# Ink by the Sea > I'm a tattoo artist based in Long Beach, specializing in freehand lettering, black and grey work, and custom pieces that tell your story. I work with or without numbing cream and pride myself on delivering solid, dope designs that look just as good healed as they do fresh. Every tattoo I create is a reflection of my commitment to quality and the trust my clients place in me. - Phone: (657) 400-5123 - Address: Long Beach, CA, USA - **What should I do to prepare for my tattoo appointment?** Preparing properly helps ensure the best results and a smoother experience. It's a good idea to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, eat a good meal beforehand, and wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Your artist will provide specific guidance based on your design and placement. - **How do I care for my tattoo after I get it?** Proper aftercare is essential for your tattoo to heal well and look its best. Your artist will give you detailed instructions on cleaning, moisturizing, and protecting your new tattoo during the healing process. Following these guidelines carefully helps prevent infection and ensures vibrant, lasting results. - **Will my tattoo hurt?** Tattoo pain varies from person to person and depends on factors like placement, design complexity, and individual pain tolerance. Most people describe it as uncomfortable rather than unbearable, and many find the experience more manageable than they expected. Your artist can discuss what to expect based on your specific design and location. - **How long does a tattoo take?** The time required depends on the size, complexity, and detail of your design. Some pieces can be completed in one session, while larger or more intricate work may require multiple appointments. Your artist can give you a realistic estimate once they understand your vision. - **Can I modify or cover up an existing tattoo?** Many tattoos can be modified, enhanced, or covered with a new design. The feasibility depends on the size, color, and age of your existing tattoo. A skilled artist can work with you to create a new piece that either incorporates or effectively covers the old one, giving you a fresh look. ## Services - [Custom Tattoo Design](https://ink-bythe-sea.com/services/custom-tattoo-design.md): I create custom freehand tattoo designs tailored to your vision and style. - [Black and Grey Tattoos](https://ink-bythe-sea.com/services/black-grey-tattoos.md): I specialize in black and grey tattoo work including sleeves, back pieces, and lettering. - [Lettering and Script Tattoos](https://ink-bythe-sea.com/services/custom-lettering-script-tattoos.md): I freehand custom lettering and script tattoos with precision and style. - [Sleeve and Large Piece Tattoos](https://ink-bythe-sea.com/services/sleeve-large-piece-tattoos.md): I design and execute full sleeve tattoos and large back pieces over multiple sessions. ## Contact & Social - [instagram](https://instagram.com/ink_bythe_sea) ## Pages - [Home](https://ink-bythe-sea.com/index.md) - [Custom Sleeve Design](https://ink-bythe-sea.com/services/black-grey-tattoos.md) - [Personalized Script Designs](https://ink-bythe-sea.com/services/custom-lettering-script-tattoos.md) - [Collaborative Design Consultation](https://ink-bythe-sea.com/services/custom-tattoo-design.md) - [Full Sleeve Design and Execution](https://ink-bythe-sea.com/services/sleeve-large-piece-tattoos.md)