Welcome to Raven’s Nest Tattoo and Galleries! We know that getting a tattoo is an exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) experience. To make things easier, here’s a full list of questions we’re often asked—answered in a warm, personal way so you feel comfortable before you come in!
Raven’s Nest is more than a tattoo studio—it’s a creative community space. We combine world-class tattoo artistry with a local art gallery, making our shop a destination for both ink lovers and art enthusiasts. We’re dedicated to quality, safety, and creativity, and we want every person who visits us to feel welcome and inspired.
Our address is 4938 Moog Road, Holiday, Florida 34690. We’re right in the heart of Pasco County, serving not just Holiday, but also our friends from Trinity, New Port Richey, Clearwater, Tampa, and beyond.
For custom work with Ernie D, you can reach us at (315) 399-6300. If you prefer, you can send a message directly through our website contact form.
Our shop is open Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-7pm, with Sunday and Monday available by appointment. We love walk-ins when time allows—if you’re thinking about a smaller piece or want to see if we’re available, stop by and we’ll do our best to fit you in.
Booking is simple. You can:
When reaching out, please include your idea, size, placement, and any reference photos. The more detail you give, the better we can match you with the right artist.
Yes, most custom tattoo appointments require a deposit to hold your spot. This goes toward your final tattoo price. Deposits protect the artist’s time in designing your piece. We’ll go over the exact deposit amount when you book.
Life happens! If you need to reschedule, just give us a call as soon as possible. Deposits are typically non-refundable, but we’ll happily transfer them to a new date if you give us enough notice.
Our artists bring decades of combined experience across a wide range of styles—from American traditional, realism, black & grey, and fine line, to vibrant color and illustrative work. Whether you want a bold, timeless piece or a delicate design, we’ll create something custom and meaningful for you.
Safety is one of our top priorities. We follow strict sterilization protocols and only use professional, single-use needles and equipment. Our shop is fully licensed, inspected, and designed with both cleanliness and comfort in mind.
Yes! We’re proud to support and showcase local artists in our gallery space. You’ll often find paintings, prints, and other creative works rotating through, so every visit feels fresh and inspiring. If you know of any talented local artists, please send them our way!
Absolutely. We believe in giving back and being part of something bigger than ourselves. You’ll often see us at local events, festivals, and fundraisers here in Pasco County.
FAQs about Ernie D.
Ernie D is the heart of Raven’s Nest. With over 30 years of tattooing experience, he’s built a reputation for being both a skilled artist and a down-to-earth, approachable person. Clients come to Ernie not just for his technical skill, but also for his ability to make the tattoo experience personal and comfortable.
Ernie’s versatility sets him apart—he can bring almost any style to life, whether you’re looking for bold, traditional ink or highly detailed realism. Beyond tattooing, his passion for art is on display in Ernie D’s Gallery, a curated collection of his work inside the shop.
You can call the shop or reach him at (315) 399-6300 for custom requests. He loves working with clients to bring their vision to reality.
Tatoo Process, Session, and Aftercare
Come rested, hydrated, and make sure to eat a good meal before your session. Avoid alcohol, aspirin, or anything that can thin your blood the night before. Bring any reference images or sketches, and wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.
The healing time for a tattoo or piercing depends on various factors, such as the size and location of the tattoo or piercing, the individual's immune system, and how well they follow the aftercare instructions provided by our artists. Generally, tattoos take about 2-4 weeks to heal, while piercings can take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months to fully heal.
Your artist will meet with you to review your ideas, placement, and size. Then they’ll either create a custom design in advance or sketch with you the day of your appointment. Nothing starts until you’re completely happy with the design.
We’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions before you leave the shop. Generally, you’ll need to:
Following these steps ensures your tattoo heals beautifully and lasts a lifetime.
If you’re sick or not feeling 100%, it’s better to reschedule. Your immune system needs to be at its best to heal properly. Just give us a call and we’ll work with you to find a new time.
Yes — tattoos do involve some discomfort, since the process uses needles to place ink beneath the skin. But the sensation is usually very manageable, especially with today’s techniques and equipment. Most clients describe it as a scratchy, buzzing, or irritating feeling rather than sharp pain.
Keep in mind:
At Raven’s Nest, our goal is to make the process as comfortable and positive as possible.
Yes, absolutely! Many clients bring a small pillow, blanket, or even a hoodie to stay comfortable during longer sessions. While we do our best to provide a relaxed environment, we encourage you to bring whatever makes you feel cozy and supported.
Definitely. In fact, we recommend it for longer appointments. A light snack (like fruit, granola bars, or crackers) and a water bottle can help keep your energy steady. Just avoid anything messy or strong-smelling. Staying fueled helps your body handle the tattoo process better.
Hydration is huge. When your skin is well-hydrated, it’s more resilient, which can make the tattooing process smoother and even help with healing afterward. Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of your session, and feel free to sip water throughout.
Yes! Some clients like to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks during their session. As long as your artist can still communicate with you when needed, it’s totally fine.
For moral support, a friend is welcome to sit with you (space permitting). Just remember that the artist needs a calm, focused environment to do their best work, so we ask that guests keep conversation respectful and distraction-free.
Tattoo sensation depends on how much fat, muscle, and nerve endings are in the area. Here’s a general guide:
Easiest / Least Intense Areas (good for first tattoos):
These areas have more padding and fewer nerve endings, making them relatively comfortable spots.
Moderate Intensity Areas (a little more sensitive but still common):
Most Intense Areas (where you’ll feel it the most):
That said, pain is temporary — your tattoo is forever. Many clients say the discomfort is worth every second once they see the finished piece.
Yes, we encourage you to bring or send us any pictures that inspire your tattoo idea. Our artists will use them as a starting point to create something unique just for you.
More FAQs
Yes! Gift certificates are available right in the shop. They make the perfect present for birthdays, holidays, or anyone who’s been dreaming about new ink or art.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for updates through our website. We share gallery showings, tattoo specials, community events, and more.
We offer a wide range of tattoo styles, including traditional, realism, black and grey, and more. Our artists are happy to work with you to create a custom design that meets your individual preferences and needs.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.