Face and neck tattoos (jobstoppers): Our studio philosophy
There is hardly any topic in the tattoo world as controversially discussed as face and neck tattoos. Only a few years ago, tattoos in the
As a customer, you receive individually designed tattoos precisely executed by top artists – in a studio that has been awarded multiple times in trade press, magazines, and blogs. Among other accolades, we have been listed for the fourth time in the “Tattoo Elite – Best Tattoo Studios and Tattoo Artists in Germany” and have achieved over 500 five-star reviews on Google and Facebook. TUI Cruises also trusts our work, which is why we tattoo guests of the Mein Schiff fleet worldwide.
2Brothers Ink becomes Old Dragon Ink: For years, 2Brothers Ink has been a fixture in the regional tattoo and piercing scene. The team now includes eight artists from the region and abroad. After an extensive renovation, the tattoo studio shines with a new brilliance. Modern, welcoming, technically state-of-the-art, and with a clear focus on quality and a comfortable atmosphere. It is here that not just tattoos are created, but works of art that have gained recognition far beyond the borders of Middle Franconia.
Started in 2009 with airbrush & pinstriping, the studio grew significantly within the scene. The world's largest custom bike shows (Vegas USA, Faaker See, etc.), 20+ features in magazines including cover pages, awards, and trophies distinguish our work.
With the tattoo studio Old Dragon Ink (formerly 2Brothers Ink), we don't do things by halves: Elite Book - best tattoo artists and tattoo studios in Germany for the fourth time in a row. Old Dragon founder Dimi works and travels the world on the TUI Mein Schiff fleet, tattooing guests at sea!
"Here, your trust in tattoos meets the sense of responsibility of this great team." Quote from issue no. 2
Tattoos = pain & suffering? No! Our experience and reviews clearly show: It can be different. A relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, professional work, and a pleasant environment make all the difference – and will leave you with a positive memory for a long time.
Yes, we have tattoo beds with heating and massage functions – ideal for making even long sessions as comfortable as possible.
Would you like to watch your favorite series, a movie, or your YouTube channel during the session? No problem – you decide what is playing.
Our Lotus cookies are legendary! Of course, you can also have other snacks, coffee, or cold soft drinks – all free of charge.
Would you like a small or quick tattoo? No problem! We have several artists who specialize in smallies as well as small to medium-sized tattoos and are ready for them. The waiting time is often only a few weeks. There are exceptions for special projects or if you want a specific artist – here, waiting times of 3–6 months may apply. You can find all the details in the respective tattooists' portfolios.
Tattoo prices in our studio are as varied as the projects themselves!
With us, you will find everything – from a dedicated apprentice to an internationally renowned star artist. An apprentice naturally works at much more affordable rates as they are still gaining experience and developing. A multi-award-winning professional with decades of experience and an impressive portfolio has a correspondingly higher rate. This way, depending on your budget and requirements, you can choose exactly the artist that suits your project.
Patterns and shapes with symmetrical or recurring elements – usually in black and often minimalist – are perfect for elegantly connecting different themes. Despite many details, the style appears delicate and not overloaded overall. Frequently, elements from linework and realism are combined here to create a harmonious and modern overall image.
The “Realistic Black and Grey” style stands for detailed, true-to-life motifs in shades of black, grey, and white. In contrast to heavily contoured traditional tattoos, the focus is on fine textures, soft shading, and realistic structures – creating an almost photorealistic effect on the skin.
These are small, fine designs that can be placed on almost any part of the body. Particularly delicate fineline tattoos are perfect for a first tattoo or for anyone who prefers to stay understated. They are ideal for bringing small ideas to life without jumping straight into a large-scale project.
The “Color Realism” style focuses on vibrant colors and extremely detailed, photorealistic depictions – tattoos that look almost like color photographs or paintings. Unlike “Realistic Black and Grey,” the color palette plays the lead role here: through fine nuances, soft transitions, and precise shading, a particularly three-dimensional, lifelike effect is created on the skin.
At Old Dragon Ink, we offer professional cover-up and fresh-up services to optimize, rework, or completely redesign existing tattoos. With precise planning, modern techniques, and a trained eye for shapes, contrasts, and skin texture, we develop designs that blend harmoniously into the existing motif – or replace it entirely if desired. Our goal: to turn older tattoos back into aesthetic, clear, and expressive works of art – implemented individually, cleanly, and sustainably.
The watercolor style is inspired by watercolor painting: soft, flowing colors, gentle gradients, and often little to no outlines. Through this painterly technique, the tattoos appear light, vibrant, and almost weightless – quite different from classic, clearly outlined motifs.
