Show Me Yours...I'll Show You Mine
How much does a tattoo cost
Tattoos vary in cost. Our minimum is $30. As a general rule you can expect to pay $8-$12 per square inch of space. Some parts of the body are more difficult to tattoo and therefore may cost more. Custom tattoo work ("freehand" directly on the skin or inked from a freehand sketch) is generally more expensive, especially if the tattooist is charging for drawing time.
Why are tattoos so expensive
The price of a tattoo is givin to cover the tattooist as well as the shop's overhead cost and some profit. Typically the artist is only receiving 40%-50% of the total cost of a tattoo.
Do I tip a tattoo artist
Be preparred to tip your artist if you are happy with the work done. If you are happy with the experience, it is recommended to tip the same way you would in a restaurant - anywhere from 15 to 25 percent.
What kind of physical state do I need to be in to be tattooed
On the day of your tattoo, you should be in good physical health, free of colds and illnesses, sober and not hung over. Be sure to have eaten and consumed lots of liquid to stay hydrated. Your skin should be in a natural state. No sunburns, rashes, cuts or scrapes on the area to be tattooed. Have good personal hygiene, as if you were going to the doctor. However, do not shave the area to be tattooed. A qualified tattooist will be able to shave the area clean without razor burn. If you do have razor burn or any other form of broken skin, it will be impossible for the tattooist to proceed.
Will it hurt to get a tattoo
Yes. Depending on your personal pain tolerance, it may be minimal or very painful. Pain is part of the tattoo expirience, however, there are topical creams that can be applied if absolutely necessary. Keep in mind, most tattoo artist don't like to use numbing creams.
How do I know if a shop uses sterile equipment
It is required by law that all needles be sigle use pre sterilized in a blister package. The artist should open the needle package in front of you. Other equipment, such as the grip, that hold the needle and bar in the tattoo machine, can be either pre-sterilized disposable plastic or stainless steele that has to be sterilized prior to use. Re-usable equipment that has been sterilized will be in an envelope like package that has an indicator on the front that turns black if properly sterilized. These packages should be opened in front of you as well.
What is the cleaning process for re-usable tattoo and/or piercing equipment
Our re-usable stainless steele tools go through a rigorous cleaning and sterilizing process. First, immediately after each use, they are put into a container to soak with a germicide and an anti-rust solvent. Second, they are ran through an ultasonic cleaner for two cycles. Third, they are hand scrubbed to remove any remaining debris. Fourth, they are allowed to air dry. And last, they are packaged in sterilization bags and ran through an autoclave, under pressure, for 30 minutes. Once the packages have dried from the sterilization cycle, they are ready to use again.
