About

Joel Thongbai tattooing a client's leg

My name is Joel, I'm a Canberra (Australia) based visual artist and tattoo artist. I've had a passion for drawing and illustration since I was a child.

I began tattooing in 2015. My work is often centered around nature, mythology, fantasy and decorative/ornamental design motifs. I am continuing to develop and evolve my style over time while working with my clients to create unique tattoos. Currently I am tattooing in a private studio space in Canberra.

I'm interested in a variety of art styles and creative projects so you will see all kinds of work between my tattooing, personal art projects, web shop merchandise and commissioned work that I do for clients. Thanks for looking at my work!

If you have an art commission, collaboration or enquiry please email me at art@jthongbai.com! Do not send tattoo enquiries to this email.

Studio
Golden Veil Tattoo, private studio
Where
Kingston, ACT
Styles
Illustrative, Neo-Traditional, Art Nouveau, Ornamental and Blackwork
Instagram
@jthongbai.tattoo
Studio Instagram
@goldenveiltattoo
Email
tattoo@jthongbai.com
Link
Website

Studio

Map of the area around Kingston, ACT

Golden Veil Tattoo

Kingston, ACT

Private studio. The address comes with your booking.

FAQ

Do you do cover up tattoos?

Yes, I do take on cover up tattoos sometimes however I don't accept all cover up requests. Part of this is often due to client expectations versus what is possible with tattooing, or because the kind of work I do is not always compatible with complex cover ups. I may recommend laser removal is considered before attempting a cover up, laser can really open up your options for cover ups and make it easier to create an end result with less compromise that you will be happier with.

My tattoo idea is different to the tattoos you show in your portfolio or social media, will you still take it on?

The easiest way is just to send me your idea and ask! While I mostly present work in the styles I'm more focused on or want to continue developing, I'm versatile and can take on a range of projects. For smaller pieces I am more flexible, especially 'walk in' kind of tattoos, however for large scale work I may refer you to another artist or let you know where I'm not confident that I'm the right artist for your idea.

Please consider if the idea is too far outside of the elements you see in my work. Some set boundaries where I will not take on your tattoo would be styles like hyper realism, full colour realism, 'watercolour', portraiture or micro tattoos.

Can you do a tattoo design for me before I decide to book in an appointment?

The short answer is no.

If you're interested in commissioning artwork for other purposes outside of tattooing please get in touch!

Will you rework or finish another artist's work?

This depends on a case by case basis, however if you are unable to or do not want to have the original artist finish the work I am happy to discuss the tattoo and some possible options.

Usually I am looking to see if I am a good fit as an artist to do the work and whether I am able to do the tattoo justice, so please do not take offense if I cannot take on your rework.

What is the easiest way to book in with you?

First and foremost, I really appreciate a thorough email enquiry with a clear outline of your idea and if possible, the information I ask for on the tattoo page of my website!

At times I receive a lot of enquiries and if you have not put the effort into a clear and concise email or sent a broad question such as "how much for a sleeve?" with no other information or context I may not have time to respond to it.

I will answer some quick Instagram direct messages if I catch the request (they are not always seen so it's not a reliable way of contact), however I generally don't book appointments or discuss large scale work by direct message except for last minute cancellations where I've asked for a DM. Please don't feel discouraged contacting me through Instagram, but if you haven't received a reply I would recommend sending an email with more information as one of the biggest issues with Instagram is the constantly changing message request system that often filters messages out of view.

If you want to stay in the loop when I'm taking bookings or for schedule updates, you should be signed up for my mailing list! I'm also using the Instagram broadcast channel feature to advertise last minute cancellations or available time. That can be an easy way to get an appointment, especially for smaller tattoos, if you have flexible availability.

Will you tattoo underage clients?

NO, I do not tattoo anyone under the age of 18, regardless of parental consent, no exceptions.