TATTOO FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Below you will find some answers to commonly asked questions.
Is everything clean?
Beyond clean! Tattoo needles are sterile and single use, thrown away after each client into a sharps container for disposal. Ink, ointment and other materials such as shavers, paper towels, etc that are used on a client are all thrown out after each tattoo and and picked up by a medical waste company that comes to pick up our medical waste every Friday. Nothing that can cause cross contamination is reused and work surfaces and equipment are all fully covered with single use disposable material and fully cleaned after tattooing. We pride ourselves on our cleanliness!
Are your artists Licensed?
All of our tattoo artists are licensed as required by law with the City of New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Our apprentices are also fully licensed.
Do tattoos hurt?
The simplest answer to this question is yes. If you've ever had a rug, grass, sun burn or shallow scrape, you've experienced the same general feeling. A tattoo is not an unbearable pain, but it does cause minimal to mild discomfort. Typically the longer the session, the more sensitive the skin becomes. The more complicated answer would be that it fully depends on the person, everyone has a different tolerance to pain and even a small change in placement by an inch can make a difference in how it's felt. Mind over matter will go a long way! Plus, if they were that bad, not so many people would have them lol!
Can I use numbing cream or pain killers?
You can use numbing cream, but there are some things to be aware of. Firstly, it needs to be applied several hours before you sit for your tattoo and can only last for around thirty to forty-five minutes. Tattooing being an art-form and therefore not an exact science, means that sometimes there could be a period of waiting past your appointment time, while the tattooist finishes off a piece of work that took longer than expected or if placement of your own tattoo takes longer, or edits need to be made prior. This makes it very difficult to time the application of the cream. Secondly, even if you manage to time its application correctly, the potential short working period of the cream makes it a very limiting to anything but the simplest and smallest of tattoos. Lastly, if your tattoo is not finished before the cream wears off, then the pain will come back all at once rather than gradually. From your artists perspective, the creams can cause the skin to become slightly puffy in some customers. The ointment depending on the brand may also be too thick which can clog the needle. This means that the tattooist needs to work harder to get the ink into the skin, which can cause additional time and trauma. This will obviously have some repercussions during the healing process and can create an undesirable amount of scabbing during that time. For these reasons we do not offer it ourselves since we find it is usually a waste of money on our clients part. But you are welcome to use them if they are sold as tattoo safe numbing creams. Feel free to talk to your artist about this more!
Pain killers can also cause a problem. Anything that thins the blood and reduces clotting will cause excessive bleeding during your tattoo, which will affect the quality of the finished tattoo. These will also extend the healing time that your tattoo needs so we don't recommend anything that thins the blood (Read warning labels and ask your doctor if you are unsure).
How old do I have to be?
You must be at least 18 years old in the state of New York to receive a tattoo. There are no exceptions to this law and parent consent is not accepted. This age restriction varies by state so if you absolutely can't wait for your tattoo, you'll have to travel to a different state.
Do you offer piercings?
We only offer tattoos and have no piercers at are studio. We are currently unable to separate "tattoo and piercing" on google though hope they allow us to eventually. Sorry for the confusion.
What styles do you offer?
Our artists all offer different styles but there is not a single style we can not provide through at least one of our artists. The only thing we will not tattoo is anything deemed hateful.
What if I don't know what I want tattooed?
Tattoos are for life, for this reason we recommend taking your time deciding. Spend some time looking at tattoos online or browsing through the artist portfolios on our website. Literally anything can be a tattoo or spark your inspiration. You're welcome to discuss with an artist who can help you decide but ultimately it is your body and your choice. Having a concept at the least will give the artist creative direction. Some artists do offer deals for complete creative freedom as well however if you like their work. We create complete custom pieces all of the time and always prefer to do so!
Do I need an appointment?
We are primarily an appointment tattoo studio and always have been. While we do take walk ins and same day appointments if we have the time, we can only do so between our scheduled appointments or when we have reschedules, walk ins are never guaranteed. We highly suggest making an inquiry through our online form here: TATQUEST or text/calling us if you're on a tight schedule to check for same day availability. Please keep in mind that last minute availability is usually limited to simplistic tattoos that don't take much planning/prior drawing on our parts.
