Frequently Asked Questions
- What payment methods are accepted?
- Is my deposit refundable?
- Are there booking fees or deposits required?
- How much does a tattoo cost?
- What happens if I need to cancel?
- What happens if my artist cancels?
- Does getting a tattoo hurt?
- Where do you begin?
- What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
- What if I have allergies to latex?
- Can I bring my children to the studio?
- What activities should I avoid after getting a new tattoo?
- How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
- Will you tattoo minors?
- Do you offer gift cards?
- What should i bring to my appointment?
- Do you use numbing creams?
- Can you send me the design before my appointment?
- What if i am late for my appointment?
- Can i drink alcohol, Smoke, or take drugs/pills?
- Do i need I.D.?
- I have dark skin-tone, can i still get color tattoos?
- Can i get tattoos while pregnant?
- How old do i have to be?
- My tattoo is peeling, is that normal?
- I see bruising, is that normal?
is my deposit refundable?
No, deposits are non-refundable.
Deposits are used to secure the appointment time. When/If you make an appointment, it is applied towards the cost of your tattoo.
If you need to reschedule, as long as you give at least a 24-hour notice, the deposit will remain on your account for 12 months from the date it was placed.
Without a 24-hour notice, the deposit will be used to compensate the artist for the time that was scheduled and the work they did on the design.
Our artists should not come to work for free.
What happens if I need to cancel?
In the event that you need to reschedule, please CALL THE SHOP to give us a minimum of 24 hours notice.
However, we do strive to accommodate our clients to the best of our abilities!
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS ARE ACCEPTED?
We prefer cash transactions, no service fees for any party involved. however, we gladly accept surcharge free payment methods: Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo and Cash App.
Are there booking fees or deposits required?
Yes, There is a minimum of $100 deposit (or at least the cost of your design if less) to secure your spot on an artist’s calendar.
Your booking fee/deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE and is applied to the cost of your final tattoo session.
The following will result in a forfeit of your booking fee:
- Changing your design/idea more than two times.
- Failure to show up for your appointment.
- Failure to give at least 48-hour notice of cancellation.
- Leaving a booking fee for over a 60 day period (with no contact).
- Choosing to switch artists after consult/design.
Final cost of your tattoo may vary, depending on complexity, and time it takes, but will be discussed with you before, or during your appointment.
Where do you begin?
Firstly, we recommend setting up a consultation appointment to talk to an artist about your tattoo ideas.
Next the artist will design your tattoo, this can take some time. Depending on your artists schedule and the complexity of your piece, this can range from a day or two up to a few weeks
Once your artist has a design created, they will contact you regarding approval and to set up an appointment.
If your design doesn’t require consultation, you will still need to stop by to drop off a deposit for your appointment.
Give our team a call and share your artistic vision. We’ll swiftly create a customized plan that brings your vision to life.
How much does a tattoo cost?
We have a shop minimum of $50, for tiny pieces, but final prices may vary.
Different types of tattoo work are more involved and require more work to accomplish, which increases price.
Size, placement, details/complexity, and color choices all affect the final price of a tattoo. A full color portrait on your ribs will definitely cost more than a solid black tribal forearm piece.
Smaller does NOT always mean cheaper, and simple is not always inexpensive.
Hourly rates can vary from $75-$250 per hour.
With the proper information given (size, style, placement, etc…), our artists will be able to give you a price estimate for the piece based upon your description. These prices are only quotes, and are subject to change.
Our experience in the tattoo industry ensures that we are usually close to the potential final time estimates.
Our tattoo shop also offers full day rates for large projects, which usually saves a % off our hourly rates.
(min. 8+hr session to qualify for large rate)
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Yes, getting a tattoo generally involves some level of pain.
Tattooing involves injecting ink into the dermis (the layer of skin beneath the epidermis), which causes localized swelling and damage to the skin.
Although the intensity varies, it depends on:
- Individual person’s pain tolerance
- Larger more complex tattoos generally take longer to complete and may cause more discomfort.
