So, you want a tattoo?

Some things you should know first:

Click the link below to see a list of frequesntly asked questions.

FAQ

Also see below for information on the custom art work process, how to choose the right artist or studio for you, and aftercare instructions.

The Custom Artwork Process

When you’ve chosen your artist, you’ll first make a consultation appointment to talk about your tattoo. You’ll meet with the artist to communicate your ideas, your goals, and see if you and the artist are compatible and can successfully communicate with one another. Remember that even if an artist is talented and does beautiful work, your ideas and expectations may not be the best fit for their skill set. For instance, you would not expect to go to an artist that specializes in dark black and grey work and ask them to do a colorful floral piece.

Another thing to remember is that tattooing is a collaborative process. Not all artwork or ideas are tattooable. Trust your artist’s input because she has your best interests in mind for the life and beauty of your tattoo.
Once you and the artist have met and decided to go forward with your tattoo project, you’ll give the artist a deposit in order to start the drawing time. The deposit in most cases goes towards your tattoo time, but sometimes a part of it will be used for drawing time. The artist of course may have several clients that she is already working on drawings for, so your name will go at the bottom of her draw list. The draw list is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The artist will usually give you an estimate of how long the drawing may take to finish.

Drawing time really varies per artist, subject matter, and size of art. For larger pieces, drawings can take several months and sometimes more than one consult to complete. Once your custom artwork is created for you, we expect that you will start the tattoo within 3 months from the date the finished artwork is shown to you. If you are not able to follow through for one reason or another we appreciate some sort of communication from you. If you can keep in touch and tell us that now is not a good time but you still want to do it, we will save your deposit and your artwork. But if a year goes by and we don't hear from you, we reserve the right to recycle your artwork and your deposit will be forfeited.

Of course the time required to complete large tattoos is a big commitment. It can take years to finish a back peice or a sleeve, and you must be able to come in for sessions at least every 2 months. The purpose of this is to keep the whole tattoo looking consistent. When you start a tattoo and don't come back for a year to get your next session, most of your tattoo will need to be gone over again to make the whole thing look fresh.

Having a custom peice of art created for your body is a rewarding experience and when you trust your artist and have a real committment to the process you will end up with an amazing and beautiful tattoo.

 

Choosing the Right Artist or Studio for You

In recent years tattooing has experienced a new wave of popularity. The general public is bombarded with tattooed celebrities, tattoo iconography and a barrage of reality shows. While popularity is good for business, it can also be a double-edged sword. People often make the mistake of assuming that one tattoo shop is just as good as another. On the contrary, new tattoo shops are popping up everywhere, and not every one of them follows the same standards of cleanliness and high quality body art. The permanence of tattoos is a real issue that people seem to forget. Here are a few hints to help you make the best, most informed choice of Tattoo artist or studio to get your body art:

1. Firstly, do some research. Search online for tattoo studios in your area. Check out their web sites – a shop that has a web site with a gallery of their work is a good sign that they care about their public image.

2. When you’ve decided on a shop that you want to use, visit the shop before getting the work done. Reputable shops and artists will have portfolios of their work readily available. When you look at their portfolios keep in mind you are interviewing artists who will permanently alter your body. Make sure that the photos are in focus and the tattoos look clean. When you look at the tattoos, notice the line work and shading. Lines should be consistently solid and smooth, and shading should be well blended and bright. Also make a note of the artwork and placement. If the artwork is unique and inspired and the placement flattering you have found someone worthy of doing your body art.

3. In the shop or studio, notice the overall appearance and atmosphere. Make sure the shop smells and looks clean, is well-lit, and the staff are courteous and helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the shop’s procedures and practices. Needles should be single-use only, surfaces should be covered with plastic barriers during the tattooing process, all reusable equipment should be sterilized in a steam-pressure sterilizer after each use, and all surfaces cleaned with a germicidal or anti-microbial cleaner.

4. Remember: Bargain hunting should take no part in your search for an artist. With cheap tattoos – the old adage “you get what you pay for” is not only true, but when you gamble with your body you end up either having to paying double to fix it later on or worse - you could really get injured. There are tattooers out there with little or no scruples that will just take your money and let you deal with the consequences. Is it really a “good deal” if you’re left scarred for life or end up paying hundreds to get it covered up or lazered off later?

Getting Body Art can be an incredibly gratifying and often life-changing experience. Make your decisions with the respect and responsibility that your body deserves. When you're careful and thoughtful about your choices you will end up with body art that you will truly be happy with and proud to show off for many many years to come.

 

Beforecare Instructions

Here are a few things we would like you to know to about preparation to make your tattoo session more pleasant.

The night before:
-Do NOT drink alcohol
-Get a good nights sleep
What to do before your appointment:
-Eat a full meal at least an hour before your session
-Set up daycare for children
What to bring to your appointment:
-Snacks ie: trail mix, power bars, gum, fruit, or candy ect.
-Fluids ie: Water, orange juice, gatorade ect.
-Wear comfortable clothes ie: Sweats or clothing that is easy to remove from the area being tattooed. Make sure not to wear expensive clothing. There is a possibility that pigment might get on your clothes.

We are here to make your tattoo experience a wonderful one for life. We must ask you, please do not bring more than one friend to share this memory. It is important to be considerate of our artists and the other people getting tattooed. They are as important as you are to us.
Finally, enjoy yourself. Have fun. We'll do our best to make you happy.

 

Aftercare Instructions

Leave bandage on for at least 2 hrs.

Wash tattoo immediately after removing bandage with your hands, warm water, and a gentle soap (we recommend Noxzema original formula in a pump bottle).

We recommend that for your first night, protect the tattoo from your sheets by wearing a garment or another bandage over the tattoo. Your artist will tell you whether or not you need to re-bandage for the first night. After that, DO NOT bandage again. (Your skin needs oxygen to heal.)

For the next 3 days, wash your tattoo 3-5 times each day. Keep tattoo clean and dry, this means no ointments!

After 3 days your tattoo will start to become dry, itchy, feel tight, or look flaky. A gentle non-scented lotion may be applied at this point to relieve any of these symptoms.

For the next 2-3 weeks: Protect the tattoo from irritation by keeping rough clothing from rubbing against it. Do not scratch or pick at tattoo. Do not soak tattoo (Short showers are Ok, but no: sitting in hot tubs or bath tubs, or swimming in lakes, rivers or pools); Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or chlorinated water for 30 days. To prolong the colors in your tattoo, a good sun block is recommended after the tattoo is healed.

Do not listen to friends or co-workers!!! It is important to follow the instructions your artist gives you, because they did the work and they know how to heal it. Don’t wait if you think something is not right. Call your artist and we can answer questions and help you if you feel you are not healing well.