Question 1

How do I book in?

Accepted Answer

You want a tattoo? You're in the right place!
Booking in with our artists is super simple. You can use our "Artists" page via the drop down menu. When you click on your preferred artist, it will take you to their instagram page. You will need to send them as much information as possible regarding your tattoo idea (placement, size, style, any reference images, ideal days of the week etc).
If you don't know who to book in with, you can contact us via email/ phone (or pop in if you're passing!); and we will direct you to the best person for the job.

If you don't have instagram to contact your artist, you can email us.

Question 2

How do i prepare for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

It's the day of your appointment and you're getting yourself ready- here's what you need to do:
- Eat a substantial meal (to keep you fuelled throughout your session)
- Take a thorough shower (so the area is clean- it's important to maintain good personal hygiene when getting tattoos)
- Buy snacks for your appointment (bring sugary and non-sugary snacks- overloading on sugar can sometimes make you feel sick and/or crash)
- Bring anything you want to keep yourself entertained! We do have music and a TV, however you might not fancy what we have on, so it's always better to be prepared!
- If you have long body hair, consider trimming it shorter so when we shave you, we don't irritate the skin.
- Try and have a good nights sleep before your appointment.
- Avoid drinking alcohol- nothing worse than being hungover on tattoo day!

Question 3

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Clothes! haha. But seriously, it's important to wear something comfy!
Consider what area you're getting tattooed and make it accessible. Please do not wear anything fancy! Sometimes we can't help where the ink sprays or splats, and we don't want to ruin your favourite clothes!

Oh, and maybe stay clear of white anything!

Question 4

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Ahh, the big question! 
The simple answer is, yes it does. However, not as much as you'd think. After a short period of time your endorphins kick in and make it more bearable until you reach your limit when it can become uncomfortable again. It is often likened to a mild burning sensation or a scratch. It also depends entirely on what area of your body you getting the work done, any area directly over bone will be sensitive (ribs, feet, hands, head, elbows, knees) and areas that are genuinely sensitive anyway can be quite painful (neck, throat, sternum, inner biceps, ditch on arm and legs). If you're looking for a less painful spot you should consider an area protected by a large muscle (forearm, bicep, shoulder, calf) that being said, everybody has a different pain threshold, so please bare this in mind!

Question 5

How do I look after my tattoo?

Accepted Answer

All of our artists will walk through the aftercare advice with you at the end of your session. However, if you're a bit forgetful, we have a page dedicated to the aftercare advice on our dropdown menu.

P.s. tattoo's still need caring for way after they've healed! Apply moisturiser daily and remember to put suncream on tattoos when it's sunny or you're on holiday. It helps them last and stay more vibrant for much, much longer.

Question 6

When shouldn't I get tattooed?

Accepted Answer

Under the influence of alcohol
Under the influence of drugs
Pregnant
Unwell (getting a tattoo when you're immune system isn't 100% is a bad idea, plus it's inconsiderate to bring an illness into a busy studio).
Immediately Before or After surgery
Unsure of what you want (remember it is permanent)

Question 7

Why do I have to pay a deposit?

Accepted Answer

This is to secure the booking and cover the artist if you don't turn up on the day or cancel last minute. Remember this is their livelihood and some of our artists travel from outside Derby to come to work.

Question 8

How old do you need to be to get a tattoo?

Accepted Answer

You have to be 18 years old to get a tattoo and there is no leeway on this.

Question 9

What happens if I'm running late or need to cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

This can really vary from artist to artist. Generally, if you're running a bit late for a day sitting, call the studio or drop your artist a message just to let them know you'll be X minutes late; however, if you have a short booking (a few hours or less) you need to call the studio urgently if you're running late- if the artist has someone booked in after you, it wouldn't be fair to push their whole day back, so you will likely loose your deposit and your booking slot.

If you have to cancel, you should give your artist as much notice as possible. All of our artists have their own notice period, so it is worth asking. Generally, if you can give your artist a week's notice, your deposit and booking can be transferred into another date. However, if you give less than a week's notice, your deposit and booking will likely be lost.

We understand that sometimes life can happen, so it's ultimately to the discretion of your artist.

Question 10

Can I use numbing cream or painkillers?

Accepted Answer

Numbing cream can be used but this needs to be applied an hour before the tattoo to have any effect, we would recommend applying this at home before the tattoo. Paracetamol will have little or no effect and ibuprofen-based painkillers can give minor pain relief during the process.

Frequently asked questions