Tattoo Q & A

General

Q. How do I go about getting a tattoo?

A. The first step is to figure out what you want. Next, stop by the shop for an in-person consultation to go over all the design details such as size, placement, etc. Then, we will go over pricing and scheduling.

 

Q. I want a tattoo, but I do not know what I want. How do I decide?

A. The choice is completely up to you, and should not be left up to anyone but you. Tattoos are permanent, and they are something you will have to live with for the rest of your life. If you are having trouble thinking of ideas, start thinking about the things that interest you or are personal to you. Also, you can check websites such as Pinterest or check Google images to help with inspiration.

 

 

Q. I know what I want, but I do not have any reference material. Can you draw something for me?

A. Absolutely! We are a custom tattoo shop, and we prefer to design your tattoo to fit you. The process of designing a tattoo is not free, however. If you would like Richie to draw something for you, he does require an appointment and a $40 nonrefundable deposit which will go towards the price of your tattoo.

 

Q. Can I email you a picture of what I want just to get a price?

A. Yes. To do this, use the message box above . We need to know size, placement, color, details, etc. If you email the picture with all relevant information, we will provide you with an estimate. Then, you can actually schedule the appointment through this website as well. 

 

Q. How old do you have to be to get a tattoo?

A. You must be 18 years old. We do not allow parental consent.

 

Q. Do you do walk-ins?

A. We do walk-ins when time allows. We recommend setting up an appointment in advance. We do not always have openings on a daily basis, and not all tattoos can be done as a walk-in.

 

 

Q. How much do sleeves cost?

A. How long is a piece of string?

 

Q. Can I get a tattoo if I am pregnant?

A. No.

 

 

Appointment Scheduling

Q. Can I set up my appointment online?

A. Yes. You must first have a consultation with Richie at which point he will quote either an hourly rate or a session rate. Then, you may set up the appointment through this website. A cash deposit  of $40 is due at the time of booking.

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Q. How long is your wait list?

A. It varies by the time of year. 

 

Q. Can I set up an appointment for someone else (daughter, friend, etc.)

A. No. We require a consultation with the actual person getting tattooed.

 

Q. What happens if I cannot make my appointment or I need to be late?

A. We require a 24 hour notice to reschedule the appointment in order to avoid deposit forfeiture. If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late, you will have to reschedule for another time. We will allow 1 rescheduled appointment with a $40 deposit. The 2nd time the appointment is canceled, even with 24 hour notice, another $40 deposit will be required in order to reschedule.

 

 

The Tattoo process

Q. Can I come in (days) before my appointment to see my design?

A. All designs are drawn in the order of our appointments. Unless specifically stated otherwise, we will have your design ready the day of your appointment. If we need to make changes to your design, we will do it at the start of your appointment.

 

Q. What do I do if I changed my mind about what I want after I set up the appointment?

A. You will need to let us know that your concept has changed at least 24 hours before your appointment in order to avoid rescheduling.

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Healing

Q. How do I take care of my new tattoo?

A. We will provide oral and written care instructions during your tattoo process.

 

Q. What do you recommend that I put on my new tattoo?

A. We recommend using only non-scented soap and water for the first few days. We sell H2Ocean, a foam soap that is designed specifically for tattoo healing, but any non-scented soap and lukewarm water will do the trick. We recommend that you wash your new tattoo at least 2-3 times per day until your tattoo goes into the ‘ugly’ stage. The ‘ugly’ stage is marked by peeling, itching and dryness. At this point, you may use non-scented and non-medicated lotion. There are many over-the counter brands of lotion you can choose from. 

 

Q. My friend told me that I should use A&D ointment. Can I use this on my tattoo?

A. We cannot endorse or recommend any other product including A&D ointment. Most ointments are oil-based which will serve as barrier on your new tattoo. Please remember while healing your new tattoo, that it is an open wound. One of the worst things you could do while healing your tattoo is to put unnecessary products (ointment, plastic, etc) on it that prevent your new tattoo from getting air. Your new tattoo needs to breathe. Whereas A&D ointment (and other products) may help with the symptoms of your new tattoo such as dryness, redness, etc., it does not contribute directly to the healing process. In fact, oil based products such as A&D ointment can make your tattoo heal slower. 

 

Q. Should I bandage my tattoo in saran wrap for three days?

A. Definitely not. All fresh tattoos need to be bandaged immediately after the tattoo process in order to soak up the bodily fluids (blood and plasma). Plastic does not soak up anything. Plastic wrap is used in occlusive bandaging procedures which are associated with severe burns. This process is done under nurse surveillance and is not appropriate for tattoos. The plastic wrap prevents your tattoo from getting air and traps in the heat. It also does not prevent blood borne exposure. Plastic wrap does not prevent bad bacteria from invading. You wouldn’t smother your face in plastic, so please do not smother your tattoo in plastic either. Additionally, you should not re-bandage or cover your tattoo during the healing process.