tattoo FAQs
Getting a tattoo can come with a few questions, especially if it’s your first one or you’re still working out the details.
Here you’ll find answers about enquiries, consultations, walk-ins, choosing an artist, getting prepared, and what to expect from the process.
Booking and Appointments
Our preferred booking method is through our online booking/enquiry form. You can also call into the shop in person if you’d like to try your luck for a walk in.
The best way is through our online booking/enquiry form.
We do walk ins wherever possible, however, it does depend on the day & if there is time available. An appointment is the best way to avoid disappointment. You can always call the shop to check availability.
Each artist has varying availability. Some are available quite soon while others are booked a little in advance. It really depends on what you want to get. The best way is to make an enquiry & we can go from there! We always try to get you in as soon as possible.
Yes you can come in to talk over your idea at any time. Obviously, sometimes we are very busy, however we always try to discuss your ideas when you come in.
Pricing, Deposits and Payment
Yes, the minimum fee for the shop is $120.
Most single session tattoos are priced per job. Large custom work is often charged as a quote for the first sitting, then as an hourly rate thereafter. Please talk to your artist about the cost of your tattoo.
Every tattoo is different. A tattoo takes as long as it takes for the artist to be satisfied with the work he/she has done. A tattoo should not be rushed to meet a deadline so please allow ample time in your schedule for the artist to do what needs to be done.
You will need to pay a deposit to secure an appointment (usually $100). The deposit comes off the total cost of the tattoo on the day.
Each tattoo needs to be paid in full upon completion. For large ongoing work, each session must be paid for on completion of the session. NO EXCEPTIONS. We do not have eftpos facilities so CASH is required.
Changes and Cancellations
Changing or cancelling your appointment with less than 48 hours notice MAY result in the loss of your deposit. In this case, a new deposit would need to be paid before a new appointment can be made. Please contact us regarding any issues with existing bookings at the earliest opportunity & we’ll see what we can work out for you.
You MUST phone the shop & talk to us about changing or cancelling your appointment. Cancelling or changing appointments CANNOT be done via social networks, email or by leaving messages, etc.
If you want to change the design, this must be done BEFORE your appointment day. You can’t just turn up & expect changes to be made to the design on the spot. Quite often, a lot of time has been dedicated to getting your design finalised & changes cannot be made without altering the whole design.
Designs and Tattoo Styles
Yes you can bring your own design. If you have a specific image in mind or you require a particular font or translation etc, you must send a photo of it it to us prior to your appointment so we can have it prepared, ready for your appointment. Please DO NOT bring a photo of a tattoo that someone else has and ask us to copy it.
Not always, although coming in with (or sending) good quality reference material is always helpful to get the idea across to the artist of what you want. It is always beneficial to bring images that are similar to what you want. Sometimes, an exact copy of what you want is needed (eg. Family crest). The more reference material you bring, the better (within reason). It is OK to bring photos of other peoples tattoos to show us what style of tattoo you want, but please DON’T ask us to copy it exactly. We will use the references you bring to draw you your own custom tattoo, unlike any other!!
Yes, sometimes. Depending on what needs to be done. You would need to come into the shop so we could discuss your options.
We do try to accommodate a broad & varied range of styles, however, we don’t do everything!! If we think that a particular design would be better suited to another artist, we will say so.
We don’t usually tattoo hands or necks unless you have already got quite a few tattoos. These tattoos are impossible to cover with clothing- they don’t call them job stoppers for nothing!!!
We don’t do white ink tattoos or UV ink tattoos.
We don’t do offensive tattoos.
Before Your Tattoo
Yes, all tattoos hurt! Some parts of the body are more painful than others & everyone has a different tolerance to pain. If you want a tattoo, get one! Don’t worry about the pain, it’s temporary but a tattoo lasts a lifetime.
Numbing creams that can be bought from the Chemist are NOT recommended as it tends to make your skin quite hard, which makes it difficult to tattoo & more often than not, results in a poorly healed tattoo. Also, these creams usually only last for a short period of time. So for a large tattoo, they won’t provide much relief anyway. The artist reserves the right to refuse to tattoo anyone who has used a numbing agent as it is their reputation that will be damaged if your tattoo heals poorly due to the use of these products.
You should have eaten a substantial meal & be well rested prior to being tattooed. Being ill or suffering from a hangover is not the best preparation for being tattooed!! DO NOT drink the night prior as alcohol thins your blood, which can result in excessive bleeding during the tattoo process. Persons affected by drugs &/or alcohol will definitely NOT be tattooed.
In most situations you can bring a friend, although they must adhere to strict guidelines or they will be asked to leave.
Please wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed.
For example, if you’re getting your upper leg tattooed, don’t turn up in tight jeans or clothing that makes access difficult. Comfortable shorts would be a better option.
Loose, comfortable clothing is generally best, especially for larger sessions.
After Your Tattoo
You will be given a detailed description (both verbal & written) of aftercare by your artist on completion of your tattoo. You can also read our tattoo aftercare instructions here.
Studio Rules and Other Questions
We DO NOT tattoo people under 18 under any circumstances. Not even with parental consent.
No, not at all.
Please take notice of the time restrictions for street parking & car parks as the council regularly patrol the areas surrounding the shop. The best place is probably the 2 hour car park off Fitzharding Street (behind the Victoria Hotel). Alternatively, the Dan Murphy’s car park is usually a good spot for long sessions. If you need to move your car during the tattoo, please let the artist know. We don’t mind & would rather you didn’t get a fine as well as a tattoo!!