Tell me what matters.
Share the subject, meaning, and any details you want included. You don’t need a finished design to start.
Sacramento & Fairfield
Inked Up
Inked Up
by Jay
Black & gray realism, large scale, portraits, cover-ups, and more.
Custom designs · By appointment
Sacramento & Fairfield
Selected work
More work on InstagramThe work.
Tap a photo to view it full screen.
34 pieces · Tap to explore
Contact & booking.
(279) 292-5591Text preferred. Share your idea or send a request through the form.
Using the form? Text me afterward so I know to review your request.
Your appointment is confirmed after we discuss your project and arrange your deposit.
About the artist
About Jay.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page! I’m Jay, the artist behind Inked Up by Jay, currently tattooing in Sacramento and Fairfield, California.
I’ve spent years developing my craft, specializing in black and gray realism, portraits, large-scale work, Chicano and cultura-inspired designs, and more. I take pride in every tattoo I do. My goal is to give you an amazing tattoo and a positive experience you’ll remember—from our first conversation to your time in my chair.
Whether you have a meaningful story, reference photos, or just a starting idea, we can build from there. I’ll listen, offer honest guidance, and create a custom design that feels right for you and works well as a tattoo.
Along the way, I may suggest possibilities you hadn’t considered. I’ll explain my recommendations based on my experience, and we’ll work through the details together—with care and respect for the trust you’re placing in me.
I look forward to hearing your ideas and having you in my chair.
Get to know Jay on Instagram ↗Wear the brand.
Represent Inked Up by Jay. Tap the shirts to view prices, sizes, and order.
Sessions & pricing
Sessions & pricing
Sessions & pricing.
Minimum$200
Half day$500
Full day$950
Jay will confirm the session your project needs after reviewing your request.
A $100 deposit is applied toward your total after approval. Two-day projects require a $200 deposit.
Tattoo payments: Cash, Cash App, Apple Pay, or Venmo.
Deposits: Cash App, Apple Pay, or Venmo only.
How to book
How booking works
How to book.
01 / REQUEST
Text (279) 292-5591, or use the booking form to send your idea, placement, size, and reference photos.
02 / REVIEW
If you submit the form directly, please text Jay afterward so he knows to review your request.
03 / BOOK
Once approved, confirm the price, arrange your date, and pay your deposit.
Before you send your idea
Before you send your idea01 / THE IDEA 02 / THE SPACE 03 / THE REFERENCES
Bring your idea.
Show me the placement.
Include the body area and approximate size in inches. I’ll use the shape and placement to help your design flow naturally.
Bring your inspiration.
Upload up to five reference images. Let me know what you like about them so we can develop your own piece.
A few questions
A little clarity
A few questions.
Have another question? Text (279) 292-5591.
Does sending a request book my appointment?
No. After submitting the form, please text Jay at (279) 292-5591 so he knows to review your request. Jay will discuss the piece, pricing, and dates with you before booking. Submitting a request does not reserve a time.
How much is the deposit?
The standard deposit is $100, applied toward your tattoo total. Two-day projects require a $200 deposit. Arrange payment directly with Jay after your project is approved.
How do you approach custom designs and cover-ups?
Every design is customized to your ideas, placement, and the way it fits your body. For a cover-up, keeping an open mind about the subject, size, and shading gives us more options for a strong result. Drawing on years of tattooing experience, I’ll recommend the approach best suited to your existing tattoo and explain what will work and why.
Do I need to know which session to book?
No. Share your idea, placement, and approximate size. Jay will confirm whether your project needs a minimum session, half day, full day, or multiple sessions.
How do I pay?
Tattoo payments can be made with cash, Cash App, Apple Pay, or Venmo. Deposits are accepted through Cash App, Apple Pay, or Venmo only. This website does not collect payment.
Tattoo Aftercare
Care for your new tattoo.
Choose the method used at your appointment.
