Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
A lot, "Good Tattoos Aren't Cheap and Cheap Tattoos Aren't Good"
If your putting cost above quality, you get what you pay for.
Tattoo prices vary and depend on
- location of tattoo, certain parts of the body are more time consuming and will take longer to apply. More time = More $
- Details, the more detail a piece of art has the longer it will take to apply. More time = More $
- Size of the tattoo. bigger tattoos take longer, More time = More $
To give you a rough idea of pricing large pieces;
- Shoulder to elbow,(not all the way around), $600 upwards to $1300 for the more complex designs
- True 1/2 sleeve, $1,500 upwards to $2,500
- Full sleeve, $5,000 upwards to $15,000
Shop Rates Are Billed Per Session
$100 Minimum ( will cover tattoos that take approximately 30 minutes to complete.)
$150.00 per hour ( for everything else )
ADVICE FOR TIRE KICKERS:
Do Not select an artist by price alone, You Get What You Pay For.
Before even asking how much for what it is you would like to get
tattooed, Look at artist portfolio's and get an idea of the quality and
range of style an artist has before asking a price.
WARNING:
You will not win a new friend or a discount for letting your artist and or
the shop know that the other shops are talking shit about them. That's
what happens in this industry and 90% of it is just gossip created by the
general public and customers. ALSO, there are no sympathy discounts for your buddy's handy work to
be covered up. I do Not fix up anyone's practice work. cover it up
with something new.
Answer to question 0
If your putting cost above quality, you get what you pay for.
Tattoo prices vary and depend on
- location of tattoo, certain parts of the body are more time consuming and will take longer to apply. More time = More $
- Details, the more detail a piece of art has the longer it will take to apply. More time = More $
- Size of the tattoo. bigger tattoos take longer, More time = More $
To give you a rough idea of pricing large pieces;
- Shoulder to elbow,(not all the way around), $600 upwards to $1300 for the more complex designs
- True 1/2 sleeve, $1,500 upwards to $2,500
- Full sleeve, $5,000 upwards to $15,000
Shop Rates Are Billed Per Session
$100 Minimum ( will cover tattoos that take approximately 30 minutes to complete.)
$150.00 per hour ( for everything else )
ADVICE FOR TIRE KICKERS:
Do Not select an artist by price alone, You Get What You Pay For.
Before even asking how much for what it is you would like to get
tattooed, Look at artist portfolio's and get an idea of the quality and
range of style an artist has before asking a price.
WARNING:
You will not win a new friend or a discount for letting your artist and or
the shop know that the other shops are talking shit about them. That's
what happens in this industry and 90% of it is just gossip created by the
general public and customers. ALSO, there are no sympathy discounts for your buddy's handy work to
be covered up. I do Not fix up anyone's practice work. cover it up
with something new.
Answer to question 0
Does it hurt?
Yes, Tattoo's hurt. and more specifically where the tattoo is applied will depend on how much it hurts.
Here are some sensitivity comparisons on areas where a tattoo is applied:
SMALL PRICKS; Shoulder and forearm
SCRATCHES; Palms, thighs, calves, and ankles.
PAPERCUTS; Neck and bicep
PAINFUL; Chest, lower abdomen, inner elbow, knee, and shin
MOST PAINFUL; Upper Abdomen (rib cage), side (obliques), and top of foot
That being said, if tattoos hurt that much no one would get them. it really comes down to the individual pain tolerance, which is different for everyone. Also, There are numbing agents for tattooing that help minimize sensitivity of being tattooed.
Here are some sensitivity comparisons on areas where a tattoo is applied:
SMALL PRICKS; Shoulder and forearm
SCRATCHES; Palms, thighs, calves, and ankles.
PAPERCUTS; Neck and bicep
PAINFUL; Chest, lower abdomen, inner elbow, knee, and shin
MOST PAINFUL; Upper Abdomen (rib cage), side (obliques), and top of foot
That being said, if tattoos hurt that much no one would get them. it really comes down to the individual pain tolerance, which is different for everyone. Also, There are numbing agents for tattooing that help minimize sensitivity of being tattooed.
Covering Old Tattoos?
Most tattoos can be covered up, however, some cover up pieces may require a second pass to completely cover old tattoo. Consult with artist before assuming it can or can't be covered up.
Do I need to leave a Non Refundable Deposit?
YES, This is not a hobby, but a serious business that the craftsman or craftswoman pays their bills with.We have families like the rest of the world and aspire all things in life for our family and children just as you may.
*Deposits for tattoo appointments are Non Refundable, Expire 30 days from date, and are automatically forfeited without 48 hours notice of appointment cancellation and/or rescheduling. In addition, If your tattoo requires more than 1 session, Deposit is deducted from the last session of completed tattoo.
*1 "Rescheduled Appointment" allowed per deposit, more than 1 "Rescheduled Appointment" with out paying another "Deposit" is at artist discretion.
*$50 late fee may also be applied if more than 1/2 hour late for your appointment.
