FAQ

Q. What should I wear to my appointment?

A.  We always recommend dressing comfortably! The studio can get a little chilly - especially as your adrenaline drops during a tattoo session. We typically recommend dressing in layers (i.e. hoodies, tank tops, shorts with sweatpants, cozy socks etc.)
For clients being tattooed in more sensitive areas such as upper or inner thighs, chests, back, etc. It is recommended you wear clothing that will help the artist easily access that area such as onesies/leotards, bikinis, tank tops/crop tops etc. Don’t worry about being exposed, our artists have privacy blinds available to ensure clients tattooed in private areas are given the proper respect and privacy they deserve during their session! Feel free to bring a blanket!

Q. how long will my tattoo take?

A. Every artist works at their own pace and you can’t rush perfection! Always be prepared to set aside ample time for your artist to do their best work, redraw anything that might need adjustments, stencil placements because it doesn’t always go on the first try! If you have a large piece or sleeve, expect to be there the majority of the day. Most of these tattoos will take more than 1 session to reach completion so plan accordingly! A good rule of thumb is “however long you think you’ll be there, double it to be safe”. We want to give you our best work, not our fastest!

Q. will it hurt? Can I use numbing cream or sprays while getting tattooed?

A. Tattoo pain is subjective. What feels impossibly painful for some clients, feels easy for others! Always expect it to hurt to some degree. As for numbing agents, each artist is a bit different, however the majority of our artists are okay with clients using numbing sprays and creams. Always contact your artist before using these numbing agents, and especially do a test spot somewhere on the area you are anticipating getting the tattoo prior to your appointment, as some clients do have allergic reactions to these creams. It is also not recommended to mix lidocaine, epinephrin or other numbing agents with caffeine as it can elevate your heart rate. So if you do choose to go that route, take it easy on the caffeine and make sure to hydrate!

Q. How should i prepare for my upcoming tattoo appointment?

A. As always, we recommend clients eat a filling meal before their appointment to avoid passing out. This can also help with your pain tolerance as well - you can’t put your body through tattoo trauma without fueling up first. We highly recommend clients stay hydrated at least 1 week leading up to their appointment. Drink lots of water, hydrate and keep the area clean and moisturize! If you have a summer time appointment, stay out of the sun. Artists cannot tattoo over sunburn or peeling skin and you will forfeit your deposit if you show up to an appointment with damaged skin.
As stated in an earlier question, dress accordingly. Make sure your artist can easily access the area you are anticipating getting tattooed. Do not show up drunk and do not drink in the 72 hours leading up to your tattoo appointment - doing so will cause your blood to thin, increasing the bleeding during the process. This not only makes it difficult for artists to work, but the ink will not hold into the skin efficiently and you may be turned away from your appointment.

Q. I contacted the artist I want but they havent replied. what do i do?

A. Consider how popular or busy your artist may be. Some of our artists have work in high demand and book out for months at a time, so they have slower response times. It isn’t personal! It’s usually because they are juggling tattooing, booking, home-life, and drawing for their upcoming appointments. Give it some time. If a week has passed and you still have not gotten a response, you can send a follow up message or you can call or text the studio to follow up at (856)889-5069. We do our best to service as many clients and give them our best work. We understand the wait feels like forever, but patience is key. If waiting isn’t your thing, we do have other artists available with walk-in and sooner availability. Just ask!

Q. How do I heal my fresh tattoo?

A. Your artist will give you an aftercare instruction sheet at your appointment check-in that you are obligated to sign. This has all the instructions you will need to effectively take care of your healing tattoo. You can find a copy of that exact aftercare sheet here. NEVER pick scabs or peel skin off of a healing tattoo - as this will cause damage and pigment loss to the piece! Our artists may choose not to touch up any tattoo that was picked or scratched at, so heal accordinly!
Be advised, healing with Saniderm/Recovery Derm may differ from traditional healing methods. We NEVER recommend using petroleum based products for after care (ex. Aquaphor or A&D ointments), as these products will clog the poors and prevent your tattoo from “breathing”. It can cause breakouts, mushy skin - which can turn into thick scabs and pull pigment from your skin.
For best results, use tattoo-safe products such as Hustle Butter, or a white, non-scented lotion such as Cera Ve or Dove in small amounts as to not over-moisturize the skin. As always, if you have any issues with healing, contact your tattoo artist directly. If you have any serious reactions, we always recommend visiting an urgent care or seeing your primary care physician, as we cannot legally give you medical advice for any reactions that are not typical of a healing tattoo! So long as you are following the proper after care instructions, any tattoo that does not heal to perfection can be touched up at no further expense by your artist - just ask!