 |
 |
 |
Frequently Asked Questions
|
 |
|
 |
Please don't hesitate to contact the studio if you have any queries, concerns about your design, getting your tattoo and/or aftercare.
|
Does it hurt?
How much does it cost?
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo?
What if I can't make my appointment?
How can I make the experience more comfortable?
|
Does it hurt?
Everybody has a different threshold for pain. What will hurt one person can be simply annoying to someone else. How much a tattoo hurts is dependent on your individual tolerance for pain. There are areas more sensitive than others that is the same for everybody. Generally the 'meatier' the area the less it hurts. The closer to bone or tendons the more it hurts. Likewise certain areas are exposed to the elements, such as the back and outside parts of the arm, and tend to hurt less than more protected areas, like the inside of the arm, thigh or stomach. Women also tend to be more tolerant of pain than men, specially around the stomach area.
The pain associated with tattooing has been described as feeling like a) a bad sunburn, b) a bee stinging several times and c) a bad scrape. In most cases the pain diminishes after a few minutes when your body's natural pain killers (endorphins) kick in.
Back to Top
How much does it cost?
There are two generally accepted methods of pricing a tattoo. A flat fee and an hourly fee.
Flat Fee: This is the preferred method of pricing flash (the predesigned sheets) and small standards like roses, hearts and lettering. Pricing is estimated based on what it takes for an artist to complete the piece; length of time, complexity of design, number of colors, etc. Keep in mind that these prices are not set in stone and will fluctuate depending on other circumstances such as placement, resizing, adding and/or omitting elements from the design, etc.
Hourly Fee: Our custom artwork will be charged at our hourly rate especially when the piece is large, takes more than one sitting to accomplish or is freehanded on our client. This cost is based on the studio's operating cost, the artist's time, and the artist's quality and experience.
However a tattoo is priced, be advised that once set, it is generally not a good idea to try to haggle down the price. It belittles the artist and makes you look like a cheapskate. If you feel the price is too high, talk to the artist. If your concerns are legitimate, he/she may reduce it, otherwise look for alternatives. Please remember that you are gaining a piece of body art that will be with you for life and a cheap tattoo probably won't look good in a few years time!
Back to Top
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo?
You MUST be 18yrs or over to be tattooed. It is a legal requirement and is heavily enforced in our studio. Appropriate ID will be requested if we are in any doubt. It is a criminal offence to tattoo anyone under 18yrs of age and we will not risk our license or place our artists at risk of criminal proceedings so please be prepared to be disappointed if you are under 18yrs and are turned away.
Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 Chapter 24
"It shall be an offence to tattoo a person under the age of eighteen except when the tattoo is performed for medical reasons by a duly qualified medical practitioner or by a person working under his/her direction. You cannot obtain a tattoo under the age of 18 - not even with your parents permission!"
Back to Top
What if I can't make my appointment?
We maintain a deposit policy in the studio to secure your preferred appointment time - you can easily re-schedule, cancel your appointment if we have at least 24hrs notice - however, if you fail to contact the studio in time, your deposit will be retained as we're sure you appreciate that we have to ensure that the studio overheads etc are covered.
Back to Top
How can I make the experience more comfortable?
Relax! How you feel physically will determine how well you handle the tattooing process. If you are not your normal 100%; due to a cold, fatigue, medication; you will feel more discomfort during the tattooing process. It will do you better to re-schedule an appointment, then to go into the studio for a tattoo with a migraine headache. The artist will also appreciate the fact that you decide not to come in when you have the flu.
If you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, heart problems, etc, you should talk to your GP about your plans to get a tattoo. Don't risk your health.
A part of that feeling 100% is your stomach, Many first timers are under the false impression that if you don't eat, you won't have anything to throw up if you get sick. Unfortunately this does more harm than good. Eating prior to getting a tattoo re-energizes your body. It puts back nutrients your body has depleted and returns your blood-sugar level back to normal. Having something in your stomach also helps to calm your nerves.
Please don't come into the studio with mental baggage. Leave your work or home problems outside. Clear your head and just concentrate on the job at hand. If you are distracted or aggravated it can be picked up on by the artist!
During the process, please sit as still as you can as this will make it easier for the artist and enable him/her to complete your artwork quicker and with greater detail.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
