Frequently Asked
Questions

All bookings at Reyes Ink begin with a consultation — no walk-ins, no exceptions. We ask that you reach out via our contact form or by calling (305) 555-0174 to share your concept, placement, and reference images. This allows Miguel to review your vision before you even set foot in the studio.

Once we've confirmed that the project is a good fit, we'll schedule your free consultation call and secure your spot on the calendar with a booking deposit. Because every piece is fully custom, we limit the number of new clients Miguel takes each month — so early outreach is strongly recommended.

Miguel is typically booked out 10 to 14 weeks in advance, and demand is especially high during the fall and winter months in Miami. We strongly encourage clients to reach out as early as possible — particularly if you have a specific date in mind, such as a birthday, anniversary, or travel window.

Larger projects such as full sleeves or back pieces require multiple sessions and may be scheduled several months apart to allow for proper healing between sittings. We'll discuss the full timeline during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

The consultation is an in-depth conversation between you and Miguel — not a quick sales pitch. You'll discuss your concept in detail: the imagery, the emotional meaning behind the piece, desired placement, size, and how it might interact with any existing work on your body. Miguel will also evaluate your skin tone and texture to recommend the approach that will yield the highest-quality result.

You'll leave the consultation with a clear understanding of the design direction, session count, total investment, and care instructions. There's no pressure and no obligation — Miguel is selective about the projects he takes on, and this conversation helps ensure the collaboration is the right fit for both parties.

No — Reyes Ink does not offer flash tattoos, pre-drawn designs, or copies of other artists' work. Every single piece created in this studio is a fully original design built from scratch around each client's unique vision. This is a deliberate and unwavering policy that has defined Miguel's practice from day one of his career.

If you're looking for something generic or off the shelf, we are not the studio for you — and we say that with complete respect. Reyes Ink is for clients who want artwork that is theirs alone. Something that could not exist on anyone else's body. That level of exclusivity takes time, craft, and intentionality, and it is exactly what we deliver.

Miguel's expertise is concentrated in two distinct styles: black-and-grey realism and fine line work. Over his 8 years of focused practice, he has developed an exceptional command of light, shadow, depth, and texture — the technical foundations that allow photorealistic portraits, botanicals, and architectural elements to come alive on skin.

Black-and-grey realism is particularly well-suited for portraits of loved ones, wildlife studies, and dramatic narrative pieces. Fine line work is ideal for delicate botanical illustration, geometric composition, and subtle symbolic imagery. Both styles age gracefully and reward the kind of meticulous preparation that defines every Reyes Ink session.

Cover-up work and reworks of existing tattoos are also offered, provided the piece is an appropriate candidate — this is assessed during the consultation. Miguel does not take on work outside his specialization, ensuring every client receives the very best of what this studio can produce.

Reference images are not only welcome — they are encouraged. Whether you have a detailed mood board or just a handful of images that capture a feeling, bringing visual reference gives Miguel valuable insight into your aesthetic sensibilities and expectations. You do not need to arrive with a polished concept; the consultation exists specifically to develop one collaboratively.

Many of Miguel's most celebrated pieces began as a client saying "I want something that feels like this" and pointing to an image. The design process is a conversation, and Miguel is deeply skilled at translating emotions, memories, and visual inspiration into original artwork. Come with what you have — he'll help you find what you need.

Pricing at Reyes Ink is determined by the scope, complexity, and placement of your piece — not by a fixed hourly rate posted on a wall. Because every design is built from scratch, the investment reflects the original artwork, the session time, and the level of technical detail involved. Smaller fine line pieces may start around $300–$500, while multi-session realism projects and sleeves represent a significantly larger investment.

A precise quote will be provided following your consultation, once Miguel has a full understanding of what you're looking to create. We are transparent about pricing from the start — there are no hidden fees, no surprise add-ons, and no pressure. What you agree to during the consultation is what you pay.

Yes — a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot on Miguel's calendar and to begin the design process. This deposit is applied toward the total cost of your tattoo at the time of your session. The deposit amount varies based on the scale of the project and will be communicated during the consultation.

This policy exists because design work begins well before you arrive at the studio. Miguel invests significant time into research, sketching, and refining the piece before your appointment day. The deposit compensates for that creative labor and ensures mutual commitment to the collaboration. Rescheduling with adequate notice is accommodated; no-shows forfeit their deposit in full.

The surface layer of a tattoo typically heals within two to four weeks, during which time you may experience peeling, mild itching, and some fading as the outer skin regenerates. This is completely normal and expected. However, the deeper layers of skin continue to heal for up to three to six months, which is when the ink fully settles and the true long-term appearance of the tattoo becomes visible.

In Miami's warm, humid climate, proper aftercare is especially important — sun exposure, saltwater, and chlorine can all significantly impact healing and color retention. Miguel provides a comprehensive written aftercare guide after every session, and we are always available by phone or email if questions arise during your recovery period.

Yes — Reyes Ink stands behind its work. If after full healing (minimum three months) there are areas that need attention due to uneven ink settling or pigment dropout — which can sometimes occur in certain skin types — we offer a complimentary touch-up session for work done in this studio. This applies to pieces that were properly cared for following our aftercare instructions.

Touch-ups due to client-side aftercare neglect (sun exposure, picking, submerging before fully healed) are not covered under this policy, but can be scheduled at standard rates. We encourage every client to follow the guide closely — your skin is the canvas, and how you treat it in those first weeks directly determines how your artwork looks for the next several decades.

Preparation makes a significant difference in how your session goes and how well your tattoo heals. In the 24 hours before your appointment, eat a full meal, stay well hydrated, and get a solid night of sleep. Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours prior — it thins the blood and can compromise the quality of the ink application and increase bleeding during the session.

Wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the area being tattooed. Do not apply lotion, self-tanner, or any topical products to the skin in the 24 hours before your appointment. Arrive clean and on time — if you're running late, please let us know. Miguel often schedules sessions back to back, and punctuality is appreciated by everyone in the studio.

Certain medical conditions, medications, and skin conditions may affect eligibility for tattooing or require additional precautions. These include blood clotting disorders, active skin conditions on the area to be tattooed, pregnancy, immune-suppressing medications, and severe allergies to inks or latex. If you have any ongoing health concerns, we strongly recommend consulting with your physician prior to booking.

During your consultation, Miguel will ask standard health screening questions to ensure your session is as safe and comfortable as possible. We maintain the highest standards of hygiene and use only professional-grade, hospital-tested equipment and inks. Your health and wellbeing are always the first priority — great art starts with a safe foundation.