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Award Winning Tattoos by Beki Ess

Hi, I'm Beki Ess, owner of RA Tattoos. A private award winning studio on the edge of the new forest in Dorset. With over 18 years experience, I can work in most styles, but I specialise in coverups, black and grey realism, portraits and Japanese. I look forward to working with you on your next great tattoo!

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Absolutely smashing start to the week, doing this VW coverup for Ian. Sometimes, the right design can make a coverup an easy one. This was one of those. Perfect design, perfect client. Excellent day 🙌

Absolutely smashing start to the week, doing this VW coverup for Ian. Sometimes, the right design can make a coverup an easy one. This was one of those. Perfect design, perfect client. Excellent day 🙌

My book is out now, and it’s a perfect stocking filler for tattoo lovers, and tattoo virgins alike! BEKIESS.COM

My book is out now, and it’s a perfect stocking filler for tattoo lovers, and tattoo virgins alike! BEKIESS.COM

I’ve had a great day starting this piece for Paul. Japanese days are always the best days 🏯🎌

I’ve had a great day starting this piece for Paul. Japanese days are always the best days 🏯🎌

I’ve had a great day with Paddy today, bringing new life to some old roses 🌹
If you have an old tattoo that needs sprucing up, drop me a message. I’ve got space in November ✌️

I’ve had a great day with Paddy today, bringing new life to some old roses 🌹
If you have an old tattoo that needs sprucing up, drop me a message. I’ve got space in November ✌️

Day 3 on this epic back piece is complete 🙌
Thanks again Tom 🤘
My book is available on bekiess.com 😉

Day 3 on this epic back piece is complete 🙌
Thanks again Tom 🤘
My book is available on bekiess.com 😉

I started this absolutely epic coverup project today… so much ink. Thanks for sitting so well!
Back to it in a couple of weeks 🤌
‼️My book is now available on Bekiess.com ‼️ - make sure you aren’t booking in your next coverup. All of the advice I’ve given to clients over 18+ years, wrapped up in a book 📖

I started this absolutely epic coverup project today… so much ink. Thanks for sitting so well!
Back to it in a couple of weeks 🤌
‼️My book is now available on Bekiess.com ‼️ - make sure you aren’t booking in your next coverup. All of the advice I’ve given to clients over 18+ years, wrapped up in a book 📖

I did this a few days ago for Josh. He sat so well I was even able to start fixing up the top part, too!

My new book is OUT NOW bekiess.com 👌

I did this a few days ago for Josh. He sat so well I was even able to start fixing up the top part, too!

My new book is OUT NOW bekiess.com 👌

Fun little coverup this morning for James - see you again soon 👌

Fun little coverup this morning for James - see you again soon 👌

I gave Sharon an upgrade on her thigh lady this afternoon. I’m always up for a challenge like this. I’m currently booking up November if you’d like to get tattooed, drop me a message 👌

I gave Sharon an upgrade on her thigh lady this afternoon. I’m always up for a challenge like this. I’m currently booking up November if you’d like to get tattooed, drop me a message 👌

Excellent end to the week, finishing this nature sleeve for Lee. Extending it in November, I can’t wait!

Excellent end to the week, finishing this nature sleeve for Lee. Extending it in November, I can’t wait!

I know I haven’t posted much lately, since coming back to work, but I’m back on track now… I’ve been working on something pretty awesome this week, which I’ll be able to share tomorrow, but in the meantime here’s Richard’s back piece that I finished on Saturday!

I know I haven’t posted much lately, since coming back to work, but I’m back on track now… I’ve been working on something pretty awesome this week, which I’ll be able to share tomorrow, but in the meantime here’s Richard’s back piece that I finished on Saturday!

Second session completed for Tom today… there’s 20 portraits all together in this piece 😅

Second session completed for Tom today… there’s 20 portraits all together in this piece 😅

Back at it properly after being hospitalised, and today was a great day with Lucy (as always!)
Another coverup complete, and underneath the exhaustion of going back to work, I’m absolutely buzzing with this 😊
Now it’s nap time 😴

Back at it properly after being hospitalised, and today was a great day with Lucy (as always!)
Another coverup complete, and underneath the exhaustion of going back to work, I’m absolutely buzzing with this 😊
Now it’s nap time 😴

Finally back in the studio. I’m not allowed to tattoo for another couple of weeks due to surgery, but I can finally sit up long enough to do some admin.
I’m trying, slowly, to get through the messages and reschedule the people who were booked in last week. Once I’ve got everyone in, I’ll be able to book new clients in.

