Useful inputs · honest estimates
Size alone cannot predict tattoo time. To get a useful estimate from Alex Roze at Rocky Mountain Tattoo in Kelowna, send the placement, approximate size, subject, style, and detail that must remain. Physical dimensions help define the canvas; they do not calculate the hours. Alex replies by email with the project-specific estimate. That estimate follows his review of the complete idea.
Guide reviewed 14 August 2026
No specialist vocabulary required
Use a real body location and a rough physical description. “Inner forearm, about 15 cm tall and 10 cm wide” is more useful than “medium.” If the concept should cover a region rather than fit a rectangle, say that: half forearm, upper-arm panel, outer calf, or wrapping from one landmark to another. The forearm tattoo guide shows how eight reviewed works use that placement across four styles. For full-arm coverage, the sleeve and half-sleeve guide separates complete-arm views from large components and explains hierarchy, transitions, stopping points, and estimate boundaries. For hands and fingers, the hand and finger tattoo guide separates exact surface, coverage, visibility, and longevity claims.
Approximate is enough for the first message. Final measurements and the stencil happen in person. A clear photo of the placement can help show the usable area, existing tattoos, scars, curvature, or where you want the composition to begin and end. Do not edit a design onto the photo; the purpose is to show the body area.
Why dimensions are not a calculator
A simple silhouette and a layered portrait can occupy the same dimensions while carrying very different amounts of information. Subject, style, value or colour structure, and the detail that must survive compression shape the work.
A flat area and a wrapping or moving area are different canvases. Placement changes composition, stencil fit, working access, and the position you hold. Alex resolves the design for the body rather than treating the skin like a rectangular print.
You see the design on the appointment day and changes are welcome before tattooing. Measurements, final notes, stencil printing, placement, and setup are part of the real appointment sequence described in the eight-step process.
Long sessions include human needs. Alex keeps breaks short, but clients can stop whenever they need to. A time estimate is planning information, not a demand that a person sit beyond what is workable on the day.
Do not compare artists by dividing a reference image into square centimetres and hours. The useful comparison is whether the artist's finished work, design approach, published rates, and project-specific estimate fit your priorities.
Pricing basis, not price promise
The published rates are not a project quote. They do not establish that a tattoo fits one hour, one full day, or a particular number of appointments. A project-specific estimate depends on the idea, placement, size, and detail, and Alex provides it after reviewing the enquiry.
If you do not know which rate structure fits, do not select one for yourself. Send the project accurately and let the estimate answer that question. Rocky Mountain Tattoo's deposit is separate from guessing the final project total; the studio publishes a minimum deposit and controls the current policy. Read Before You Book for the source-linked rate, deposit, rescheduling, ID, and health boundaries.
Make the first reply more useful
A useful first message contains the subject or story, body placement, approximate dimensions or coverage, preferred style, budget, date constraints, and a small set of references that explain what matters. If you are unsure about the style name, use Alex's finished tattoo portfolio or the side-by-side style comparison and point to the work that feels closest. Portrait projects can use the reviewed portrait collection to compare single figures, grouped subjects, and larger narrative compositions.
You do not need a finished design. Explain what must be included, what can change, and what should be avoided. The booking form only requires a name, email, and idea, so uncertainty does not prevent you from starting; placement and size make the estimate more informed.
SEND THE PROJECT →Short answers
Name the Body placement, give the approximate Longest dimension and Width or coverage, and attach a clear placement photo if useful. Plain language is enough. Final measurements and stencil sizing happen in person.
No. Size is only one input. Subject, style, Must-keep detail, placement, body position, changes, setup, and breaks also affect the session structure. Alex reviews the full enquiry before providing an estimate.
No. The hourly and full-day figures are published rates, not a specific project price or a promise about appointment count. Send Reference images and the project details so Alex can return the relevant estimate.