Clay Saunders Tattoo
Bespoke illustrative design
Hey there, I’m Clay and I’m a tattoo artist specialising in bespoke illustrative designs. I have worked within the animation industry in various capacities from model making, character design and even being animated like a puppet in the Angry Kid series. I have also taught art, 3D and graphics but it is tattooing that is my true love!
I work from a relaxed, private, appointment only space just off Whiteladies Road in Clifton, Bristol with a large handy car park very close by.
Illustrative work is my specialism though I love a bit of black and grey realism and a bit of colour work too. Consultation and discussion of your ideas and tattoo wants and needs is integral to my process. It is my intention to provide you with a tattoo that fits perfectly with the one in your mind’s eye.
For any enquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Testimonials
Emma Odeh
“Clay is amazing, he took my ideas and created
unique designs that are so perfectly me. I could not
have found a better artist. I felt safe and looked after
start to finish even in a four hour session! I could not
recommend him highly enough.”
Jim Dunton
“Clay is an incredibly talented and versatile artist who
accomodates each and every absurd idea I’ve had for a new
piece. I’ve been getting tattooed by Clay since the start of his
career and love every bit of art that he’s put on me. He’s one
of the friendliest and most sound guys in the city which makes
for the perfect environment when getting a tattoo. Looking forward to the next one and beyond! 💀”
Sara Thompson
“Always had a great experience
with Clay! Very welcoming and
chatty. After every session I get
complimented on the work and
the level of detail put in. I
wouldn’t go anywhere else. 🙂”
Jilly Gash
“On all the occasions I have been to Clay for
my tattoos, he has made me feel so welcome
and comfortable. His artwork and style are
incredible and all of the pieces I have had
are amazingly done and have healed so well.
He will always be my first choice of who I
go to when I want more ink.”
How do I book in?
Initial contact is always best via an instagram message or an email. I then usually use WhatsApp. In your initial message you should aim to tell me what it is you would like, where and what sort of size. An idea of the style you would like would also be helpful as well as any images you have and a contact number.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. The amount will be dependent on the tattoo that you are having. A full day will typically be £100. Your deposit will be deducted from the final cost of the tattoo upon completion. If you need to reschedule your tattoo, you will need to do so 48 hours before your appointment otherwise another deposit will need to be paid in order to make another appointment.
Can I see the design before the day of the tattoo?
I don’t usually send the design out before the tattoo. I hope that you will have seen my work and trust the process. Small adjustments can be made on the day. If you really cannot wait, I can send you the design though any adjustments that you may wish to make will be charged at my hourly rate.
Can you do a copy of an existing tattoo?
No. I am respectful of other artists’ work and will not produce a direct copy but I’m more than happy to create something similar with some added Clay!
Do you do cover ups?
Yes! I love the challenge of transforming a regret into something wonderful. I will need to see photos of the existing tattoo and an idea of what you would like to cover it with. It may be necessary to see it in person to discuss the process in more detail.
Cover ups
Tattoo Aftercare
Yay! You have yourself a new tattoo! In order to ensure the proper healing
and longevity of your new artwork, you will need to follow a few rules…
Yeah, boring but necessary!
Initial Care
When you leave the studio, your tattoo will be wrapped with cling film and taped to avoid any contamination. You should leave this on between 2 and 3 hours. After this you should gently remove the cling film and hand-wash the tattoo with warm soapy water to remove any ink, blood and plasma. Pat it dry with some clean kitchen roll. You won’t be tempted to rub it! You should then apply a thin layer of either Cocoa butter, coconut oil or E45. There are many products available for the healing process such as Hustle Butter, Yayo etc. Avoid any petroleum based products. There is no need to cover your tattoo again after this.
Subsequent Care
Your new tattoo will need some love in the first two weeks. You need to be vigilant during this time. You will need to wash your tattoo and apply your chosen moisturiser 2-3 times a day. Initially your tattoo will feel sensitive and may remain red and a tad angry for the first 3-4 days. Avoid any contact with anything that could contaminate as it is an open wound and you want to avoid any risk of contamination. It may be a good idea to avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two afterwards to avoid sweat contamination.
After a few days, you may notice that there is some light flaking or scabbing. Do not pick it, Naughty! Tempting as it may be, it can heal patchy. If it is feeling dry, you can apply a little more moisturiser but don’t over-apply. A thin covering is enough. You may notice that it feels itchy at this point but do not scratch it!
If your tattoo is not healing as you think it should be or shows signs of pus and is raised and red, you should consult a doctor as it may have become infected and this requires immediate medical attention.
Things to Avoid
DIRECT SUNLIGHT
The sun is the worst enemy of your tattoos both during the healing process and thereafter. Do not expose your new tattoo to the sun and once healed always ensure you use a high factor sun cream on your tattoos as the sun fades them faster than you would imagine!
SWIMMING OR BATHING
You should avoid soaking your tattoo for two weeks so no swimming or baths. This may mean you need to plan your tattoo if you are thinking of going on Holiday. Fresh Tats don’t much like sand either!
EXCESS BOOZE
Alcohol consumption should be avoided after your tattoo as alcohol thins the blood and results in more bleeding. It also impairs judgment and makes it hard to sit still. Try to avoid alcohol after your tattoo as your body is working hard to repair the wound and alcohol slows down the process.
