Custom Tattoos
Bring the idea, we'll draw it up. One-on-one design sessions to build a piece that's yours alone — sized and placed to last.
Reaper Madness is Joey's shop — over two decades of clean, confident Traditional American tattooing right here in Tempe. Walk in with an idea or book a custom piece. Either way, you leave with work that lasts.
From first-timers grabbing a piece of classic flash to collectors building a sleeve — Joey has the range and the years to make it right.
Bring the idea, we'll draw it up. One-on-one design sessions to build a piece that's yours alone — sized and placed to last.
Bold outlines, solid color, timeless imagery. Joey's specialty since day one — anchors, roses, panthers, eagles, and everything old-school.
Old ink you'd rather forget? We plan smart cover-ups that turn regrets into something you'll actually want to show off.
Ready-to-go designs on the wall, priced up front. Perfect for a quick classic piece — no appointment needed.
Delicate, detailed linework for scripts, botanicals, and small meaningful pieces — steady hands, clean healing.
Faded lines or softened color? We refresh older work — ours or someone else's — to bring it back to full contrast.
You're not passing through a rotating chair of apprentices. When you sit down at Reaper Madness, you sit down with Joey.
Tattooing since 2001. Joey has seen every skin type, every style, and knows exactly how a piece will age before the needle ever touches down.
Traditional American isn't a menu item here — it's the craft. Bold, readable tattoos built to look sharp for decades, not months.
Fully sterilized station, single-use needles, and a relaxed room. First tattoo? You'll be walked through every step.
Clear quotes before we start. Flash is priced on the wall; custom work gets a fair estimate up front — no surprises.
A taste of the traditional imagery on Joey's wall. Pick one as-is, or use it as the starting point for something custom.
Every design shown is hand-drawn line art — see the full flash wall in person or ask Joey for a custom take.
Sample feedback in the voice of the folks who sit in Joey's chair.
Joey took my rough idea and turned it into the cleanest traditional piece I've ever seen. Lines still look razor-sharp a year later.
— Marcus D., Tempe
First tattoo, super nervous, walked in on a whim. Joey talked me through everything and the shop was spotless. Couldn't be happier.
— Priya S., ASU student
Had an old cover-up botched at another shop. Joey fixed it and made it look intentional. Real craftsman — you can tell he's been at this a while.
— Ryan T., Mesa
Both. Walk-ins are welcome for flash and smaller pieces whenever Joey's chair is open. For larger custom work, booking ahead means dedicated time and a proper design session — just call or send a message through the contact form.
Flash designs are priced on the wall so you know before you commit. Custom work is quoted up front based on size, detail, and placement. There's a shop minimum for very small pieces — Joey will give you a clear number before any needle touches skin.
Absolutely. The station is fully sterilized between clients, needles are single-use and disposed of properly, and the shop follows all Arizona health standards. Your safety is non-negotiable.
Yes — cover-ups are one of Joey's specialties. Bring in a clear photo (or come by) and he'll tell you honestly what's possible and how to design around the existing ink for the best result.
Reaper Madness is in Tempe, Arizona — just minutes from ASU and downtown Tempe, easy to reach from Mesa, Scottsdale, and Phoenix. Call for exact directions and current hours.
Whether it's your first piece or your fortieth, Joey's ready. Grab a spot in the chair or ask about a custom design today.
Send over your idea, or just call the shop. Joey answers every request personally.
Tell us what you're thinking and we'll get back to you.