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What To Expect
Before enquiring, please review the information below in the FAQ and Location & Contact sections. This may answer many of the questions you might have. When you are ready, please send us an email to the address below to enquire:
These FAQs are a guide to booking and getting tattooed. The full terms and consent forms are provided for review before the agreement is signed. Questions are welcome at any stage.
Tattoo appointments are with Maxime Plescia-Buchi. The studio location, contact details and business handling the booking are confirmed in writing.
The process begins with a simple expression of interest. A short, free consultation is then arranged to discuss the proposed project and answer any initial questions.
After this conversation, a questionnaire is sent for the client to complete and return. The answers form the basis of a formal quote for the project.
Once the quote is approved, dates are agreed for the first tattoo sessions and a longer design and fitting consultation, usually held a few weeks to a few months before tattooing begins. A deposit is then required to confirm the bookings.
Tattoos are typically scheduled as “full-day” sessions, and occasionally as half-day sessions.
Full-day sessions last 5 hours, typically from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Half-day sessions last 2.5 hours. Sessions include breaks, setup, consultation, and any design or drawing adjustments required during the booked time.
Appointments are generally Monday–Friday. Weekend appointments are not normally available, although exceptions may occasionally be possible.
A quote, including the price per session, is provided during the initial booking process.
Unless a project can be completed in a single day, it is generally quoted as an estimated number of days, rather than a fixed total price or a number of hours.
The artist is always open to starting with an overall budget for a piece and working backwards to find an approach that fits. There may also be some flexibility in day rates depending on the project as a whole.
Small or very small pieces may be booked and priced differently. Estimates are indicative only and do not guarantee the number of sessions ultimately required or the final cost.
Clients working for charities or nonprofit organisations, or receiving state or federal benefits, are welcome to enquire about special pricing.
Design and fitting are booked separately from tattooing. The process begins with a design and fitting session, which can take place in person or remotely, depending on the project. Meeting in person is preferable, but not always necessary. The design and fitting fee covers the consultation and the design work carried out afterwards.
The design is then developed between this consultation and the first tattoo session. This process does not normally include progress updates or advance previews: the design is generally presented at the first tattoo appointment. However, depending on the project, certain design decisions may be discussed with the client, and designs may be shared beforehand.
Design work can also continue throughout the tattooing process. Any tattoo session—not just the first—may include as much design and adjustment work as the project requires. This may involve changes to the design itself, as well as adapting its size, placement and flow to the client’s body. The booked session time therefore covers both tattooing and any design or fitting work needed to achieve the best result.
Bookings are approved, quoted and planned around the project described by the client. Any doubts or changes of mind should be shared with the artist as soon as possible, so they can be discussed and resolved before further design work is done.
Changes may affect the cost, scheduling and overall process. If substantial time has already been spent developing a design, an additional fee may be required to account for that work and any redesign.
Before tattooing begins, the design or freehand approach, placement and size are reviewed for approval, including any lettering, numbers or dates. Questions and concerns can always be raised before proceeding.
Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before the appointment and report any delay as soon as possible. Arriving more than 30 minutes late reduces the available session time. If the session cannot go ahead, the cancellation terms apply.
Appointments are generally one-to-one, but an accompanying person may be possible by arrangement. Please mention any support or access needs in advance so suitable arrangements can be discussed.
Cash and Venmo are preferred. PayPal, Zelle, checks and bank transfers may be accepted by arrangement. Payments that are not instant need to clear in advance, and any transfer fees are the client’s responsibility.
A non-refundable deposit is required to book, subject to the exceptions in the cancellation and rescheduling terms. The amount is confirmed with the quote and goes towards the session price. The remaining balance is due at the end of each tattoo session. Design and fitting fees are paid at the start of that appointment.
The agreed fee covers the booked session, even if the tattoo is finished early. Additional work in any remaining time can be discussed, although it may not always be possible.
Tips are optional, and a charitable donation is welcome instead.
Deposits reserve the appointment and are generally non-refundable if the client cancels. With at least seven days’ notice, one transfer to an agreed new date may be possible, subject to availability.
With less than 72 hours’ notice, or if the appointment is missed, the deposit is normally lost. The full policy, including other late changes and any exceptions, is provided before booking.
Please email change requests as early as possible. Illness or safety concerns should be raised rather than attending when it is unsafe to do so.
Notice is given as early as possible, and a replacement date is arranged together. If the artist cancels or no suitable replacement can be agreed, payment for tattooing that has not taken place is refunded. Any agreed design work already completed is accounted for separately.
