M.V. Baks
Alter modernism - where technology meets nature
A custom tattoo designed by M.V. Baks
More than a tattoo design. A one-of-a-kind artwork, conceived and drawn by hand, exclusively for you. Receive the original drawing, a tattoo-ready line file and a Certificate of Authenticity. All that started from only €100
Your story, translated into an original artwork for your skin. Share your ideas, personal references and the placement you have in mind. M.V. Baks develops a custom tattoo design around your subject and wishes. You receive an original physical artwork to keep, together with a tattoo-ready line file for your chosen tattoo artist. The process takes you from your initial idea through drawing and personal review. This service covers the artwork and design. Your tattoo artist assesses the final placement and carries out the tattoo.
More than a tattoo design
A tattoo can be more than an image on your skin. It can be a personal story, a memory, or something that represents who you are. I approach every commission as an original work of art. Your story and chosen elements become the starting point for a drawing created by my hand, through my own artistic interpretation. And the artwork doesn't disappear once your tattoo is finished. You receive the original drawing itself, together with a tattoo-ready line file and a Certificate of Authenticity. One artwork. Two ways to carry it with you.
From paper to skin
Every tattoo begins as an original drawing. From that artwork, I prepare the files your tattoo artist needs to bring the design to life on your skin.
An original artwork, conceived and drawn by hand. This is where your story takes shape through my artistic interpretation.
The tattoo-ready line file
A carefully prepared, scalable line file gives your tattoo artist a clear foundation for transferring the artwork onto your skin.
On your skin
Your tattoo artist translates the artwork onto your body, making the technical adjustments needed for placement and execution.
Image downbelow is a digital preview of a tattoo.
How it works
From your first idea to the finished artwork, every commission follows a personal and transparent process.
01 — Tell me your story. Share the meaning behind your tattoo, choose the elements that matter to you, and tell me where you'd like to wear it.
02 — I create your artwork. I translate your story into an original, hand-drawn artwork through my own artistic interpretation.
03 — Review your design. You'll receive a private preview and have the opportunity to request adjustments before the artwork is finalized.
04 — Bring it to skin. Receive your original drawing, Certificate of Authenticity and tattoo-ready files. Your chosen tattoo artist brings the artwork to life on your skin.
Your story, my interpretation
Every tattoo carries a story. Sometimes it's a memory, a connection to someone, a personal transformation, or simply something that fascinates you. You bring the story. I bring the artistic interpretation. Tell me what matters to you and which elements you would like to see in the artwork. These become the foundation of my creative process. I explore how these elements can connect, transform and become something unexpected. The composition, drawing technique and visual language are mine to develop, guided by your story. The result is an original M.V. Baks artwork created specifically for your skin.
Your story is the starting point!
From simple lines to intricate details
Every artwork is different. Some ideas come to life through a few carefully placed lines, while others call for intricate details, textures and shading. You choose the level of detail. I create the artwork. The price is based on the number of visual elements and the level of detail you select.
Three levels of detail
01 — Low Detail Simple, expressive compositions with an emphasis on shape, line and contrast. Ideal for artwork where simplicity creates a strong visual impact.
02 — Detailed A balance between composition, texture and finer details. For artwork that benefits from additional depth, shading and visual complexity.
03 — High Detail Intricate drawings with carefully developed textures, fine lines and complex visual relationships.
More than a drawing. Everything included.
Commissioning an artwork is about more than the final image. It's about the creative process, the original drawing and the possibility of carrying that artwork with you for life. Every M.V. Baks tattoo commission includes:
01 — The original artwork The one-of-a-kind drawing, created by hand and delivered to you. A physical artwork to keep, display or treasure.
02 — Tattoo-ready line file A carefully prepared, scalable line file for your tattoo artist to work with.
03 — Digital reference file A digital version of the finished artwork, available through your personal account on mvbaks.com.
04 — Personal revision 30 minutes of revision time are included, giving you the opportunity to request adjustments before final approval.
05 — Certificate of Authenticity An official M.V. Baks certificate documenting the originality of your artwork, with QR verification for tattoo artists.
06 — Your personal artwork portal Secure access to your artwork, digital files, certificate and order information whenever you need them.
07 — Worldwide tracked shipping Your original drawing and Certificate of Authenticity are carefully packaged and shipped with Track & Trace, wherever you live.
Drawn by an artist. Not generated by AI.
Your tattoo artwork is conceived and drawn by M.V. Baks specifically for you. No generative AI is used to create the image. Every line, texture and shadow is the result of a personal artistic process. Working with traditional drawing materials, I explore the relationship between your story and my visual interpretation. No templates. No mass production. Just an original artwork, created by human hands.
Your artwork. Their craftsmanship
Every tattoo artist has their own approach, techniques and artistic preferences. Some prefer to work exclusively with designs they create themselves. Already have a tattoo artist in mind? Before commissioning your artwork, ask your preferred tattoo artist if they're comfortable working with an original design created by another artist. Every M.V. Baks tattoo commission includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a verifiable tattoo license and a tattoo-ready line file. Your tattoo artist may make technical adjustments in consultation with you to ensure the artwork translates beautifully onto your skin.
