Custom Tattoo Design Studios in New Orleans, LA

6 of the 54 tattoo shops we list in New Orleans 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.

Derek Dufresne Tattoos- New Orleans Walk-ins welcomeCustom design

8718 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118-1224

🕒 Closed Monday

+15044757820 Website Directions

Forbidden Art PiercingCustom design

1631 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130-4435

🕒 Daily 11am-3am

+15043047717 Website Directions

Pigment Tattoo Walk-ins welcomePiercingCustom design

3328 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115-2411

+15048910006 Website Directions

Sean Harrington Tattoo Custom designAppointment only

5918 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115-3262

🕒 Thu-Mon 11am-8pm

+15714093512 Website Directions

Tat Starz New Orleans PiercingCustom designCover-ups

1418 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116-1867

🕒 Mon-Fri 10am-2am, Sat-Sun 10am-2am

+15049471707 Directions

Van Goor Industries Custom designAppointment only

632 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112-3506

+15676946674 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 New Orleans

Custom Tattoo Design Studios near New Orleans

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.