Frequently Asked Questions

BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT

It is recommended that you gently exfoliate leading up to your appointment and lightly moisturise.

Have a good night's sleep and avoid drinking alcohol

Eat a good meal before attending your appointment.

ON THE DAY

Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your appointment. 

Please come alone to your appointment unless previously discussed as we have limited space. 

Please make sure you have filled out your consent form. 

THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU

Photo Identification 

Drinks and snacks if you're going to be in for a while.

If you would prefer to wear headphones while being tattooed please feel free. I won't be offended and I want you to be comfortable.

BOOKING

Why do I have to pay a booking fee?

We require a booking fee so that our time and set up cost is covered if you need to cancel your appointment and so we are paid for our drawing time.

Can I have a tattoo if I’m under 18?

Nope not under any circumstances it is illegal to tattoo someone underage even with parental consent.

Do I need a photographic ID or can I use something else?

We will only accept ID that includes a photo. 

DESIGN WORK

Do I need to know what I want before booking in?

Yes! Please do not book in if you do not have a solid idea of what you would like as this can lead to drawing fees and cancelled appointments.

Will you draw up my tattoo before I book it?

As we have multiple drawings to complete weekly for all of our clients we are unable to draw up a design without a booking and a booking fee being paid.

When will I be able to see my design?

Your design will be sent to you two-three days before your appointment. This helps ensure each client the same amount of attention regarding design work.

What is a revision?

A revision is a change that you make to the design you have been sent, a revision is an instruction sent within one email.

Why do you charge for more than two revisions?

We have to charge for more than two revisions to protect our time management, unfortunately some people have taken advantage of more than two revisions so now we have to cap it.

Why don't you just tattoo exactly what I sent you?

We can’t always tattoo exactly the drawing you have sent this can be for multiple reasons but include.

  • It is not a tattoo-able design, not everything that has been drawn will directly translate well to a tattoo so we have to make adjustments.

  • It would be considered plagiarism and therefore theft. Drawings often fall under something called a creative commons licence and are the ownership of the person who created it. There are tattooers who will copy anything but they are considered to be unethical and frowned upon by the community in general.

  • We are artists ourselves, most of us got into this field of work because we like to be creative and you will get the best work from us by allowing us to take your idea and put our own spin on it. You should be familiar with your artist's work and be excited to see what they create. If you are not, we recommend you look for someone else who will make you excited about what they will come up with.

Can you use my own Drawing that I or a friend did?

We can but we may have to make changes to make it work as a tattoo. We always cross check anything that has been sent to cover ourselves in case of plagiarism. 

PRACTICAL TATTOOING

Why has my artist told me my design has to go bigger? 

An artist will suggest you go bigger for a design so that it will have space to expand over time as tattoos do and will look good for years to come. 

But I’ve seen micro tattoos on Instagram/pinterest?

Many of these designs are fake or will not hold up as the years go by. Generally a tattoo artist is looking out for you if they suggest something will not work.

Why am I being recommended to a different artist?

We want you to have the best tattoo and that means we will pair you with the person who specialises in the style you have sent.

Can you cover up my tattoo?

Tattoo cover ups require a lot of thought and planning and can be a challenge. 

It is worth bearing in mind that the only thing that can cover black is black and you may need to go bigger than your existing tattoo to make a good cover up. If you're not sure send us a photo and we can book you in for a consultation to discuss your options.

BEFORE YOUR TATTOO

Should I shave the area myself?

You don’t need to, we can do it for you! Its best to let us do it so that the exact area is shaved.

Tips before a tattoo?

Drink water, moisturise and eat well! 

Should I shower before my tattoo?

Yes, please.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Loose comfortable clothing that can help us access the area easily. Don't wear your best clothes as we can not guarantee ink or stencil will not get on them.

Why shouldn't I drink before an appointment?

Apart from you may not feel your best after a night drinking, it may thin your blood making tattooing you harder.

DURING

Can I use numbing cream?

Most artists are happy for you to use numbing cream, although I myself am not. If numbing cream is to be used the only one I will recommend is Emla, and I won’t tattoo you if you use any other brand. We recommend that you research the risks of allergic reaction yourself before buying and applying.

How do I apply Numbing cream?

Using a thick layer apply to the area you are having tattooed. Then wrap this in cling film. It is best to do this 30 minutes to an hour before your tattoo begins.

Can you provide me with numbing cream?

We can not provide numbing cream.

Can I bring people with me?

We are a small studio and recommend that you only bring one person with you if you feel it is absolutely necessary. 

Are children allowed in the studio?

Children can not come back to the tattoo area and we do not have the space to accommodate them at the front while you are being tattooed so please do not bring children to the appointment. Make this your time!

Is there anything I shouldn’t do when getting a tattoo?

Limiting movement while being tattooed is obviously a good idea, but less obvious things include:

Not touching your tattoo with bare hands, as you could cause contamination. 

Not eating before your tattoo.

Not placing items on the sterile work surface the artist uses, this could contaminate the area.

What Hygiene procedures do you follow?

Pretty much everything we use is single use apart from the tattoo machine itself! 

Every surface is wrapped and sanitised prior to and after your tattoo. 

Medical disinfectant is used and we use an aseptic technique while wearing gloves. 

Your skin is sanitised before and after your tattoo.