Questions & Answers
The questions clients ask most before a sitting, answered plainly. Still curious? An artist is only a phone call away.
I'm nervous it will hurt — will you talk me through it?
Yes, every step. Most people find it far gentler than they feared, and placement makes a big difference — we'll show you where it tends to sting less. We work at your pace, stop whenever you ask and build in breaks on longer sittings, so nobody is gritting their teeth for hours.
Where should the tattoo go, and can I try more than one spot?
Bring your ideas and we'll try them all. We stencil the design on in each spot you're considering, so you can see it move with your body in the mirror. Wear something that leaves the area easy to reach, and bring a spare top if the placement means changing.
Do you take deposits, and is there a design fee?
A deposit holds your date and comes off the final price, so there is no separate design fee. For large pieces booked over several sittings, we can split the balance sitting by sitting. Deposits are refundable with 48 hours' notice, and we'll gladly move your date once.
Do I need ID, and is there a minimum age?
Yes. Everyone must be 18 or over and show photo ID on the day, even if you've been tattooed with us before. We can't make exceptions with a parent's consent. Bring a passport, driving licence or state ID card, and make sure it's in date before you arrive.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The surface usually settles in two to three weeks, and the skin underneath keeps healing for a couple of months. We send you home with written aftercare, a wrap for the first night and a balm we trust. Keep it clean, out of the sun and out of pools until it has fully healed.
Can you cover up an old tattoo I don't like?
Often, yes. Book a free in-person assessment and we'll tell you honestly what is possible. Darker or heavier old work may need a larger design, a few laser sessions first or a blackout approach. We'll only take on a cover-up we're confident will hide the old ink for good.
Do you take walk-ins?
On flash days, yes. The last Saturday of each month is walk-in only, with designs from the flash wall at fixed prices. On other days we work by appointment, but call ahead — if an artist has a gap, we'll fit in small pieces the same day. Custom work always needs a consult first.
Do you charge by the hour or by the piece?
Small and medium pieces are quoted by the piece, so you know the total before we start. Large work like sleeves and back pieces is priced per sitting, with an estimate of how many sittings it will need. Either way, the price is agreed in writing before the stencil goes on.
What should I bring and eat on the day?
Eat a proper meal an hour or two before, bring water and a snack for longer sittings, and get a good night's sleep. Skip alcohol the night before, as it thins the blood. Bring headphones or a book if you like, and one friend at most so the studio stays calm for everyone.
Books Open, First
One short email when the books open and new flash goes up — before the dates reach the studio calendar. No spam, unsubscribe any time.