About Us
Our Story - Born From Passion. Built on Trust. Driven by Art.
RJ Tattoo Studio didn't start with a business plan. It started with a needle, a dream, and an obsession with turning human skin into a canvas for stories that matter. Today, with ISO-certified studios in Pune and Mumbai, a team of award-winning artists, and thousands of satisfied clients - we're just getting started.
How It All Began
Every great studio has a story. Ours started in 2011, when our founder Raj Waghela picked up a tattoo machine for the first time - not in a professional studio, but in a small room fuelled by curiosity, late nights, and an unwavering belief that tattoos could be more than decoration. They could be art. They could be therapy. They could be permanent reminders of the moments, people, and beliefs that define us.
Those early days were humble. One machine. One chair. One artist learning by doing - studying anatomy, practising on synthetic skin, apprenticing under veterans, and gradually building a reputation for precision, creativity, and genuine care for every client who walked through the door.
Word spread. Clients kept coming back - and bringing their friends. What started as a one-person passion project grew into a fully equipped, professionally managed studio in Pune's Koregaon Park. And then came Mumbai.
Today, RJ Tattoo Studio operates two ISO-9001 certified studios, employs a team of specialist artists, and has completed over 5 Lakh custom tattoos. But the spirit remains the same: every tattoo is personal, every client is family, and every line is placed with purpose.
Meet the Founder - Raj Waghela
Raj Waghela is the creative force and operational mind behind RJ Tattoo Studio. A self-taught tattoo artist who transitioned into studio ownership, he built the brand on three principles: artistic excellence, uncompromising hygiene, and a client-first experience.
With 18+ years of tattooing experience, Raj continues to take select clients while mentoring the next generation of artists at RJ Tattoo Studio.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Role | Founder & Lead Artist |
| Experience | 18+ years |
| Specialties | Realism, Black & Grey, Portraits |
| Philosophy | "Every tattoo should be a collaboration between artist and client - never a transaction." |
| Social Media | @rjtattoostudio |
What We Stand For
Our Mission
To deliver India's finest custom tattoo experience - where every design is original, every session is safe, and every client leaves with art they'll treasure for a lifetime.
Our Vision
To become Asia's most trusted and celebrated tattoo studio - a benchmark for artistic excellence, hygiene standards, and client care in the body art industry.
Our Core Values
- 1. Artistry Above Everything: We don't do templates. Every tattoo is a custom creation born from deep collaboration between artist and client. Quality is never compromised for speed.
- 2. Safety Without Exception: ISO-9001 certified. FDA-approved pigments. Single-use needles. Autoclave sterilisation. Our hygiene protocols aren't just best practice - they're non-negotiable.
- 3. Client-First Experience: From the first DM to the final aftercare check-in, every touchpoint is designed to make you feel heard, respected, and cared for. Your vision drives every decision.
- 4. Transparency & Trust: No hidden costs. No pressure. No surprises. You'll see your design, approve every detail, and know the exact price before a single needle touches your skin.
- 5. Continuous Growth: Our artists train constantly - learning new techniques, experimenting with new styles, and pushing each other to be better. We're never "done" improving.
- 6. Community & Culture: We sponsor local art events, host guest artists, offer apprenticeships, and treat our team like family. Great art comes from great environments.
Our Journey - Key Milestones
From a single room to two premium studios. Here's how RJ Tattoo Studio grew - one tattoo at a time.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 🎨 Founded - Raj Waghela opens the first studio in Pune with one machine and a dream |
| 2012 | 👥 Team Expansion - hired the first specialist artists |
| 2015 | 📍 Koregaon Park Studio - moved into the current purpose-built studio in Pune |
| 2017 | ✅ ISO-9001 Certification - both studios certified for international hygiene standards |
| 2019 | 📍 Mumbai Launch - opened the second studio in Bandra West, Mumbai |
| 2021 | 🎉 5 Lakh Tattoos - crossed the 5 Lakh custom tattoo milestone |
| 2024 | 💼 Piercing Services - expanded into professional body piercings |
| 2026 | 📍 Baner Studio Launch - opened our third studio location in Baner, Pune |
What Makes RJ Tattoo Studio Different
India has hundreds of tattoo studios. So why do thousands of clients choose us?
