Infrequently asked questions

Not all questions are obvious, so we’ve tried to cover as many niche curiosities as possible.

Booking & Deposits

  • Use our booking form with size (cm), placement photo, and refs. We’ll reply with price guidance and dates.

  • Yes. Deposits secure your slot and come off the final price. They’re non-refundable but transferable with enough notice, dependent on artist T&C’s.

    Deposit amount also varies between project and artist.

  • Each artist is slightly different, but for the most case, within 48 hours’ notice. Less than that counts as a late change and you’ll lose the deposit.

  • Each artist

Pricing & Quotes

  • Price depends on size, placement, detail, and artist. Each artist will have a set minimum price, this covers set up time and materials.

    Prices will then vary on size, placement, and project. Customs usually cost more, simply because your artist will be spending time outside of the appointment to draw it up for you.

  • Both, depending on the artist and design. We’ll tell you which applies with your quote.

  • We need size, placement and refs to give a real number, otherwise we’re guessing and you’ll hate that later!

  • We aim to reply to all quote requests within 24 hours, on the rare case the perfect tattoo artist for your project is busy, we’ll still keep you posted.

    If you’re looking for a same-day appointment, give the shop a ring to get a reply faster.

Walk-ins & Same-Day

  • Yes, most days. First come, first served. Please call the shop if you need a same-day tattoo.

  • Late morning. Bring ID and ideas; we’ll advise what’s doable same-day.

  • Large/complex pieces need a consult. We won’t rush them, but also it’s worth still trying your luck. If the large piece is similar to an artist’s flash that is free that day, there’s a chance.

Prepping for your Booking

  • Sleep, eat, hydrate. No alcohol or new sunburns. Wear comfy, placement-friendly clothes.

  • Valid photo ID, reference images, snacks, and headphones if you like.

  • Zip hoodie or button-up for easy coverage. We also have privacy screens to keep you comfortable.

Pain, Placement & Session Length

  • Pain massively varies from person to person, and especially varies from size/length of your session. Here’s a list of painful areas, based on opinions, not fact! (And in no particular order!)

    1. Ribs / ribcage
    Very thin skin, lots of nerves, constant movement with breathing.

    2. Sternum / chest centre
    Bone + thin tissue + vibration = spicy.

    3. Spine
    Directly over bone and nerve pathways. Sharp, electric pain.

    4. Armpit
    Ultra-sensitive skin, tons of nerve endings. One of the worst for most people.

    5. Inner bicep
    Soft tissue + lots of nerves. Surprisingly intense.

    6. Elbow ditch (inner elbow)
    Thin skin, constant bending, sensitive AF.

    7. Outer elbow (over the bone)
    Not as sharp as the ditch but still rough—needle on bone.

    8. Kneecap
    Bony, sensitive, vibrates deep. A top-tier “why did I choose this” area.

    9. Back of the knee
    Soft, nerve-heavy, hates being touched, let alone tattooed.

    10. Ankles / ankle bones
    Very little padding, needle hits bone vibrations.

    11. Feet / tops of feet
    Loads of nerves + thin skin. Tender and twitchy.

    12. Hands & fingers
    More painful because of nerves + bone + constant movement.

    13. Groin / hip flexor area
    Super sensitive, lots of lymph nodes.

    14. Neck / throat
    Thin skin, major nerves, vibrations through your skull.

  • Different sensation, similar overall. Hand-poke can feel less buzzy; healing can be gentler on small pieces.

  • This massively depends on artist and tattoo. For example, our resident artist Moody Cow Lucy and Hanged Josh can get through a fair few traditional tattoos in a day session, whereas if you’re wanting a micro-realism from Jason Keehn or Ella Jayne, you’d want them to take their time to achieve that photo-realistic finish.

Aftercare & Healing

  • We’ll give you written aftercare. In short: gentle wash, pat dry, thin moisturiser, clean sheets, no pools/saunas while healing.

  • Depends on placement and skin. We’ll advise on the day.

  • Surface heal ~10–14 days; full settle ~6–8 weeks.

  • Yes on our work, policy varies by artist. Ask at booking.

Covers, Scars, Health & Safety

  • Often, with the right design. Dark/solid shapes and texture help. Bring a clear photo in good light.

  • Case-by-case depending on age, texture and sensitivity of the scar. A consult is essential.

  • No. Wait until the skin has fully recovered.

  • We don’t tattoo during pregnancy. Breastfeeding: we advise waiting; discuss with your artist and healthcare provider.

  • Tell us in advance. Some meds affect bleeding and healing; we may reschedule.

  • We avoid active flare-ups. A consult helps plan safe placement.

Hygiene, Licensing & Sterility

  • Yes, registered with the local council. Single-use needles, hospital-grade cleaning, sterile setup every time.

    Every artist also holds their own council-issued tattooing licence and up-to-date hygiene certifications.

  • Every surface is stripped, disinfected, and re-barriered. Machines, bottles, and cords are fully wrapped during your session.

  • One guest is usually fine for most appointments, but please ask your artist (especially for day sessions!).

    No children, no pets (except assistance dogs), and no crowding the studio floor for health and safety reasons.

  • Sometimes. We won’t tattoo over infections, fresh wounds, sunburn, or if you’re visibly unwell or intoxicated.

Custom Designs & References

  • No. We’ll design something original inspired by what you like.

    What we can do is base a new design on a reference, so that it is unique to you, and so we’re not stealing other artists’ artwork.

  • We collaborate, but endless redraws aren’t healthy. We’ll align on direction, then refine.

  • Varies by artist. Many finalise on the day with you present to tweak size/placement.

  • Browse portfolios by style; tell us your idea and we’ll match you.

Piercings

  • Most days. If you need a same-day piercing, call ahead to ensure the piercer is in and available.

  • No, unfortunately we do not offer piercings for anyone without photo ID, even if accompanied by an adult.

  • Never. We use sterile, single-use needles only. It’s safer, cleaner, and more accurate.

  • Depends on the piercing, typically 6–12 weeks for lobes, longer for cartilage. We’ll advise case-by-case.

More Piercing FAQs

Access-ibility& Privacy

  • Yes, step-free access to the main studio. If you need help with the door, mobility space, or a specific setup, tell us ahead of time and we’ll make it work.

    Our toilet however, is not accessible. Please bear that in mind if you’re coming for a long session.

  • No, but for intimate placements, chest pieces, sternums, or anything you’d prefer done privately, we can set up a screened or closed space.

  • Yes. Tell us what helps - clear steps, headphones, fewer people around you, or extra setup time.

Studio Experience

  • One friend is fine for moral support, as long as they’re calm and not filming you. For piercings, we usually ask guests to wait due to space.

  • Just tell us. We can take breaks, slow down, explain each step, or adjust the setup. No judgement, loads of people feel nervous!

  • Yes. All bodies, all genders. We’ll position you comfortably and respectfully, and we’ll talk through any placement concerns upfront.

  • We’ll take photos of the finished tattoo (with consent). Friends taking pictures: just check with the artist so it doesn’t interfere with the work.