CUSTOM TATTOOS
RICHARD SMITH
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
In order to book an appointment, I usually require you to first book a consultation with me in order to discuss the design you would like in person. Consultations are free and only take 10-15 minutes. At this meeting you'll be able to more thoroughly discuss details pertaining to your tattoo including design, price estimates, how long it should take, size, etc. At the end of your consultation, if you'd like to proceed with booking an appointment, we'll find a date that works for both of us. I require a CASH deposit to book an appointment, which can range from $100 - $200, depending on the design.
If you're coming from out of town we can just figure out all the details through email, no problem.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET TATTOOED?
I usually don't quote prices online or over the phone because there are many factors that go into the price of a tattoo. Also I don't like dealing with "price shoppers". The best way to get a price estimate is to book a free consultation so we can go over everything in person. This also shows that you're serious about getting tattooed by me and are less likely to waste both of our time. Again, if you're coming from out of town, we can work it out through e-mail.
DO YOU HAVE A MINIMUM?
Yep. My minimum is $100, and the price will go up depending on the size of the tattoo, the design, and where on the body you want tattooed.
DO YOU TAKE CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS?
Nope. I'm CASH ONLY! So hit your bank ahead of time or pay the ATM fees at the shop.
Also, I accept Venmo if I really have to.
DO I HAVE TO LEAVE A DEPOSIT?
Yes, if you decide to book an appointment, I require you to leave a deposit to save your space. The deposit amount depends on the design and ranges from $100-$200. Again, I'm CASH ONLY, so all deposits must be cash. Your deposit is non-refundable, but it goes go toward the price of your tattoo. You are able to reschedule your appointment and transfer the deposit if you give me a 48hr notice. If you need to change your appointment for any reason after the 48 hr notice, you forfeit your deposit. If you need to cancel your appointment, you forfeit your deposit.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT?
Easy answer... Don't. All deposits are non-refundable, so if you need to completely cancel your appointment, you will lose your deposit. You are able to reschedule your appointment and transfer the deposit if you give me a 48 hr notice. If you need to change your appointment for any reason after the 48 hour point, you will forfeit your deposit.
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR AFTERCARE?
Assuming you've kept your tattoo wrapped for however long I told you to... remove your bandage and, with clean hands, wash your tattoo throughly with warm water and soap. make sure to wash away all of the plasma and ointment that may be on your tattoo. Pat it completely dry with a paper towel, making sure that there is no extra moisture on the tattoo. Do not dry your fresh tattoo with a bath towel, as they harbor bacteria.
After your tattoo is completely dry, you may apply a very small amount of A&D, Aquaphor or whatever other ointment I've approved. Repeat the process of washing it, patting it dry, and putting ointment on it for the first 3-4 days, 2 times a day.
After the first 3-4 days are over and your tattoo is no longer an open wound, you can reduce the frequency of washing your tattoo to 1-2 times a day. You may apply a small amount of unscented lotion to you tattoo if you feel like it is getting too uncomfortable, but it is best to keep it relatively dry for the first week or so. After the first week, you may use lotion as often as you like.
Your tattoo will flake, itch, and possibly scab while healing. This is completely normal and is not cause for concern. Do not pick or scratch or pull of any scabs. Please avoid long and steamy hot showers, and do not soak your fresh tattoo for at least 2 weeks. Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo. If your tattoo is fresh, keep is covered under clothing while out in the sun. Once it is healed, apply liberal amounts of high SPF sunblock on your tattoo. The sun will age your tattoo very quickly if not cared for properly.
Your tattoo will hopefully be fully healed in about a month.
If you have any other questions about aftercare, please do not hesitate to contact the shop.