Frequently Asked Questions. Here are the answers to questions our guests often ask us. If your question is not answered below, call us. (843) 821-8145
How much do tattoos cost? (Gift certificates are available - give the gift of ink!)
The Short Answer: The cost of your tattoo depends on several variables like: tattoo size, artwork detail, tattoo placement, skin type, and color work versus black-and-gray work. For smaller tattoos, we will normally quote you a set price. For larger tattoos, your artist might quote you an hourly rate. Stop by the studio to discuss the details of your tattoo idea so we can quote you accurately. We don't generally give quotes over the phone or by email.
The Long Answer: There are many factors that play a part in the pricing of a tattoo, such as:
Who the artist is?
Are they well-known, in demand? Do they have a long waiting list?
Artwork/Tattoo size, style and detail.
Tattoo size, artwork style, detail and artwork preparation are major factors in tattoo pricing.
Tattoo Placement.
Where on your body are you getting this tattoo exactly?
(Yes this is a major variable in tattooing, as some body parts are easier to work on—where other areas are more difficult.)
Geographic Location.
Depending on what part of the world the tattoo studio is located will generally affect the price of a tattoo. For example, a tattoo done in New York or Los Angeles is probably going to be more expensive than one in a state where the cost of living is less. This holds true for all products and services.
Cover-ups/Fix-ups.
Is this tattoo trying to cover-up an old one or fix-up an existing one or an unfinished one? This requires great skill and planning to execute properly.
That being said. Each and every one of these variables is considered when properly pricing a tattoo from a professional tattoo artist/studio. One could use the analogy of a hair salon perhaps. Some salons charge $9.99 to cut and style hair, while others charge well over $150.
We have established a reputation as an upscale custom tattoo studio. We feel our pricing is fair and reasonable considering we are altering your body for life, which in our opinion is a major responsibility and we should be compensated accordingly.
We are by far not the cheapest studio on the block, nor are we the most expensive. You will have to see what works for your budget. In the event that you are considering a larger tattoo, such as a half sleeve, full-arm-sleeve, back piece, etc., the rate varies depending on the tattoo artist. If you are trying to stay within a certain price-range, please let your tattoo artist know and he or she can possibly work with you to accommodate your budget without affecting the quality of your tattoo design. This can sometimes be done by simplifying a design, making it smaller, etc... It's important to remember that most tattoos are done in multiple sessions; this can sometimes help to break up the cost of your tattoo.
We consider the majority of our tattoo clientele to be that of body art collectors. Most choose us for the quality and style of our artwork as well as our expertise and medical grade cleanliness. We do not play "the price game" meaning if you are searching for a tattoo based on price alone we are more than likely not the right tattoo studio for you. We believe that everyone should be paid accordingly for the quality of work provided.
We feel we provide a high quality service and skill, as-well-as a pleasant experience that is worthy and well-justified. We take extreme pride in what we do as artists, but even more-so we take pride in our clients' satisfaction. Once again, the old adage holds true, "You get what you pay for". Especially with tattoos.
Remember - quality doesn't cost, it pays.
For general price inquires on full-body suits, full-arm-sleeves, half-sleeves, leg-sleeves, back pieces etc. Please call to speak with an artist. Some tattoos require more time invested than others depending on the detail required.
Some things to ask yourself when price-shopping a tattoo.
• Am I just paying for the tattoo service itself? Or am I paying for the whole overall experience as well?
• Is it worth extra money to have a well-established professional tattoo studio that has an A+ rating with the Health Department do my tattoo?
• Is it worth more money to have a healthy, clean, sober, knowledgeable and experienced artist that is on time doing my tattoo?
• Is this a piece of art I am getting and collecting on my body or just a night-out spur of the moment tattoo I might regret?
Do I need to make an appointment?
Not necessarily. W e do accept walk-ins for smaller designs and if a tattoo artist is available. However, for larger tattoos we do suggest you come in for an art consultation to discuss your ideas with an artist and to set-up an appointment. Custom tattoo work is generally done by appointment.
Our Hours: Monday - Saturday 12p - 8p / Sunday by appointment only.
How do you recommend I take care of my new tattoo?
1. After approximately 3 hours of leaving the tattoo studio, you should carefully remove the plastic bandage and wash your tattoo and surrounding area with a clean paper towel, warm water and a fragrance-free mild soap. Be sure you wash your hands first, and only use clean paper towels to wash your tattoo.
2. Next, gently pat the area dry with a clean and dry paper towel.
3. Then, with clean hands, apply a thin layer of A&D Ointment or Bacitracin to the tattooed area. Be sure not to apply too much ointment. You should apply it sparingly and rub it in until it's almost gone, leaving only a very thin film of the ointment on the tattoo.