Thanks to everyone for being so understanding during this time.

Finally back in the studio. I’m not allowed to tattoo for another couple of weeks due to surgery, but I can finally sit up long enough to do some admin.
I’m trying, slowly, to get through the messages and reschedule the people who were booked in last week. Once I’ve got everyone in, I’ll be able to book new clients in.

Thanks to everyone for being so understanding during this time.

I’ve just got out of hospital - I’ll be contacting everybody that’s booked in for the rest of the week tomorrow when I’ve had some rest.
Thank you for your patience and well wishes, it’s very much appreciated x

I’ve just got out of hospital - I’ll be contacting everybody that’s booked in for the rest of the week tomorrow when I’ve had some rest.
Thank you for your patience and well wishes, it’s very much appreciated x

Hi everyone…
A little update. I’m currently still in hospital and quite poorly. The infection from my appendix was very severe and it’s taking longer than they thought to get me off IV antibiotics. Hopefully I’ll get out today. I’ll message the people who are booked in later when I’m feeling up to it
Thanks for your patience and understanding

Hi everyone…
A little update. I’m currently still in hospital and quite poorly. The infection from my appendix was very severe and it’s taking longer than they thought to get me off IV antibiotics. Hopefully I’ll get out today. I’ll message the people who are booked in later when I’m feeling up to it
Thanks for your patience and understanding

Hi everyone… bit of bad news.
I’ve just got out of emergency surgery for appendicitis, which means I’m going to be out of action for a few weeks. Luckily, I had a couple of weeks booked off at the beginning of September, so it’s just this week that I’ll need to reschedule.
I’ll get in touch with everyone as soon as I’m feeling able to. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this…it was a bit of a shock 😬

Hi everyone… bit of bad news.
I’ve just got out of emergency surgery for appendicitis, which means I’m going to be out of action for a few weeks. Luckily, I had a couple of weeks booked off at the beginning of September, so it’s just this week that I’ll need to reschedule.
I’ll get in touch with everyone as soon as I’m feeling able to. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this…it was a bit of a shock 😬

Cute little lion coverup for Verity this morning 🙌

Cute little lion coverup for Verity this morning 🙌

This afternoon I finally got to do an Ozzy portrait! Thanks to my lovely northerner Cheryl for making the trip down (hopefully only a 9 hour round trip!)
I’m buzzing with this 🤘

This afternoon I finally got to do an Ozzy portrait! Thanks to my lovely northerner Cheryl for making the trip down (hopefully only a 9 hour round trip!)
I’m buzzing with this 🤘

Something a little different for me today… first I fixed up the joker piece, then made a start on Cat Woman for Mat. Loads of fun! Thanks for the trust Mat!

Something a little different for me today… first I fixed up the joker piece, then made a start on Cat Woman for Mat. Loads of fun! Thanks for the trust Mat!

Made a start on possibly the most ridiculous back piece I’ve ever done… with definitely the MOST portraits in one piece ever. I will count them at some point, but not now. My brain has melted.
More in a couple of weeks!

Made a start on possibly the most ridiculous back piece I’ve ever done… with definitely the MOST portraits in one piece ever. I will count them at some point, but not now. My brain has melted.
More in a couple of weeks!

I finished Del’s chest coverup this morning. So happy with how this turned out, given what we started with…and I didn’t even need skulls (the only other option he was given elsewhere).

I’ve been slow on uploading pictures for the last few weeks as I’m trying to simmer the bookings down, as I’m currently booking October already!

I finished Del’s chest coverup this morning. So happy with how this turned out, given what we started with…and I didn’t even need skulls (the only other option he was given elsewhere).

I’ve been slow on uploading pictures for the last few weeks as I’m trying to simmer the bookings down, as I’m currently booking October already!

