Big Daddy's Tattoos in Oklahoma City: Custom Work and Traditional Designs
Big Daddy's Tattoos is a single-location independent shop in Oklahoma City specializing in custom designs and traditional American tattoo styles, run by artists who prioritize client consultation over walk-in speed work.
What Big Daddy's Tattoos actually is
This is a full-service tattoo studio that operates on appointment basis rather than walk-ins, meaning each artist dedicates time to understanding the client's vision before starting. The shop has been established in Oklahoma City for over a decade and builds its reputation on custom work rather than flash designs pulled from the wall. The artist roster includes specialists in traditional black-and-gray work, color realism, and geometric styles. Big Daddy's does not do piercing or other body modification services; it is tattoos only.
Services and pricing
Big Daddy's charges by the hour for most custom work, with rates starting at $150 per hour for standard custom designs. Larger pieces or those requiring multiple sessions follow the same hourly structure. Smaller custom pieces under 2 inches may occasionally be quoted as a flat rate between $75 and $125, but the shop prefers to quote by the hour to account for line work detail and color complexity. Consultation is free but typically conducted by phone or email initially; in-person consultations can be arranged when needed. The shop does not advertise set pricing for specific designs since each piece is built from scratch with the client. Verify current rates by calling directly, as hourly rates can shift annually.
How Big Daddy's compares to other Oklahoma City tattoo options
Oklahoma City has tattoo shops across multiple price and style spectrums. Electric Needle in Midtown offers faster turnaround on flash-based designs and charges lower per-hour rates ($100 to $120), making it better suited for clients wanting simpler, quicker pieces. Addicted to Ink operates a high-volume walk-in model with competitive pricing but less consultation time. By contrast, Big Daddy's model—requiring appointment and building each design with the client—appeals to people willing to wait weeks or months for a piece they've collaborated on. If you want a specific pre-drawn design completed in one visit at a lower cost, Electric Needle is the choice. If you want a fully custom piece and have flexible timing, Big Daddy's fits that need better.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Big Daddy's is ideal for clients who have a clear concept but need help translating it into tattoo form, or who want an artist's input on composition, scale, and placement. It also works well for people who are getting their first tattoo and want a thorough walk-through of the process. The appointment-only model means you cannot drop in on a whim. It also means you should expect a 2 to 6 week wait depending on the artist's calendar. If you need a tattoo this week or prefer to browse flash designs and pick one quickly, this is not the right shop. If you are sensitive to consultation time and artist input, you may find the process slow compared to a high-volume walk-in environment.
What the first visit involves
Your first step is calling or emailing with a rough description of what you want and any reference images. Big Daddy's will likely ask about size, placement, and which artist's style appeals to you. The shop then books you for a consultation appointment, either by phone or in person. At the in-person appointment (if chosen), you will review sketches, discuss placement on your body, and finalize the design. Payment for the consultation itself is not typical, though a deposit is usually collected at this point to hold your spot on the artist's schedule. Once approved, you book your actual tattoo session. If all happens in one meeting, the appointment may run 1 to 2 hours even if the tattoo itself takes less time.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Big Daddy's is located in Oklahoma City's central area and operates Tuesday through Saturday, typically 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., though hours vary by artist availability. Parking is street-adjacent with some lot availability depending on location traffic. The shop is not wheelchair accessible according to publicly available information; call ahead if mobility access is a factor. Cash and card are both accepted. Verify current hours before visiting since artist schedules shift seasonally.
Big Daddy's earned its place in Oklahoma City's tattoo scene by refusing to rush clients into a chair before the design is right, a stance that makes it valuable for people seeking lasting custom work rather than impulse ink.