If the artist cannot provide the full booked session, suitable arrangements—such as extra time, rescheduling or an appropriate refund—are discussed.
Guest appointments may have limited or no alternative dates. Any special booking or cancellation conditions are shared before the deposit is paid.
Please mention travel plans before booking and confirm the appointment details before arranging transport or accommodation. Travel costs are separate from the tattoo fee and are not automatically reimbursed if plans change.
A valid government-issued photo ID and a completed health declaration are required. Please mention relevant skin conditions, allergies, sensitivities, previous reactions and any particular bandage or aftercare needs in advance, and report changes before later sessions.
Questions about medical suitability should be discussed with a healthcare professional. The artist cannot provide medical clearance or advise changes to prescribed treatment.
Please discuss numbing cream before the appointment and do not apply it without first agreeing the arrangements. Any application or waiting time that will count towards the booked session is confirmed in advance.
Questions about medical suitability, pain medication or interactions should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Yes. A break can be requested, a proposed step declined, or consent withdrawn at any time. Boundaries are always respected, and any financial questions are handled separately.
Tattooing involves close contact and may require clothing to be adjusted for access or hygiene. The reasons are explained, and privacy needs or concerns can be raised before or during the appointment. Any limits on access may require changes to the design or approach, but never override the client’s boundaries.
What are the main risks?
Tattooing is permanent and carries risks, including infection, skin reactions and scarring. These are discussed before consent is given. Skin, placement and healing affect the result, and a tattoo’s appearance can change over time.
How should the tattoo be cared for?
Written aftercare instructions are provided for the dressing and method used. Bandage wear times and replacement instructions depend on the product, so the supplied instructions should be followed rather than a general rule.
A leaking or irritating dressing should not be kept on simply to reach a minimum wearing time. Please contact the artist with questions about bandages or routine care; medical concerns should go to a healthcare professional.
When should medical advice be sought?
Seek medical advice promptly for spreading redness or swelling, worsening pain, unusual discharge, fever or other concerning symptoms. Breathing difficulty or a serious reaction requires urgent medical care.
Do not wait for a reply from the artist before seeking medical attention.
When can the final result be assessed?
Surface healing and full settling are different stages, and the early appearance is not necessarily the final result. The tattoo needs to heal and settle fully before a touch-up is considered; the artist allows at least three months.
Touch-ups to adjust the original design, including areas affected by healing issues, are free of charge. They are considered only once the tattoo has fully healed and settled, no earlier than three months. The usual recommendation is to wait around one year so any adjustments can be addressed together.
Significant design changes or additions are quoted separately. Please get in touch to discuss whether a touch-up is needed.
The tattoo can be freely displayed as part of the client’s own image, including commercially.
The artist retains the rights to their original design. Reproducing the design separately for commercial use requires permission, and designs may be reused unless exclusivity is agreed. Exclusive arrangements can be discussed separately.
Artwork supplied for direct reproduction needs the appropriate permissions.
Photographs or video may be requested, but permission to record and publish them is handled separately. Declining optional publicity does not prevent an appointment.
Agreed publication is limited to specified unpaid social-media or editorial uses. Paid advertising, sale or commercial licensing of images, and AI training are not authorised by the booking agreement. Any nudity or intimate-area imagery requires specific advance consent.
Some studios are shared with other artists and clients. Please raise any particular privacy needs before booking where possible; concerns can also be raised during the appointment.
Personal information is handled under a separate privacy notice. Where CCTV operates, the location’s security arrangements are explained separately. Security footage is not used as promotional content.
Please contact the booking email with the details and photographs where helpful. The concern will be reviewed and the next steps discussed.
Medical concerns should be assessed by a healthcare professional without waiting for a reply. Agreeing to tattooing’s inherent risks does not mean giving up legal rights.
The terms and rate accepted for the booking remain in place unless a change is agreed. Later updates to the website do not automatically change an existing booking. Rates for future, unbooked sessions may differ.
Location
Maxime usually works out of a private work space in Fairfield County, CT. If you would like to stay at a hotel in Connecticut, we can offer some recommendations as well as arrange a pick-up if you arrange this with me beforehand. If you’re interested in staying in Southport, it’s a beautiful town and Delamar is a hotel there with a high standard that I highly recommend. There are several hotels in Norwalk if you’d prefer to be closer to the work location—The Watershed, Courtyard Norwalk and Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk are three in Norwalk, close by. There are some nice hotels in downtown Stamford within walking distance of a variety of shops— Courtyard Stamford, Residence Inn Stamford, and the Lloyd Stamford are a handful there among many others.
