Realism is slow work. Smooth grey wash, soft transitions and detailed fur or scales are built up in layers, and that takes uninterrupted time. That’s why Dylan works and charges by the full day rather than the hour or the piece.
Why full days work better
- Consistency: long sessions let large areas be shaded in one go, so the tones match.
- Fewer sessions overall: one full day often gets more done than two short ones.
- Clear pricing: at $2,000 a day, you know the cost of each session before you start.
What happens on the day
You arrive in the morning and the first part of the day is design: the drawing is checked against your body, adjusted for the placement, and the stencil goes on. Once the stencil is right, tattooing runs in long blocks with proper breaks for food and a walk. The day finishes when the planned section is complete and wrapped, with aftercare explained before you leave and prep notes sent ahead of the next date.
How to prepare
- Sleep well the night before and skip the alcohol.
- Eat a proper breakfast, and bring snacks and water.
- Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the placement.
- Bring something to pass the time: music, a podcast or a book.
Is it painful?
Everyone is different, and some placements hurt more than others. Breaks, food and good sleep make a big difference to how you handle a long day. Most people find the first two hours the easiest and the last two the hardest, which is why breaks are planned rather than left until you need them.
How many days does a piece take?
It depends on size, detail and how your skin takes the work, so the honest answer comes after Dylan has seen your brief. As a guide: a forearm or thigh piece is often one or two full days; sleeves and back pieces run to several, booked a few weeks apart so each section heals before the next. Ask for the expected number of days when your application is approved, so with the $2,000 day rate the total is clear before you pay the deposit.
Why not price per piece?
A fixed price per piece rewards rushing. Pricing by the day means the only question on the day is what the piece needs, not what the clock says. If a section wants another hour of soft shading to sit right, it gets it.
Read more about the day rate and sessions.