How long do TATQUEST inquiries take to get answered?Each artist has a different response time and availability. While we try to get back to everyone as quickly as possible, to be fair to everyone, we answer messages in the order we receive them. Since the amount can vary greatly depending on the amount of people inquiring, responses can take anywhere from a single day to a few weeks. Largely this depends on the artist you would like to work with. While some of our artists have a long wait list stretching months others are available within the week. General inquiries are usually answered within a few days if you choose "Any artist is fine".
Can I send reference photos?
Of course, there is an upload option on our TATQUEST inquiry form.
How do I choose an artist?
You can look through our artists pages and their instagrams to find which artist might suit you best and then inquire using the TATQUEST form. If you're still unsure or don't want to take the time to look, no worries; fill out the form to the best of your ability and we'll pick an artist for you that makes the most sense relating to the request!
How much does a tattoo cost? / What is your minimum?
Each of our artists price differently. You would have to discuss with your chosen artist to receive a quote. A tattoo price has a lot of variables such as sizing, placement, the amount of detail that goes into the tattoo, as well as the chosen artists experience and workload. The majority of our artists charge hourly for detailed or large projects and give out flat prices for more simplistic tattoos. As an example of how pricing can vary, some of our artists charge $200 an hour or more while others charge $100 an hour or even less for apprentices. The minimums can be $200 or $80 as well depending on the artist. We suggest looking through an artists work to choose, but if budget is more of a concern, feel free to fill out the form and enter your price range in the area for that. We can always connect you with someone who may be able to work with you.
Why do some artists price hourly?
Some artists price hourly because it's hard to tell exactly how long a tattoo may take. The same way a lot of variables can affect the general estimate of time, just as many variables can affect how long it actually takes, such as the condition of your skin, how a client may sit for the duration of the tattoo (still vs moving around a lot- which can make it more difficult to tattoo), the exact areas of the body, etc. By pricing hourly, an artist knows that they will be able to provide their highest quality of work. As an example, if something is priced flatly but takes longer than the time an artist thought it would take, being human, they may rush the process to get it done faster and sacrifice quality. At the same time, if they expect it to take a long time and give a super high price but get it done faster, the client loses out on money they could have saved. Pricing hourly is the best way to receive quality and fair pricing for both the artist and the client as long as you work with honest people- which we try to make sure are the only artists who work at our studio. The hourly rates of each artist reflect their experience, style and demand. You can always be honest with your artist about budget and they should be able to work with you even if it's priced hourly. Communication is key so don't be afraid to let your artist know what you're hoping to spend. If they're unable to work with your budget, they'll be honest about it and hopefully be able to refer you to someone who can, each of our artist values quality over money and we believe this reflects in our previous clients reviews found on google.*Timers are used whenever a tattoo is priced hourly to give a fair experience, you are not charged for an artist taking a break to stretch their legs for example.*
Why do tattoo artists have a minimum price?
A minimum price often covers the basic cost of supply, overhead and of course, profit for the artist and shop since what an artist makes is often split with the studio. It also reflects an artists individual work load and skill level regarding technical application. We try to provide the highest quality, modern materials/equipment and professional experience at fair pricing; which is why we allow each artist to have their own minimum rather than a shop minimum simply because of location and environment. A tattoo price should reflect the work you receive, not the luxury of the seats you get it on. (Though we also provide great seats lol!)
Do you require deposits for appointments & why?
Our artists do require non refundable deposits for their appointments. The deposit price will vary based on artist, the amount of time needed for the prep work that goes into the design process and the amount of time blocked out in their schedule for the actual tattoo. You will receive a single set deposit price after discussing your ideas with your artist which can be paid online or in the studio. The deposit price does come out of the final total tattoo price and is not an additional charge. However, a deposit will be forfeited as a fee and considered an additional charge if you fail to show up for your appointment or reschedule within 24 hours. A new deposit will be required for another appointment and the original deposit will not be taken out of the final price. The reason being that if a time slot is blocked in the schedule for your appointment and you don't show up, the artist that had your appointment loses out on money they could have made in that time with another client. Tattooing is how our artists pay their bills and make a living so please understand deposits are simply to protect their time.
Can I see the design prior to the appointment?
