BEGINNING THE TATTOO PROCESS
Setting Up a Consultation
A general consultation is free and You can do this by calling, texting or emailing Jay. The consultation is a scheduled time( approx. 15-30 min) for you to come in and talk about exactly what you want to get tattooed. Bring any references you have with you to the consultation. You can also talk about things like detail, placement and pricing at this time.
A custom design consultation is for you have Jay create a custom design based on your ideas and input. Custom designs require a design deposit and pre determined amount of time to prepare design mock up and will be set based on the design size and detail etc. the Design deposit does not count toward a booking deposit or tattoo work time. It is to ensure you commit to the process and pay Jay for his work time in creating your design which is separate from the actual tattoo process.
Booking an Appointment
After the consultation, you will need a deposit to book the appointment for your tattoo. we take a $100 cash deposit for appointments set in advance All deposits are non-refundable. The deposit will go toward the cost of your tattoo if you show up and follow thru on time if you cancel last minute or do not show up, the deposit is lost and goes toward the booking time jay looses that booking time he could have used for someone else. Keep in mind when you don't show up for a booking which is generally 2-3hr booking session up to 300-450$ is lost in booking time so please be responsible/respectable as if its your own time/money.
Getting a Price Quote
As we mentioned a little earlier, setting up a consultation is the best way to get a price estimate. There are many different factors that go into pricing a tattoo. For example, the tattooist needs to consider size, detail and placement, as well as if you want color or black and grey. This is why we do not give price quotes over the phone or through email. Even if you think your tattoo is very simple and you could just describe it over the phone, you will still need to come by for an estimate. The tattooist needs to see what you want, as well as where you want to put it, to determine how much it will cost.
Rescheduling
If you should need to reschedule your appointment, you will need to give at least 48 hours notice in order to move your deposit to another date. We can only reschedule your appointment once. After that, you will need a new $100 deposit in order to keep your appointment. This may seem harsh, but getting a tattoo is a time-consuming process (especially for a larger tattoo). And booking time lost is irreplaceable and hard to fill last minute. We want to make sure you are fully committed before we spend time researching and drawing for your tattoo.
Will it Hurt?
Yes, pain will always be a factor when you get tattooed. Some spots on the body are more sensitive than others. If this is your first tattoo, you really have nothing to compare it to. The most important thing is to relax. The following steps will help you get prepared for getting in the chair.
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Eat Something!
This is probably the most important preparation you can do. Eating helps you relax and get comfortable for the tattoo. If you are sitting for a longer appointment, you may want to bring a small snack with you. Eating also helps to keep your blood sugar normal. Low blood pressure can contribute to a risk of passing out, so eat up! Just don’t drink up. You may think that getting drunk will give you “liquid courage” to get tattooed, but we cannot legally tattoo you if you are under the influence. Permanent choices are better made when sober.
Get Some Rest
Being well rested will also help keep you comfortable for your tattoo. You may be more irritable or find it harder to sit still if you are tired. Plan ahead so you are rested (and on time) for your appointment!
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Wear something that allows easy access to the part of the body you want to get tattooed. For example, if you are getting your leg tattooed, you may want to bring a pair of shorts to change into when you get to the shop.
No Sunburns
You will want to stay out of the sun before and after you get tattooed. Tattooing over a sunburn may not heal well because your skin is irritated to begin with. Try to stay out of the sun and it will help the outcome of your tattoo.
IN THE SHOP
Bringing a Friend
If this is your first tattoo, you may want to bring a friend with you. It’s nice to have a little moral support, but you don’t want to bring your entire contact list with you. The shop is usually a busy place, and we will most likely only have room for one person to accompany you, if at all. Do feel free to bring one good friend with you though, as they can be of great comfort to you while you get tattooed.
Children
Tattoo shops are not good places to bring children. There will most likely be some adult-themed conversations or music that most parents would not want their children to hear. We cannot allow children under the age of 18 into the back of the shop, so you are better off not bringing your kids with you.
Sit Still and Relax
If this is your first tattoo, Jay will most likely do a small zap first so you can assess how the tattoo will feel. He will check in with you during the entire process to see how you are feeling. Be honest, and let him know if you need a break. It is also very important that you sit still, speaking with your mouth and not your entire body. Just relax and let the tattoo happen. If you fight what is happening, or hold your breath, you will only make the pain worse. Relax and breathe, and you will help your tattoo be the best it can be!
THE AFTERMATH
Payment and Tipping
We are a cash only shop. Should you need to go to an ATM, there are several close to us. If you are happy with your tattoo, it is customary to tip. Tipping is a sign of gratitude, and it is most welcome.
Taking Care of Your Tattoo
Jay will give you all the information you need to take proper care of your new tattoo. The most important thing to remember is to keep your tattoo clean and don’t pick at it. Your new tattoo will inevitably be itchy, but resist the urge to scratch. Pulling off the skin prematurely could cause the ink to fall out of your tattoo or may even cause scarring. No swimming or soaking your tattoo until it is fully healed. Healing time is different for everyone. It will usually takes 2-3 weeks to heal completely. If you have any questions during the healing process, please feel free to call the shop.
Spread the Word!
If you followed all of the steps we have mentioned, you are probably pretty happy with your new tattoo. Now it’s time to spread the word! Take some business cards, We hope to see you for your next tattoo!