Forbidden Images Tattoo Studio

LITOS’ Advice

“The right tattoo artist doesn’t just create great artwork—they take the time to understand your story.”

Choosing a tattoo studio is about more than finding someone who can tattoo well. It’s about finding artists you trust with something you’ll wear for the rest of your life.

At Forbidden Images Tattoo Studio, every tattoo begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand your ideas, discuss placement, size, style, and long-term results before creating a design that’s uniquely yours.

Since 2001, our family-owned studio has proudly served the Trinity and Tampa Bay communities with a commitment to professionalism, creativity, and exceptional client care. With nearly five decades of experience, LITOS believes great tattoos should not only look incredible the day they’re finished but continue looking strong for years to come.

Whether you’re planning your first tattoo, a meaningful memorial, a custom sleeve, or a cover-up, our goal is simple: to create artwork you’ll be proud to wear for a lifetime.

LITOS’ Advice

“Experience isn’t measured by the number of years you’ve tattooed—it’s measured by how much you’ve learned from every client you’ve had the privilege to tattoo.”

For nearly five decades, tattooing has been more than my profession—it’s been my passion and my life’s work. Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of tattooing thousands of people, each with a unique story, vision, and reason for choosing permanent artwork.

My approach has always been simple: listen first, tattoo second.

I believe every tattoo should be designed specifically for the individual wearing it. That means considering not only the artwork itself, but how it fits the body’s natural shape, how it will age over time, and what it represents to the person receiving it.

I continue to study new techniques, equipment, and advancements in our industry because learning never stops. My goal has always been to combine experience, creativity, and attention to detail to create tattoos that remain meaningful and beautiful for years to come.

“Every tattoo is an opportunity to earn someone’s trust—and that’s something I never take for granted.”

LITOS’ Advice

“The best tattoos don’t begin with a price—they begin with a conversation.”

Every tattoo is unique, just like the person wearing it. That’s why we prefer meeting with you before discussing pricing or scheduling larger tattoo projects.

During your consultation, we’ll talk about your ideas, the meaning behind your tattoo, placement, size, style, and how the design will complement your body’s natural shape. We’ll also answer your questions, explain the process, discuss healing, and make recommendations based on nearly five decades of experience.

A consultation allows us to provide an accurate estimate, establish a realistic timeline, and ensure we’re creating a tattoo you’ll be proud to wear for years to come. It also gives us the opportunity to get to know each other, because trust is an important part of the tattoo experience.

Our goal is never to rush you into a decision. It’s to make sure you leave feeling informed, confident, and excited about your tattoo journey.

“The consultation is where your story becomes the foundation of your tattoo.”

LITOS’ Advice

“A tattoo isn’t something you buy—it’s something you invest in. Our responsibility is to make sure that investment lasts a lifetime.”

The cost of a tattoo depends on several factors, including its size, placement, level of detail, color versus black and gray, and whether it’s a custom design or a cover-up. Because every project is unique, there’s no honest way to provide an accurate price without first understanding your vision.

At Forbidden Images, we don’t believe in giving rough estimates over social media or text messages. Instead, we invite you to meet with us for a consultation, where we can discuss your ideas, answer your questions, and provide a realistic quote based on your specific project.

Our goal is never to sell you the most expensive tattoo—it’s to recommend the right design, size, and approach to achieve the best possible result within your budget.

“The value of a tattoo isn’t measured by what you pay today—it’s measured by how proudly you’ll wear it for the rest of your life.”

LITOS’ Advice

“Your tattoo doesn’t end when you leave the studio. How you care for it over the next few weeks plays an important role in how it looks for years to come.”

A new tattoo is an investment, and proper aftercare is essential for achieving the best possible results. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions specific to your tattoo before you leave the studio, and we’re always available if you have questions during the healing process.