*Deposits for tattoo appointments are Non Refundable, Expire 30 days from date, and are automatically forfeited without 48 hours notice of appointment cancellation and/or rescheduling. In addition, If your tattoo requires more than 1 session, Deposit is deducted from the last session of completed tattoo.
*1 "Rescheduled Appointment" allowed per deposit, more than 1 "Rescheduled Appointment" with out paying another "Deposit" is at artist discretion.
*$50 late fee may also be applied if more than 1/2 hour late for your appointment.
What is my tattoo aftercare?
How should I take care of my new tattoo?
The following insrtuctions are to be followed for proper, safe healing of your new tattoo and not intended as medical professional advice. If at any time you are in doubt or unaware of the healing process for a new tattoo, feel free to call us, (484) 328-8760 and/or seek medical attention as you feel necessary.
Derma Shield
- Leave Derma Shield on for 5 days
- At the end of day 5, remove Derma Shield by peeling from the edge slowly while running under warm water,wash with mild scent/fragrant free soap.
- Gently Pat dry with a clean towel and air dry for 5-10 minutes
- After newly tattooed area is dry, apply a thin coat of scent/fragrant free lotion. Apply lotion 2-3 times daily as
dryness requires. continue to moisturize daily for 2 weeks.
What To Look for When Using Derma Shield
If you have any allergies to adhesives, you may be more susceptible to allergies using this product.
- The newly tattooed area will seep in the hours after process is complete, The Derma Shield will trap the fluids from
escaping covered area and in the process appear very wet, this is normal.
-The edges of the Derma Shield may become rolled or ruffled from clothing friction. etc., as long as trapped fluids
aren't escaping the Derma dressing or water/soap entering the tattooed area under the Derma Shield and
becoming trapped, leave Derma Shield in place for optimal results in accelerated healing, allowing the new ink to
heal back into the skin for best ink retention.
- If you experience any discomfort such as severe itchiness and/or redness in the applied and/or adjacent areas of the Derma Shield, Remove and wash with mild scent free soap, pat dry and air dry until tattoo is completely dried out.
- Follow After Care instructions listed below.
Remove bandage 1 1/2 - 2 hrs after tattoo application.
- It is Very Important to wash tattoo immediately removing any blood and ink then, apply ointment. We have for sale and recommend our products specifically approved for healing tattoos. If you're not using tattoo specific healing products, use A&D ointment sparingly.
- Do Not cover with bandage again unless you absolutely have to in
avoiding exposure to potentially dirty situations. Afterward, remove
bandage, wash, reapply ointment
DO: Keep your new tattoo clean and moist
- Do Not use your daily bath towel to dry fresh tattoo. Use a clean paper
towel and pat dry.
- Do Not use dirty hands when applying fresh layer of ointment.
whenever possible wash old layer of A&D ointment off before applying
new layer. If you don't wash in between adding new layer , you run the
risk of trapping anything you might have exposed the tattoo to
between layers.
- Do Not use lotion until day 4 of healing
Lotion has very little to no medicinal value and is more likely to
cause an allergic reaction or blood poisoning. ONLY USE approved
tattoo aftercare products on your new tattoo.
- Do Not directly expose new tattoo to dirty environments
i.e.= Automobile work, Landscaping, etc.If exposure is unavoidable,
the best method is to wear a loose fitting shirt/ long sleeve while
performing work then, wash tattoo and apply more ointment. The last
resort method of barrier would be to use a bandage or paper
towel to cover. keep in mind the tattoo needs oxygen to promote
proper healing.
DO: Keep moist by applying a thin layer of ointment 3-5 times daily
as dryness requires.
- Do Not over-saturate new tattoo with ointment. In this case ;
Less is more. if new ink is over-saturated you run the risk of
infection due to the oxygen being blocked and not providing the
balance of dry and moist, Also the body's natural reaction is to
reject the ink, so if it is unable to dry out as it heals , ink retention
declines and you will most likely need a rework . at your cost of
course, due to lack of proper aftercare, which is out of the artists
control.
- Do Not allow your new tattoo to become excessively dry or you
will experience heavy scabbing and can lose ink. In the scab is ink.
- Do Not pick at scabs because in the scab is ink. if you pull a scab
prematurely you will lose ink in the area it was picked from.
- Do Not expose new tattoo to prolonged periods of direct sun light
or UV (tanning beds). This by far is one of the most damaging things
you can do to a new tattoo. Keep out of direct sunlight and tanning
for a minimum of 3-4 weeks. After tattoo is completely healed, you
should protect the tattooed area of body by applying a higher SPF
sun block.
- Do Not expose new tattoo to swimming pools and Jacuzzi.
Pools and jacuzzi have a ton of tattoo damaging chemicals such
as chlorine and acid, which essentially is bleach. Thats exactly what
will happen to your new tattoo, you will bleach it by premature
exposure to these chemicals.3-4 weeks before you can safely
expose fresh ink to these environments.
The following insrtuctions are to be followed for proper, safe healing of your new tattoo and not intended as medical professional advice. If at any time you are in doubt or unaware of the healing process for a new tattoo, feel free to call us, (484) 328-8760 and/or seek medical attention as you feel necessary.
