Origin
Two artists—Oz and Emerald—set out to make tattooing feel like couture hospitality. The result: a traveling studio that engineers permanent memories for those who expect more.
The beginning
The first Tattoo Popups gatherings happened in a downtown LA loft that smelled like incense and fresh needles. Emerald hand-drew flash on vellum while Oz choreographed the room—playlist, lighting, a signature scent drifting through the open windows. When friends started asking to bring clients and brands, they realized they’d built something rare: a tattoo experience that felt like a private atelier.
The shift
Scaling meant designing a playbook that could flex city to city without losing intimacy. Oz reverse-engineered every touchpoint—load-ins, sterilization controls, artist rotations, guest flow. Emerald built the creative layers: flash curated for each host, styling elements, photography directives, aftercare kits. Together, they created a hospitality-grade operation that still feels like a secret salon.
Cultural audit, guest profiles, and aesthetic direction tailored to every host.
Custom flash, booth styling, scent and sonic palettes, roster curated by Emerald.
Staffing plans, compliance, redundant equipment, choreographed show calls.
Archiving, media delivery, touch-up guarantees, insights report for planners.
Moments that shaped us
24 guests, 18 tattoos, twelve-hour run—proof the format worked.
Introduced digital queueing and live flash polling for 700 attendees.
Engineered travel-ready booths with reusable walls and scent diffusers.
Cedar Medical onboarded as BBP and sterilization oversight partner.
Three-week luxury residency with piercings, flash gallery, concierge check-in.
12 cities, 30-person roster, planner portal, and content studio launch.
Who we create with
From fashion houses to hospitality groups, partners come to Tattoo Popups when they want to give guests something intimate and unforgettable. Collaborations never copy-paste. Every brand receives a dedicated creative deck, art direction workshop, and hospitality plan so the activation feels bespoke to their world.
Community studio featuring live flash voting wall, content capture, and moderated artist talks.
Private suite residency with concierge check-in, signature scent, and nightly flash unveilings.
Author launch with literary-inspired flash, archival prints, and intimate storytelling lounge.
Family ceremonies across multi-day gatherings, weaving legacy symbols into each tattoo session.
Why it matters
We believe tattoos are permanent evidence of belonging. Our job is to protect that feeling. Artists are compensated above industry standards, guests are guided with warmth, and venues trust that every detail—from sharps disposal to scent—is orchestrated. Sustainability is baked in: reclaimed materials, biodegradable drapes, and carbon-conscious travel plans.
Continue the story
Whether you’re planning a campaign launch, a residency, or an intimate celebration, we’ll build the experience around how you want guests to feel. Let’s create something permanent.