We do not tattoo clients who are pregnant. The risks including infection, potential ink chemical exposure, and physical stress during a vulnerable time are not worth it. For breastfeeding clients, the guidance is less definitive, but we strongly recommend waiting until you have finished breastfeeding and consulting your OB or midwife first. Your child's health and your own wellbeing come first. The tattoo will still be there when you're ready.

Certain conditions require extra consideration or may prevent tattooing. These include:

• Blood disorders or anticoagulant medications such as blood thinners, which increase bleeding risk
• Diabetes, which can slow healing. Consult your doctor before booking.
• Immunosuppression, which significantly increases infection risk
• Active skin conditions at the tattoo site such as eczema, psoriasis flare-ups, or rashes
• Recent surgery or open wounds in the area

Always disclose relevant medical history at your consultation. We'll work with you to determine if tattooing is safe or if medical clearance is needed first.

No. Our studio does not tattoo anyone under the age of 18, even with parental consent. While laws vary by state, we have made the decision to maintain an 18 and older only policy across the board. This protects minors and ensures they have full autonomy over a permanent decision when they reach adulthood.

You must be 18 years of age or older to receive a tattoo at our studio. Valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport is required at every appointment with no exceptions. This is both a legal requirement and a firm studio policy. We will turn away any client who cannot provide valid ID, regardless of the circumstances.

Talk to us. We want every client to love their tattoo and we take dissatisfaction seriously. If you have concerns, reach out to the studio directly and we'll set up a conversation with your artist to understand the issue. In many cases, a touch-up or modification can address the concern. We're committed to making it right, but the conversation has to start with you reaching out. Please don't suffer in silence. We'd much rather know and have the opportunity to fix it.

We do not offer laser tattoo removal in-house. For full removal, we recommend consulting a licensed laser removal specialist. However, if you're fading a tattoo specifically to prepare for a cover-up or rework, we're happy to refer you to trusted laser partners in the area and coordinate the timing with your cover-up appointment. Partial fading significantly expands the creative possibilities for a cover-up design.

Yes. Cover-ups and reworks are a specialty for several of our artists. A cover-up involves designing a new tattoo that incorporates and conceals the existing ink. The success of a cover-up depends on the size, darkness, and placement of the original tattoo. Some pieces may benefit from laser lightening sessions before the cover-up to give the new design more flexibility. Book a consultation so your artist can assess the existing tattoo and discuss realistic options.

Wait a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks after your original session before getting a touch-up. Your tattoo must be fully surface-healed before any additional work can be done. Coming in too soon can damage the healing skin and compromise the final result. For larger pieces that involved multiple sessions, touch-ups should wait until all areas are fully healed.

Yes. We offer one complimentary touch-up for tattoos done in our studio, provided the tattoo has fully healed and the touch-up is needed due to normal healing variation such as minor fading or small gaps in ink coverage. Touch-ups are not covered if the issue resulted from improper aftercare, sun damage, or excessive wear. Your artist will assess the healed tattoo and advise accordingly.

Yes. Our studio holds all required state and local licenses for tattooing and body art, and every artist on our team is individually licensed and trained in bloodborne pathogen safety through BBP certification. We undergo regular health department inspections and our current license and inspection certificate are displayed in the studio. Never get tattooed at an unlicensed establishment. The risks of infection and cross-contamination are serious.

Between every client, artists fully break down their station. All surfaces are wiped with EPA-registered disinfectant, disposable barriers like plastic wrap and machine covers are replaced, and all used materials are properly disposed of. Our entire studio is cleaned daily. Artists wear fresh nitrile gloves for every session. This isn't just best practice. It's the law. We are regularly inspected by the health department to ensure compliance.

It depends on the condition. Some skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or keloid-prone skin may affect how your skin heals or how well it holds ink. We strongly recommend consulting your dermatologist before getting tattooed if you have an active skin condition. Let your artist know about any known allergies, especially to latex, metals, or topical products, before your session. We can do a small patch test for clients with sensitive skin histories.

All of the inks used in our studio are professional-grade and non-toxic. When it comes to vegan inks, that comes down to each individual artist's preference in the brands and products they work with. We cannot make a blanket guarantee on that across the board. If vegan ink is important to you, we recommend bringing it up when you call or email so we can connect you with the right artist.

Absolutely. We use single-use, pre-sterilized, disposable needles that are opened in front of you and disposed of in a medical sharps container immediately after your session. They are never reused or shared between clients. All surfaces and equipment that contact clients are either single-use or thoroughly disinfected with hospital-grade sterilants between every appointment. Your safety is non-negotiable.

