friday: 10am to 3pm

Saturday: 10am to 5pm

Sunday: CLOSED

Tattoos

My style typically reflects my illustrative background, utlising my love of precise linework alongside use of full colour. My favourite tattoos tend to be wildlife pieces (especially if I can inject just a little whimsical human expression into the design), flora/fauna pieces, figurative work and anything fantasy related.

I’m fairly broad ranging with the styles that I’m happy to take on, from huge-eyed cute critters to dark demonic pieces. I’m possibly most known for my pin-up type work, and as my background is strongly figurative illustration I do really enjoy designing character pieces.

As customer care is a high priority to me, you will be given an aftercare kit at the end of your appointment, including a leaflet that will guide you through everything you need to know about effective post-tattoo aftercare along with your own pot of aftercare cream.

I’m always happy to discuss tattoo ideas, often initially via email, where we can both gauge whether your thoughts of new ink are in alignment with the type of work that I do.

Location

Rachael Huntington Studio is nestled between Mapperley and Sherwood in Nottingham, UK. My peaceful creative workspace sits next to the Woodthorpe Grange Park, but is also within easy reach of Nottingham’s city centre and close to a very well serviced bus route.

FAQs

Do I need to leave a deposit?

Yes, you do. I require 50% of the cost of the session in order to secure bookings, although that deposit then comes off the total cost of the session fee. I need at least 48 hours notice of appointment cancellations or reschedules, otherwise I have to keep the deposit. On the rare occasions it happens it's the worst feeling to keep someone's money, but if a customer doesn't show, I can't fill that slot with another client. I'm afraid there are no exceptions to this policy, no matter the circumstance (update; with the exception of the Covid-19 situation). Deposits can be sent quickly and easily through Paypal.

Can I pay by card at the studio?

I'm afraid it's a cash or Paypal only studio with no card facilities, so please make sure you come with enough money to cover your session.

How much will my tattoo cost?

It's very hard (near impossible) for me to give quotes for my work. I try to give customers a ballpark figure, often as an educated guess in terms of the time involved, but the custom nature of all my designs makes it really tricky to give final quotes. I'm happy to listen to budget restrictions to create a piece that can be done in a certain timescale, if necessary.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for my tattoo session?

There is indeed! Getting your skin in prime condition is a huge bonus so that your tattoo session goes smoothly, so a bit of pampering on the run-up to your tattoo will help enormously. Gentle exfoliation of the area to be tattooed and using a good moisturising cream will be beneficial. It is worth having clingfilm, micropore tape and a freshly washed towel ready at home for redressing your new tattoo after your session.

A few pointers to help your appointment go smoothly; don’t drink alcohol the night before or on the day of your session, keep your skin shielded from the sun on the run up to you session (definitely no sunburn, because that skin will be untattooable at that point, and no fake tan please as I won’t be able to see how the ink sits under your skin properly), and make sure you are well rested & eat well before your tattoo appointment. Do bring drinks and snacks with you to keep your energy levels up while we work. Most of all; don't get too anxious about your session. I’ll be guiding you through every step.

Do I need to shave the area being tattooed before I come in?

Nope…it's part of the service!

What aftercare regime do you recommend?

Over the years it has become clear to me that aftercare is a hugely individual process. So many factors come into it, not least skin sensitivities/allergies which can dictate choice of healing creams, what area you have had tattooed, and many other variables. As such, we will have a chat at the end of your tattoo session to work out what aftercare will work best for you. I will give you a kit that includes a very neutral aftercare cream and a general guidance leaflet, but we’ll discuss a care programme that is tailored to you and your needs. What you’ll need at home is clingfilm, micropore tape and a freshly washed towel, and the rest is just a bit of guidance, some tattoo TLC and a dash of common sense.