Yes, walk-ins are welcome if there is an available artist. However, the only way to guarantee a spot is by setting up an appointment. While appointments are preferred, we gladly accommodate walk-ins whenever possible.

Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for your artist’s work! While there are no strict rules for tipping, a good rule of thumb is to tip around 20% if you’re happy with the result. Your tip doesn’t have to be a specific amount, but it’s a wonderful gesture that shows you value the effort and skill your artist put into your tattoo.

In North Carolina, the legal age for body piercings varies depending on the type of piercing and the individual’s age.

– For clients aged 18 and older: A valid state-issued photo ID is required.
– For clients aged 16 and up: They can get their ears pierced without a parent but must provide a valid state-issued photo ID.
– For clients aged 16 and 17: They can get nostril, septum, cartilage, and navel piercings, but must be accompanied by a parent.
– For clients aged 5-15: We only offer ear piercings.

For all minors, a parent or legal guardian must be present, and both the minor and the parent or guardian must provide some form of identification. Acceptable forms of ID for minors include a birth certificate or a school ID, while the parent or legal guardian must present a valid state-issued photo ID.

These regulations ensure the safety and legality of the piercing process for all clients.

In North Carolina, you must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. You must bring a valid state-issued photo ID. Parents cannot sign for minors to get tattooed.

Deposits for appointments range from $50 to $200, depending on the artist and the length of the session. The exact deposit amount is determined by several factors such as the complexity and size of the tattoo. This deposit secures your appointment and goes toward the final cost of your tattoo. Deposits ensure that both your time and the artist’s time are respected and committed to your project.

Yes, the shop minimum can range from $100-150 depending on the artist.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact the studio directly by phone. To avoid losing your deposit, give us one week’s notice. Deposits are non-refundable. Do not contact your artist directly to reschedule, as they do not manage their schedules.

We do not offer or recommend using numbing cream before your tattoo appointment. Numbing creams can lead to several issues that may negatively impact the quality of your tattoo. These creams cause the skin to become inflamed, bringing fluid and blood to the surface. This can dilute the tattoo ink, resulting in a less vibrant and less precise tattoo. Other potential side effects of numbing cream include inconsistent numbing, where the cream may not numb the entire area evenly, leading to varying levels of discomfort. Additionally, some people may experience allergic reactions, redness, or irritation from the cream. Inflamed skin can also prolong the healing process, increasing the risk of infection, and the excess fluid can cause the ink to spread, resulting in blurred or distorted lines.

As a safer alternative, we offer numbing spray during the tattoo process. This spray is highly effective for pain relief, with most clients reporting between 75-100% effectiveness. The numbing spray is applied after the tattooing begins, ensuring a more comfortable experience without compromising the quality of your tattoo.

Yes. All of our artists are permitted and inspected by the Mecklenburg County Health Department. They are trained and certified in bloodborne pathogens. We use single-use, sterile needles, and our other equipment is either properly sterilized or pre-sterilized and disposable. Our in-house autoclave is regularly tested to ensure safety. Single-use needles are disposed of in sharps containers, and we protect all equipment with barrier film. Our artists are thoroughly trained, caring, and conscientious about maintaining a safe environment.

Yes, getting a tattoo does involve some pain. However, the level of pain varies depending on your personal pain tolerance and the tattoo’s location on your body. Some areas are more sensitive than others. While it’s important to consider your pain tolerance, remember that the pain is temporary. Getting your tattoo where you truly want it will ensure long-term satisfaction.

Clients should not bring their kids to their tattoo appointments for several reasons. Tattoo studios use sharp tools, needles, and various chemicals that can pose a risk to children. Getting a tattoo requires both the artist and the client to be focused and undisturbed, and children can be distracting, potentially impacting the quality of the work. Additionally, tattoo studios are adult environments that may not be suitable for children due to the language, imagery, and overall atmosphere. The presence of children might make other clients uncomfortable and disrupt the professional environment of the studio. Tattoo sessions can also be lengthy, and children may become restless and difficult to manage during the appointment. For the safety and comfort of everyone involved, it’s best to arrange for childcare and leave kids at home.

If you have a special circumstance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We try to be accommodating. 

Tattoo costs can vary significantly, with most artists charging by the hour. Our artists’ hourly rates range from $150 to $250. Tattoo estimates are provided in person after a consultation, as many factors influence the final cost. Remember, a tattoo is a permanent investment. Take your time to choose the right artist for your project. It’s better to save up for a piece you’ll be happy with for years to come, rather than risk needing a costly cover-up in the future.

Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn’t at 100% isn’t the best idea. You need your strength and white blood cells to heal your tattoo, which your body can’t do effectively if it’s already fighting a virus or bacteria. Additionally, you might pass the illness to others at the studio. If you are sick and have an appointment, please call to discuss with our manager and reschedule for when you’re feeling better.

Following proper tattoo aftercare is crucial to ensure your tattoo heals well and looks great. Please read our aftercare instructions carefully HERE.

To get tattooed by a specific artist, you can fill out our “booking request form”, give us a phone call or stop by the studio and we would be happy to set you up, or answer any questions! 

Yes, we do finger tattoos. However, there are some risks to consider. Generally, the tops of the fingers heal well, especially for single letters or simple images. The sides of the fingers, however, may not heal properly and can fade or blur. Touch-ups on finger tattoos are not always effective due to these issues, and they are not free. Additionally, tattoos on the sides of the fingers typically don’t look good for as long as those on the tops of the fingers or other body parts. We are willing to do finger tattoos, but please understand there is no guarantee on the outcome.

All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you cancel your appointment, you cannot get your deposit back. However, if you give us at least one week’s notice, your deposit can remain on file for up to one year if you want to postpone the appointment. If you want to change your tattoo design, you may lose your deposit unless you inform us promptly after booking. Design changes are typically acceptable as long as the artist agrees to the new design and hasn’t started working on the initial design. Deposits cannot be transferred to a different tattoo artist. Additionally, if you decide not to get the tattoo, you cannot transfer your deposit to another person, such as a friend or spouse.

We’ve had quite a few clients leave behind belongings. While we do our best to contact them directly, we are implementing a lost and found policy to better manage these items. We will do our best to reach out to clients if they leave an item behind. However, if an item is not claimed within one month, it will be donated. This policy helps us ensure that our studio remains organized and that unclaimed items are handled responsibly.