How old do I need to be to get a tattoo? You must be 18 with a photo ID such as a driver’s license in order to be tattooed by us, absolutely no exceptions! I have a really cool idea for a tattoo, but I can’t draw it to save my life. What do I do? That’s what we are here for! We are artists first, and all you need to do is come down for a consultation and describe what you are thinking. We’ll work with you to create the image that you have in your head, or something even better! How do I make an appointment for a tattoo? Call us, and speak with one of our artists or our friendly counter-staff to find out what is available, or swing by the studio and set your date. There is a $50 minimum non-refundable deposit to reserve your appointment time, and to start your drawing. For appointments that will take more than 3 hours, we require 50% down. If your tattoo requires the artist to create a substantial drawing (an entire back piece or sleeve for example), an additional drawing fee may be required. Every tattoo we do is a custom piece, so we like to have a chance to discuss with you in person what you are looking for, the style and feel, as well as placement. When you come in to put down your deposit and secure your appointment time, we’ll take the time to do a quick consultation with you so that everyone is on the same page, and we can create the best tattoo possible for you. If you are out of state and cannot come in for a consultation, we can arrange a phone or Skype meeting to hash out the details of your tattoo. This way we will have your drawing completed and ready to go when you arrive at the studio for your appointment, saving everyone time and confusion! We accept Mastercard, Visa, and debit cards with Mastercard or Visa on them, and cash or money orders. No checks, please. How much will my tattoo cost? It is difficult for us to give you a quote for a custom tattoo over the phone or via email description. The answer to this is really to come down and talk with us about your idea, show us the size and amount of detail and color going into the piece. Let us see what you are talking about, see your arm or back or leg for placement, and understand the size and shape of what you are going for. We will then be able to give you an estimate on time and cost, and start drawing for you. In general, an hour of tattoo time will cost you between $120-$160. There is a minimum fee of $60 plus tax for a tattoo, even if it only takes ten minutes. Why do tattoos cost so much? Because you are getting a custom piece of art, the design and execution of your tattoo takes more time than just the time you sit in the chair. We may spend a few days working out a design for you, and many hours researching, drawing, and improving upon the drawing until both you and the artist are satisfied. Once you are receiving your tattoo, you will know that you are in well-trained, knowledgeable hands that have up-to-date certification and training in Blood-borne Pathogens as it relates to the field of body modification, CPR, and First Aid techniques. We also take seminars each year to further our artistic ability and skill set as artists and tattooists, so that you can receive our best work possible. Lastly, we use only the highest quality products on you while giving your tattoo, and for your aftercare, and these surgical-grade products, such as Techni-care and Barri-care, are expensive! Something came up and I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment. What do I do? We understand that sometimes things come up. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please call us within 24 hours of your appointment time. Deposits for canceled and rescheduled appointments are non-refundable. If you reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance of your allotted time, we may put your deposit towards your new appointment time. However, if you reschedule more than once for the same tattoo, or fail to reschedule in a timely manner, we reserve the right to require a new deposit to get you back in the book. It’s my first tattoo and I am nervous. What should I expect? Tattoos can be painful, but are often not as bad as people make them out to be. In our experience, a tattoo feels like a bad sunburn that is being scratched. It’s annoying, it hurts; but it is not unbearable. Sometimes the worst part about being tattooed is having to sit still for a long time, or the position your body needs to be in to get the tattoo. To help get through the experience, we recommend eating a light meal before coming in for the tattoo. Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated before coming in and after your tattoo. You will burn a lot of energy during the tattoo, so you need to have a store to draw upon. Eating snacks or sipping on soda during the tattoo process will also help keep your endorphins up and help manage pain. Remember to breathe. Often people will hold their breath when they feel pain, but this actually can intensify the sensation, or lead to hyperventilation and passing out! Calmly breathe and focus on your breath during the worst of the process, and you will find that you can endure. You may always ask for a break if you need one. What should I wear while being tattooed? Wear comfortable clothes that you aren’t worried about getting a little bit dirty. The ink of tattooing can smear and stain clothes, and while we try not to get any on your outfit, accidents happen! If you are getting your shoulder or back tattooed, wear something that allows easy access to the location of the tattoo. Wearing a button-down shirt that can be worn backwards is an easy way to still remain clothed while having your back worked on. If you are getting your hip or lower back tattooed, wear a loose-fitting pant that won’t rub as much on the tattoo site afterwards, and that is easy to push down and out of the way of the tattoo process. If you are getting your foot tattooed, be aware that it is best not to wear shoes or socks for the first few days to avoid unnecessary wear during the healing process. Wear a sandal that is easy to put on and off, and plan ahead so that you don’t have to wear pantyhose or boots the next day. When working on your legs, wear something easy to lift or roll up, or shorts. In general, use common sense and make sure you are comfortable. Tattoo_Aftercare Always make sure your hands are clean before touching your tattoo! After you are tattooed, your artist will apply a layer of Barricare to your tattoo, and apply a bandage. Keep the bandage on for about 1-2 hours. When you get home, carefully remove the bandage and clean the tattoo with lukewarm soapy water. Use your hand and gently remove all the Barricare, and any blood or plasma that is on the tattoo. It is normal to have some seeping of color in the plasma. Just carefully rinse that away and pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or paper towel. After the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of Barricare, about as thin as you would apply chapstick. Do not use A&D ointment, bacitracin or Neosporin, as these can either clog your tattoo and prevent it from breathing, or be too strong and can result in color loss. You should not re-bandage your tattoo. The more air it gets, the faster it will heal! Apply a thin layer of Barricare about 3-4 times per day for the first three days. If the tattoo is hot, dry or uncomfortable check to see if needs a new application of the ointment. You want to make sure that the tattoo stays moisturized so that you do not scab. However, if you add too much Barricare you can clog your pores and prevent the tattoo from breathing. This will result in irritated skin and cause breakouts. So, apply it thinly, and just add more as needed to play it safe. On day three, you can stop using the Barricare, and switch to an unscented hand and body lotion, such as Lubriderm or Curel. As before, apply the lotion thinly as needed to keep the skin moisturized. You will go through an itchy, peeling stage. Do not pull off the skin or scratch your tattoo. You can pat it, and as you apply the lotion, most of the peeling skin will come off, revealing your shiny new skin and beautiful tattoo. You will continue with the lotion treatment for about a week and a half to two weeks. If you find that you do have a scab during the healing process, don’t panic! Let it be, but continue to apply lotion or Barricare as needed to it and the rest of the tattoo. It will take longer for a scabbed section of the tattoo to heal, but by not scratching the scab off, you are more likely to heal cleanly and without losing color. It is important not to expose your new tattoo to the sun, or to soak it in a chlorinated pool or hot tub for the first two weeks. You need to give your tattoo a chance to heal and for the new layers of skin to develop over the tattoo without damage. Once your tattoo is healed, you should apply sunscreen whenever you are out in the sun. Remember that your tattoo is like any other piece of art - the more sun exposure it gets, the more it will fade, just like a photograph or painting hung on a sunny wall. Taking care of your tattoos will help them last in top shape over the years. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at the studio at 860-443-0484, or send an email to tattoo@spiritgallerytattoo.com.