Still looking for a tattoo artist? Through your personal M.V. Baks portal, you can discover approved tattoo artists near you who are open to working with my artwork. Each participating artist is personally reviewed for the quality of their work. You contact them directly and arrange the tattoo session together. I create the artwork. Your tattoo artist brings it to life.
Let's talk about your story
Sometimes a story deserves more than a few written words. If you'd like to share your ideas, explore their meaning or simply get to know the artist behind your commission, we can arrange a personal conversation. A personal intake gives us 30 minutes to explore your story together. We can discuss the elements you've chosen, the thoughts behind them and what makes this artwork meaningful to you. You don't need to arrive with a finished concept. Your story is enough to begin.
Personal intake — 30 minutes · €50
Our conversation can take place online or, when circumstances allow, in person in Rotterdam or Bangkok. The intake is entirely optional. You can commission your artwork without one. Sometimes the most interesting ideas begin with a conversation.
Your story deserves its own artwork
Every story is different. Every artwork should be too. Whether it's a memory, a personal connection or an idea you've carried with you for years, I'd love to discover what we can create from it. Your story. My interpretation. An artwork made for your skin.
Transparent Pricing
Your first drawing hour: €100 Every additional hour: €75 Your first hour includes the initial artistic development. Additional drawing time is calculated in 30-minute increments. The price is calculated before you place your order, so you know exactly what your commissioned artwork will cost. And remember: your original drawing, tattoo-ready files, Certificate of Authenticity and worldwide tracked shipping are already included.
Questions before you begin?
Can you design a cover-up?
A cover-up depends on the existing tattoo and its technical feasibility. Discuss it with your tattoo artist first, then describe the agreed boundaries in your artwork briefing.
Can you extend an existing tattoo?
Yes, an extension can be commissioned. An extension of a previous M.V. Baks commission starts from that artwork in your portal and becomes a separate paid commission with its own original and certificate.
Will my tattoo artist tattoo a design made by another artist?
Some artists do not accept external artwork. Ask before booking. After delivery, the portal can help you find approved artists who accept authorized external artwork; availability is arranged directly.
What if my tattoo artist says the design cannot be tattooed?
Discuss the technical concern with your tattoo artist and contact M.V. Baks through your artwork review or support flow. Feasibility and tattoo execution remain the tattoo artist’s responsibility; changes are assessed within the agreed revision process.
Can my tattoo artist modify the line file?
Discuss any proposed artistic changes with M.V. Baks. Tattoo-ready files support execution of the licensed artwork and do not grant unrestricted rights to redraw or reproduce it.
Can I change the tattoo size?
The wizard stores your estimated size and placement. Confirm a technically suitable final size with your tattoo artist. Size does not directly change Calculator v1 pricing; changes to artwork content or detail may require reassessment.
What does the 30-minute revision include?
One revision round with up to 30 minutes of drawing work is included. Submit clear feedback on the review preview. M.V. Baks assesses requested changes; additional drawing work requires a separately approved and paid supplement.
Do I receive the original drawing?
Yes. Your commission includes the original artwork, shipped through the normal order delivery process after finalization. M.V. Baks chooses its medium, technique and physical size. Shipping costs are shown in checkout.
Can I print or reproduce the artwork?
Your tattoo license authorizes the agreed tattoo execution rights. It does not include unrestricted printing, merchandise, resale or other reproduction rights. Contact M.V. Baks about additional uses.
Can I order a colour design?
Yes. Choose Colour in the wizard. Black & White is the default and Colour has no surcharge.
Do you use AI to create the artwork?
M.V. Baks conceives and draws your artwork personally. Generative AI is not used to create the image.
What happens if the original artwork is lost during shipping?
Contact M.V. Baks through your order support flow. The shipment and available options are reviewed individually. An original artwork is unique; no automatic replacement or shipping guarantee is promised here.
Can I use my design more than once?
A personal commission follows its agreed personal tattoo license. Commercial commissions specify execution rights: 1, 5, 10 and further increments of 5, or Unlimited only at the initial purchase. A limited commercial license can later be expanded by 5 executions.
How long does my commission take?
The wizard result shows the current production estimate based on active unshipped commissions, base time and a margin. It includes cooling-down; shipping takes additional time. M.V. Baks draws each artwork personally, so it is an estimate, not a guaranteed delivery date.
Can you design around an existing tattoo?
Describe the existing tattoo, placement and boundaries in your briefing, and optionally upload private reference photos. Your tattoo artist should assess practical spacing and execution before booking.
Can you design a cover-up if my tattoo artist approves the idea?
Include the tattoo artist’s assessed boundaries in your briefing. Their approval helps define the brief but does not replace M.V. Baks artistic review or guarantee the technical result of tattoo execution.