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Custom Tattoo Design Studios in Charleston, SC

6 of the 12 tattoo shops we list in Charleston 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.

  1. Broken Lantern Tattoo

    1931 Belgrade Ave, Charleston, SC 29407-5715

    Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:57:07 +0000

    Walk-ins welcomeCustom designCover-upsAppointment only
    Call Website Directions

  2. MOLA Piercing and Fine Jewelry

    47 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403-5416

    PiercingCustom designAppointment onlyCard accepted
    Call Website Directions

  3. Studs

    346 King St, Charleston, SC 29401-1440

    PiercingCustom designAppointment onlyCard accepted
    Call Website Directions

  4. Holy City Tattooing Collective

    1916 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407-6251

    ‍Monday-Saturday 12pm-8pm

    Walk-ins welcomeCustom design
    Call Website Directions

  5. The Edge Tattoo Studio

    796 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412-3457

    Custom designAppointment only
    Call Website Directions

  6. Holy City Tattoo Company

    2467 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29414-5310

    Walk-ins welcomeCustom design
    Call 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.

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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.