With Adhesive Film
Follow these instructions for the first 14 days. Continue gentle care and moisturizing for 2–4 weeks after your appointment, or until your tattoo is fully healed.
Wash your hands
Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
Remove your adhesive film
Remove the adhesive bandage within 5–7 days. Some fluid and excess ink underneath the bandage are normal. Remove it sooner if it leaks, exposes the tattoo, or causes significant irritation. Do not re-bandage your tattoo with household plastic wrap.
Clean gently and pat dry
After removing the bandage, gently wash your tattoo twice daily with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Use only clean fingertips—no washcloths, sponges, or scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly, then gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean, disposable paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of aftercare
For the first 2–3 days after removing the bandage, apply a very thin layer of aftercare product after washing and drying. Options may include Hustle Butter, Mad Rabbit, Tattoo Lovers Care, Aquaphor, or another reputable tattoo aftercare product. Choose a product intended for fresh tattoos, check the ingredients, and avoid any known allergens. Feel free to reach out to me before using an unfamiliar product. Do not leave a thick or greasy buildup.
Switch to fragrance-free lotion
After those 2–3 days, switch to a gentle, fragrance-free lotion, such as fragrance-free Lubriderm. Apply a thin layer whenever the skin feels dry, continuing for 2–4 weeks after your appointment or until your tattoo is fully healed.
Avoid soaking
Do not soak your tattoo until it is fully healed. Showers are okay. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, and the ocean during the healing process.
Protect healing skin
Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight and away from unclean conditions. Do not pick, scratch, peel, scrub, or otherwise irritate it.
Avoid rubbing
Avoid abrasive clothing, jewelry, or shoes that may rub against your tattoo.
When to Get Help
If you suspect an infection or experience severe pain in the days following your appointment, do not wait for my reply. Seek medical attention promptly. Some soreness, mild swelling, or slight irritation during the first 3 days may be normal.
Traditional Healing — No Adhesive Film
Traditional tattoo healing without adhesive film.
Leave the initial bandage on
Leave your initial bandage on for a minimum of two hours. If you get tattooed in the evening, you may leave your bandage on overnight if the dressing applied is suitable for overnight wear, as discussed at your appointment.
Wash your hands and clean gently
Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo. After removing the bandage, gently clean your tattoo by hand with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm—not hot—water. Use clean fingertips only—no washcloths, sponges, or scrubbing.
Rinse and pat dry
Rinse thoroughly, then gently pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Do not re-bandage. Continue washing twice daily and whenever the area becomes dirty.
Apply a thin layer of aftercare
For the first 3 days, apply a very thin layer of aftercare product after washing and drying.
Options may include Hustle Butter, Mad Rabbit, Tattoo Lovers Care, Aquaphor, or another reputable tattoo aftercare product. Choose a product intended for fresh tattoos, check the ingredients, and avoid known allergens. Feel free to reach out to me before using an unfamiliar product. Do not leave a thick or greasy buildup.
Switch to fragrance-free lotion
After 3 days, switch to a gentle, fragrance-free lotion, such as fragrance-free Lubriderm. Apply a thin layer whenever the skin feels dry. Continue gentle care and moisturizing for 2–4 weeks after your appointment, or until your tattoo is fully healed. Healing time varies.
Avoid soaking and sun exposure
Showers are okay. Avoid soaking, swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, and the ocean until your tattoo is fully healed.
Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight and tanning beds. Once healed, protect it with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Let your tattoo heal naturally
Some flaking, peeling, and itching can occur during healing. Allow peeling skin and scabs to come away naturally. Do not pick, scratch, peel, scrub, or otherwise irritate your tattoo.
Protect against rubbing and dirt
Keep the area clean and avoid abrasive clothing, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
When to Get Help
Some early soreness, mild swelling, or slight irritation can occur, but symptoms should improve. If you notice spreading redness, worsening pain, pus, fever, or chills, seek medical attention promptly. Do not wait for my reply if you suspect an infection.
For routine aftercare questions, you’re welcome to contact me.