FAQ
As tattoo culture has increased in popularity, we have seen a rise in unrealistic service and tattoo expectations. We believe it is our job to give our clients the best tattoo we possibly can - a tattoo that has an immediate visual impact and will look good for the rest of the wearer’s life. Part of giving our clients the best tattoo we possibly can involves education.
Contacting Us
When contacting us, please call the shop. While messaging us may be convenient for you, it is very difficult to be efficient and direct when communicating through email and social networks. If you reach the voicemail, leave us a message and we will call you back as soon as we can. As with all stages of the tattooing process: PLEASE BE PATIENT.
Walk-ins
We always take walk-in consultations and also take walk-in tattoos when our schedules allow. We encourage clients to call ahead for walk-in availability, but all walk-ins are done on a first come, first served basis.
Selecting an Artist
We recommend looking at an artist’s work to decide whom to work with. We can also help with recommendations if there are time limitations or it’s just too difficult to decide. Availability varies by artist.
Booking Appointments in Advance
In many cases a client and artist need to communicate prior to booking the tattoo appointment. We prefer that clients book consultation appointments for large or involved tattoos, if drawing time is needed or if there is a particular artist that they would like to work with.
Consultations
Arrive at a consultation appointment prepared. It helps to bring 2 or 3 printed images for reference, as WE DO NOT HAVE A COMPUTER ON THE PREMISIS. Check spelling and grammar for quotes and lettering. If the lettering is in a foreign language, check that the translation is from a reliable source (NOT GOOGLE).
Deposits
Every artist takes a deposit after a consultation before setting up any tattoo appointments. This deposit goes toward the cost of a tattoo, applied to the final session. We only accept cash. All deposits are non-refundable.
Deciding on a Tattoo Design
The best tattoos have immediate visual impact and longevity. There are several factors that will determine whether or not a tattoo has these characteristics: composition, size, colors, placement and orientation. Being open to artists’ suggestions and advice is an important part of the process.
Composition
The artist will typically try to minimize clutter when designing tattoos. This applies to lettering as well. Try to capture the essence of a tattoo idea in as few words as possible. The limitations in the size of a lengthy quote, combined with the natural aging of the lines will cause blurring, and make the tattoo hard to read.
Size
Large tattoos aren’t for everyone, and we love small tattoos just as much as large ones. The number one regret we see with clients is getting a tattoo that is too small. When this is the case, the tattoo will be hard to see, won’t look as bright and bold and details will fade over time. We recommend going big, and understanding that small tattoos will need to be simplified.
Color (or Black and Gray)
The choice of color or black and gray is a personal decision. Color outlines, watercolor, white tattoos and any tattoos that lack black lines and shading are inherently problematic because all colors fade - however, black fades less. Black anchors other colors in tattoos so that they appear brighter and provides a framework for the design. Inconsistencies in the skin will show through with white tattoos making them uneven or yellow, so we never recommend white outlines.
Placement
Desired visibility of the tattoo will help determine the best location for it. The torso is the part of the body most susceptible to change as far as weight gain/loss, pregnancy, etc. which will distort the tattoo over time. Tattoos on hands, feet, elbows, and knees tend to be inconsistent due to fat cell distribution and daily wear and tear.
Orientation
The position of the tattoo should be determined by the orientation of the body when standing in a natural, relaxed position. The head is considered up, feet considered down, and all tattoos should be facing the center line of the body.