While infections are rare when proper aftercare is followed, watch for:

• Excessive swelling, redness, or warmth that worsens after day 3
• Thick green or yellow discharge. Clear or light plasma is normal.
• Fever or chills
• Red streaks extending from the tattoo
• A foul smell from the tattooed area

If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor promptly. Do not wait. Infections are treatable when caught early. Contact the studio as well. We want to know if something went wrong and will support you through the process.

We recommend keeping it simple and fragrance-free:

• Cleaning: Dial Gold antibacterial soap or any fragrance-free antibacterial soap
• Moisturizing: Lubriderm Daily Moisture, Cetaphil, or Aquaphor. Use sparingly and apply only a very thin layer.
• Tattoo-specific options: Hustle Butter, After Inked, or Redemption Tattoo Butter

Avoid products with alcohol, petroleum, heavy fragrances, or whitening agents. Less is more. Over-moisturizing is just as problematic as letting skin dry out.

Yes, completely normal. Around days 3 to 7, your tattoo will likely begin to peel and flake, similar to a sunburn. This is your skin shedding the damaged outer layer. Do not pick or peel it. Let it shed naturally. Itching is also a normal sign of healing. If the itching is intense, gently pat the area or apply a thin layer of moisturizer. If you experience swelling, oozing, excessive redness, or fever, those could be signs of infection and you should see a doctor.

Avoid both until your tattoo is fully surface-healed, which takes at least 2 to 4 weeks. Pools, oceans, and hot tubs harbor bacteria and the chemicals can damage fresh ink. Once healed, always apply SPF 50 or higher sunscreen before sun exposure. UV rays are the number one cause of tattoo fading over time. A well-protected tattoo will stay vibrant for decades, while a sun-damaged one will fade and blur far sooner.

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Surface healing, where the outer skin looks and feels normal, typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. However, the deeper layers of skin continue healing for up to 3 to 6 months. During that deeper healing phase, the colors may look slightly dull or hazy. Once fully healed, the true vibrancy of the ink emerges. Proper aftercare during those first weeks is critical to ensuring the final result looks its best.

Just say the word and your artist will stop immediately. Taking breaks is completely normal, especially during long sessions. If you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or overwhelmed, let your artist know right away. We keep juice, water, and snacks on hand. There's no shame in needing a moment. Your comfort matters, and a short break is always better than pushing through something that's unsafe.

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Yes, you're welcome to bring one support person. Many clients appreciate having a friend to chat with during longer sessions. We ask that guests remain respectful of the studio environment and other clients. Please do not bring children to your appointment, as tattooing requires focus and the environment is not suitable for young kids.

Session length depends entirely on the size and complexity of the piece. A small simple tattoo might take 30 to 90 minutes, while larger pieces can run 4 to 8 hours or require multiple sessions. Your artist will give you an estimated time range at your consultation. For longer sessions, it's common to take short breaks to rest, eat a snack, and check in on how you're feeling.

In the 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, avoid:

• Alcohol, which thins your blood and affects healing
• Aspirin or ibuprofen, which are also blood thinners. Use acetaminophen if needed.
• Sun exposure or sunburn on the area to be tattooed
• Numbing creams unless pre-approved by your artist, as they can affect how skin holds ink
• Heavy caffeine immediately before your session, which can heighten sensitivity

A few things that make a real difference:

• Eat a full meal 1 to 2 hours before your session. Low blood sugar makes pain worse and increases the chance of feeling lightheaded.
• Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment.
• Moisturize the area daily for at least a week beforehand. Healthy, hydrated skin takes ink better.
• Wear or bring comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed.
• Get a good night's sleep the night before.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior. Alcohol thins the blood and makes you bleed more.

Pain varies widely based on placement, individual pain tolerance, and the style of tattooing. Most people describe the sensation as a scratching or burning feeling that is uncomfortable but very manageable. Areas with more muscle and fat, such as the outer arm, thigh, and calf, tend to be less painful. Bony or sensitive areas like the ribs, spine, inner elbow, ankle, and neck are more intense.

The vast majority of clients find tattooing to be far less painful than they expected. Being well-rested, hydrated, and fed before your session makes a significant difference in how you tolerate discomfort

Large tattoos like sleeves, back pieces, and full legs are naturally split across multiple sessions, which creates a built-in payment structure. You pay per session as the work progresses rather than one lump sum upfront. This makes large-scale tattoo projects financially manageable for most clients. Speak with your artist about a session plan that works for both your creative goals and your budget.