Trevor’s coverup is complete… I’ll add the before picture in the comments 🙌

Trevor’s coverup is complete… I’ll add the before picture in the comments 🙌

I finished Trevor’s coverup today… quite sad it’s done (for now 🤫)
I’ll upload the video too so you can see it properly 🙌

I finished Trevor’s coverup today… quite sad it’s done (for now 🤫)
I’ll upload the video too so you can see it properly 🙌

I did another session on Lee’s British wildlife sleeve last week! We added a badger and a couple of little friends.

I’m now taking bookings for October - just 2 days remaining in September, so get in touch if you’d like to get in 🙌

I did another session on Lee’s British wildlife sleeve last week! We added a badger and a couple of little friends.

I’m now taking bookings for October - just 2 days remaining in September, so get in touch if you’d like to get in 🙌

It was my first day back tattooing yesterday, after our little break up north and I got to finish the crow sleeve! Everything on the outside is healed and looking lovely 🐦‍⬛
I’ve only got 2 days available before October. I’m still catching up with the messages and design work from having a week off, so don’t worry if you’ve not got a reply yet… I’m working on it 🙌

It was my first day back tattooing yesterday, after our little break up north and I got to finish the crow sleeve! Everything on the outside is healed and looking lovely 🐦‍⬛
I’ve only got 2 days available before October. I’m still catching up with the messages and design work from having a week off, so don’t worry if you’ve not got a reply yet… I’m working on it 🙌

We’re off up north for our favourite festival …there’s next to no signal in the valley, so messages will be neglected until afterwards!
And to those who are herding beats…SEE YOU THERE! WOOOO!!

We’re off up north for our favourite festival …there’s next to no signal in the valley, so messages will be neglected until afterwards!
And to those who are herding beats…SEE YOU THERE! WOOOO!!

Amazing second session for Tom today! So, so happy with this 😍 #crowtattoo

Amazing second session for Tom today! So, so happy with this 😍 #crowtattoo

Smashing start to the week! Second session for Trevor on his coverup, today! The geisha warrior healed up beautifully from last time…we just did a little touch up on the face.
I’m taking bookings from 17th SEPTEMBER onwards - my diary is filling up fast, drop me a message if you want to get in 👌

Smashing start to the week! Second session for Trevor on his coverup, today! The geisha warrior healed up beautifully from last time…we just did a little touch up on the face.
I’m taking bookings from 17th SEPTEMBER onwards - my diary is filling up fast, drop me a message if you want to get in 👌

Final piece of the week… saving this poor geisha for Gav! The impossible is possible with the right design 👌
I’m taking bookings from MID SEPTEMBER onwards, so get in touch soon if you want to get in 😊

Final piece of the week… saving this poor geisha for Gav! The impossible is possible with the right design 👌
I’m taking bookings from MID SEPTEMBER onwards, so get in touch soon if you want to get in 😊

Another excellent day! Music half sleeve for Patrick. This is also a coverup 👌
3 appointments left available in August, get in touch if you want to get booked in.

Another excellent day! Music half sleeve for Patrick. This is also a coverup 👌
3 appointments left available in August, get in touch if you want to get booked in.

I had a GREAT day tattooing Diego and Donnie, Jurgita’s gorgeous kitties! The top is a rework of an existing piece, and we’re adding a few splashes behind it next time.
Gorgeous reference photos make for great tattoos!

If you’d like a floof, of any variety, drop me a message and I’ll get back to you asap ✌️

I had a GREAT day tattooing Diego and Donnie, Jurgita’s gorgeous kitties! The top is a rework of an existing piece, and we’re adding a few splashes behind it next time.
Gorgeous reference photos make for great tattoos!

If you’d like a floof, of any variety, drop me a message and I’ll get back to you asap ✌️

I had a GREAT day tattooing Diego and Donnie, Jurgita’s gorgeous kitties! The top is a rework of an existing piece, and we’re adding a few splashes behind it next time.
Gorgeous reference photos make for great tattoos!