Clear, bold lines and a reduced color palette define this classic style. You will often find maritime or traditional motifs such as anchors, roses, or swallows – timeless designs with a strong, iconic look.
Finely placed dot shading and soft dot gradients, usually in black or gray, form the basis of this style. Often combined with geometric, spiritual, or abstract motifs, it creates a calm, very harmonious, and detailed look.
The Trash Polka style combines photorealistic motifs with graphic, often wild elements, creating a striking, almost chaotic look. Strong contrasts, dynamic shapes, and the characteristic color palette of black and red are typical.
What once began as airbrush art under SK-Brush evolved over the years into a strong brand in Middle Franconia. From award-winning automotive art projects to international show appearances: art and precision have always been the focus.
With the former studio 2Brothers Ink, the next milestone was reached – a place that thrilled thousands of customers, became known far beyond the region, and even received multiple visits from our Dinkelsbühl Mayor Dr. Christoph Hammer. Today, the path continues consistently: Old Dragon Ink combines experience, quality, and a clear vision for the future.
In our studio, you can expect individual tattoo realizations: Realistic, Black & Grey, Color, Fineline, Cover-up & Fresh-Up work – all with the highest care and an artistic standard grown from decades of creative experience. Our identity is accompanied by our sister brand, Old Dragon Rum, which carries the same spirit: passion, character, and love for detail.
Old Dragon Ink – Art that stays. Stories that get under your skin.
You get in touch with us and describe your idea and desired project as precisely as possible. Based on this, we will then secure your appointment.
For more complex projects, we create individual designs and concepts, discuss them with you, and prepare everything step by step.
On the day of your appointment, you arrive at the studio fit and punctual – and then we implement your design for you, step by step.
A few of our milestones & achievements briefly presented in numbers
Tattoo projects in our career
Team tattoo artists, piercers,
Tattoos at sea studios Mein Schiff fleet
Magazine covers and reports about us
Need a quick appointment? Waiting time: days
Dive into the world of Old Dragon Ink
A tattoo is more than just ink under the skin – it is an experience. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube for our daily studio life. We show you fresh work, events, and give you honest insights behind the scenes.
Your insider tip: Subscribe to our WhatsApp status and our stories! This is where you’ll be the first to hear about spontaneous appointment cancellations and special promotions. Be faster than the rest and grab your desired appointment as soon as it becomes available. Click in and never miss out again!
Most reviews are from Google, but you can also find plenty to see and read on Facebook. Feel free to read through all of them on these platforms at your leisure and form your own opinion! This studio formerly operated under the name “2Brothers ink”; some reviews may also refer to former team members.
We have put together a collection of the numerous questions we encounter in our daily work to provide you with the information you need.
Of course, you are also welcome to watch our informational videos. And if you still have any further questions, simply send us a message via WhatsApp or email!
We are generally open to many styles. Since each of our team members specializes in different areas, we can offer you a wide spectrum – from classic black-and-grey realism to color photorealism, cover-ups, watercolor, and color works, through to abstract art, geometry, linework, and hybrid styles.
We are also happy to create small tattoos for you, such as names, lettering, characters, or symbols.
However, we rarely do and usually advise against typical “90s” motif requests like tribals or classic “tramp stamps.” We are also reluctant to do finger tattoos, as they tend to fade or blur very quickly depending on the placement – frequent touch-ups would be almost inevitable here.
In such cases, please let us know as early as possible so that we can reschedule the appointment in time. If the cancellation is not made at least 48 hours in advance, we must retain the deposit of €50, as otherwise, a vacancy is created.
If you are feeling ill or have taken medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or similar remedies, please also postpone your appointment.
You can pay with cash, EC card, credit cards, Apple Pay/Android Pay.
You must be at least 18 years old to get tattooed at our studio. Exceptions are only possible with written consent from your parents.
The price of a tattoo depends on many factors: style, artist, size of the body area, skin condition, amount of color, and of course the total effort involved. Therefore, the costs vary from project to project.
We will clarify all these points when you get in touch with us. Once all the details are finalized, we can tell you exactly what your tattoo will cost.
You can find an initial reference point in the information provided for each artist as well as in our article on the topic of tattoo prices.
Both the minimum price and the artist’s rate play a role in our calculation. You will then receive a fixed project price from us – this gives you maximum cost certainty, even if it takes a little longer.
In short: We will take care of it!
With today’s communication options, we can already assess very well based on your online inquiry which artist is the best fit for your project.
Furthermore, there are other options:
A personal initial consultation – if necessary – is often very helpful and will be scheduled directly with the appropriate tattoo artist.