Yes, always. Your deposit is not an extra fee. It is a partial payment that goes toward the final balance of your tattoo. For example, if your tattoo costs $400 and you paid a $100 deposit, you'll owe $300 on the day of your appointment. The deposit simply holds your appointment slot and compensates the artist for the design time they invest before your session.

We accept cash and all major credit and debit cards. Some artists may have preferences, so it's always a good idea to confirm at booking. Please note that tipping your artist is always appreciated. A tip of 15 to 20% is customary for exceptional work, and cash tips are preferred.

Both, depending on the work. Smaller or simpler pieces are typically quoted as a flat rate per piece. Larger, more complex, or multi-session work is generally charged at an hourly rate. Your artist will clarify the pricing structure during your consultation so there is no ambiguity.

Our studio minimum is $115. For larger or more involved work, our artists charge an hourly rate ranging from $230 to $250 per hour depending on the artist. The final cost comes down to the size, complexity, placement, and style of your piece.

The best way to get an accurate number is to email the shop. We'll talk through what you have in mind and give you a clear idea of what to expect before you commit to anything.

Our studio has artists skilled across a wide range of styles, including:

• Fine line and minimalist work featuring delicate, precise linework
• Traditional and neo-traditional designs with bold lines, rich color, and classic iconography
• Realism and portraiture with photographic detail in black and grey or full color
• Blackwork and geometric pieces including bold patterns, mandalas, and tribal-inspired work
• Watercolor tattoos with soft, painterly color blends
• Japanese and Irezumi featuring traditional Japanese motifs and composition

Visit our artists' page to browse portfolios and find the best match for your vision.

We can use online designs as reference or inspiration, but we do not copy another tattoo artist's work verbatim. Doing so is considered unethical in the tattoo industry and disrespectful to the original artist. If you love a design you found online, bring it in as a reference and your artist will create a custom interpretation that captures what you love about it without stealing someone else's art. The result will be more unique and personal anyway.

In most cases, designs are revealed at the start of your appointment. Artists spend considerable time finalizing work close to your session and sharing unfinished work early can lead to confusion. That said, for very large or complex pieces spanning multiple sessions, some artists may share a draft in advance. This varies by artist. Ask during your consultation if an early preview is important to you.

After your consultation, your artist will sketch a design based on your ideas. You'll typically see the design on the day of your appointment. This is standard practice in most professional studios, as artists use that time to refine work right up until it's ready. If you need significant revisions, that may require rescheduling to allow the artist adequate time to redraw.

Trust the process. Your artist has the training and experience to translate your vision into something that works beautifully as a tattoo on skin.

Absolutely. Bringing reference images is one of the best things you can do to help your artist understand your vision. You can bring photos, screenshots, sketches, or mood boards. Anything that captures the style, feel, or elements you're drawn to will be helpful. You don't need to bring a finished design. References help your artist create something custom-built for your body and your style, which is always better than tattooing someone else's art directly.

Most consultations run 15 to 30 minutes. During that time, your artist will discuss your design ideas, placement, sizing, style, and any reference images you bring. They'll give you a quote and help you understand the process. For large or complex custom work, the consultation may be slightly longer to ensure both you and the artist are fully aligned before any drawing begins.

Yes, a deposit is required to secure all booked appointments. The deposit amount varies based on the size and complexity of the piece. Your deposit is applied directly toward the final cost of your tattoo. It is not an extra charge. Deposits are non-refundable if you cancel without adequate notice or do not show up for your appointment.

We ask for a minimum of 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with adequate notice allow us to offer that time to another client on our waitlist. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows may result in your deposit being forfeited. Life happens, so just communicate with us as early as possible and we'll do our best to work with you.

Give us a call and we can usually get you in within the week. If your project needs a bit more planning, we'll figure out the right timeline with you on the phone. The best first step is always to call the shop so we can point you in the right direction.

We welcome walk-ins whenever our artists have availability, which tends to vary day to day. Appointments are always recommended, especially for custom work, larger pieces, or if you have a specific artist in mind. Walk-in availability is generally better mid-week and during off-peak hours. Call ahead to check before you come in.

You can book an appointment directly through our website's booking page, by calling the studio, or by stopping in during business hours. For custom or larger pieces, we recommend starting with a free consultation so your artist can review your ideas, sketch concepts, and give you an accurate time and price estimate before committing to a session date.

Once your appointment is confirmed, you'll receive a booking confirmation with everything you need to prepare.