Red and black owl portrait tattoo with detailed feathers

by Steve Phipps

Published May 19, 2026

Source

The focus is in the details. When I open up specific days in the schedule for single-session, small-scale work, I’m looking for pieces that demand patience and a steady hand. A lot of people think a small tattoo means a simple tattoo, but to me, clean script, razor-sharp geometric lines, or soft black-and-grey shading require absolute focus. After 27 years of working to refine this craft, I still treat a two-inch canvas with the exact same technical discipline as a full-day project. If you have a small design you’ve been wanting to get done—whether it’s precise lettering, a delicate fine-line piece, or a highly detailed micro-design—I’d be honored to open up the shop and build it for you with care. I’m currently mapping out the upcoming schedule for these dedicated single-session days. Drop me a DM with your idea, and let’s work together to create something clean that you’ll love wearing. Thank you to my good friend Mitch James of Crossfade for trusting my with your artwork.