Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience but it can also be a little nerve-racking. Below are some common questions most people have before getting their first tattoo.
The shop minimum is $50, but anything on your hands, feet, head, or neck starts at $100. Tattooing is a visual art, so pricing is always done in person.
Well, the $50 minimum is relatively inexpensive considering it will last the rest of your life. In addition, tattoos on the hands, neck, face, and feet are much tougher areas to work with and tend to need touchups, which are included in the $100 cost. If price is an issue I can always design to your personal budget as long as it’s a fair price for my efforts.
Script (cursive lettering) tattoos up to 8 letters and small (1-2 inch) black and grey tattoo designs and symbols.
Half sleeves, sleeves, large back pieces, bodysuits, and highly detailed or intricate designs are charged at the hourly rate of $150/hr. I can give estimates for the time needed prior to completing a tattoo, but keep in mind clean, neat, professional work is my goal with every tattoo. Prepare for at least 2 sessions of 2 hours or more ($600+) for most half sleeves and twice as long for full sleeves, but once again, times vary depending on the design.
Black and grey tattoos smaller than your palm are $50, including small symbols and lettering up to 10 letters.
No, $50 Fridays are for small, walk-in tattoos on a first come, first served basis, but you may come by and add your name to our walk-in list and come back later that day to get tattooed.
NThe shop minimum on tattoos in those areas is $100, so those tattoos do not fall under the $50 Friday deal.
You must be 18 years old to get tattooed.
Yes. You will need an official government issued ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Passport) to get a tattoo.
No. A student ID is not an official government issued ID, and cannot be used.
No. Walk-ins are accepted daily on a first come first served basis, but when additional time is needed for preparation and drawing an appointment will be made.
A $50 deposit is required at the time the appointment is set to ensure your time slot on the day of your appointment. It is non-refundable, but it goes towards the final cost of your tattoo.
That’s the other reason for the non-refundable fee. No shows are a disappointment, but this keeps it from being a total loss for me since preparation for the tattoo needed to be made.
As long as notification via phone, email, or text is made at least 24 hours in advance your appointment can be rescheduled. The deposit will be applied to the new date, but cannot be refunded.
Tattoos vary in the time it takes to complete them since every tattoo client is different when it comes to design, skin tone, and pain tolerance.
Each person has their own individual pain tolerance, but tattoos hurt much less than expected. However, areas like the ribs, feet, ankles, collarbones, and knuckles are some of the more painful areas to get tattooed.
No. For two reasons. First, the shop is small so we want to keep the lobby as open as possible for potential clients to view the artwork and portfolios. Also, the work area needs to be clear for foot traffic by the other artists and clients. Finally, while working the client and artist both need to be as calm and relaxed as possible. Friends tend to cause more harm than good when trying to converse with clients.
Yes. There are 2 different numbing ointments that can be applied to reduce pain and swelling that can be used for a $20 fee. The first must be applied to the skin 1 hour prior to starting the tattoo, and the second can only be used after the skin has already been broken.
No. It is not recommended to drink alcohol or use any drugs prior to getting tattooed. Alcohol thins the blood, which may cause excessive bleeding during the tattoo process and is a health hazard for the client and artist. Being under the influence of any drugs may also put the client at risk to becoming light-headed and dizzy.
Everyone is different, but generally it takes a tattoo 3-5 weeks to fully heal.
No. Direct sunlight is the worst thing for a fresh tattoo. Although decorative and fashionable, a tattoo is literally a healing wound, so allowing exposure of this very sensitive skin to be sun’s UV rays is not a good idea.
Yes. Most tattoo artists do as well, but will use a stencil for many of the simpler (smaller) tattoos in case sizing and placement changes after the design is finalized. Often times I will use both stencil and free hand when designing larger pieces. Whatever works best to help the art flow with the body and makes for the best tattoo will be the approach I take.
No. I do not make house calls or do tattoo parties. I have worked hard to get myself past the level of amateur scratcher, which has provided me with the opportunity to work in a fully functioning business establishment. The health risks and safety issues that go along with working outside of an established shop are not worth the profits.