This is my first tattoo, is it going to hurt?

Yes, but please DO NOT listen to the experiences of friends. Tattoos do hurt, but every individual’s experience is different. Pain tolerances vary from person to person, different parts of the body hurt more than others, and the same spot on one person can hurt whist another person would barely mind.

It’s OK to be nervous, but most customers often comment it wasn’t as bad as they thought! As mentioned above, being well-fed and well-rested will minimize discomfort, and for longer sessions you might also find a mild anti-inflammatory pain reliever like Ibuprofen helps.

I’m a very quick and efficient tattooist, so whilst quality comes first, I am also mindful of how quickly I’m working. I work fast to keep pain to a minimum.

(Please note with people who menstruate, the process will make the body more receptive to pain, so take that into account while booking where possible).

Before your appointment:

Please, eat a balanced meal, and completely avoid alcohol and drugs. Even some medicines can be dangerous if they have blood-thinning attributes. Further, bring some snacks or an energy drink to maintain blood-sugar levels. Finally, get a good night’s rest and don’t be nervous!

Aftercare

Wash after your tattoo has been hygienically applied, your artist will cover it with a dressing to protect the artwork until you get home. It is at this point that the initiation of scab formation can occur. Under the dressing, the weeping tattoo allows blood platelets to begin collecting on the surface of the skin. To prevent further formation of a scab it is necessary to remove the blood platelets. Remove the dressing and wash the fresh tattoo (within 2-3 hour is preferred). Use warm, running water (shower, sink) and a mild fragrance-free, anti-bacteria liquid soap. After washing, rinse thoroughly. DO NOT USE a washcloth or sponge. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. DO NOT RUB OR SCRATCH. Wash two or three times a day until the tattooed skin heals. After drying wait 20-30 minutes to allow excess water in the tattoo to evaporate and inflammation to subside.

Apply Ointment

For the first three days, apply an ointment or salve after washing. Always wash your hands before applying ointment or touching the tattoo. Evenly apply over the tattooed skin using only the smallest amount possible to create a breathable barrier. Rub the ointment in gently as this will help stimulate the skin and bring blood flow to the area, which helps in the body's natural healing process. DO NOT leave a thick film on the surface. DO NOT allow the skin to dry out. Wear clean clothes. Avoid close fitting clothes as they may absorb ointment and dry the freshly tattooed skin. If you suffer from allergies to such ointments, seek advice from your doctor and advise your body artist. Discontinue use of any product should irritation occur.

How old do you have to be to get tattooed?

I strongly recommend you be at least 18 years of age before getting a tattoo. Having photo identification to verify is necessary as well.

How much will my tattoo cost?

Tattoo cost vary greatly, just like each tattoo is varied.
Typically, I charge by the piece, in that I judge the amount of detail, size, and placement of the tattoo to develop a price. For script, I do not charge by the letter, for that is usually a scheme to get more money out of someone. I find that unfair and instead use a more responsive judgement to price them. 

Larger pieces, sleeves, and full body suits are strictly by the hour. As of now, I charge $200 per hour, beginning only when we begin the actual tattooing.

Do you take tattoo aprentices?

No, I do not. Simple as that.

Do you take credit cards?

Yes, I certainly do. There is a small service fee that I cannot control, and I generally recommend cash, but the choice is upon your convenience.

Do you design tattoos?

Yes, I do design tattoos – I offer a fully custom service, which means when you book in with me, I will produce for you a design based on our conversation during the consultation. Again, references help, but overall the piece will be customized for you solely.

I do not design tattoos for other artists and I will not produce a design for you unless a booking has been made and a deposit left.

What's the best way to book an appointment?

The best way is to come into the studio. You can email me at mrscutellatattoos@gmail.com but it’s ALWAYS better to talk face-to-face. I don’t take bookings over the phone, because I require a deposit. A consultation, however, can be made over the phone or you may just come in.

If I cancel an appointment, can I get my deposite back?

Deposits, are NON-REFUNDABLE. If you must cancel an appointment, or you wish to postpone it to a later date, please ensure you give me as much notice as possible. If you have any doubts as to whether you want to get tattooed, it’s best not to commit to an appointment unless you are fully sure. Patience is key.

Can I bring my own design?

Of course. In fact, if you have reference material or images that have inspired your design ideas, please bring images with you printed out on paper, it really helps during the consultation process.

I typically do not tattoo designs exactly as they are from client’s drawings or designs. This is do to the fact that tattooing is a dynamic artform on a canvas that is entirely unique. Understand that changes are necessary so that your piece too can be unique. Further, please, don’t be offended if a design you bring with you needs to be changed in this way – it is a fundamental part of the process to ensure your tattoo looks as good as possible, both now and for the rest of your life. That said, military badges, sports team logos and similar iconographies will be reproduced faithfully and accurately, of course.

It should go without saying that I will not copy a tattoo design or actual tattoo which you have printed out from the Internet – it is usually disrespectful to both the original artist and their client to reproduce work on this way (think how you’d feel if your tattoo, designed entirely and especially for you, appeared on someone else’s body). Do feel free to bring in examples of other tattoos you’ve found which indicate the kinds of details you’re interested in, and we can then work together to create something personal, bespoke and unique!