Canvas studio

Guide

Everything You Need to Know

Studio info, the process, aftercare, and answers to common questions

WHY CANVAS

More Than a Tattoo Shop

CANVAS is a custom tattoo studio in Haarlem built around listening, craft, and care - from first conversation to fully healed ink.

Artists Who Listen

Every tattoo starts with a real conversation. We take time to understand your idea, placement, and story before a needle touches your skin.

Custom Work Only

Original flash works. Everything we tattoo is made for you - shaped around your body, your taste, and your vision.

Hygiene You Can Trust

Single-use needles, medical-grade sterilisation, and a spotless studio. Your safety is never an afterthought.

Aftercare Support

You leave with clear aftercare instructions and our team is reachable if you have questions during healing.

Skilled Specialists

Fine line, traditional, botanical, geometric, realism - each artist brings years of dedicated practice across visual art disciplines.

Relaxed Atmosphere

No rush, no pressure. CANVAS is built for unhurried sessions and honest advice, whether it is your first tattoo or your fifteenth.

The Studio

Your Skin, Taken Seriously

CANVAS opened in Haarlem with a simple belief: tattoos should feel personal, unhurried, and expertly made. We are not a factory - we are a studio where artists collaborate with you on pieces that actually mean something.

Whether it is your first tattoo or your tenth tattoo, you get the same attention to detail, honest advice, and a calm environment. Come with a full concept or just a feeling - we will meet you where you are.

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FROM IDEA TO INK

How the Process Works

Not sure what to expect? Here is the journey most clients take - transparent, relaxed, and tailored to you.

01

Share Your Idea

Browse our artists and gallery, then book a consultation or reach out with your concept. No need to have everything figured out.

02

Meet in the Studio

We discuss placement, size, style, and timing. References are welcome. For first-timers, a consultation is always the best starting point.

03

Design & Refine

Your artist creates the design. If any adjustments are needed, this will be done before the start of the session so you feel confident on the day.

04

Tattoo & Heal

Session day at our Haarlem studio, then home with aftercare guidance. We are here if you need us during the healing period.

Not Sure Where to Begin?

A consultation is free of pressure and full of clarity. Thirty minutes, zero obligation, and a much clearer picture of what is possible.

HEALING WELL

Aftercare Essentials

A great tattoo does not end when you leave the chair. How you care for your skin in the weeks after determines how crisp, bright, and long-lasting your piece stays.

We walk you through everything on the day. Keep this guide handy for the first few weeks - and message us if anything worries you.

  • Leave the second skin on for 1 day.
  • Aftercare ointment: 2 times a day, for 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Sun: avoid for 2 weeks.
  • Sauna: avoid for 4 weeks.
  • Swimming: avoid for 2 weeks.
  • Chlorine: avoid for 3 weeks.
  • No physical work and sports for a week.
  • Any exceptions, we will discuss on the day.
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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Session Day Preparation

A little preparation goes a long way. Show up rested, fed, and ready - your artist and your skin will thank you.

  • Get a good night's sleep and eat a proper meal before your session.
  • Stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and caffeine on the day.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area.
  • Bring snacks.
  • No children allowed in the studio during sessions.
  • Sessions can run long - plan your day accordingly.
  • Bring something to keep yourself occupied during the session.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you were probably going to Google anyway - answered here, honestly.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

To make your tattoo experience as comfortable as possible, try to get a good night's sleep before your appointment and avoid partying the night before. Make sure you've eaten well and bring some food and water with you, especially if you have a longer session planned. Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed. In the days leading up to your appointment, keep the skin well moisturized, as healthy, hydrated skin can make the process more comfortable.

It may also help to avoid alcohol and caffeine for about 24 hours before your appointment. And don't forget to bring something to keep yourself entertained during the session, such as a book, music, or a tablet.

Most importantly, come relaxed and ready to enjoy the experience—we'll take good care of you!

Can I bring a friend?

Of course! You're welcome to bring one friend with you to your appointment for support. If you'd like to bring more people, please check with your artist beforehand to see if this can be accommodated. We have a comfortable seating area at the front of the studio where your friend can relax while you get tattooed.

Just keep in mind that the appointment is all about your experience, so try to stay focused on your own process and make sure you're comfortable throughout the session.

How do I choose the right artist?

Choosing the right tattoo artist is an important part of the process, and we always recommend taking your time to find someone whose work truly speaks to you. Have a look through our artists' portfolios and pay attention to the styles, techniques, and projects that resonate with you most.

You can also browse our artists' Instagram pages and artist profiles to get a better feel for their work and personality. We encourage you to book a consultation as well—it's a great opportunity to discuss your ideas, ask questions, and see if the artist feels like the right fit for your project.

If you'd prefer, you're always welcome to stop by the studio. We can show you available designs, talk through your ideas, and help guide you toward an artist whose style matches what you're looking for.

You can explore our artists here: Artist Page

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes, absolutely! We love welcoming walk-ins whenever one of our artists has availability. Feel free to stop by the studio, share your idea with us, and we'll do our best to find the right artist for you.

That said, availability can vary from day to day. If you'd like to be sure of your spot, we recommend booking an appointment in advance. You can easily reach out to us through Instagram, give us a call, or stop by the studio to discuss your tattoo idea.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Every tattoo is unique, so the price can vary depending on factors such as size, placement, level of detail, and the artist you choose. Our minimum price is €120, and from there the cost will depend on the design and the time needed to create it.

If you'd like a price estimate, feel free to send us your idea along with any reference images, the approximate size, and where you'd like the tattoo placed. You're also very welcome to stop by the studio or book a consultation with one of our artists.

We'll be happy to talk through your ideas, answer any questions, and help bring your tattoo vision to life!

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we kindly ask that you let us know at least 72 hours in advance.

Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the appointment, as well as no-shows, will result in the loss of the deposit.

If you're dealing with an illness, emergency, or unexpected situation, please reach out to us as soon as possible. We're always happy to find a solution together.

Clear communication helps us make the best use of our artists' time and allows us to offer appointment slots to other clients. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

How long does a tattoo take?

The time needed for a tattoo depends on the size, placement, level of detail, and the style of the design. Some smaller tattoos can be completed in less than an hour, while larger or more detailed pieces may take several hours or even multiple sessions.

Once we've discussed your idea, your artist will be able to give you an estimate of how long your appointment is likely to take. Please keep in mind that this is always an estimate—every tattoo is unique, and sometimes a piece may take a little more or less time than expected.

We always encourage our clients to relax and enjoy the process. After all, art takes time, and we never want to rush a tattoo. Your comfort and the quality of the final result will always come first.

Ready to Make It Real?

Your story deserves more than a stock design. Book a consultation, meet the team, and see what CANVAS can create for you.

Schermafbeelding 2026-07-03 145537