Tattoo Request Form

Tattoo Request Form

and Booking Policies
About Getting a Tattoo with Takata Tattoo:

Hi there! I’m Matthew Takata Shepherd (they/them), a queer, mixed Japanese-American tattoo artist originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, now based in Berlin. Thanks for your interest in booking a tattoo with me!

To request an appointment for a flash or custom design, please use the form below.

Also fill out this form if you'd like to be added to my tattoo waitlist, just make sure to tell me which city you hope to meet me in!

As a mixed queer person, I deeply value creating a safe and welcoming space for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks. I strive to foster an environment rooted in intersectionality, body positivity, and kindness. Your body, your choice—always. I’ll check in with you throughout the process to ensure you feel comfortable and supported.

If you’re ready for a tattoo experience filled with care and creativity, you’re in the right place! Please share as much detail as possible about your tattoo idea—it helps me provide a precise estimate and answer any questions you might have.

Looking forward to creating something beautiful together!

All the best,
Takata
Your Name*

First NameLast Name
Your Pronouns (they/them, she/her, he/him, etc.)*
Your date of birth:*

MonthDayYear
Date
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number:
Your Address (Street, City, Postal Code):*
Instagram Handle:
What city are you interested in an appointment in?*
How many tattoos do you have?*

No tattoos! This will be my first.1-3 tattoos.4-7 tattoos.I've got a lot of tattoos.I'm heavily tattooed.
I'm interested in getting a(n)*

Flash TattooCustom DesignMystery Tattoo
If you chose Mystery Tattoo, please let me know which Blind Box Character & Series you'd like your tattoo to be of here! (ex. Sonny Angel - Cherry Blossom Series) Find available options at www.takatatattoo.com/mysteryexperience !
I want my tattoo's STYLE to be... (Select all that apply)

Glitter Realness (Tattoos made of only dots, aka pointillism. Mix of realism, a touch of abstraction, and lots of glitter)Illustrative (More "classic" tattoo with outlines.)A bit abstracted but you can tell what it isCompletely AbstractChildlike & playfulMore RealisticFlowingSharp & geometric
I want my tattoo to be ... (Select all that apply.)

Only color1-2 colors3-4 colorsSuper colorfulBlack and colorOnly BlackUnsure
I want my tattoo to have... (Select all that apply.)

OutlinesDot work (pointillism)Painterly elementsVery filled in partsMore negative spaceUnsure
Please describe your idea for a custom design below in a few sentences or more. Please be as detailed as possible. (For flash requests either leave it blank or if you are interested in edits for the design (ex. different colors) please let me know here.)
Please upload reference photos here. If you want one of my flash designs please screenshot it and upload it here so I know which piece you're interested in. You can also email photos to me at takata.arts@gmail.com with the subject line: your name / city / Reference Photos
Upload more references here.
Upload more references here.
What size do you want the design? (Please provide an estimate in centimeters or inches) It's okay if you don't know exactly but please try to estimate! We can also discuss pricing options for different sizes!*
Placement idea(s) for the tattoo (ex. forearm, calf, etc.) If you're unsure just let me know and we can work together to find the perfect placement.*
What is your availability like? What days and times typically work best for you? Tattoos take time, sometimes longer than expected, and shouldn't be rushed, so please make sure you don't have appointments right after so we can take the time your tattoo needs.*
If you have any sensitivities or specific needs you'd like to discuss with me please let me know here! Sound sensitive or want an appointment with no small talk? No problem, you can listen to music on your headphones and we can keep the talking to a minimal. Other concerns? Just let me know and we can make sure your needs are met.
Do you have any other questions? Do you have a maximum budget? Are you interested in aIs there anything you would like to share with me? And thanks again for your interest in getting a tattoo with me! I'll be in touch shortly :)
Booking an Appointment & Deposit Info:
To book an appointment, I require a non-refundable deposit, which is applied to the total cost of your tattoo.

For custom designs, I include one round of edits in the deposit fee to ensure the design aligns with your vision. Please come with a clear idea of what you want—this helps me create your dream tattoo! Additional redraws after the first edit cost 50€ (this fee is not applied to the final tattoo cost). For flash designs, I’m happy to make adjustments or color changes.

Deposits are accepted via PayPal (sent as “friends and family” with an emoji-only message). If PayPal isn’t an option, let me know, and we’ll arrange an alternative. I’ll share my PayPal details when confirming your appointment.

Pricing:
Since sizing, placement, style, and level of detail all influence how long a tattoo takes—and ultimately its cost—I don’t post fixed prices online. While I do my best to estimate session times, tattooing involves many variables, so it’s not always possible to predict perfectly.

To provide an accurate quote, I’ll need more details about your tattoo idea. Once I understand the concept, including the size and placement, I’ll give you a price range to help you estimate the minimum and maximum cost. Please note that the final cost of your tattoo will be based on the actual duration of your session. If we decide to go bigger or change placements, for example, this may affect the price range—I’ll communicate any changes and check in with you as we go.

If you’re BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, womxn, or a person of lower-income and the quote is beyond your budget, let me know. I aim to make tattoos more accessible for marginalized communities facing wage disparities. I’m happy to offer discounts when possible, but as a queer mixed artist, I also need to maintain a living wage, so I’m not always able to accommodate.

Color Tattoos:
All my inks comply with E.U. REACH tattoo ink regulations, so yes color tattoos are fully legal in Europe!

Color tattoos are for everyone, regardless of skin tone.

If you’re a BIPOC person curious about color tattoos but feeling hesitant, I’d love to help! I can recommend color palettes that will complement your skin beautifully. If you’re unsure about how color will look, I offer color test tattoos for a small materials fee. We’ll create a small piece with a palette of colors, and after it heals (ideally waiting at least 1 month), you will be able to see how it looks healed in your skin. Then you can decide if you’re ready for some more color ink or not!

Rescheduling & Cancellation Policies:
If you’re more than 30 minutes late, we may need to reschedule. No-call/no-shows forfeit the deposit.

I’m happy to reschedule without an additional deposit in some cases, but please contact me as soon as possible. Rescheduling is allowed up to two weeks before your appointment. For changes within two weeks, it’s possible I’ll require an additional deposit to secure the new date. Exceptions are made for illness or emergencies—if you’re unwell, let me know ASAP so we can find a new date.

Almost There...
I don’t copy other artists’ work unless you have their permission, it’s your personal artwork, or it’s in the public domain.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my policies and for your interest in getting a tattoo with me! I hope this information makes the booking process smooth and straightforward.
Please check the box to indicate you have read, understand, and agree to the policies outlined above.*

I have read, understand, and agree to the artist's policies.
Today's Date:*

MonthDayYear
Date
What city are you interested in an appointment in?*

BerlinSan Francisco Bay AreaOther
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