Thinking of getting matching tattoos near Maldon? Congratulations, you’re about to cement your relationship in a way that lasts longer than any shared playlist or inside joke. Matching tattoos are one of the most popular requests we get at Inception Ink, and whether you’re sisters, best friends, a couple, or just two mates with questionable decision-making skills, we are here for it.
We’re based in South Woodham Ferrers, just a short drive from Maldon, and we’ve done everything from delicate twin florals to, yes, matching chicken nuggets. This blog will walk you through what makes a great matching tattoo, some of the best ideas we’ve seen, and what to expect when you and your other half (or partner in chaos) walk into our studio.
Who Gets Matching Tattoos?
Matching tattoos are not just for couples. In fact, some of our favourite matching tattoos have come from clients who share zero DNA but a lot of memories.
Popular matching pairs include:
- Siblings
- Parent and child
- Best friends
- Couples
- Cousins
- Flatmates
- Business partners
- “We met on holiday and now we’re soulmates” types
We’ve even done one for a stag group who were absolute strangers until their appointment, which is bold, but hey, who are we to judge?
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking a shared loss, or just bored and bonding on a Tuesday, matching tattoos can be funny, sentimental, or both.
Tattoo Ideas for Matching Ink
Not sure what to get? Good. That’s how the fun starts. Here are some ideas we’ve seen work beautifully (or hilariously.)
Classic but cute
- Matching stars or hearts
- Birth flowers or initials
- Yin and yang
- Roman numerals
- Shared quotes split between two people
Funny and subtle
- Half a design each (like two slices of pizza that make a whole)
- Matching dinosaurs
- Inside joke illustrations
- Matching dumb tattoos from a game or dare (ask us about the Shrek ears)
Symbolic
- Sun and moon
- Anchor and compass
- Matching butterflies or bees
- Coordinates of where you met
Slightly unhinged but we love it
- Matching insects
- A tattoo of each other’s worst tattoo
- A matching number… with no context
- Tiny tattoos
The key is to find something that means something to you, even if that “something” is just a shared love of burritos.
Why People From Maldon Come to Us
Sure, we’re not in Maldon, but we’re about 20 minutes down the road, and that little journey gets you a lot more than just a convenient studio.
Here’s what our matching tattoo clients love about Inception Ink:
- We’re chill. No ego, no pressure, no awkward vibes.
- Our studio is clean, calm, and welcoming… especially for first timers.
- We make custom designs for every pair. No copy-and-paste jobs.
- We’ll tell you if your idea is brilliant. Or stupid. Or both.
- Our artists know how to make matching designs work on two completely different bodies.
You want an experience that’s just as fun as the tattoo itself, and we’re 100% on board with that.
Meet the Artists
Each of our artists brings a different energy — so we’ll match you with the best one for your idea and vibe.
Tyler
Queen of fine line, micro realism, and tiny sentimental bangers. She’s your go-to if you want something small, soft, symbolic, or delicate. Think matching florals, fine script, or subtle matching memorial pieces.
Luke
The man with a plan for bold lines, dot work, and geometric magic. If you’re looking for something structured, spiritual, or tribal-inspired, or just want a tattoo that ages like a fine wine, Luke’s your guy.
Marek
Our realism specialist. Got matching portraits in mind? Animal tributes? Want your tattoos to look like they’re printed from a photo? Marek handles the detail work with laser focus and calm precision.
Steve
Versatile and steady with a no-stress attitude. Great for black and grey, illustrated flash-style pieces, or adding a funny twist to a sentimental idea. He’s fast, friendly, and has done more matching designs than he probably admits.
You don’t have to pick your artist before you come in. Just send us your idea and we’ll point you in the right direction.
How It Works
Getting a matching tattoo is simple. Here’s what the process looks like at Inception Ink:
- Send us your idea
You can DM us, email, or pop in. Tell us what you’re thinking, even if it’s just “we want something matching and not completely tragic.” - We suggest an artist
Based on your idea and preferred style, we’ll match you with the best artist for the job. - Design
We’ll design your tattoos to suit each of you. They don’t have to be identical — just linked. - Book your slot
Matching tattoos usually happen at the same time or back-to-back. We’ll find a slot that works for both of you. - Tattoo day
We’ll welcome you in, talk you through everything, and then get to work. You can laugh, cry, or film a TikTok — we’re used to it all. - Aftercare
We’ll give you full aftercare instructions so your new tattoos heal properly and don’t fade before your friendship does.
Can They Be Walk-Ins?
Sometimes. If we have the space, we’ll happily do a matching walk-in for small designs. But we recommend booking ahead if:
- You have a specific date in mind
- You want a custom design
- There are more than two of you
- You want larger pieces
Walk-ins are best for flash-style or simple ideas. For anything else, booking gives you a better experience — and no one wants rushed matching tattoos. Especially not the ones you’re getting to celebrate your 40th together.
Matching Tattoos Are a Commitment. Sort Of.
Listen, you can always unfollow someone, block them, or pretend you were never in that WhatsApp group. But matching tattoos? They stick around. So make sure you’re doing it for a reason that matters, even if that reason is just, “We needed a laugh and this felt like a good idea at the time.”
If things go wrong later, you can always say it was a tribute to the friendship you used to have. And if they stay right? You’ll always have proof that your bond was more than just memes and voice notes.