Derma Shield
- Leave Derma Shield on for 5 days
- At the end of day 5, remove Derma Shield by peeling from the edge slowly while running under warm water,wash with mild scent/fragrant free soap.
- Gently Pat dry with a clean towel and air dry for 5-10 minutes
- After newly tattooed area is dry, apply a thin coat of scent/fragrant free lotion. Apply lotion 2-3 times daily as
dryness requires. continue to moisturize daily for 2 weeks.
What To Look for When Using Derma Shield
If you have any allergies to adhesives, you may be more susceptible to allergies using this product.
- The newly tattooed area will seep in the hours after process is complete, The Derma Shield will trap the fluids from
escaping covered area and in the process appear very wet, this is normal.
-The edges of the Derma Shield may become rolled or ruffled from clothing friction. etc., as long as trapped fluids
aren't escaping the Derma dressing or water/soap entering the tattooed area under the Derma Shield and
becoming trapped, leave Derma Shield in place for optimal results in accelerated healing, allowing the new ink to
heal back into the skin for best ink retention.
- If you experience any discomfort such as severe itchiness and/or redness in the applied and/or adjacent areas of the Derma Shield, Remove and wash with mild scent free soap, pat dry and air dry until tattoo is completely dried out.
- Follow After Care instructions listed below.
Remove bandage 1 1/2 - 2 hrs after tattoo application.
- It is Very Important to wash tattoo immediately removing any blood and ink then, apply ointment. We have for sale and recommend our products specifically approved for healing tattoos. If you're not using tattoo specific healing products, use A&D ointment sparingly.
- Do Not cover with bandage again unless you absolutely have to in
avoiding exposure to potentially dirty situations. Afterward, remove
bandage, wash, reapply ointment
DO: Keep your new tattoo clean and moist
- Do Not use your daily bath towel to dry fresh tattoo. Use a clean paper
towel and pat dry.
- Do Not use dirty hands when applying fresh layer of ointment.
whenever possible wash old layer of A&D ointment off before applying
new layer. If you don't wash in between adding new layer , you run the
risk of trapping anything you might have exposed the tattoo to
between layers.
- Do Not use lotion until day 4 of healing
Lotion has very little to no medicinal value and is more likely to
cause an allergic reaction or blood poisoning. ONLY USE approved
tattoo aftercare products on your new tattoo.
- Do Not directly expose new tattoo to dirty environments
i.e.= Automobile work, Landscaping, etc.If exposure is unavoidable,
the best method is to wear a loose fitting shirt/ long sleeve while
performing work then, wash tattoo and apply more ointment. The last
resort method of barrier would be to use a bandage or paper
towel to cover. keep in mind the tattoo needs oxygen to promote
proper healing.
DO: Keep moist by applying a thin layer of ointment 3-5 times daily
as dryness requires.
- Do Not over-saturate new tattoo with ointment. In this case ;
Less is more. if new ink is over-saturated you run the risk of
infection due to the oxygen being blocked and not providing the
balance of dry and moist, Also the body's natural reaction is to
reject the ink, so if it is unable to dry out as it heals , ink retention
declines and you will most likely need a rework . at your cost of
course, due to lack of proper aftercare, which is out of the artists
control.
- Do Not allow your new tattoo to become excessively dry or you
will experience heavy scabbing and can lose ink. In the scab is ink.
- Do Not pick at scabs because in the scab is ink. if you pull a scab
prematurely you will lose ink in the area it was picked from.
- Do Not expose new tattoo to prolonged periods of direct sun light
or UV (tanning beds). This by far is one of the most damaging things
you can do to a new tattoo. Keep out of direct sunlight and tanning
for a minimum of 3-4 weeks. After tattoo is completely healed, you
should protect the tattooed area of body by applying a higher SPF
sun block.
- Do Not expose new tattoo to swimming pools and Jacuzzi.
Pools and jacuzzi have a ton of tattoo damaging chemicals such
as chlorine and acid, which essentially is bleach. Thats exactly what
will happen to your new tattoo, you will bleach it by premature
exposure to these chemicals.3-4 weeks before you can safely
expose fresh ink to these environments.
Is it normal for ink to come out of my new tattoo?
Yes, it is normal for a new tattoo to lose a minimal amount of ink in the first couple days of healing. very little though. be sure not to over-saturate tattoo with aftercare ointment. A fresh tattoo needs a combination of light coats of aftercare ointment and oxygen (air) to properly heal.
What happens during a TATTOO consultation?
During the consultation your artist will provide guidance for the design process by addressing any potential issues regarding - placement on the body, the size of the tattoo, any composition issues, and any skin concerns that may compromise safe healing of your new tattoo. This is the best time to ask all, if any, the questions concerning the overall design&application of your tattoo, pricing and deposit amount. Consultation is free.
Can I get tattooed over scars?
Yes we can tattoo over scar tissue. It is best to come in for a consultation in order for the artist to make any suggestions about how your tattoo/scar will look being tattooed. consultations are free.