If you are in New York, there is a train that runs to Norwalk from Grand Central in NYC and up the coast of Connecticut. The commute to Norwalk takes one hour, Norwalk is the nearest station to the location of the private studio. I recommend using the TrainTime MTA app to ensure that you make the correct transfers if needed and are on the correct train, and ticketing can be obtained through this app. It is the Metro-North Railroad line that runs through Norwalk. I am also able to pick you up from the station if you coordinate this with me, and plan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
NYC
You may have the option to have your tattoo done at Monolith in NYC. More info about them can be found on their website (link)
If you would prefer this, please make that preference known when booking. Wait times may be longer. Information relevant to the location and access will be sent prior to the session.
LONDON
Maxime tattoos at Sang Bleu London in Dalson, East London. The address is 29b Dalston Lane, London E83DF, UK
LA, SWITZERLAND
Maxime regularly tattoos in other locations such as LA, LDN, SWITZERLAND. Location may vary. Please enquire.
Contact
In case of last minute change, if you’re running late or have a quesiton, a direct Whatsapp contact will be provided upon booking. Please use this or a direct phone line to the location if one is available. Avoid emails.
Catania, Italy
21 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026
Los Angeles
17 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027
London
11 Jun 2027 – 22 Jun 2027
Switzerland
25 Jul 2027 – 1 Aug 2027
© 2026-now. All rights reserved.
Design and website by Studio Harris Blondman
Biography
Maxime Plescia-Buchi is a tattoo artist, designer, and creative director born in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1978. Based in New York, they work across New York, Los Angeles, London, and Switzerland. They are a founding partner of Swiss Typefaces and the founder of Sang Bleu Tattoo, Sang Bleu Magazine, TTTISM Magazine, and Novembre Magazine.
After studying psychology and human sciences at the University of Lausanne, they pursued graphic design at ECAL, University of Art and Design Lausanne. Their subsequent career included periods living and working in Zurich, Paris, and London, with graphic design work for studios and publications including NORM, North Design, Self Service Magazine, and Arena Homme+.
Following a tattoo apprenticeship Lausanne in the late 2000, Maxime opened a first studio in London, followed by a second in Zurich, and later established Sang Bleu LA after relocating to Los Angeles. Today, their tattoo practice is centred on the New York area, with appointments divided between their private studio and Monolith Studio in Brooklyn.
Swiss Typefaces’ major institutional commissions include Swiss Post Sans, the custom typeface developed for Switzerland’s national postal service Swiss Post, and the bespoke typeface for the Swiss passport introduced in 2022. Across their individual practice and work with Swiss Typefaces, corporate and institutional clients include Hublot, McQ, Allies of Skin, Virgin Galactic, Mugler, the Swiss Confederation, Swiss Post, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the City of Stockholm, Michael Kors, Rick Owens, Balenciaga, Vogue Turkey, Esquire Magazine, eBay, Rolls-Royce, Sky Television, Android, and McQueen.
Maxime collaborated with Hublot over a decade. Launched in 2016, the collaboration has produced three major watch designs: the Big Bang Sang Bleu, Big Bang Sang Bleu II (2019), and Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu (2023), followed by a sapphire edition in 2024. Drawing on the same interests in typography, geometry, ornament, and historical visual references that inform the broader practice, these designs treat the case, dial, hands, and strap as an integrated graphic and sculptural composition. Hublot’s collaboration history
Individual clients across projects include: Isamaya Ffrench, Kanye West, Sophie Turner, Matthew Williams, Kanye West, Virgil Abloh, Frank Ocean, FKA twigs, Mabel, Adam Lambert, Nicola Formichetti, Marcelo Burlon, David Kleinberg, Josephine Skriver, Pierre Biver, Maxime Ballesteros, Alvaro Barrington, and Tiona Nekkia McClodden.
Alongside this work, they have taught regularly at ECAL, HEAD in Geneva, and the Basel School of Design. Across graphic design, typography, tattooing, publishing, and product design, an ongoing interest in bringing these disciplines into conversation remains central to their practice.
Client
Date
2026
Storm’s throat tattoo finished, cherry on top of this intense thigh-to-chin composition with integration of a few other pieces too (sternum, ribs). Thank you my friend! Lettering work by @gordoletters & more!
Client
Date
2025
The motif is based on a free interpretation of a Garuda – Naga battle. This was incredibly fun, challenging, and ultimately, rewarding. Isabelle and I met throughout covid and multiple trips to LA in the last 5 years to complete this. I am deeply thankful.