In general, keep your tattoo clean, avoid scratching or picking at peeling skin, and follow the recommended aftercare products and routine. During the healing period, avoid prolonged sun exposure, swimming, hot tubs, and soaking the tattoo until it has fully healed.

Every person’s skin heals differently, so don’t compare your healing process to someone else’s. If you ever have a concern, we’d much rather answer your questions than have you guess.

“A beautiful tattoo deserves beautiful healing. Taking care of it today helps preserve it for a lifetime.”

LITOS’ Advice

“Your tattoo doesn’t end when you leave the studio. Great healing is the final step in creating great artwork.”

A new tattoo is an investment, and proper aftercare is essential for achieving the best possible results. Every person’s skin heals differently, so if you ever have a question or concern, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d much rather answer your questions than have you guess.

The First 24 Hours

• Leave your bandage on for the amount of time recommended by your artist.
• Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
• Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel—do not rub.
• Apply a very thin layer of the recommended aftercare product.

Normal: Mild redness, tenderness, slight swelling, and a small amount of plasma or ink residue.

Days 2–7

• Wash your tattoo 2–3 times a day.
• Apply a light layer of fragrance-free moisturizer as directed.
• Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing over the tattoo whenever possible.
• Continue drinking plenty of water to help your skin heal.

Normal: Tightness, itching, light peeling, and a dull or cloudy appearance.

Weeks 2–4

Your tattoo will continue healing beneath the surface, even if it appears healed. Continue to:

• Moisturize when your skin feels dry.
• Protect your tattoo from direct sunlight.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, lakes, and prolonged soaking until fully healed.
• Let all peeling happen naturally.

Things to Avoid

• ❌ Picking or scratching your tattoo
• ❌ Excessive ointment or lotion
• ❌ Direct sunlight
• ❌ Swimming or soaking
• ❌ Tight or abrasive clothing
• ❌ Alcohol or recreational drugs before your appointment

Long-Term Tattoo Care

Once your tattoo has healed, protecting it is easy:

• Apply sunscreen whenever your tattoo will be exposed to the sun.
• Keep your skin moisturized.
• Stay hydrated.
• Maintain healthy skin year-round.

These simple habits will help preserve the detail, contrast, and vibrancy of your tattoo for years to come.

Healing Timeline at a Glance

LITOS’ Advice

“A tattoo heals only once. Be patient with the process, trust your body’s ability to heal, and remember—we’re here if you need us.”

LITOS’ Advice

“Healing isn’t a race. Give your tattoo the time it needs, and your skin will reward you with the best possible result.”

Most tattoos appear to heal within 2 to 4 weeks, but your skin continues healing beneath the surface for up to 6 to 8 weeks. The exact healing time depends on the size of the tattoo, its location, your overall health, and how well you follow your aftercare instructions.

During the first few weeks, it’s completely normal to experience mild peeling, itching, and a temporary cloudy appearance. As your skin continues to heal, the tattoo will gradually settle, revealing its true clarity and vibrancy.

The most important thing you can do is be patient. Avoid picking, scratching, or exposing your tattoo to excessive sun or water while it’s healing. Following the recommended aftercare routine will give your tattoo the best opportunity to heal beautifully.

“A little patience during healing helps preserve a lifetime of beautiful artwork.”

LITOS’ Advice

“A great tattoo is created in the studio, but it’s preserved by how you care for it over the years.”

A professionally applied tattoo should remain beautiful for decades, but like anything you value, it benefits from proper care. The biggest factor in preserving your tattoo is protecting it from the sun. UV exposure is the leading cause of fading, so applying sunscreen whenever your tattoo is exposed will help maintain its color, contrast, and detail.

Keeping your skin healthy also makes a difference. Regular moisturizing, staying hydrated, and maintaining healthy skin all contribute to keeping your tattoo looking its best. While some natural softening is expected over time, a well-designed tattoo created with quality techniques and proper aftercare will continue to look beautiful for many years.

“Take care of your skin, and your tattoo will continue telling your story for a lifetime.”