Custom Tattoo Design Studios in Des Moines, IA

8 of the 42 tattoo shops we list in Des Moines have custom design work. Map search doesn't separate shops that only tattoo pre-made flash sheets from shops that build a one-of-a-kind piece around your idea — that distinction isn't a searchable field, it's buried in a portfolio you have to dig for. Every shop listed here has custom design work confirmed from its own website or portfolio, not guessed from star ratings.

Bigfoot Tattoo Walk-ins welcomePiercingCustom design

5729 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

🕒 Fri-Sun 11am-10pm/5pm, Mon/Wed-Thu 11:30am-6pm

(515) 334-3333 Website Directions

Carrie Black Tattoo Custom designAppointment only

118 SE 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4802

+15153343333 Website Directions

Electric Diamond Tattoo Custom design

843 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312-2604

+15152556902 Website Directions

Ink & Glow Studio PiercingCustom design

1804 41st St, Des Moines, IA 50310-3930

🕒 Mon 1-5pm, Tue 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm

+15159859197 Website Directions

Iron Heart Tattoo Walk-ins welcomePiercingCustom design

2815 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310-4063

🕒 Tue-Sat 11am-6pm

+15152701500 Website Directions

Iron Rose Tattoo Studio Walk-ins welcomeCustom design

319 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-1927

🕒 Tue-Sat 10am-6pm

+15153214551 Directions

Pink Elephant Tattoo Walk-ins welcomePiercingCustom designCard accepted

2615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

🕒 Open 7 days 11am-8pm

(515) 282-8289 Website Directions

Stay True Tattoo Walk-ins welcomePiercingCustom designCard accepted

2615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312-5237

🕒 Open 7 days 11am-8pm

+15152838599 Website Directions

Bring reference images, not just a description. Real custom work usually goes through at least one revision round before the appointment, and most shops charge a separate design fee or deposit that's applied to the final tattoo cost — expect that upfront, not as a surprise at checkout.

Also in Des Moines

Custom Tattoo Design Studios near Des Moines

Good to know

How much does a custom tattoo design cost?
Many shops charge a flat design fee (often $50-150) or a deposit that's later credited toward the tattoo price, on top of the hourly or per-piece rate for the tattoo itself. Large custom pieces like sleeves or back pieces are usually billed hourly rather than as one flat price.

How long does it take to get a custom tattoo designed?
Simple custom pieces can be sketched and approved within a few days to a week, but in-demand artists who focus on original work are sometimes booked weeks out just for the design consultation. Ask about current wait times when you book, since it varies a lot from shop to shop.