We always connect you with the artist who best matches your design in terms of style.
And one important point: If we don’t have a suitable tattoo artist on our team for your project, we will tell you honestly.
Waiting times for a tattoo – a topic that concerns many.
Good things take time.
There are good reasons why our artists are not available “overnight”: A good tattoo artist is in demand, and full schedules speak for quality.
The fact that a studio with multiple artists still has longer waiting times is generally a positive sign. If, on the other hand, you can get an appointment immediately everywhere, you should ask yourself why that might be.
You will find out exactly how long you have to wait when you make your request, as the times are constantly changing. On average – depending on the artist – they are between about 2 and 8 months.
Nevertheless, appointments can become available on short notice, for example if someone gets sick or an otherwise free day spontaneously becomes a working day. With a bit of luck, you might get in on short notice.
Surprise: A very clear no from us!
Tattoos can be done at any time of the year – what matters is whether you follow the care instructions or not.
In summer, the sun and pool water are the biggest challenge. However, this can be solved very well with modern, breathable UV-protection shower patches – combined with responsible behavior on your part. We will explain everything to you in every detail.
In winter, it is more about protecting the skin from drying out and friction caused by thick clothing.
Whether summer or winter: you only need to adjust your behavior slightly for a few weeks – and above all, do what your tattoo artist tells you.
Fun fact on the side:
We regularly tattoo on cruise ships in the hottest summer climates – with sun, pools, and saltwater. And it works without any problems. This shows how well a fresh tattoo can be protected with the right care.
Choosing the right tattoo placement is very individual. In the studio, we always discuss this with you together and look at what makes the most sense aesthetically, practically, and long-term. These points help with orientation:
1. Visibility & Style
Think about how visible you want your tattoo to be. Some want to see their design every day, while others prefer a subtle spot. Classics include the forearm, upper arm, legs, or the back of the neck. Of course, professional requirements and your personal style also play a role.
2. Skin & Movement
Areas with little movement or tension – such as the forearm, calf, or shoulder blade – generally keep tattoos clean and stable for longer. For very fine lines, we recommend smooth skin areas so that details remain clear.
3. Size & Design
Large, intricate motifs work best on areas like the back, thighs, or chest. Smaller designs fit perfectly on the wrist, ankle, or neck.
4. Pain Sensitivity
Some areas are more sensitive than others – the ribs, ankles, or spine are among them. We are happy to explain what to expect and how you can prepare.
5. Care & Durability
Areas with lots of sun exposure fade faster. More protected areas retain their color longer. We will, of course, provide you with all the important instructions for care.
Ultimately, what matters is: The placement should suit you, your style, and your life. We will help you find the perfect spot – for a tattoo that will impress in the long term.
Proper care after tattooing is crucial for your tattoo to heal optimally and for the colors to remain vibrant for a long time. Here you will find the most important points you should know in advance. We will also explain all the details to you personally at the studio.
1. Initial care immediately after tattooing
Your tattoo will be covered immediately with a special film or protective bandage to protect it from dirt and bacteria.
Remove the film later – as instructed by your tattoo artist – carefully and wash the area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Then gently pat the skin dry with a clean paper towel (do not rub!).
2. Moisture & Care Cream
Use a fragrance-free care cream specifically designed for tattoos. Apply it thinly so the tattoo stays moisturized but can still breathe.
Repeat this 2–3 times a day for the first two to three weeks.
3. What to avoid in the first few weeks
Do not scratch: Light scabbing and itching are normal – please do not pick at it to avoid damaging the color and lines.
Do not soak: No swimming pools, bathtubs, or saunas for 2–3 weeks.
No sun: The sun is extremely harmful during the healing phase – please avoid direct UV radiation and do not apply sunscreen to a fresh tattoo.
4. Long-term care
As soon as your tattoo is completely healed (after approx. 4–6 weeks), we always recommend using a high sun protection factor in the sun.
Keep your skin moisturized regularly in the long term so that the tattoo looks fresh and vibrant.
5. Monitor the healing process
Watch for signs like severe redness, swelling, or fluid buildup. If you are uncertain, contact us or a doctor.
With the right care, your tattoo will remain clean, bold, and detailed. If you have any questions – we are always here for you!
Choosing the right tattoo is a very personal matter. It should suit you – your character, your life, and what you want to express. In our studio, we support you in finding exactly that design. The following points will help you with this:
1. Meaning & Occasion
First, ask yourself: Should the tattoo have a deeper meaning or just look visually striking? Many motifs represent specific phases of life, memories, or values – such as symbols, animals, flowers, or lettering.
