Table Of Contents
I’m getting a tattoo/piercing what should I bring or how shou
ld I prepare for the experience?
I’m under the age of 18 will you tattoo or pierce me?
I’ve heard that people can “pass out” or vomit during a tattoo/piercing? Is this true? Will I?
I have a medical condition (HIV/AIDS/Diabetes, etc.) will you tattoo/pierce me?
Can I get HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, MRSA, or any other infections from getting a tattoo or body piercing?
My friend just bought a tattoo kit and wants to practice on me. Should I let them?
Do you have a minimum charge?
How much do tattoos cost?
Can you quote me a price over the phone? How about via e-mail?
Do I need an appointment?
What is the most/least painful spot to get a tattoo?
Do you do touch ups?
If I draw a design can you do that as a tattoo for me?
I just got a new tattoo on my leg - can I shave?
So, when is it safe to shave again?
How can I tell if a shop is clean?
How can I spot a good tattoo artist?
What's an autoclave? How is it used in tattooing?
How can I tell that the needles being used are new and clean?
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m getting a tattoo/piercing what should I bring or how should I prepare for the experience?
--We require that you bring proper ID.
Proper ID includes:
Valid State License or State issued ID
Valid Military ID
Valid Passport
--We recommend that you dress for the occasion. So for example if you want a tattoo on your upper arm, don’t wear a long sleeve shirt, maybe wear a long sleeve shirt with a tank top underneath, so that you feel comfortable and the artist does not have to work around your clothing.
--We also recommend that you eat a solid meal 2-3 hours before.
--Most of all RELAX!!
--Even though we have the highest
standards in our art, we do enjoy what we do and have a crazy sense
of humor!
-- Other things to keep in mind--
** If you are feeling faint/ lightheaded/dizzy/nauseous, tell the artist right away. Please don’t try to be “Mr. Tough Guy”. There is nothing wrong with taking breaks. We are prepared for these scenarios and know how to handle them. Even if you need to move positions, stretch, use the restroom, use your cell phone, sneeze, or cough, please let us know. These types of unexpected movements can be bad for your nice new tattoo. It is permanent!**
**Remember that we will not tattoo
or pierce anyone who is or even appears to be under the influence of
drugs or alcohol!**
**We will not tattoo or pierce those who are pregnant.**
**We do have all clients fill out simple disclaimer and sign for consent.**
I’m under the age of 18 will you tattoo or pierce me?
Yes we will, please visit “Our Policies” for more detailed information.
I’ve heard that people can “pass out” or vomit during a tattoo/piercing? Is this true? Will I?
--Most experiences that we’ve had with people that vomit or “pass out” have all been for basically the same reason. Usually, the cause is too much anxiety. Make sure you eat a solid meal about 2-3 hours before your tattoo or piercing, and remember to RELAX and BREATHE!!
I have a medical condition (HIV/AIDS/Diabetes, etc.) will you tattoo/pierce me?
--First and foremost we recommend
that you speak to your family physician about your medical condition
before receiving a tattoo or body piercing and then make the artist
aware of the condition. Having certain medical conditions is critical
for your artist to know for reasons like: a slowed healing process or
other complications. However we take all necessary precautions when
it comes to blood borne diseases, with or without disease we treat everyone
as equal.
Can I get HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, MRSA, or any other infections from getting a tattoo or body piercing?
--Getting a tattoo or body piercing
is basically like having minor surgery. Essentially trauma is done to
the body’s tissues and leaves a wound; the healing process begins.
Anytime that the body’s natural defense barrier, skin, is broken there
is a chance for any type of infection. Each infection has it’s own
characteristics. HIV is very delicate and can only survive outside for
a short period of time; is spread when highly infected blood is directly
introduced into another’s blood system. On the other hand Hepatitis
C can survive longer periods of time; is easily spread by “cat scratch
to cat scratch”. MRSA is an infection that is resistant to certain
antibiotics and can live outside the human body for approximately 5-7
days; transmission occurs through direct contact. MRSA can be transmitted
by direct contact of infected fluids through a break in the skin. Even
though these are very serious infections they can be avoided. The US
CDC has no reported cases of HIV that have been caused by tattooing.
Also in the past 20 years, the CDC has only found 1% of persons with
newly diagnosed hepatitis C had a history of being tattooed. Now on
the other hand MRSA has had numerous reported cases linked to tattooing.
It has been summarized that those who have MRSA from tattooing, were
being tattooed in unclean environments with non-sterile equipment.
To eliminate the transmission of
infection, we use individual portions of ink and lubricants; dispose
of them after each client, dispose of all needles according to OSHA
guidelines, use EPA antimicrobials to clean the stations after every
client, use protective barriers, and sterilize all single use equipment
in a spore tested autoclave. Every precaution that we take is standard
for all of our clients. We treat everyone, even ourselves, as if there
was an infection, this way everyone is protected.
*Tips – don’t let anyone touch
your tattoo or piercing during the healing process, follow all care
instructions, and don’t get tattooed or pierced out of someone’s
house --- Friends don’t let friends get infections*
For more information on the above infections check out the links below
My friend just bought a tattoo kit and wants to practice on me. Should I let them?
NO! Your friend could be putting both of your lives in danger by foolishly trying to learn this at home. Tell them they need to get a proper apprenticeship, and they can start practicing on you when their mentor (master) feels they are ready. If they don't know how to get an apprenticeship, read Apprenticeship: On the Hunt!
