Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?
In Washington State, you must be at least 18 years of age. It does not matter if your parent/guardian gives consent; you still must be at least 18 years old.
Are tattoos by appointment only, or do you take walk-ins?
Short answer is, yes, we take walk-ins. Different artists will have different preferences and availability. We recommend you reach out to the artist that you want to work with directly for their availability and booking information. You can also call the shop to see if anyone is taking walk-ins at that moment. For large projects such as sleeves, back pieces, etc. you will want to schedule ahead of time to have a consultation to ensure you get the best design possible.
How do I choose the artist that is right for me?
A good starting point is to look through the artist’s portfolio. If you already know what you want, look for an artist whose style matches what you’re imagining. You can ask them if what you’re wanting is a design or style they do. Some artists may only take on specific projects, or refer you to someone who specializes in the style you want. If this happens, just know it is the artist doing what they can to help you get the best tattoo possible.
If you aren’t sure what you want, you might want to look for an artist with “flash,” or pre-drawn designs. Flash often showcases what an artist feels confident in and has fun doing, so these can be a fun way to find a design you like.
How can I book an appointment?
Each artist has their own preference on how to book an appointment. Browse the artists’ page to view their work and connect with them.
What should I expect at a consultation?
A consultation is a short appointment, usually 15-30 minutes, to meet your artist and discuss the design of your tattoo. It is very important that you come prepared so you and your artist can understand what you want and talk about the design. You should bring 3-5 reference photos (on your phone is ok) to give your artist an idea of what you’re looking for. For example, you might have a picture to show the color palette you like, one that shows composition, and some that show a specific element you want, like a flower or dagger (the possibilities are endless!).
You will also want to be prepared to show the artist where you want your tattoo. This might mean you need to wear underlayers or something loose-fitting, depending on where you want the tattoo. It is very common for artists to take a picture of where the tattoo will go so they can draw it to fit your body- this is part of getting a custom tattoo.
Most artists will also collect a deposit at this time. A deposit secures your appointment time and goes towards the cost of your tattoo. For example, if you put down a $100 deposit, your final bill might be $900 instead of $1,000 because the deposit money is used. Your artists will likely have you sign a deposit form, which lets you know the deposit is non-refundable. This is to protect the artists’ time they invest in designing your tattoo.
What does it cost to get tattooed?
You will need to talk to your artist about their rates.
Does it hurt to get tattooed? What does it feel like?
Everyone will have a different answer to that question because we all tolerate different levels of pain. In general, the longer you sit, the more painful the experience will be. There are also some areas that people will commonly say are more painful than other parts of the body, such as the knee, stomach, sternum, etc. Again though, this is different for each individual.
What should I do before my appointment?
Make sure you are well rested, have something nutritional to eat, stay hydrated, and practice good hygiene. It’s a good idea to bring some water and some sort of snack that is easy to eat and provides quick energy. You may also want to bring headphones and have a book or something to do on your phone. Depending on the size of your tattoo, you might be there a while! Plus, having something to engage your mind in can help distract you from the pain.
Can I have an allergic reaction?
Although not common, allergic reactions can happen. If you have any allergies, please tell your artist.