Do tattoos hurt? Does placement differ in pain?

Short answer, yes. Tattoos hurt. That said, millions of people have them so the pain isn’t always unbearable. Every person has different pain tolerances and the experience is very subjective. If you are interested in Pain Management please scroll down the FAQ list to the “Pain Management” section

In terms of location, again everyone is different. Some places hurt more than others and each person will experience different pain in different locations.

Do you offer Pain Management?

I absolutely do! I don’t subscribe to the ideology that you need to “earn your tattoo”. I do my best to ensure your tattoo expierience is as positive as possible. If you are interested, I do offer a pain management solution for your sessions. I use Painless Tattoo Numbing Cream and have been for some time now. I have yet to have a client dissatisfied with its efficacy. Please don’t be afraid or shy to bring it up in your tattoo consultation or even during your appointment, as I am happy to provide for you some relief. However, I will say that it is better to use it before your session as it will need some time to soak into your skin.

How can I book an appointment?

If you would like to book with me, you can navigate to the home page and click the “BOOK APPOINTMENT” button or simply click HERE .

What form of payment can I use?

Unfortunately at this time I cannot accept credit card payments for tattoos. I prefer cash. If you don’t have cash there is an ATM located at the shop for your convenience or I can take a Venmo payment.

Can I bring a friend?

I do try my hardest to accommodate guests. Tattoo stations are typically quite small so no more than one other person will be allowed back. If they are loud, drunk, distracting or annoying in any other way they may be asked to leave. If you want to bring a group of friends for some “bro tatts” arrangements may need to be made beforehand. Other guests can wait in the lobby or visit any of the cool midtown business just a short walk away.

What what are your tattooing policies?

Easy! Click the link HERE

Do you take walk-ins?

Not normally. I do however, from time-to-time have cancelations or will do a “Walk-in Day”. More often than not I will post about it on social media the day before or day of. Follow me on INSTAGRAM to stay in the loop or subscribe to my newsletter.

Do you do consultations?

I do! For 90% of my clients, a consultation is absolutely necessary. They are FREE and typically last around a half hour or so. We will discuss design ideas, locations, colors and other tattoo related things. We will also schedule your appointment(s) and make a deposit to secure your appointment.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Before your appointment:

1. Get plenty of rest the night before.A well-rested body is more equipped to handle stress and discomfort.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. I can’t stress enough how important it is to drink plenty of water before (and during) your tattoo appointment. Properly hydrated skin will be more elastic, making tattooing easier, less painful and will aid in the healing process. Apply a gentle moisturizer to the area where you want to get tattooed every day for at least a week before your appointment.

3. Eat a proper meal. No one wants to get tattoo while they are “hangry”.

4. DO NOT drink alcohol the night before or the day of your tattoo appointment. Consuming alcohol within a 24 hr period will thin your blood, making you more susceptible to bleeding or bruising and will negatively effect the healing process.

5. Shaving. If you are a hairy yeti, please feel free to use hair trimmers to trim the hair in the area you want to get tattoo. If you don’t normally shave that area, please don’t attempt to use a razor as you will run the risk of slicing yourself and I won’t be able to do your tattoo.

6. Avoid the sun. Getting tattooed while sunburned can be incredibility painful and will negatively affect the healing process. I WILL NOT tattoo sunburned skin. If you come into your appointment with the area to be tattooed is sunburned, we will have to reschedule your appointment and you will forfeit your deposit.

Day of your appointment:

1. Dress appropriately. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Consider the location of your tattoo – you'll want the area to be tattooed to be easily accessible while maintaining your comfort and privacy. It’s not a faction show, it’s a tattoo appointment.

2. Bring the essentials! Always bring a valid ID (required), bottled water, snacks, headphones, and your smartphone or tablet. These can help you stay relaxed and distracted during your session. I won’t be offended if you want to watch a movie or listen to headphones. Blankets and stuffed animals are encouraged. Longer sessions will have food/water breaks included.

3. Aftercare: I will discuss all after care responsibilities with you. It can be different from client to client so this will be a more individualized discussion.

4. Stay calm and enjoy the ride! Please communicate - if you have any concerns or need a break during the session as I am not a mind reader.

Getting tattooed is and exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey. Preparedness can help mitigate that and make your experience as positive and memorable as possible.