When it comes right down to it, that’s what most people really want to know! Actually, getting a tattoo is not very painful nowadays because modern tattoo equipment is such that the needles go in and out of your skin very quickly. You’ll be completely able to carry on a normal conversation while getting your tattoo. Tattoo designs can also make a difference with regard to how it feels. Tattooing lines produces a different sensation from ‘filling in’, or tattooing blocks of color. Interestingly, though, there’s quite a lot of disagreement over which hurts more! It seems to be a subjective reaction – some people find the lines more comfortable than the filling in, while others say just the opposite. Suffice it to say that neither is really all that painful.

It all hurts to a degree. Pain varies from person to person. General consensus is ribs, tops of feet, inside the elbow, back of the knee are up there with the most painful. Don’t choose an area or a size based on the pain factor. The tattoos beauty will last for decades longer than the minimal difference in sensation.

If you go to a professional tattoo artist where the proper tattoo equipment is used, getting a tattoo is very safe. Decades ago there was concern about getting hepatitis C from tattoos, but this is something all professionals are very conscious of nowadays. If new needles are used for each and every customer, there is no chance of contracting a blood-borne disease. Most tattoo artists will be glad to set your mind at rest by showing you the unopened package of needles they will be using before the tattooing begins. After your tattoo is finished, they should dispose of the needles. Ask about safety policies such as these before you select a tattoo artist.

When it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for. Tattoo prices vary according to the size and tattoo designs. Of course, a larger and more complex design will cost more than a smaller, simpler one – that stands to reason. Yes, there are plenty of people tattooing out there that will ink you cheap, and you’ll be crying to a real artist to have it covered up. Look for quality, and be willing to pay for it. NEVER haggle over the price of a tattoo. It is disrespectful to the artist. If you can’t pay for quality, don’t bother. This is not a bargain bin. It is a piece of art you will wear for life.

It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 in the state of California.

No. All tattoo clients must be over the age of 18 and have valid state or federal issued photo id.

No. Getting tattooed while pregnant or breast-feeding can negatively impact both your health and that of your baby.

Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn’t at 100% isn’t a good idea. You’re going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won’t be able to do if it’s already doing battle against virus and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it’s very inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your artist. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you’re feeling well again.

Please bathe/shower and pop a breath mint. (I will do you the same courtesy.) Eat a good meal within 2 hours of your tattoo appt. No alcohol 8 hours before your tattoo. Avoid caffeine and energy drinks the day of your tattoo. Happy, healthy people heal better. Getting tattooed when you are sick, post or pre-surgery or extraordinarily stressed out is not ideal. Furthermore, people with compromised immune systems (e.g. diabetes, Hepatitis, HIV) typically take longer to heal, and I require a doctor’s authorization.

YES. I encourage you to bring in your own artwork or references and ideas to use, to draw you a custom tattoo! The more the better. I may need to rework personal drawings based on the drawing’s “tattooability”. 

Artwork is unveiled before the appointment is made. I take pride in producing tattoos that meet both the client’s needs as well as addressing design issues that are necessary for a tattoo to last, and look good, over the course of a lifetime. Simplicity is key.
Any minor requested changes to the design, will be done on the day of the appointment. Extensive reworks may require more time. Your deposit will be applied to the cost of the tattoo. If you choose not to be tattooed, the deposit is considered a drawing fee/ appointment retainer fee, and is nonrefundable.

YES! A consult is typically required to determine what imagery is necessary to adequately cover the old work. Be prepared to go at least 50-70% larger than the tattoo you want to cover. In addition be preparried to come in for multiple sessions to complete your coverup. I can give tattoos new life without covering it up. FYI: Two most frequently covered up tattoo styles are gang-related and lovers names.

?
It depends on the severity and maturity of the scar. This is judged on a case-by-case basis. In general, a scar should be at least one year old.

Tattoos take about 7 days to be healed.

Blood flow is an integral part of the healing process so the closer to the heart the better the healing. Healing of the calves can take longer based on that fact. The other significant factor affecting healing is the friction. Tattoos of the torso where pants can constrict and where pivotal movement is constant can also take longer to heal. Areas of the body with natural seams, like elbows and knees can also heal rough.

Any form of tanning can and will damage and fade a tattoo. If you are a sun worshiper, I recommend a SPF 30+ sun block. In general it is best to stay out of the sun and tanning booths, especially during the healing process.

I will not tattoo hate-based or gang tattoos.

Depends on the piece. For little simple designs, names, script and other simple undertakings you can get a same day appointment. For more complex work you will most likley need an appointment. Its always best to call your artist ahead of time to ask. 

It isn’t true in the sense of a real addiction, but it is a fact that people who already have one tattoo are more likely to get another one … or so. It is possible to get ‘hooked’ on the excitement of getting a tattoo, just as some people get ‘hooked’ on shopping, but that’s not a real addiction. Most people who end up with multiple tattoos do so simply because they like them.

If you’re worried, why not get the tattoo in a place where office clothes will cover it? For men at any rate, that still leaves a lot of choices. Even if you can’t keep it covered though, in this day and age it probably won’t matter. Tattoos are a lot more socially acceptable than they ever before and in most workplaces you are judged on the basis of your ability. There are exceptions, of course; there are tattoos that are so prominent and controversial in terms of their appearance or content that they may cause problems for you, just as there are workplaces which are exceptionally conservative. You need to make sure that all aspects of your appearance fit your objectives, and that includes tattoos. But having a tattoo or two certainly won’t preclude you from being gainfully employed – not in this day and age!