Amazing artist!! Listens to what you want and creates masterpieces. Completely in love with my new tattoo!
The studio
Built on professionalism and creativity
With the emphasis on your experience.
Black Hope Tattoo was set up with the goal of creating a high standard of professionalism and creativity. We pride ourselves on the quality of every piece we do, no matter how large or small.
Come down to the studio and check us out. We look forward to meeting you.
Every style, done in ink and shadow
Every tattoo is drawn for you. Bring the idea; your artist builds the design around your placement and size.
- Realism & portraitMemorials, faces, film
- Geometric & dotworkMandalas, sacred symbols
- JapaneseLarge-scale traditional work
- Fine line & minimalistSmall, delicate pieces
- IllustrationNature, fantasy, botanicals
- Traditional & neo-tradRoses, skulls, daggers
- Cover-upsFreehanded on the day
The team
Our artists
Four resident artists and two junior artists. Every artist works in black and grey, and most in colour too.
Pinky Darling
Over a decade in the industry. Dotwork merged with other styles, built on repeated geometric symbols and mandalas. Inspired by crystals.
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Alan Aldred
Our resident Japanese specialist, taking on everything from realism to large-scale Japanese work.
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Katie Calderbank
Drawn to tattooing from a young age. Takes most of her inspiration from nature, and draws and paints across many styles.
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Ellie Danby
Loves anything nature-inspired and fantasy illustration, in colour and in black and grey. Happy to work in any style.
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Oli Kantyka
Developing his black and grey work, with a passion for smooth shading and bold contrast.
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Maddie Smith
Focused on black and grey illustration tattoos, with a love for fine detail.
View portfolioFrom the studio
Recent work
Spent the day in the chair with Alan, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The conversation was on point and the attention to detail on my tattoo is at another level, couldn't be happier!
Katie's design for my tattoo was better than I could've expected, I love her art style and how versatile she is, she's so lovely too! Couldn't ask for a better experience, already thinking of booking my next soon.
I had my first two tattoos done at Black Hope today by Ellie. She was super friendly (as were all the staff there). I had a design idea and she added her own flair to it which I absolutely loved! She is very approachable, 10/10. Would definitely recommend.
Booking
From idea to appointment
We're mostly booked in advance, with no walk-ins. Free slots from reschedules go up on Instagram and Facebook first.
- STEP 1
Send your brief
Email or use the form with your idea, reference images, a rough size in centimetres and the placement.
- STEP 2
Get your quote
Your artist replies with a price and time estimate. Reception answers Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 12pm.
- STEP 3
Secure the date
A 50% non-refundable deposit books your slot. Reschedule with at least 5 working days' notice.
- STEP 4
See your design
Your artist goes over the design with you 15 to 20 minutes before the appointment begins.
£100minimum price
£100/hrhourly rate
50%deposit to book
Day rateask your artist
From the blog
Latest from the studio
Alan Aldred releases his yokai art book
Yokai: Strange Apparition is a limited-edition hardback of Japanese folklore art, with over 150 sketches, 18 full-colour illustrations and a tattoo gallery.
Read the storyCharity Day 2025
Our annual charity day supported Colchester's Outhouse and Colchester Cat Rescue, with walk-in tattoos, a raffle and donations.
Read the storyOur fourth annual charity day
Pre-drawn flash from £40 to £60, first come first served, with Pinky, Alan, Katie, Ellie and guests tattooing all day.
Read the story16 Trinity Street, Colchester, CO1 1JN
Visit the studio
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Email info@blackhopetattoo.com or send an enquiry.