If you are still unsure, we will help you find a motif that fits your story and values.
2. Your Style & Taste
Do you prefer it minimalist and subtle or large, colorful, and eye-catching?
Our artists cover many styles – from realism, geometry, mandala, old school, and neo-traditional to mixed styles. Together, we will find out which look suits you best.
3. Placement & Size
Do you want to see your tattoo at all times, or would you prefer to wear it in a discreet spot? Depending on the body part, the design must be structured differently.
Large motifs look great on the back, chest, or thighs; small tattoos fit perfectly on the wrist, ankle, or neck.
4. Inspiration – yes, Copy – rather not
Feel free to get inspired by pictures, social media, or magazines. However, it is important that your tattoo becomes uniquely yours in the end. We work with you to develop an individual design instead of simply copying an existing motif.
5. Timelessness
Ask yourself if the design will still suit you in a few years. Sometimes it is specific symbols or particular styles that remain timeless.
If you are unsure, we will take the time for a detailed consultation.
6. No stress – take your time
A tattoo is not a spontaneous whim. Think about it in peace, sleep on it a few times if necessary, and talk to us openly. We are happy to show you examples and develop suggestions that suit you.
In the end, the best tattoo is the one that feels 100% like you. That is exactly what we help you achieve – with honest advice and a design that is truly yours.
Even though every person is unique and cannot be put into a box, there are a few typical “tattoo types” that can help you better identify your own style. Of course, we will support you at the studio in finding your very personal tattoo type.
1. The Minimalist
Characteristics: loves clear, subtle designs, fine lines, and small, elegant motifs.
Styles: Minimalism, linework, small lettering, small symbols.
Placement: Wrist, fingers, ankle, nape of the neck.
2. The Symbolist
Characteristics: The meaning behind the motif is crucial – memories, values, spiritual symbols, animals, or quotes.
Styles: Geometric, mandala, traditional symbols, small realistic elements.
Placement: Visible (e.g., forearm) or intentionally hidden if it is just for you.
3. The Artistic
Characteristics: views tattoos as a work of art on the skin and wants to wear something unique and expressive.
Styles: Realism, Watercolor, Abstract Art, Neo-Traditional.
Placement: Back, upper arms, thighs – large areas for great impact.
4. The Traditionalist
Characteristics: loves classic tattoo aesthetics and timeless motifs.
Styles: Old School, Neo-Traditional, American Traditional.
Placement: Chest, back, forearm, upper arm.
5. The Adventurer
Characteristics: tattoos represent experiences, travels, and life philosophy.
Styles: Maori, Tribal, compass, world maps, cultural elements.
Placement: Shoulder, upper arm, ribs, legs.
6. The Individualist
Characteristics: wants unique, specially designed motifs – without stylistic limitations.
Styles: Mixed styles, personal designs, bespoke artwork.
Placement: flexible depending on the project.
7. The Storyteller
Characteristics: tattoos form a complete picture together – each motif has a chapter-like significance.
Styles: Portraits, Realism, illustrative elements, style mix.
Placement: anywhere, often distributed as a “life map”.
8. The Trend-conscious
Features: oriented towards modern tattoo trends, fashion, and aesthetics.
Styles: Geometry, Fine Line, Micro Tattoos, botanical motifs.
Placement: Forearm, ankle, wrist – modern and visible.
Ultimately, most tattoo types blend together. The important thing is that your tattoo suits you – and that is exactly what we support you with in the studio through honest advice and an individual design.
The right care cream is an important part of tattoo healing. It supports the skin, protects the color, and ensures that your tattoo looks fresh for the long term. Here are our most important recommendations:
1. Special Tattoo Care Creams
It is best to use products specifically developed for freshly tattooed skin. They promote healing without clogging pores and contain soothing ingredients such as panthenol or aloe vera.
Popular products: Bepanthen Tattoo, TattooMed After Tattoo, Hustle Butter Deluxe.
2. Fragrance- & alcohol-free creams
Fresh tattoos are sensitive to unnecessary additives. Creams without perfume or alcohol avoid irritation and allergies.
Alternative: Bepanthen Wound and Healing Ointment also works well.
3. Natural Moisturizing Care
Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or almond oil provide gentle hydration. Ideal for sensitive skin – but be careful: pure oils are often too “heavy.” Tattoo butters like Hustle Butter are usually the better solution.
4. Application & Frequency
Apply a thin layer of cream to your tattoo 2–3 times a day. It should remain moist but not “suffocate.”
Regular moisturizing is especially important during the first two weeks – after that, good skin hydration helps keep the tattoo vibrant for the long term.
