Life & Death
The studio
A modern, expanding studio in Frankwell, in the heart of Shrewsbury. Serious about the art, easy about everything else.
From the back of a sunbed shop
John Lewis first opened the doors in 2009 under the name Tattoos by Lewis, tattooing out of the back of a sunbed shop. His reputation went from strength to strength, forcing the next step: a hard-working, creative studio of his own.
In 2014, Life & Death Tattoos was born. The studio has been growing ever since: six artists, a studio manager, and a family feel that regulars will tell you about before we can.
Tattoo studio only: we do not do piercings, and we keep the place strictly 18 and over.
On the day
Getting tattooed should be something you look forward to. Here is how a sitting with us actually goes.
Come comfy
Wear comfy clothes in dark colours that suit the placement, and bring whatever makes the hours easy: a blanket, snacks, headphones. Bringing a mate? Just let us know beforehand.
Breaks whenever
Need to stretch, eat or just breathe? Tell your artist. On full-day sittings lunch is included: Joci grabs food for everybody around 1pm.
Leave with a plan
Your artist talks aftercare through properly and you take a card home. Palmer's Cocoa Butter, no baths or swimming, and 2 to 4 weeks to fully heal.
Every question, answered
The stuff people actually ask before a sitting. Anything else, just email the studio.
Where can I park?
The closest is Frankwell Car Park: a 2 minute walk, and it is a long-stay car park, so a full-day sitting is no problem.
Can I use numbing cream?
Of course. But there are fake numbing creams out there that cause real problems, so please only buy over the counter at a chemist or from the official TKTX website. Numbing cream can affect your tattoo and healing, so get the correct one and do a patch test beforehand.
Is there anything I need to make you aware of?
If you have particular allergies or medical conditions, please make us aware. You will complete a medical consent form before your tattoo, and if there is anything you are unsure of, just ask.
What should I wear or bring on the day?
Comfy clothes are essential, especially for a full-day sitting, and wear something that suits the area being tattooed. You may get ink on your clothes, so dark colours (or that old T-shirt lying around) are best. A spare change of clothes is welcome.
Bring a blanket, snacks, headphones: whatever makes the experience more comfortable. If you would like to bring someone along, let us know beforehand.
Can I have breaks? What about lunch?
Absolutely. Our studio manager goes and grabs lunch for everybody at around 1pm, and lunch is included in a full-day sitting. It is essential to eat if you are getting tattooed all day. Need breaks in between too? Just tell your artist.
How can I pay?
Bank transfer, PayPal or cash. We do not have a card machine. Your deposit comes off the total you pay on the day.
How do deposits and rescheduling work?
A deposit secures your date: no deposit, no booking. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable between artists, and the full amount comes off your total on the day.
- Give at least 2 weeks' notice to reschedule and keep your deposit.
- Less than 2 weeks' notice, or cancelling entirely, loses the deposit.
- You can reschedule up to twice with proper notice; a third move needs a new deposit.
- A no-show forfeits the deposit, and rebooking is at the artist's discretion.
Do you do piercings?
No, we are a tattoo studio only.
Do you do gift vouchers?
Yes, digital or physical. Minimum of £10, no maximum, valid for a year. You can put one against a particular artist or the studio as a whole.
Only evenings or weekends work for me. Can I still get tattooed?
Of course. We are open Saturdays, and those slots fill fast, so book ahead. If you need an evening, let us know and we will try our best to accommodate you.
How old do I need to be?
The Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to be tattooed, and parental consent is not accepted. Bring picture ID (student card or driving licence). The studio is strictly no under-18s, so no children can come along either.
Will you tattoo my hands, neck or face?
Only if you already have a substantial amount of coverage. We also cannot tattoo over sunburnt skin.
How should I prepare?
Be well rested and eat something before you come in. No alcohol the night before: it thins your blood and you will bleed more. No sunburn on the area, and skip the fake tan before your tattoo and while it heals.
How do I look after it afterwards?
Your artist talks aftercare through with you and we have cards to take home. After the first day's clean, moisturise with Palmer's Cocoa Butter (unfragranced is best, classic is fine).
Scabbing and a silvery look are completely normal. If an area scabs heavily and looks wet, stop moisturising that patch and let it dry out. Avoid baths, swimming and direct sunlight. Healing takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.
Find us
13a Frankwell, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 8JY.
Just over the Welsh Bridge from the town centre.
Parking: Frankwell Car Park, 2 minutes on foot, long stay.