Usually, our artists will show their design to you when you arrive for your appointment. If seeing the design prior to the day of your appointment is important to you, please have this discussion with your artist during the free online consultation after filling out our TATQUEST form. Most of the time our artists will not be willing to show you beforehand since they have to design things in the order they have their appointments and finishing touches are often added the days before (None of our artists like to rush their designs which is also why we work by appointment primarily). There are also other issues such as not fully understanding how things look on the stencil vs how they'll look on the finished tattoo, which is always better discussed in person. For this reason our artists are happy to sit down with you before any tattooing on your appointment date to go over the design and make sure you understand how the finished product will look. Minor revisions are always welcome during this time as well. Because artists charge for their time spent tattooing you and not the artwork which is created at no additional charge, they often won't want to send you a design prior unless it's a commissioned art piece, which would be priced separately from the tattoo. Feel free to talk to your artist to better understand this and even ask for examples of previous tattoos (stencil vs finished tattoos) to better understand the process. Our artists are all happy to explain and communicate everything about the process with you!
Should I tip my artist?
Tips are always appreciated but never necessary. What an artist charges you for a tattoo is split based on a percentage with the studio, what they receive as a tip is fully theirs. If you feel your artist went above and beyond, they will always appreciate a tip.
Is there an accessible entrance?
The main entrance is down a small set of stairs. However, it’s important to us that we are accessible to all. Please notify your artist in advance of your appointment and we can do our best to help you enter and exit if you need any help!
What should I do to prepare for my tattoo appointment and to care for it after?
Your artist will explain everything you need to know before, during and after! We are also currently working on a page explaining everything you need to know for quick reference!
Can I bring my child with me during my tattoo appointment?
Unfortunately we do not allow minors due to the nature of the business, distractions they may cause to you or your artist and safety hazards. We do have an outdoor seating area they they may sit accompanied by another adult but during winter months it can be cold and during summer months it can be hot.
Can I bring someone with me during my appointment?
You are absolutely welcome to bring a friend as moral support is always helpful! We are a small studio so if we do become full we may have to ask them to wait in our outside area. Most of the time there shouldn't be a problem with them waiting next to you as you get tattooed and they are welcome to take photos and videos!
I have other questions?
Feel free to contact us or an artist specifically!
Beyond clean! Tattoo needles are sterile and single use, thrown away after each client into a sharps container for disposal. Ink, ointment and other materials such as shavers, paper towels, etc that are used on a client are all thrown out after each tattoo and and picked up by a medical waste company that comes to pick up our medical waste every Friday. Nothing that can cause cross contamination is reused and work surfaces and equipment are all fully covered with single use disposable material and fully cleaned after tattooing. We pride ourselves on our cleanliness!
Are your artists Licensed?
All of our tattoo artists are licensed as required by law with the City of New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Our apprentices are also fully licensed.
Do tattoos hurt?
The simplest answer to this question is yes. If you've ever had a rug, grass, sun burn or shallow scrape, you've experienced the same general feeling. A tattoo is not an unbearable pain, but it does cause minimal to mild discomfort. Typically the longer the session, the more sensitive the skin becomes. The more complicated answer would be that it fully depends on the person, everyone has a different tolerance to pain and even a small change in placement by an inch can make a difference in how it's felt. Mind over matter will go a long way! Plus, if they were that bad, not so many people would have them lol!
Can I use numbing cream or pain killers?
You can use numbing cream, but there are some things to be aware of. Firstly, it needs to be applied several hours before you sit for your tattoo and can only last for around thirty to forty-five minutes. Tattooing being an art-form and therefore not an exact science, means that sometimes there could be a period of waiting past your appointment time, while the tattooist finishes off a piece of work that took longer than expected or if placement of your own tattoo takes longer, or edits need to be made prior. This makes it very difficult to time the application of the cream. Secondly, even if you manage to time its application correctly, the potential short working period of the cream makes it a very limiting to anything but the simplest and smallest of tattoos. Lastly, if your tattoo is not finished before the cream wears off, then the pain will come back all at once rather than gradually. From your artists perspective, the creams can cause the skin to become slightly puffy in some customers. The ointment depending on the brand may also be too thick which can clog the needle. This means that the tattooist needs to work harder to get the ink into the skin, which can cause additional time and trauma. This will obviously have some repercussions during the healing process and can create an undesirable amount of scabbing during that time. For these reasons we do not offer it ourselves since we find it is usually a waste of money on our clients part. But you are welcome to use them if they are sold as tattoo safe numbing creams. Feel free to talk to your artist about this more!
