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Tools of the Trade: Choosing the Right Tattoo Needles & Machines
Every tattoo artist develops a unique rhythm, style, and toolkit. While your artistry is the foundation, your equipment is what brings it to life. The right needles and machines can improve precision, reduce fatigue, and help your tattoos heal beautifully.
At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, a female-owned inclusive tattoo shop in Lombard, IL, we believe in educating both new and seasoned artists on choosing the tools that match their creative vision.

sara phillips
2 days ago2 min read


Summer Tattoo Care: Keep Your Ink Bright and Healthy
Summer is the season of sunshine, beach days, and outdoor adventures—but it can also be one of the most challenging times of the year for your tattoos. Whether you just got a fresh piece or want to protect your older ink, understanding how to care for your tattoos in the summer is essential for keeping them vibrant for years to come. At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we want your tattoos to heal beautifully and stay bold, no matter how hot it gets outside.

sara phillips
Jun 13 min read


“Don’t Worry, It’s Not Permanent… Just Kidding” – A Guide to Loving Your Tattoo Forever
One of the funniest things people say when sitting down for a tattoo is, “Don’t worry, it’s not permanent.” Just kidding—it absolutely is. That’s why choosing the right design, artist, and aftercare is so important. At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we want every client to love their tattoo for life. Here’s our tongue-in-cheek (but still very real) guide to making sure your ink is a forever favorite.

sara phillips
May 152 min read


Bone & Blossom: Your Inclusive, Female-Owned Tattoo Shop in Lombard, IL
At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we are proud to be more than just a tattoo shop—we are a vibrant part of the Lombard community. As an inclusive, female-owned tattoo shop in Lombard, IL, we strive to create a space where every client feels welcome, supported, and celebrated.

sara phillips
May 82 min read


Spring Cleaning Your Skin: Prepping for a Tattoo the Right Way
As the weather warms up and layers come off, spring is the perfect time to start fresh—with your skin and your next tattoo. At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we love seeing clients use the changing seasons as motivation to finally book that dream piece. But before you sit down in the chair, let’s talk about one of the most overlooked parts of the process: how to prep your skin.

sara phillips
May 53 min read


Why Embrace the Weird?
When people think about tattoos, they often picture roses, portraits, or meaningful quotes. But at Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we believe there’s also beauty in the unusual. From quirky concepts to downright bizarre designs, “weird” tattoos can be some of the most creative and personal pieces of art out there.

sara phillips
Apr 152 min read


Let’s Talk Placement: Where to Get Your Next Tattoo (and Why It Matters)
Thinking about your next tattoo but not sure where to put it? You’re not alone. Tattoo placement is one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of the planning process. Whether you’re booking a large custom piece or just stopping by for one of our walk-in tattoos in Lombard, IL, understanding how placement affects pain, healing, and visibility can help you make a choice you’ll love for years to come.

sara phillips
Apr 72 min read


“Tattoo or Burrito?” – Choosing Between Ink and Other Life Decisions
At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we hear it all the time: “I really want a tattoo, but…” and the “but” usually comes down to money. Sure, tattoos are an investment—but so are all the other little things we spend on every week. So, what happens when you compare getting a tattoo to some of life’s other indulgences? Let’s break it down with a smile.

sara phillips
Mar 152 min read


Creating a Safe, Inclusive Tattoo Environment
The tattoo industry is more than just art—it’s about human connection. Clients come to us with stories, identities, and the trust that we will mark their skin for life. For tattoo artists, creating a safe and inclusive environment isn’t just a kindness—it’s essential to a thriving business.

sara phillips
Mar 82 min read


Tattoo Aftercare 101: What to Do (and What Not to Do)
You just got your new tattoo—now what? At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we know that proper healing is just as important as the tattoo itself. Whether it’s your first or your fifteenth, following a clear aftercare routine ensures that your tattoo heals smoothly and looks vibrant for years to come.

sara phillips
Mar 33 min read


“Will It Hurt?” and Other Questions We’ve Been Asked a Thousand Times
At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we’ve heard just about every tattoo question you can imagine. Some are serious, some are funny, and some… well, let’s just say they keep us entertained. In the spirit of sharing, here’s a playful Q&A that covers the most common client FAQs—with a mix of honest answers and a little tongue-in-cheek humor.

sara phillips
Feb 202 min read


Mastering Color Theory for Tattoos: Tips for Vibrant, Healed Tattoos
As tattoo artists, our work lives in color. Whether you specialize in soft botanicals, bold neo-traditional designs, or detailed pop art pieces, your ability to understand and apply color theory can make the difference between a tattoo that fades quietly and one that turns heads for years to come.

sara phillips
Feb 83 min read


Tattoos & Skin Tone: Choosing the Right Colors for You
Choosing the perfect tattoo design is exciting—but choosing the right colors for your skin tone? That’s where the real magic happens. At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we believe that beautiful, lasting tattoos should reflect you—your story, your vision, and your skin.

sara phillips
Feb 33 min read


Oops, I Meant a Dragon, Not a Dolphin” – How Tattoo Artists Handle Odd Requests
At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we’ve heard it all. From the client who mixed up a dragon and a dolphin, to the one who wanted “that guy from that show” without remembering the name, unclear or unusual tattoo requests are part of the job. While some of these stories make us laugh, they also highlight something important: how artists and clients can work together to bring a vision to life—even when that vision starts out a little fuzzy.

sara phillips
Jan 152 min read


Rent vs. Commission Tattoo Shops: What Artists and Clients Should Know
When stepping into the world of tattooing—whether as an artist or a client—you’ll often hear about rent-based studios and commission-based studios. Understanding the difference can help artists choose the right work environment and help clients understand how their favorite shops operate behind the scenes.

sara phillips
Jan 82 min read


New Year, New Ink? Here’s How to Plan Your Tattoo in Advance
January is here—bringing fresh energy, big goals, and the perfect excuse to finally commit to that tattoo you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you’re planning a meaningful custom piece or mapping out a full sleeve, this is the ideal time to get ahead of the game.

sara phillips
Jan 62 min read


Empowering Women in Tattoos: Highlights from the Women's Tattoo Collective in Victoria Canada
Tattooing has long been a male-dominated field, but the landscape is changing rapidly. Sara and Haley recently traveled to Victoria, Canada, to attend the Women's Tattoo Collective, a two-day event dedicated to supporting and uplifting female tattoo artists. This gathering offered seminars, networking opportunities, and a chance to learn from some of the most inspiring women in the industry.

sara phillips
Dec 29, 20253 min read


Collaborating With Local Artists & Businesses
Tattooing may be a deeply personal art form, but building a sustainable career often means reaching beyond your own studio walls. Partnering with other artists and businesses not only expands your audience—it also fosters mutual growth, creative inspiration, and a stronger community.

sara phillips
Dec 8, 20253 min read


Building Your Tattoo Portfolio to Attract Ideal Clients
A tattoo portfolio isn’t just a collection of your work—it’s your calling card, your brand, and your best sales tool. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an emerging artist, the way you showcase your tattoos will determine the type of clients you attract.

sara phillips
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Tattooing With Care: Supporting Neurodivergent Clients at Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio
At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we believe tattoos should be a positive and empowering experience for everyone. As an inclusive tattoo studio and LGBTQ+ friendly tattoo shop, we know that every client has different needs. That’s why we take extra care when working with and supporting neurodivergent clients and people on the autism spectrum, creating a space where communication, patience, and respect always come first.

sara phillips
Nov 15, 20252 min read
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