Levitate Tattoo in Oklahoma City: Custom Work with a Specialty in Large-Scale Color Pieces

Levitate Tattoo is a custom shop in Oklahoma City that focuses on color work and large figurative designs, operating by appointment only and known for taking on complex, multi-session projects that many walk-in shops decline.

What Levitate Tattoo actually is

Levitate operates as a studio rather than a production shop. The space takes 3 to 4 weeks between appointment booking and first sitting, which filters out impulse work and allows the artist to prepare detailed reference materials for each client. The shop does not maintain a flash wall or offer quick designs; every piece is discussed and refined during a consultation. This model attracts clients planning significant work, such as half or full sleeves, large back pieces, or portraits, rather than visitors seeking a same-day small piece.

Services and pricing

Levitate charges by the hour, with rates starting at $200 per hour and scaling based on artist experience and design complexity. A small color piece (3 to 5 inches) typically runs $400 to $600, while larger work—sleeves, back pieces, or detailed portraits—usually costs $1,500 to $4,000 or more depending on scope and session count. Consultation is included and free. Pricing for custom work can fluctuate based on demand and artist availability; confirming exact rates directly is advised before committing to a project timeline.

How Levitate compares to other Oklahoma City tattoo options

Oklahoma City has distinct tattoo tiers. Shop+Studio, located near Midtown, operates as a true custom studio similar to Levitate but leans toward black-and-gray fine-line work and smaller, minimalist designs; choose Shop+Studio if you want intricate linework under $300. Into the Mystic, a walk-in-friendly shop in Bricktown, carries flash and accepts same-day appointments, making it the faster option for decided designs but less equipped for complex color projects. Levitate sits between them: it requires time and planning like a fine-art studio, but prioritizes color depth and large-format designs rather than minimalism.

Who Levitate suits and who it does not

Levitate is ideal for clients with a clear vision who can wait 3 to 4 weeks and commit to multiple sessions. It works well for anyone planning a major piece—a sleeve, a back tattoo, a detailed portrait—or someone who has had a concept in mind for months. It is not the right choice if you want a quick tattoo, prefer walking in without an appointment, or are still deciding what you want. First-time tattoo clients are welcome, though the shop's emphasis on substantial work means a simple design might feel out of place in the queue.

What the first visit involves

Initial contact is by phone or email to schedule a consultation. During that meeting, you bring visual references, describe placement and size, and discuss budget and timeline. The artist sketches concepts over the next 1 to 2 weeks and shares digital proofs. Revisions are included. Once you approve the final design, you book your first sitting, which may be weeks away. Sessions typically last 2 to 4 hours depending on detail and color saturation. Aftercare instructions are provided in writing; Levitate recommends standard ointment and sun avoidance during healing.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Levitate operates Tuesday through Saturday; exact hours are best confirmed by calling, as appointment availability shifts seasonally. The shop is located in Oklahoma City proper and offers street parking or lot access depending on the neighborhood. Appointments are the only way to be seen; walk-ins are not accommodated. Payment is accepted by card and cash. Most clients block out 2 to 6 months total from initial contact to final touch-up, so planning ahead is essential.

Why Levitate earns its place in Oklahoma City

The shop fills a gap for serious tattoo clients who want color work at technical depth without traveling to larger markets like Dallas or Denver. Its appointment-only model and refusal to rush projects attract artists committed to the craft and clients ready to invest in permanent art.