Client
Date
2026
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
Progressing with this hip composition for my dear friend Collin, sleeves by me probably ca. 2016, belly « in progress » by Damien Thorn. Thanks you buddy
Client
Date
2026
Matching-ish pieces for Tyler and Tonantzin. St Michael & St Bartholomew. Lead to all kinds of truly awesome conversations on the value of sacrifice, fear of death etc. An awesome time with lovely people. I love my job. Thank you Tyler & Tonantzin.
Client
Date
2026
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
In-progress work on Johnny’s back! To be continued!
Client
Date
2026
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
Kronos back piece for Roger. Characters healed, background in progress. Done at my beloved Spearmaiden Spire in Los Angeles. Thank you Roger!
Client
Date
2026
Loons for Lotus. Look at these cuties!
Client
Date
2025
Last piece of the LA trip to post. Geoffrey’s leviathan piece touched up and finally properly documented! Another piece I developed new techniques for. Beyond thankful to Geoffrey for coming down not once but twice to get the photos done. Much much appreciated. And always best vibes of course. Thank you G!
Client
Date
2026
A pleasure and honor to do a friend’s first tattoo.
Client
Date
2026
Darwin moth composition for my friend Noah. Thank you for trusting me with this experimental composition. So stoked.
Started @ Sang Bleu NY, Finished @ Monolith Studio
Client
Date
2026
Rose for my friend Patrick. OG client. I have been tattooing him entirely, progressively for probably 12 years. I remember the stress doing this grape 😅 What a joy to do this piece for his 60th birthday!
Done at Monolith Studio, rest of the collection done at Sang Bleu London.
Client
Date
2026
New take on a classic for my friend Joshua . Done Spearmaiden Spire in Los Angeles. Thank you! 🩶
Client
Date
2025
Addition for my dear Mabel. Hand ornament. So stoked on this one. Thank you for your trust and friendship!
Client
Date
2026
Medieval-a** palms, well-settled, 6 months in! Thank you Ami for being totally gangsta.
Client
Date
2013
12 years « healed ». Tattoo I did for Lynus. Mandala, skeleton and roses. Now augmented with extra work by my friends Liam Sparkes and Apro Lee. So happy to see it. Thank you Lynus!
Client
Date
2025
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
In progress for my bro Dylan . Red snake and flowers. The flowers were started during our infamous 2015 Sang Bleu London LA pop up. The snake was started during covid Sang Bleu LA and now finished at Spearmaiden, but more flowers coming soon! Thanks Dylan!
Client
Date
2025
Khaki’s back finally finished! Thank you for getting me to do colourful orbs as per your dream! It was so fun! Finished at Spearmaiden in LA.
Client
Date
2026
Healed with some touchups views of Ellie’s octopus garden sleeve. A few bits and bobs left to do but pretty much done! What a blast! Thank you Ellie, it’s always a pleasure. Continued at Spearmaiden in LA. Added a few nice in progress photos Ellie was so gracious to come and let me take previously.
Client
Date
2026
SUCH A BLAST being reunited with this piece from at least a decade ago. And ofc my friend Alex to whom its belonged it ever since. Some original blackwork steez. Love to see those fully lived-in. We added a piece to his chest too. Alex’ collection is getting BIGGGGG! Thank you my bro.
Client
Date
2026
This is my dear friend Hugh’s cover-up octopus finished. Hugh has this iconic back piece done by Leo Zulueta in the 90’s that I worked around. What a blast to get to be next to such a pivotal artist. Thank you!
Client
Date
2026
Thigh no2 on Nicolas. Janus piece in progress. Done 242studio in Lausanne. Cant wait to finish this. It will be epiccccc!
Client
Date
2026
Anne’s leg composition finally complete! Second session recently 242 Studio in Lausanne. I have to say, i think legs are my favourite area to tattoo. The amount of creativity you can have with legs is endless! Thank you Anne!
Client
Date
2026
Stoked to get to touch up and get nice settled shots of this one. Thank you Max, i am very proud of this one. Done between Sang Bleu London and Spearmaiden in LA.
Client
Date
2025
Selim’s large back + arms tattoo composition. Chrysanthemum & crow In progress! Thank you Selim!
Client
Date
2021
Having a lot of fun re-processing some of my archives. This back piece for Ryan is to this day one of my favourite pieces because it is perfectly balances conceptually and visually. It’s simple but not simplistic, the position is straightforward but not obvious, the execution is efficient but keeps a lot of subtleties and nuances, the theme is universal but not mainstream, the semiotics are niche but not obscure. Not to say that the Covid era was cool in any way, but nonetheless, a lot of interesting things happened, and one of those was to see how important something like tattooing could become when the social structures of the world we live in start dissolving.