- Its location – Sensitive areas with more nerves and less fat (like the ribs, inner arms, and ankles) tend to be more painful.
Most clients find it bearable, often comparing the pain as similar to a cat scratch or a sunburn.
Prepare yourself by getting a full night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal, and staying hydrated for the best tattoo experience.
What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
Prior to your appointment, please be careful to follow these guidelines.:
- DO NOT sunburn the area where you will be placing a tattoo.
- Don’t shave the area, your artist will prepare the area before placing a stencil.
- DO NOT use lotion or moisturizer on the area prior to your tattoo, as this can soften and over hydrate your skin.
- Eat a full meal
- Be fully hydrated when arriving.
- Make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before.
And don’t forget to bring your valid ID!
What if I have allergies to latex?
We offer non-latex products (Nitrile) for clients with allergies.
Be sure to disclose any allergies on your consent form.
Can I bring my children to the studio?
It is generally not recommended to bring your children (under 18) to a tattoo shop, unless you can’t help it.
Although we are a family friendly tattoo studio, with most of our staff being parents themselves, Be Mindful that you are entering into a Mature setting. Some mature language may be heard, or NSFW imagery may be displayed in a tattoo shop environment.
Children must be well-behaved to respect other clients, as well as to not disturb the artists or their parents while a session is underway.
What activities should I avoid after getting a new tattoo?
After getting a tattoo, avoid touching the tattoo with unwashed hands, swimming, direct sun exposure, and shaving the tattooed area.
Follow our tattoo aftercare guide for optimal healing and to preserve tattoo quality.
How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
Healing varies, but typically takes 2-3 weeks for surface healing. Full healing may take up to a few months, depending on size and placement.
Follow our tattoo aftercare guide for optimal healing and to preserve tattoo quality.
Will you tattoo minors?
We do tattoo minors under specific conditions. See our Minor Consent page for more info.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes, we do offer gift cards/certificates in any amount. They make a great gift for anyone considering a tattoo.
what should i bring to my appointment?
Coming in well-rested and having a proper meal beforehand is crucial.
Consider your clothing options. Loose, dark or black clothes is ideal, in case of stains from ink splatter or blood.
In case of tattoos in intimate zones; wear or bring clothes with adjustable zippers or ties – Bikini/swimwear, loose shorts, loose tank tops, hoodies, etc…
Pack snacks, lots of water, and possibly pain relievers or anti-inflammatory meds for afterward.
Bring comfort items like a pillow and blanket, headphones, and some form of entertainment or distraction.
DO NOT wear leggings, tights, spandex, or other forms of restrictive/tight clothing, as it can affect the healing process, and be uncomfortable after the session.
do you use numbing creams?
We generally like to avoid numbing creams. The relief is hit-or-miss and is temporary, lasting a short time. The pain after it wears off is usually more intense, and can take longer to re-numb if at all.
We CAN use numbing agents, but we typically like to reserve the use, when necessary, to the end of a tattoo session to relieve discomfort; rather than to “attempt” to mask the entire process. It makes the last few hours of a session much more tolerable.
The process of “pre-numbing” a tattoo area can alter the texture of your skin by over moisturizing, affecting both the application of your tattoo during a session and the healing of your skin afterwards.
Can you send me the design before my appointment?
Short answer is, no.
In order to protect the artist’s work, we do NOT send photos out of designs before appointments.
Prior to your appointment you do NOT get to keep the design, take the design with you, photograph the design, have the design emailed, or possess the design in any way. This is to protect our artists work, and to ensure you don’t take it elsewhere.
As part of the consultation process, you are required to stop by the shop to review and approve your design. Once accepted, we will set up your actual tattoo appointment.
Your deposit covers the artists time to draw/design, not your design.
At their discretion, you can ask to purchase your design from the artist.
Yes, AFTER the final appointment, when the tattoo is finished, you are able to take your design with you if you wish.
what if i am late for my appointment?
If you know you are going to be late, please contact your artist to reschedule and let them know ahead of time if you need to make changes.