4. Reapply a new plastic-wrap bandage and secure it with medical tape. Be sure not to apply the tape to any tattooed skin.
*Note: You should repeat the above steps (1 through 4) at least three times a day for the first three days. After about 3 days, you will no longer need to apply the plastic-wrap bandage. Continue following steps 1 through 3 (cleaning your tattoo and applying ointment for another four to five days. Cleaning your tattoo properly and keeping it supple with ointment is a crucial step in the first few days of the healing process of your tattoo. Be sure to repeat the above steps several times a day to avoid infection and to ensure proper healing.
After approximately a week, you can discontinue using the A & D ointment or Bacitracin ointment and switch to using a fragrance-free lotion. Continue to apply lotion to your tattoo several times a day throughout the healing process of your tattoo (approximately 4 to 8 weeks).
• Stay out of sunlight and tanning booths until your tattoo is healed for at least 4 weeks. This is very important.
• Avoid swimming. Do not soak your new tattoo in any water. No baths, spas, or saunas while your new tattoo is healing. Showers are fine.
• Do not rub or pick the treated area while it is healing. Loss of color and/or infection could occur. It is normal for your tattooed skin to start peeling around the third or fourth day and will continue to peel for several days (similar to the way sunburn would peel).
• Sun exposure over the years will fade your tattoo. This can be minimized by using a strong sunscreen, at least SPF 25. Use sunscreen only after your tattoo is completely healed. Healing times vary depending on each person. The healing process can last anywhere from four to eight weeks.
• Your tattoo should heal in four to eight weeks. Consult a physician if any signs or symptoms of infection develop such as: redness at site, green/yellow discharge, and/or fever.
We care a great deal about your health and your new tattoo, and it's a common practice for the artists to call or email clients to follow-up and check on the healing process of your new tattoo, and to make sure all your questions are answered.
► Should you have any questions about the healing process, whatsoever, please feel free to call us or stop by the studio.
What should I bring with me to my appointment?
• Valid State Photo ID or/ Military ID - is required, we attach a copy of this to your release form.
• Cash or Credit/Debit Card. Be sure to ask your artist which they prefer prior to your appointment.
• Be sure to wear loose fitting clothing so that the area being tattooed is easily accessible.
How much do tattoos cost? (Gift certificates are available - give the gift of ink!)
The Short Answer: The cost of your tattoo depends on several variables like: tattoo size, artwork detail, tattoo placement, skin type, and color work versus black-and-gray work. For smaller tattoos, we will normally quote you a set price. For larger tattoos, your artist might quote you an hourly rate. Stop by the studio to discuss the details of your tattoo idea so we can quote you accurately. We don't generally give quotes over the phone or by email.
The Long Answer: There are many factors that play a part in the pricing of a tattoo, such as:
Who the artist is?
Are they well-known, in demand? Do they have a long waiting list?
Artwork/Tattoo size, style and detail.
Tattoo size, artwork style, detail and artwork preparation are major factors in tattoo pricing.
Tattoo Placement.
Where on your body are you getting this tattoo exactly?
(Yes this is a major variable in tattooing, as some body parts are easier to work on—where other areas are more difficult.)
Geographic Location.
Depending on what part of the world the tattoo studio is located will generally affect the price of a tattoo. For example, a tattoo done in New York or Los Angeles is probably going to be more expensive than one in a state where the cost of living is less. This holds true for all products and services.
Cover-ups/Fix-ups.
Is this tattoo trying to cover-up an old one or fix-up an existing one or an unfinished one? This requires great skill and planning to execute properly.
That being said. Each and every one of these variables is considered when properly pricing a tattoo from a professional tattoo artist/studio. One could use the analogy of a hair salon perhaps. Some salons charge $9.99 to cut and style hair, while others charge well over $150.
We have established a reputation as an upscale custom tattoo studio. We feel our pricing is fair and reasonable considering we are altering your body for life, which in our opinion is a major responsibility and we should be compensated accordingly.
We are by far not the cheapest studio on the block, nor are we the most expensive. You will have to see what works for your budget. In the event that you are considering a larger tattoo, such as a half sleeve, full-arm-sleeve, back piece, etc., the rate varies depending on the tattoo artist. If you are trying to stay within a certain price-range, please let your tattoo artist know and he or she can possibly work with you to accommodate your budget without affecting the quality of your tattoo design. This can sometimes be done by simplifying a design, making it smaller, etc... It's important to remember that most tattoos are done in multiple sessions; this can sometimes help to break up the cost of your tattoo.
