Custom Tattoos in East Sussex
Every tattoo starts with an idea, not a template. While I’m best known for blackwork, floral, mandala and fine line tattoos, I don’t believe every artist should fit into a single box. I enjoy creating a wide range of custom tattoos, designing each piece around the individual and the ideas they bring to the studio.
Meet Phill
I’ve been tattooing for over 10 years, beginning my career at Firefly Tattoo Co. in Hailsham, where I spent many years developing my skills before opening Last Horizon Tattoo.
As my experience grew, so did my ambition. I wanted to create a studio that reflected my own approach to tattooing, one built around creativity, quality and a relaxed experience where every tattoo is designed specifically for the individual rather than taken from a template.
Today I tattoo clients from Hailsham, Eastbourne and across East Sussex, creating everything from small fine line tattoos to large blackwork sleeves and fully custom pieces. While I’m best known for blackwork, floral, mandala and fine line tattoos, I enjoy working across a wide variety of styles because every client, every idea and every project is different.
My goal has always been simple: to create tattoos that not only look great on the day they’re finished, but continue to look balanced, readable and timeless for years to come. Whether you’re coming in with a clear idea or just the beginnings of one, I enjoy working together to create something that’s personal, unique and designed to last.
Why I Created Last Horizon Tattoo
Owning my own tattoo studio had always been the dream, but the journey to opening Last Horizon Tattoo became far more personal than I ever imagined.
Before the studio opened its doors, I sadly lost my dad, Dave, to mesothelioma. He believed in my vision from the very beginning and helped make the studio possible, knowing how much it meant to me to build something of my own. Although he never got to see the finished studio, his support, encouragement and belief in me are part of everything Last Horizon Tattoo stands for today.
The name on the front of the building represents far more than just a business. It’s a reminder of where the journey started, the people who helped me get here and the responsibility I feel every day to create tattoos my clients will be proud to wear for the rest of their lives.
That same mindset influences the way I approach every tattoo I create and has shaped the style of work I’m now best known for.
More Than Just One Style
Although I’m best known for blackwork, floral, mandala and fine line tattoos, I don’t believe every client should fit into the same category.
Every tattoo starts with an idea, not a style. The examples below show the different types of work I create most often, along with the approach behind each one. While each style has its own character, they’re all built around the same principles of balance, flow and longevity.
Soft Blackwork Floral
This is the style I’m best known for.
Created using fine line needles and a stippled technique, it gives a soft, delicate finish once healed, without relying on heavy outlines.
Rather than keeping everything light, I build in more depth and contrast, allowing the flowers to hold their shape over time and sit naturally against darker elements.
Mandala & Ornamental
Built using a mix of line weights and dotwork to create balance, flow, and contrast.
Areas of solid black are often created through dense dotwork rather than flat fill, keeping a consistent texture throughout the piece.
This approach helps the design sit more naturally on the body.
Bold Blackwork
A stronger approach using varied line weights to create more impact and definition.
While the overall look is bolder, I still incorporate softer shading techniques to keep depth and balance within the piece.
This allows the design to feel solid and structured, without losing the natural flow of the work.
Abstract
A more creative approach, combining different techniques and styles to build something less structured and more expressive.
This can include elements like brush textures, paint splatters, and layered details to create movement and individuality within the piece.
Each design is developed to feel balanced and intentional, rather than random.
Realism
Built using shading and contrast rather than linework to create a more lifelike result.
This allows for smoother transitions and detail, giving the piece a softer, more natural, photo like finish that settles well over time.
Script
With script work, size and spacing are key to how well it holds over time.
I always guide on minimum sizing depending on the font, to avoid letters closing up or blurring as it ages.
The focus is on creating something that still reads cleanly long-term, not just when it’s fresh.
Traditional
A bolder style built around strong linework and solid areas of contrast.
The focus is on creating clear, structured designs that hold their shape well over time while still maintaining balance within the piece.
Minimal & Fine Line
Simple, understated designs created using fine line needles.
Even with smaller pieces, the same level of care and attention to detail is applied as with larger projects, with sizing and spacing carefully considered to ensure the work settles well and holds over time.
Colour & Pop Culture
I’m often asked if I take on colour work and it’s something I really enjoy.
From full colour pieces through to pop culture inspired designs, I use a mix of colour, line weight, and contrast to create something that feels balanced.
Cover Ups & Reworks
I do take on cover ups and reworks, but only where I’m confident the end result will work well.
Due to the softer, more open style of my work, not every piece is suitable to be covered without compromising the overall result.
Where possible, I can rework or redesign existing tattoos to give them a more considered and updated look.
Found a Style That Feels Right?
Whether you’ve found a style you love or you’re still exploring ideas, every tattoo I create is custom designed around you. Rather than choosing from pre-made designs, we’ll work together to create something that reflects your ideas, complements your body and is built to stand the test of time.
From your first enquiry through to your finished tattoo, I’ll guide you through the process, answer any questions you have and make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
If you’re ready to bring your idea to life, I’d love to hear what you have in mind.
Custom tattoos designed around you.
Creating meaningful artwork with honesty,
creativity and attention to detail.
Contact Us
Last Horizon Tattoo
85 High Street
Polegate
BN26 6AE
Phone 01323 301411
Email lasthorizontattoo@gmail.com
Studio Hours
Tuesday – Saturday
9:00am – 4:00pm