We frequently get asked the same questions, so it's time for some answers
Q) I've had this tattoo done elsewhere, I'm not happy with it, what can you do to it to make it better?
A) Firstly, have you gone back to the original artist who did the tattoo, and asked for them to rectify the mistake? I am happy to turn your mess into something you can be proud off, but the original artist should do this for free. Shading, relining, and general redesign can do a lot for a poorly executed tattoo. I will not touch a tattoo that is not yet fully healed.
Q) How old do you have to be to get a tattoo?
A) 18, it's the law!!! If you do not look 18, you WILL be asked for photo I.D. Anywhere that says they can tattoo with parental consent, is breaking the law, and if you find such a place, you should report them to the environmental health, and the local police.
Q) I want a Celtic sleeve, how much do you charge per hour?
A) Do you mean tribal, black crappy lines, with no meaning to you what so ever? ""Yes!, I thought so"", we don't do that crap here, now if you want a real tattoo, feel free to look through the books on the counter or on the walls. We also do custom designs for the people with a proper idea of what they want. For session work we charge £50 per hour, designing or setup time are not included in your time, you pay from when the needle starts buzzing.
Q) Do you numb the skin at all?
A) We have a Numbing hat for the people who cannot get their head around having a tattoo.
Q) How much is a tattoo?
A) £10,000, There are no stupid questions, only stupid people.
Q) What should I apply to the tattoo to aid healing?
A) We recommend AFTER INKED, we sell it in store, and it's the dogs danglies, please ignore idiots that suggest Preparation H, also we used to recommend BEPANTHEN, but it seams around 5 years ago, the makers changed the ingredients and 2 in 5 people will have an adverse reaction to the cream.
Q) Does it hurt
A) Yes, that's the honest answer. But if you relax, don't attempt to fight the pain, it hurts a lot less. Some tattoo artists are just butchers, they want you to have your tattoo, and get out as quickly as possible, to get the next client in the chair...Faster he works, more pain your in. We work by appointment, we give ample time for your tattoo to be completed before the next client, so we do not cause any more discomfort than you need to be in.
Q) Where does it hurt the least ?
A) This really differs from person to person, but as a rule, if the body protects its self, by making you feel pain to know you are damaging something, the more the body has to protect (spine, wrists, neck, heart, kidneys etc) the more nerve endings it will have in that area.
Q) I want a tattoo on the side of my hand.
A) Good for you Cheryl, we don't do that here. The ink spreads, and it is just not a good area to tattoo for many reasons, this also includes fingers, palms of hands, soles of feet or the lower sides of feet.