If you’d like a floof, of any variety, drop me a message and I’ll get back to you asap ✌️

I had a GREAT day tattooing Diego and Donnie, Jurgita’s gorgeous kitties! The top is a rework of an existing piece, and we’re adding a few splashes behind it next time.
Gorgeous reference photos make for great tattoos!

If you’d like a floof, of any variety, drop me a message and I’ll get back to you asap ✌️

I’ll be getting back to the drawing and messages tomorrow… we’re enjoying a sunny day off together ✌️

I’ll be getting back to the drawing and messages tomorrow… we’re enjoying a sunny day off together ✌️

I started this awesome crow sleeve on Thursday for Tom! Loving the nature pieces at the moment… get in touch if you’d like something nature themed, I’m booking the end of August at the moment 👌

I started this awesome crow sleeve on Thursday for Tom! Loving the nature pieces at the moment… get in touch if you’d like something nature themed, I’m booking the end of August at the moment 👌

I started this geisha warrior coverup for Trevor today! Back to it in a couple of weeks to get rid of the part on his chest 🙌
I’ll put the before picture in the comments 😊

I started this geisha warrior coverup for Trevor today! Back to it in a couple of weeks to get rid of the part on his chest 🙌
I’ll put the before picture in the comments 😊

This weeks studio flowers are LUSH. Love chrysanthemums! All ready for another busy week 👌

This weeks studio flowers are LUSH. Love chrysanthemums! All ready for another busy week 👌

My evening consultation brought a PEREGRINE FALCON (which is one of the muses for his new tattoo)! What a great week! What a cool bird 🦅
I’ve also had LOADS of messages today, so don’t worry if I don’t get back to you tonight, I’ll definitely get to you tomorrow 👌

My evening consultation brought a PEREGRINE FALCON (which is one of the muses for his new tattoo)! What a great week! What a cool bird 🦅
I’ve also had LOADS of messages today, so don’t worry if I don’t get back to you tonight, I’ll definitely get to you tomorrow 👌

I started this sleeve-save today! We managed to get loads done, and it looks so much clearer now 😅 Third time lucky for Gav!

I started this sleeve-save today! We managed to get loads done, and it looks so much clearer now 😅 Third time lucky for Gav!

Second session on Lee’s wildlife sleeve today! I’m so, so happy with this. I’d love to do more wildlife pieces…taking bookings for August at the moment ✌️

Second session on Lee’s wildlife sleeve today! I’m so, so happy with this. I’d love to do more wildlife pieces…taking bookings for August at the moment ✌️

Quick little coverup this morning for Sam before we spent the afternoon colouring his giant pirate ship on his thigh - I’ll put the video up on the next post 😊
#coveruptattoo #bournemouthtattoo #bournemouthtattooartist

Quick little coverup this morning for Sam before we spent the afternoon colouring his giant pirate ship on his thigh - I’ll put the video up on the next post 😊
#coveruptattoo #bournemouthtattoo #bournemouthtattooartist

Two day sessions and we’ve managed to fill Rikki’s back 🙌
Fun for me, at least 😬😅 those ribs are a killer!
Healed coverup at the top.
I’ve only got a few days left in July, so drop me a message ASAP if you want to get in.

Two day sessions and we’ve managed to fill Rikki’s back 🙌
Fun for me, at least 😬😅 those ribs are a killer!
Healed coverup at the top.
I’ve only got a few days left in July, so drop me a message ASAP if you want to get in.

Excellent start to this double coverup for Del today. It’s a tough spot to have done, but we’ll be back to finish it off next month with some rays behind the cross, and I can pop my magical greys over the bits showing through.
A difficult one to figure out, but so worth it. Thanks for the trust Del!

Excellent start to this double coverup for Del today. It’s a tough spot to have done, but we’ll be back to finish it off next month with some rays behind the cross, and I can pop my magical greys over the bits showing through.
A difficult one to figure out, but so worth it. Thanks for the trust Del!