Pain killers can also cause a problem. Anything that thins the blood and reduces clotting will cause excessive bleeding during your tattoo, which will affect the quality of the finished tattoo. These will also extend the healing time that your tattoo needs so we don't recommend anything that thins the blood (Read warning labels and ask your doctor if you are unsure).
How old do I have to be?
You must be at least 18 years old in the state of New York to receive a tattoo. There are no exceptions to this law and parent consent is not accepted. This age restriction varies by state so if you absolutely can't wait for your tattoo, you'll have to travel to a different state.
Do you offer piercings?
We only offer tattoos and have no piercers at are studio. We are currently unable to separate "tattoo and piercing" on google though hope they allow us to eventually. Sorry for the confusion.
What styles do you offer?
Our artists all offer different styles but there is not a single style we can not provide through at least one of our artists. The only thing we will not tattoo is anything deemed hateful.
What if I don't know what I want tattooed?
Tattoos are for life, for this reason we recommend taking your time deciding. Spend some time looking at tattoos online or browsing through the artist portfolios on our website. Literally anything can be a tattoo or spark your inspiration. You're welcome to discuss with an artist who can help you decide but ultimately it is your body and your choice. Having a concept at the least will give the artist creative direction. Some artists do offer deals for complete creative freedom as well however if you like their work. We create complete custom pieces all of the time and always prefer to do so!
Do I need an appointment?
We are primarily an appointment tattoo studio and always have been. While we do take walk ins and same day appointments if we have the time, we can only do so between our scheduled appointments or when we have reschedules, walk ins are never guaranteed. We highly suggest making an inquiry through our online form here: TATQUEST or text/calling us if you're on a tight schedule to check for same day availability. Please keep in mind that last minute availability is usually limited to simplistic tattoos that don't take much planning/prior drawing on our parts.
How long do TATQUEST inquiries take to get answered?Each artist has a different response time and availability. While we try to get back to everyone as quickly as possible, to be fair to everyone, we answer messages in the order we receive them. Since the amount can vary greatly depending on the amount of people inquiring, responses can take anywhere from a single day to a few weeks. Largely this depends on the artist you would like to work with. While some of our artists have a long wait list stretching months others are available within the week. General inquiries are usually answered within a few days if you choose "Any artist is fine".
Can I send reference photos?
Of course, there is an upload option on our TATQUEST inquiry form.
How do I choose an artist?
You can look through our artists pages and their instagrams to find which artist might suit you best and then inquire using the TATQUEST form. If you're still unsure or don't want to take the time to look, no worries; fill out the form to the best of your ability and we'll pick an artist for you that makes the most sense relating to the request!
How much does a tattoo cost? / What is your minimum?
Each of our artists price differently. You would have to discuss with your chosen artist to receive a quote. A tattoo price has a lot of variables such as sizing, placement, the amount of detail that goes into the tattoo, as well as the chosen artists experience and workload. The majority of our artists charge hourly for detailed or large projects and give out flat prices for more simplistic tattoos. As an example of how pricing can vary, some of our artists charge $200 an hour or more while others charge $100 an hour or even less for apprentices. The minimums can be $200 or $80 as well depending on the artist. We suggest looking through an artists work to choose, but if budget is more of a concern, feel free to fill out the form and enter your price range in the area for that. We can always connect you with someone who may be able to work with you.
Why do some artists price hourly?