Do you have a minimum charge?
Our minimum charge is $40. We accept cash, debit cards, Visa, Master card, and Discover. We will not accept any personal checks.
How much do tattoos cost?
This varies on a number of factors,
such as size and the complexity of the design. Our studio minimum is
$40 and our hourly rate is $100. For custom work we usually require
a nonrefundable drawing deposit, from $20 - $50 depending on the piece.
This deposit is not an additional charge; it is subtracted from your
final tattoo price. When it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for.
We feel that we are very reasonable when it comes to our prices. Yes,
there are plenty of people tattooing out there that will ink you really
cheap, and you'll be crying to a real artist to have it covered up.
Look for quality, and be willing to pay for it. NEVER haggle over the
price of a tattoo, it is disrespectful to the artist. If you can't pay
for quality, don't bother. This is not a bargain bin. It is a piece
of art you will wear for life.
Can you quote me a price over the phone? How about via e-mail?
It usually is impossible for us
to give an accurate quote without speaking to you directly and seeing
the design, where you want your tattoo and how much time will be involved.
Our idea of a small star is usually different than your idea of a small
star. We can give an estimated price range, but we prefer that you stop
into our studio with your ideas so we can give you a more exact price.
We will be happy to discuss your ideas.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are helpful, however
are not necessary. We do except walk-ins, but there are times that our
scheduled appointments will not allow for walk-ins. Appointments are
honored before walk-ins! We suggest that if you have a particular date
and time in mind that you are available to get your tattoo, to schedule
an appointment to be on the safe side. We do have a policy on appointments;
please see “Our Policies”.
What is the most/least painful spot to get a tattoo?
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, so obviously there is no certain spot that is the least painful or the most painful. Typically, parts of the body that have “less meat” or more nerve endings are more sensitive (i.e. sternum, hands, feet). We suggest that you pick the spot that you WANT to have tattooed, and realize that is the more important decision. Most people find that that it is not nearly as bad as you anticipate.
Do you do touch ups?
Yes we do, please visit “Our Policies” for more detailed information.
If I draw a design can you do that as a tattoo for me?
Absolutely! Even if it is not the exact tattoo you want and even if you are not an artist, it’s an idea on paper that helps us to give you the perfect tattoo. We do not charge more this service. For custom drawings, we do require a deposit, but the deposit is subtracted from the total tattoo price.
I just got a new tattoo on my leg - can I shave?
After a couple days of stubble
and bristly skin, the urge to shave can be overwhelming. Unfortunately,
at this point, shaving is about as brutal on your tattoo as a weedwacker.
The wound is still fresh, and especially if you have any scabbing or
raised areas, you run the risk of damaging your artwork by running a
razor across it. Chemical hair removers are just as bad if not worse
- you never want to put anything like that on a fresh tattoo.
Of course, you can shave the area around the tattoo. Be sure any and
all creams, gels and/or hair follicles are cleaned away from the tattoo
immediately afterward, and then apply your ointment or lotion as directed
in your care packet.
So, when is it safe to shave again?
Your tattoo will go through several different stages, one of the last being the peeling stage. Once the peeling has finished, your skin will start to regenerate and produce a new protective layer over your tattoo. Once this new layer has appeared, it is usually safe to shave again. Depending on your tattoo and your own body's ability to heal, this can take anywhere from 5-10 days in most cases. Do this simple little skin test to see if it would be safe for you to shave:
Close your eyes and run the tips of your fingers across and around your tattoo. Are there any bumps? Raised areas? Hard scabs? The tattoo should feel the same as the skin around it - if you can tell where the tattoo begins and ends or feel any skin irregularities, you might need to wait a little longer.
Sometimes a tattoo can remain raised slightly for as long as a couple months. This can be very frustrating and itchy to the wearer. In this case, if the tattoo is completely healed with no open sores or scabs, an electric razor is you best option. Even a chemical hair remover would be better than a blade, but be sure to leave it on for the minimum time required to remove the unwanted hair. If you must use a blade razor, exercise extreme caution. Your tattoo is so close to being successfully healed - the last thing you want to do now is open it up.
Once a tattoo is completely healed, you can shave just like normal without worry.
How can I tell if a shop is clean?
- General cleanliness – clean windows, swept floors, free of odors (i.e. – trash, smoke, etc.)
- Ask to see sterilization equipment. Make sure autoclave indicators on all bags have changed color to show sterilization. Never let an artist tattoo you with equipment they don't open in front of you.
- Ask questions!!
How can I spot a good tattoo artist?
Good tattoos should have clean,
even lines and smooth, solid colors. Just because the artist works in
or owns a tattoo studio does not mean that he/she is a good tattoo artist.
This is why it is so important to look and compare tattoo artists work
before getting a tattoo. Check out their portfolio in the studio, online
galleries, myspace, etc.
What's an autoclave? How is it
used in tattooing?
An autoclave is a sterilizer which
uses heat and pressure to kill any microbes and/or pathogens on equipment.
If a tattoo shop doesn't have one, leave.
How can I tell that the needles being used are new and clean?
Ask your tattooist to show you
the equipment. Needles are typically packaged and pre-sterilized from
the manufacture, however some studios still make their own needles,
but they should still be taken out of a sterile package. So watch the
artist take your needles and tubes out of sterilization pouches with
sterile indicators on them. Watch them put together their machines.
Don't assume anything when your health is on the line.