Message the studio
WhatsApp is fastest. Instagram DM works too. Tell the artist:
- what you want (a photo or reference helps)
- roughly how big, in cm
- where on the body
- the dates you're on the island, if you're visiting
Booking
Bon dia
book a session
No forms, no booking system. Every appointment at Balu Ink starts with a message to the artist: what you want, roughly how big, and where it goes on the body. From there you get a direction and a price.
How it works
Three steps to the chair
Design & price
You get a direction for the piece and a price per piece: not an hourly meter running while you sit. Cover-ups start with a daylight photo of the old tattoo so the answer is honest about what will sit over it.
Custom work is drawn for the placement, so expect the design to be refined up to the session.
Session day
Come in fed, rested and hydrated, no alcohol the night before. Wear clothes that give clear access to the spot, and bring something to keep you comfortable if it's a long one.
Bring photo ID, the studio will tell you what else it needs when you book.
Travelling to Curaçao? Same-day sessions have happened for visiting clients before, a group of five booked and got tattooed on a Sunday. Availability depends on the day, so message as early as you can and ask.
Straight to the studio
WhatsApp is the door.
One message with your idea, size and placement is all it takes. If you're not sure what you want yet, send two or three references and ask what would work on the spot you have in mind.
“Make ur appointment”, Balu Ink, in their own words
Before you message
Questions that come up
Do you do cover-ups?
Yes, it's a big part of the work here. Send a sharp photo of the old tattoo in daylight, plus the size, and you'll get an honest answer about what can sit over it and what needs a couple of sessions to break up.
Their own word for one of them: Resilience.
Can I get something small?
Small tattoos count. Fine line work, a name, a date, a first tattoo, it's all in the feed alongside the sleeves and the torsos.
Can I just walk in?
The studio works by appointment, so message first. Same-day has happened when the chair was free, it's worth asking, especially if you're only on the island for a few days.
How is the price worked out?
Per piece, quoted before the session starts, one client put it plainly in a review: “He charges per piece not per hour.” The exact number depends on size, detail and placement, so send those and you get a figure for your piece specifically.
Do you tattoo in the Netherlands too?
The shop tattoos there between island sessions, some pieces travel: the Netherlands first session, Curaçao the next one. Message and ask for the current dates.
Can I choose the music? Is there wifi?
Both come up in client reviews. The studio is air-conditioned and has free wifi, so you can answer messages mid-session.
How do I pay?
Ask when you book so there are no surprises on the day, payment and any deposit arrangement is between you and the studio.
What about aftercare?
You'll be told exactly what to do for your piece before you leave. The aftercare guide covers the general routine, no ocean, no pool, no picking.
Find the studio
1 Wiriweg, Willemstad
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday09:00 to 19:30
- Saturday09:00 to 19:30
- Sunday09:00 to 19:30
Hours as listed on the studio's Google profile. Sessions are by appointment, so confirm the day with a message.