How does one come up with ideas for a tattoo?

If this is your first tattoo, it is good to take a considerable amount of time to think about your design and why you want the tattoo. A tattoo is a very personal luxury and one must fully understand and become aware of the commitment that it comes with. Study different styles of tattoos and compile some references to be presented to your chosen Tattoo Artist. Your artist will provide you with their professional insight in regards to placement based off of the tattoo design.

1.

What is the average cost of a tattoo?

Depending on the design that has been chosen, the tattoo will be charged either by an hourly rate or a standard flat rate. Artists hourly rates range from $180-$200. There is a minimum shop rate of $80 for the set up cost.

2.

What are common health and safety concerns?

Our studio is both clean, organized and safe. We pass our BodySafe Board of Health requirements every year with an “Excellent” score.  Needles are all fully disposable and all stations are disinfected and barrier taped off to minimize the chances of cross contamination.

3.

What should I do to be prepared for my tattoo?

Once a tattoo design has been created and you are booked in for your tattoo session, mentally prepare yourself for the commitment of your new design. Lotioning the canvas area will help soften the skin to prepare for the day of your tattoo. Make sure to get a good night's sleep so that your body is well rested for the trauma from the needle. Being both mentally and physically prepared is important to ensure a smooth tattoo session. So don’t show up on the day of your appointment after a night on the town.

4.

What are some suggested methods for taking care of my tattoo?

Once your tattoo is complete your body will begin to heal itself with the newly inked skin. During this process your tattoo will go through the following stages until completely healed: Fresh wound, scabbing, falling of the Scab, dormancy. The first bandage your artist has wrapped your fresh tattoo with, will be kept on for 2-4 hours to keep the fresh wound away from any airborne bacteria or pathogens. You will then remove the bandage and clean the tattoo thoroughly with unscented soap. For the next 2-3 days clean twice a day, both in the morning and in the night and leave it out - unwrapped so that the tattoo is able to breathe and recover. Wear clean cotten if a dirty environment is nearby. By the 3rd day you can start using your Hustle Butter (or any other aftercare) to soften the tattoo and speed up the healing process.The tattoo will start to scab over the next week and will continue to scab until the outer (Dermis) layer of skin is healed. Do not scratch, pick or peel your scab. Let it fall naturally. When the tattoo is done scabbing, the second layer (epidermis) is still healing, however, you may be more carefree now. Over the whole time of healing, you should avoid being out in the sun for long periods of time, leaving the tattoo submerged in water, meaning baths and swimming pools. Do not use polysporin, vaseline or alcohol to clean the tattoo!

5.

Can I cover up my old tattoo?

It will depend on the amount of coverage needed. Consulting with one of our artists will be needed to answer the question “whether or not a coverup is possible”. When searching for an artist willing to cover it up, be picky and not desperate to cover it up. There is nothing worse than covering up a cover up. Be patient and find the appropriate artist to work with. Be open to the change and do not give your artist too many restrictions and objections. If you gave your first artist a chance, give your second artist the same opportunity.  It’s not their fault.

If a tattoo is absolutely unrecoverable, we also offer tattoo removal services for the circumstances that are needed. Sometimes a tattoo is not needed to be fully removed, multiple sessions may make it light enough to go over with a new tattoo design. Please consult with one of our professionals first.

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