5. Products you should avoid
Vaseline & very greasy ointments (they clog the pores)
Products with alcohol or perfume (risk of irritation)
With the right cream, you not only heal faster but also ensure your tattoo stays clear and vibrant for many years. Feel free to ask us for recommendations anytime – we are happy to advise you!
Regular moisturizing is a central part of tattoo aftercare. It ensures that your tattoo heals cleanly and stays vibrant and detailed for a long time. Here are the most important reasons:
1. Supporting the healing process
After being tattooed, the skin is irritated – just like with a superficial wound. A good tattoo cream soothes the skin, supports regeneration, and prevents it from becoming too dry. Ingredients like panthenol promote healing and protect against small cracks.
2. Protection against drying out
Freshly tattooed skin loses moisture quickly. If it gets too dry, it can feel itchy, tight, or flaky. Regular application of cream keeps the skin supple and prevents heavy scabbing – this ensures the color stays evenly in the skin.
3. Less itching & tension
Itching is part of the healing process, but it is dangerous for the tattoo. Care cream relieves the feeling of tension and reduces itching – so you are not tempted to scratch in the first place.
4. Preservation of colors & details
Well-cared-for tattoos remain clear, bold, and clean for years. Moisture keeps the skin elastic and prevents rapid fading – this is especially important for color-intensive or highly detailed designs.
5. Protection against irritation & infections
Tattoo creams form a light protective layer, often have a mild antibacterial effect, and protect the skin from external influences like clothing or friction. This reduces the risk of infection and ensures clean healing.
Conclusion:
Applying cream is a small step with a big impact. It helps your tattoo heal stably, vibrantly, and cleanly – and contributes to it still looking great even after years.
Washing your tattoo correctly is an important part of the aftercare. This is how you prevent infections and support the skin during the healing process. Here you will find a clear step-by-step guide:
1. First wash
Remove the bandage or film as soon as your tattoo artist has recommended.
Then you can carefully clean your tattoo for the first time to remove excess ink, blood, and plasma.
2. Clean hands
Before touching your tattoo: wash your hands thoroughly with soap. This prevents germs from getting onto the fresh skin.
3. Mild, fragrance-free soap
Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap without alcohol. It will not irritate the skin and supports the healing process.
Tattoo soaps or mild drugstore soaps are ideal.
4. Lukewarm water
Wash the tattoo carefully with lukewarm water.
Avoid holding the tattoo directly under the water jet – it is better to gently let the water run over it with your hand.
5. Clean gently
Use light, circular motions without rubbing or pressing.
If the first scabs form, please do not rub them off.
6. Dry carefully
Pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel – do not wipe or rub.
Make sure the towel is fresh and hygienic.
7. Apply care cream
After drying, apply a thin layer of your recommended tattoo cream.
How often should I wash it?
In the first 2–3 days: about twice a day.
After that, once a day is sufficient – plus regular moisturizing.
With proper cleaning, your tattoo remains clean, protected, and can heal optimally.
In short: Generally no – but certain colors have indeed been banned.
For several years now, there have been stricter rules for tattoo inks in the EU. This particularly affects pigments that pose health risks. The most important information on this:
1. Why were certain colors banned?
New REACH regulations (EU Chemicals Regulation) have been in effect since January 2022. Some pigments and ingredients were banned because they were classified as potentially harmful to health, allergenic, or even carcinogenic in the long term.
2. Which colors are affected?
Primarily some very vibrant shades of blue and green that contain certain problematic pigments. These substances may no longer be used. The industry is already working on safe alternatives.
3. What does this mean for studios?
EU studios may only use REACH-compliant inks. These have been tested, approved, and meet current safety standards. We work exclusively with such inks and are in close contact with certified manufacturers.
4. What does this mean for you as a customer?
The ban is for your protection – less risk, greater confidence in the products used. Even though some shades are (still) rarer, there are still many safe, high-quality alternatives available.
Conclusion:
Yes, certain color pigments are prohibited – but professional studios like ours work exclusively with tested, safe, and approved inks. If you have any questions about this, we are happy to explain everything in detail.
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Spezialisiert auf Tattoo's & Piercings. Dieses Studio war bis 2026 unter dem Namen 2Brothers Ink bekannt. Aus der damaligen Struktur ist Old Dragon Ink hervorgegangen – mit neuem Konzept, neuem Namen und vertrauter Qualität.
Kontakt + 49 (0)15568761848 (WHATSAPP)
E-Mailinfo@olddragon.ink
Location Danziger Str. 15, 91550 Dinkelsbühl
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