Some artists price hourly because it's hard to tell exactly how long a tattoo may take. The same way a lot of variables can affect the general estimate of time, just as many variables can affect how long it actually takes, such as the condition of your skin, how a client may sit for the duration of the tattoo (still vs moving around a lot- which can make it more difficult to tattoo), the exact areas of the body, etc. By pricing hourly, an artist knows that they will be able to provide their highest quality of work. As an example, if something is priced flatly but takes longer than the time an artist thought it would take, being human, they may rush the process to get it done faster and sacrifice quality. At the same time, if they expect it to take a long time and give a super high price but get it done faster, the client loses out on money they could have saved. Pricing hourly is the best way to receive quality and fair pricing for both the artist and the client as long as you work with honest people- which we try to make sure are the only artists who work at our studio. The hourly rates of each artist reflect their experience, style and demand. You can always be honest with your artist about budget and they should be able to work with you even if it's priced hourly. Communication is key so don't be afraid to let your artist know what you're hoping to spend. If they're unable to work with your budget, they'll be honest about it and hopefully be able to refer you to someone who can, each of our artist values quality over money and we believe this reflects in our previous clients reviews found on google.*Timers are used whenever a tattoo is priced hourly to give a fair experience, you are not charged for an artist taking a break to stretch their legs for example.*
Why do tattoo artists have a minimum price?
A minimum price often covers the basic cost of supply, overhead and of course, profit for the artist and shop since what an artist makes is often split with the studio. It also reflects an artists individual work load and skill level regarding technical application. We try to provide the highest quality, modern materials/equipment and professional experience at fair pricing; which is why we allow each artist to have their own minimum rather than a shop minimum simply because of location and environment. A tattoo price should reflect the work you receive, not the luxury of the seats you get it on. (Though we also provide great seats lol!)
Do you require deposits for appointments & why?
Our artists do require non refundable deposits for their appointments. The deposit price will vary based on artist, the amount of time needed for the prep work that goes into the design process and the amount of time blocked out in their schedule for the actual tattoo. You will receive a single set deposit price after discussing your ideas with your artist which can be paid online or in the studio. The deposit price does come out of the final total tattoo price and is not an additional charge. However, a deposit will be forfeited as a fee and considered an additional charge if you fail to show up for your appointment or reschedule within 24 hours. A new deposit will be required for another appointment and the original deposit will not be taken out of the final price. The reason being that if a time slot is blocked in the schedule for your appointment and you don't show up, the artist that had your appointment loses out on money they could have made in that time with another client. Tattooing is how our artists pay their bills and make a living so please understand deposits are simply to protect their time.
Can I see the design prior to the appointment?
Usually, our artists will show their design to you when you arrive for your appointment. If seeing the design prior to the day of your appointment is important to you, please have this discussion with your artist during the free online consultation after filling out our TATQUEST form. Most of the time our artists will not be willing to show you beforehand since they have to design things in the order they have their appointments and finishing touches are often added the days before (None of our artists like to rush their designs which is also why we work by appointment primarily). There are also other issues such as not fully understanding how things look on the stencil vs how they'll look on the finished tattoo, which is always better discussed in person. For this reason our artists are happy to sit down with you before any tattooing on your appointment date to go over the design and make sure you understand how the finished product will look. Minor revisions are always welcome during this time as well. Because artists charge for their time spent tattooing you and not the artwork which is created at no additional charge, they often won't want to send you a design prior unless it's a commissioned art piece, which would be priced separately from the tattoo. Feel free to talk to your artist to better understand this and even ask for examples of previous tattoos (stencil vs finished tattoos) to better understand the process. Our artists are all happy to explain and communicate everything about the process with you!
Should I tip my artist?
Tips are always appreciated but never necessary. What an artist charges you for a tattoo is split based on a percentage with the studio, what they receive as a tip is fully theirs. If you feel your artist went above and beyond, they will always appreciate a tip.
Is there an accessible entrance?
The main entrance is down a small set of stairs. However, it’s important to us that we are accessible to all. Please notify your artist in advance of your appointment and we can do our best to help you enter and exit if you need any help!
What should I do to prepare for my tattoo appointment and to care for it after?
Your artist will explain everything you need to know before, during and after! We are also currently working on a page explaining everything you need to know for quick reference!
Can I bring my child with me during my tattoo appointment?
Unfortunately we do not allow minors due to the nature of the business, distractions they may cause to you or your artist and safety hazards. We do have an outdoor seating area they they may sit accompanied by another adult but during winter months it can be cold and during summer months it can be hot.
Can I bring someone with me during my appointment?
You are absolutely welcome to bring a friend as moral support is always helpful! We are a small studio so if we do become full we may have to ask them to wait in our outside area. Most of the time there shouldn't be a problem with them waiting next to you as you get tattooed and they are welcome to take photos and videos!
I have other questions?
Feel free to contact us or an artist specifically!