If you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, without contacting your artist, your session is considered a no-show, your deposit will be forfeit and paid to the artist for loss of their time. You will be required to pay another deposit for another appointment to hold the new time slot.
Can i drink alcohol, Smoke, or take drugs/pills?
No to all questions.
Unless “smoking” is referring to cigarettes, or nicotine Vapes, but then not inside the studio during session.
State laws prohibit us from tattooing or piercing anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you do show up drunk or high, your appointment will be rescheduled, and your deposit will be forfeited to the artist for their lost schedule time.
If you are caught consuming drugs or alcohol during your appointment, your session will end, you will be asked to leave without refund. Your appointment MAY or MAY NOT be rescheduled, depending on the situation.
Do i need I.D.?
YES. No exceptions.
Current/Valid State or Federal issued identification (driver’s license, passport, armed services, etc.) must be presented at the time of your appointment in order to be tattooed.
I have dark skin-tone, can i still get color tattoos?
Absolutely! Contrary to what you might have heard, color tattoos are completely possible on darker skin tones.
Some colors will show better than others, and will take on different hues so talk with your artist to learn about the mechanics of color on different skin types.
See our post on Skin types.
Can i get tattoos while pregnant?
Congratulations! But no.
While it is not against any state or county laws to tattoo a pregnant client, we will not tattoo anyone who is pregnant.
We strongly urge you to wait until after your pregnancy. The physical stress of tattooing can be taxing, and not what you – or the baby – need at this time. It can potentially lead to complications, which no one wants.
i am 16, can i get a tattoo? How old do i have to be?
* Your States laws may vary.
Most states require 18+ only*, but some states do allow underaged tattooing (14yrs+) with a notarized parental permission form, and Valid ID’s for both the parent and minor. Also, The parent who signed the notarized permission form MUST be present during the complete session.
We typically don’t recommend getting tattoos under the age of 18, as your likes/dislikes will change as you get older, and your skin is still growing, so it can change the look of your tattoo more drastically.
Our ability to tattoo under 18 depends on which state/county we are currently working in at the time/place of your appointment. Contact us to help figure out if we can assist you.
What happens if my artist cancels?
In the event an artist needs to cancel, and/or reschedule your appointment they will contact you a minimum of 24-hours in advance, but will try to give more time due to possible schedule conflicts.
All deposits are non-refundable, and are used to pay the artist for their time and design. Any deposits paid will be retained and applied to your next appointment, when/if you reschedule.
Be sure to answer a call, reply to a text, or call back if an artist attempts to contacts you.
You are 100% elegable for a deposit refund if the artist no-shows for your appointment without attempting to contact you atleast 1 hour before your appointment, unless there is an emergency.
Contact us if you have any questions.
My tattoo is peeling, is that normal?
Yes, so do not worry— and DO NOT PICK!
During normal tattoo aftercare, light flaking and peeling typically occurs after four to ten days, depending on your body’s healing time. Just keep up your aftercare routine until the peeling stops.
Sometimes small scabs might remain after the initial peeling, which is also normal.
Take a peek at our Tattoo Aftercare Guidelines, and again: DO NOT PICK at your tattoo. Pulling at flaking skin or scabs can/will prolong healing and MAY remove color.
Remember, we’ve seen it all. We know when you’ve been picking or not caring for your tattoo properly. A “bad tattoo” looks different from “bad aftercare“.
We do offer touch ups for our mistakes, but we do not offer free touch-ups for color/ink loss that is the result of improper aftercare.
See our Tattoo Aftercare Guidelines to make sure you follow the correct steps.
I see bruising, is that normal?
Yes, bruising can sometimes occur. It will not ruin your tattoo, but it can cause healing to take a little longer.
Ask Us Anything
Whether you’ve got general questions about tattoo aftercare, want to know how much your custom tattoo might cost, or just want some insight on the tattooing experience, our tattoo artists have the answers you need.
Are there any more questions that you have in mind?
Not able to locate the answers you seek? Feel free to reach out and initiate a conversation.