Reviewed & maintained Reviewed by Joshua Cole, Tattoo Artist · Last updated: June 2026 Expert section label: Joshua's Studio Notes

Style hub

Portraits Tattoo Healing — All Stages

Figurative and likeness work — values, skin texture, and eye detail judged after the milky phase clears.

Healed portraits gallery · documented client proof

Timeline — day 1 to year 1

Universal stages (all styles): start at day 1

Real work from this studio

Real client piece

Skull & hourglass forearm

Artist

Joshua Cole

Time

Single long session

Placement

Forearm

Healed result

Readable from arm's length; client returned for a touch-up consult only.

Aftercare note

Desert-climate aftercare handout included — see our healing guide for saline and sun rules.

Fine grey transitions around the hourglass glass — the kind of piece that fails if values are too soft on day one.