Start Your Tattoo Project
Use our guided estimator to tell us about your vision, or chat with our concierge for questions.
Not sure where to start? Explore our Polynesian Tattoo Guide, review symbol meanings, or browse our portfolio.
Where on your body?
Select the primary area for your Polynesian tattoo.
Have questions first?
Welcome to IslandTAT. How can I help you today? 🤙
What We Create at IslandTAT
IslandTAT is San Diego's dedicated Polynesian tattoo studio. We specialize exclusively in Polynesian-inspired tattoo art — sleeves, chest panels, leg compositions, back pieces, and focused single-session designs. Every piece is created freehand on the body, following your natural anatomy to produce work that flows with your musculature rather than sitting flat against it.
Our work draws from Samoan, Hawaiian, Tongan, Māori, Marquesan, and Tahitian traditions. We also accept cover-up and rework projects on a case-by-case basis — integrating or transforming existing tribal tattoos into cohesive new compositions. Every design is rooted in the symbolic vocabulary of Polynesian art, ensuring your tattoo carries genuine cultural weight and personal meaning.
Who This Is For
This process is designed for clients who are ready to invest in a meaningful, consultation-driven tattoo experience. You don't need Polynesian heritage — but you do need a willingness to engage with the story-first approach that defines our work. IslandTAT serves:
- Pacific Islanders reconnecting with their cultural heritage through body art
- Collectors and enthusiasts seeking custom, culturally grounded Polynesian artistry
- Athletes and professionals looking for high-impact, body-enhancing tattoo work
- Returning clients expanding or extending existing Polynesian tattoos
If you're looking for small flash tattoos, lettering, or non-Polynesian styles, we respectfully recommend seeking a studio that specializes in those areas. Our singular focus is what allows us to deliver the depth and quality our clients expect.
How the Process Works
Every tattoo at IslandTAT follows a deliberate four-stage process refined since 1999:
1. Consultation
You share your story, heritage, and vision. your artist or one of our artists listens deeply to understand what the tattoo should represent — your values, milestones, family, and aspirations.
2. Freehand Design
On session day, the composition is drawn directly onto your body with skin-safe markers. This freehand method allows real-time adaptation to your unique anatomy — no stencils, no templates.
3. Tattooing Sessions
Sessions typically run 4–8 hours. Larger projects require multiple sessions spaced 3–6 weeks apart for proper healing. Learn more about what to expect during your session.
4. Aftercare
We provide detailed aftercare instructions specific to Polynesian tattoo work. Proper healing is essential for crisp lines and rich saturation.
Session Structure & Investment Range
IslandTAT operates on an hourly rate structure. Artist rates range from $80/hr for apprentice work to $400/hr for sessions with IslandTAT. Most projects fall within these typical ranges:
- Single-session pieces (forearm bands, shoulder caps): 2–4 hours, one session
- Half sleeves: 3–4 sessions of 4–6 hours each
- Full sleeves and large compositions: 5–8 sessions over 4–8 months
A non-refundable deposit equal to one hour of your artist's hourly rate is required to secure your session date, and applies toward your session total. We require 48 hours notice for rescheduling. Full pricing details are discussed during consultation — no surprises.
What to Prepare Before Requesting
Coming prepared helps us deliver a better consultation. Before submitting your request, consider:
- Your story: What should this tattoo represent? Heritage, values, milestones, family — the narrative foundation matters. Read about Polynesian tattoo meaning for inspiration.
- Placement: Where on your body? Review our placement guide to understand how body zones influence design.
- References: Save tattoo images, art, or patterns that capture the feel you're going for. Browse our portfolio for examples.
- Existing tattoos: If you have work near the planned area, take clear photos to share with us.
- Budget and timeline: Have a general sense of what you can invest and when you'd like to begin.
Start a Project vs. Request Booking
These are two different steps, and this page is the first one.
- Start a Project is for thinking it through — sizing up scope, placement and budget with the estimator, and asking questions before you commit to anything. Nothing is scheduled here.
- Request Booking is the actual submission — contact details, placement, your story, reference images and budget range. It takes 3–5 minutes and is the only way we take on new tattoo projects.
What Happens After You Submit
- Your request is read by the studio and matched to the artist best suited to the work.
- We reply by email — including when we need more information or when a project isn't a fit.
- If it's a fit, we arrange a consultation to talk through story, placement, scope and session structure.
- A deposit equal to one hour of your artist's hourly rate then holds your session date and applies toward your session total.
Appointment Only
The studio is appointment-only — there is no walk-in tattooing and no booking by direct message. Requests come through the booking form so nothing gets lost. Large projects are typically scheduled several months out, so it is worth starting the conversation earlier than you think you need to.
Prefer to chat first? Use the concierge above to ask questions before committing. You can also explore our Polynesian Tattoo Guide or read about how to prepare for your session.