A UK Tattoo Artist Accepts Pokémon Cards as Payment in Creative Barter Deal

Totton, UK — In an innovative twist on client payment options, tattoo artist Martin Moore, co-owner of Mavericks Tattoo Studio in Totton near Southampton, has begun accepting Pokémon trading cards in exchange for his ink work.

Moore, a longtime Pokémon enthusiast who has amassed tens of thousands of cards over the years, announced the offer to help offset the rising costs of tattoos amid economic pressures. The initiative allows clients to trade valuable or sought-after cards—new or vintage—in lieu of cash, with the value assessed based on the card’s market worth and the tattoo’s complexity and size.

“People have already taken me up on it,” Moore told BBC News. “It helps make tattoos more accessible while letting me grow my collection at the same time.” The artist, known for his black-and-grey realism style, said the barter system taps into the vibrant trading card community and nostalgia surrounding the Pokémon franchise.

The story, first reported by BBC South on February 27, 2026, highlights a growing trend of creative, non-monetary exchanges in the tattoo industry. Similar informal trades have appeared elsewhere, but Moore’s public promotion stands out for blending personal passion with professional services.

While traditional payment remains the norm at Mavericks, the Pokémon card option has sparked interest among collectors and fans. Moore evaluates submissions individually, ensuring fair trades that benefit both parties.

This unconventional approach underscores how artists are adapting to client needs in creative ways, turning hobbies into pathways for body art.