| The RJ Difference | What Most Studios Do | What We Do |
|---|---|---|
| Design Process | Use flash sheets or generic templates | Every design is 100% custom - sketched from scratch for each client |
| Consultation | Charge for consultations or skip them | Free 30-minute consultation with your chosen artist |
| Hygiene | Basic sterilisation, no certification | ISO-9001 certified, autoclave sterilisation, client-visible sterilisation bay |
| Pigments | Unverified ink brands | FDA-approved, vegan, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free |
| Guarantee | No follow-up support | Complimentary touch-up guarantee + WhatsApp aftercare support |
| Pricing | Hidden costs, upselling | Transparent quote during free consultation - no surprises |
| Artist Training | Self-taught, no ongoing development | Licensed, insured, regularly trained in techniques and safety |
| Client Experience | Noisy, crowded, rushed | Private stations, curated music, refreshments, calm environment |
Awards, Features & Industry Recognition
We let our work speak for itself - but we're grateful when the industry notices.
| Recognition | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tattoo Convention Winner | Best Tattoo Studio, Pune - 2024 |
| 📰 Media Feature | Featured in Times of India - Top 5 Tattoo Studios in Maharashtra |
| 🎨 International Expo | Guest Artist Invitation - International Tattoo Expo, Goa |
| 📱 Social Media | 22,000+ Instagram followers |
| ⭐ Google Rating | Highly rated with thousands of 5-star reviews |
Giving Back - Our Community Commitments
RJ Tattoo Studio believes in lifting the community that supports us.
Apprenticeship Programme
We offer paid apprenticeships to aspiring tattoo artists. Apprentices train alongside our senior artists for 6–12 months, learning technique, hygiene, client care, and business fundamentals. Several of our current team members started as apprentices.
Local Art Sponsorship
We sponsor local art exhibitions, tattoo conventions, and creative events in Pune and Mumbai. Art deserves support - especially the unconventional kind.
Guest Artist Programme
We regularly invite guest artists from across India and internationally to work at our studios. This brings fresh perspectives to our team and exposes our clients to diverse styles.
Scar & Trauma Cover-Up Programme
We offer discounted cover-up tattoos for clients who want to transform scars from accidents, surgeries, or self-harm into beautiful art. All consultations are completely confidential.
Our Promise to You
As Seen In
RJ Tattoo Studio has been featured in leading publications and platforms across India including Times of India, Pune Mirror, Mid-Day, LBB (Little Black Book), and What's Hot.
For Press Enquiries: press@rjtattoostudio.com
About Us FAQ
When was RJ Tattoo Studio founded?
RJ Tattoo Studio was founded in 2011 by Raj Waghela in Pune. We've since expanded to a second location in Bandra West, Mumbai.
How many tattoos has RJ Tattoo Studio completed?
We've completed over 5 Lakh custom tattoos across our Pune and Mumbai studios.
Are your artists certified?
Yes - all artists are licensed, insured, and undergo regular training in tattoo technique, hygiene, and safety protocols.
Do you offer apprenticeships for aspiring tattoo artists?
Yes - we run a paid apprenticeship programme. Visit our Careers page for current openings.
Can I host a private event at the studio?
Yes - we've hosted private tattoo parties, brand collaborations, and content creator sessions. Contact us to discuss your idea.
How can I stay updated with RJ Tattoo Studio news?
Follow us on Instagram (@rjtattoostudio), subscribe to our blog, or check our social channels for the latest updates, offers, and behind-the-scenes content.
Now You Know Our Story. Ready to Start Yours?
Book a free consultation, meet our team, and discover why thousands of clients trust RJ Tattoo Studio with their most personal art.