Client
Date
2025
Angel for Brian. Done at Sang Bleu London. thank you!
Client
Date
2025
A mothy-bumble bee tattoo for Jevin. Re-birth. Re-pollinate. re-birth.
Client
Date
2025
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
My bro Hawk‘s St Emmet Till ‘s back piece in progress. Stoked on the shading coming to life and the wings bringing dynamism to the composition!
Client
Date
2025
Horus character for my man Khori’s growing collection. Done at Sang Bleu London.
Client
Date
2021
Dan’s 2 years+ healed back piece. This piece is inspired by Gustave Doré’s Divina Comedia. It was started in Boston during covid. Epic memories!
Client
Date
2026
Somehow i didn’t have a good photo of the script tattoo I had the honour to do on the big man himself @skeptagram « Lukey Lives ». This one I lifted from @placesplusfaces
Client
Date
2022
A collection of photos of dear friend Brianna’s chest and neck combo, started at Sang Bleu LA and finished at Tigertown Tattoo in NYC. Ram skull and magnolia photos. Some photos she was kind enough to share from her pregnancy, shortly after the tattoo was finished, which look awesome! Thank you!
Client
Date
2024
Started in July 2020 at Sang Bleu LA, finished in February 2024 at Sang Bleu NY. Thank you so much Alexander! So proud of this one.
Client
Date
2025
A collection of tattoos on Michael, comprising this full body suit completed in 2025 but started back in 2019. My biggest and most involved project to date, amazing process over 6 years. Thank you my friend!
Client
Date
2023
There are some people you meet briefly but leave a wonderful impression. Simone was one of these. One of those people, in other circumstance, could have been a great friend. And now she is not with us anymore. I am deeply sorry for her loved ones. Farewell Simone.
Client
Date
2023
A classic engraving chest piece for Gregory. From the archives. But I don’t doubt it looks even better today. Thanks Greg! Done at Sang Bleu LA.
Client
Date
2026
Final touchups and healed shots of my friend Noah, with this highly challenging and conceptual sleeve! Made after the BERLIN HOLD HAT. Thank you Noah!
Client
Date
2024
Odin’s raven for Lorenz. Thank you so much homie!
Client
Date
2024
Loved doing this one for Amir next to illustrious peers my man @sewp and OG @victorjwebster
Client
Date
2026
Continuing Matt’s typography + natural themed leg composition with this live message to North London. I won’t lie, I miss that place too. We used to live just by Clissold Park, off of Blackstock road. Arsenal Tavern. I feel you Matt!
Client
Date
2026
My friend Sandra’s collection growing! A couple of years in the making, many super fun conversations, and the tattoos! Thank you Sandra!
Client
Date
2026
My take on a classic. For Henry.
Client
Date
2026
Hana came by to finish this pig & leg snake piece. Mostly healed, some fresh. Thank you!
Client
Date
2025
Nachson’s highly conceptual, abstract composition done over the course of 2 years and completed in 2025 at Monolith. The shoulder sigils are by @anttheelder. We consulted with a kabbalistic scholar, included many different symbols, always structurally tying in with an underlying sephiroth structure running along his whole body. Incorporated some pre-existing tattoos. What a blast. Thank you for this incredible project.
Client
Date
2025
Finally, floral composition sleeves completed for Tiffany. Thank you!
Client
Date
2025
Ben came recommended from my late dear friend Sue. He has a collection by Sue and was planning to add this jackalope skull to it with her but she left us. It was an honour to get to do it. Thank you Ben. Sue I miss you. You are loved.
Client
Date
2025
Coming up! Tiger for my dear friend Mabel. I can’t believe how long we’ve been at it already. Never not humbling to get to work on an amazing artist, but to do it over years, see them grow and bloom as individuals and artists is an absolute honour.
Client
Date
2025
Dane’s collection progressing. Thank you Dane!
Client
Date
2024
Finally, after years in the making and attempts to properly document the work, photos of Elonna’s finished project. By far one of the most unusual composition and theme i’ve ever done. Back was done first and leg second. Started probably in 2018. Finished last in spring 2024! Elonna this was a privilege, thank you for your trust and taking the time for the photos!
Bifide snake, demonic talisman, double headed snake, icarus/dedalus
Client
Date
2026
IN PROGRESS
So much to say about this one, but it will be said later. Still in progress, full-body suit for Thomas.