We’ve been working in the garden again today. Bit by bit, the studio becomes more perfect 👌
Everyone who comes says how chilled it is getting tattooed in such a relaxing environment.
I like working in busy studios, and having a laugh with everyone, clients and artists alike, but I’m definitely at my best in my little piece of creative paradise.
I’m currently taking bookings for JULY, so if you’re wanting to get tattooed, get in touch ✌️

We’ve been working in the garden again today. Bit by bit, the studio becomes more perfect 👌
Everyone who comes says how chilled it is getting tattooed in such a relaxing environment.
I like working in busy studios, and having a laugh with everyone, clients and artists alike, but I’m definitely at my best in my little piece of creative paradise.
I’m currently taking bookings for JULY, so if you’re wanting to get tattooed, get in touch ✌️

Donnie Darko (coverup) is healed from last time, and everything else is from today. Thank you for trusting me to make your idea come to life!

I’m currently taking bookings for July! If you want in, drop me a message soon, as my diary is filling up pretty quickly now 👌

Donnie Darko (coverup) is healed from last time, and everything else is from today. Thank you for trusting me to make your idea come to life!

I’m currently taking bookings for July! If you want in, drop me a message soon, as my diary is filling up pretty quickly now 👌

Another fun coverup to finish the week.
I’ll be getting back to the messages tomorrow 👌

Another fun coverup to finish the week.
I’ll be getting back to the messages tomorrow 👌

Another coverup in the bag, this time for Pete!
Thanks for trusting me with this 🙌 I’ve had a great day.

Another coverup in the bag, this time for Pete!
Thanks for trusting me with this 🙌 I’ve had a great day.

The first part of a partial (eventually full) sleeve for Lee.
This is his first tattoo, a memorial piece for his dad, and what a way to start!
I finally managed to put all the things I learned doing The art of Thomas Carli Jarlier thomascarlijarlier seminar to good use.
I’d absolutely love to do more nature tattoos, so if that’s something you’d be interested in, drop me a message ✌️

The first part of a partial (eventually full) sleeve for Lee.
This is his first tattoo, a memorial piece for his dad, and what a way to start!
I finally managed to put all the things I learned doing The art of Thomas Carli Jarlier thomascarlijarlier seminar to good use.
I’d absolutely love to do more nature tattoos, so if that’s something you’d be interested in, drop me a message ✌️

Today I had the pleasure of FINALLY finishing this sleeve I started years ago for Danny. Always a good day when I get to see one my lovely northerners…thanks for making the trip down!

I’m currently taking bookings for mid-June onwards if you want to get some shiny new ink for summer ✌️

Today I had the pleasure of FINALLY finishing this sleeve I started years ago for Danny. Always a good day when I get to see one my lovely northerners…thanks for making the trip down!

I’m currently taking bookings for mid-June onwards if you want to get some shiny new ink for summer ✌️

I (almost) finished this epic thigh coverup for Lucy today. She is absolutely hard as nails, which made this a complete pleasure to do.
Once it’s all healed up, I just need to make sure non of that pesky colour is showing through, and add the white highlights.

This has taken two sessions, the first layer was all of the black, and today we added the greys and resaturated the black.

If you have a tattoo you’d like covered, even if you’ve been told it’s impossible previously, get in touch.
I offer free consultations so there’s nothing to lose. There’s a lot I can do 🫶 just drop me a message

I (almost) finished this epic thigh coverup for Lucy today. She is absolutely hard as nails, which made this a complete pleasure to do.
Once it’s all healed up, I just need to make sure non of that pesky colour is showing through, and add the white highlights.

This has taken two sessions, the first layer was all of the black, and today we added the greys and resaturated the black.

If you have a tattoo you’d like covered, even if you’ve been told it’s impossible previously, get in touch.
I offer free consultations so there’s nothing to lose. There’s a lot I can do 🫶 just drop me a message

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My Portfolio

Welcome to my portfolio. Here you’ll find a selection of my work. Explore my projects to learn more about what I do.

Black and Grey Realistic Tattoos

Black and Grey Realistic Tattoos

Tattoo Studio Showcase

Tattoo Studio Showcase

Realistic Portrait Tattoos

Realistic Portrait Tattoos

Japanese and Oriental Tattoos

Japanese and Oriental Tattoos

Intricate and Geometric Tattoo Art

Intricate and Geometric Tattoo Art

Tattoo Transformations and Coverups

Tattoo Transformations and Coverups

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