We consider the majority of our tattoo clientele to be that of body art collectors. Most choose us for the quality and style of our artwork as well as our expertise and medical grade cleanliness. We do not play "the price game" meaning if you are searching for a tattoo based on price alone we are more than likely not the right tattoo studio for you. We believe that everyone should be paid accordingly for the quality of work provided.
We feel we provide a high quality service and skill, as-well-as a pleasant experience that is worthy and well-justified. We take extreme pride in what we do as artists, but even more-so we take pride in our clients' satisfaction. Once again, the old adage holds true, "You get what you pay for". Especially with tattoos.
Remember - quality doesn't cost, it pays.
For general price inquires on full-body suits, full-arm-sleeves, half-sleeves, leg-sleeves, back pieces etc. Please call to speak with an artist. Some tattoos require more time invested than others depending on the detail required.
Some things to ask yourself when price-shopping a tattoo.
• Am I just paying for the tattoo service itself? Or am I paying for the whole overall experience as well?
• Is it worth extra money to have a well-established professional tattoo studio that has an A+ rating with the Health Department do my tattoo?
• Is it worth more money to have a healthy, clean, sober, knowledgeable and experienced artist that is on time doing my tattoo?
• Is this a piece of art I am getting and collecting on my body or just a night-out spur of the moment tattoo I might regret?
Do I need to make an appointment?
Not necessarily. W e do accept walk-ins for smaller designs and if a tattoo artist is available. However, for larger tattoos we do suggest you come in for an art consultation to discuss your ideas with an artist and to set-up an appointment. Custom tattoo work is generally done by appointment.
Our Hours: Monday - Saturday 12p - 8p / Sunday by appointment only.
How do you recommend I take care of my new tattoo?
1. After approximately 3 hours of leaving the tattoo studio, you should carefully remove the plastic bandage and wash your tattoo and surrounding area with a clean paper towel, warm water and a fragrance-free mild soap. Be sure you wash your hands first, and only use clean paper towels to wash your tattoo.
2. Next, gently pat the area dry with a clean and dry paper towel.
3. Then, with clean hands, apply a thin layer of A&D Ointment or Bacitracin to the tattooed area. Be sure not to apply too much ointment. You should apply it sparingly and rub it in until it's almost gone, leaving only a very thin film of the ointment on the tattoo.
4. Reapply a new plastic-wrap bandage and secure it with medical tape. Be sure not to apply the tape to any tattooed skin.
*Note: You should repeat the above steps (1 through 4) at least three times a day for the first three days. After about 3 days, you will no longer need to apply the plastic-wrap bandage. Continue following steps 1 through 3 (cleaning your tattoo and applying ointment for another four to five days. Cleaning your tattoo properly and keeping it supple with ointment is a crucial step in the first few days of the healing process of your tattoo. Be sure to repeat the above steps several times a day to avoid infection and to ensure proper healing.
After approximately a week, you can discontinue using the A & D ointment or Bacitracin ointment and switch to using a fragrance-free lotion. Continue to apply lotion to your tattoo several times a day throughout the healing process of your tattoo (approximately 4 to 8 weeks).
• Stay out of sunlight and tanning booths until your tattoo is healed for at least 4 weeks. This is very important.
• Avoid swimming. Do not soak your new tattoo in any water. No baths, spas, or saunas while your new tattoo is healing. Showers are fine.
• Do not rub or pick the treated area while it is healing. Loss of color and/or infection could occur. It is normal for your tattooed skin to start peeling around the third or fourth day and will continue to peel for several days (similar to the way sunburn would peel).
• Sun exposure over the years will fade your tattoo. This can be minimized by using a strong sunscreen, at least SPF 25. Use sunscreen only after your tattoo is completely healed. Healing times vary depending on each person. The healing process can last anywhere from four to eight weeks.
• Your tattoo should heal in four to eight weeks. Consult a physician if any signs or symptoms of infection develop such as: redness at site, green/yellow discharge, and/or fever.
We care a great deal about your health and your new tattoo, and it's a common practice for the artists to call or email clients to follow-up and check on the healing process of your new tattoo, and to make sure all your questions are answered.
► Should you have any questions about the healing process, whatsoever, please feel free to call us or stop by the studio.
What should I bring with me to my appointment?
• Valid State Photo ID or/ Military ID - is required, we attach a copy of this to your release form.
• Cash or Credit/Debit Card. Be sure to ask your artist which they prefer prior to your appointment.
• Be sure to wear loose fitting clothing so that the area being tattooed is easily accessible.