WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR FIRST TATTOO?

You should have a good idea of what you want and where you want it. Do some research. Especially if you are having the artist draw a custom design. Be sure of what you want before you approach your artist to draw your custom piece.

What is your budget, sizing? Have you chosen your artist and do you feel comfortable talking to your artist and do they listen to you? Once your ready make a free consultation appointment with the artists whose style reflects what you’re looking for.

How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?

A tattoo is a wound in your skin. It takes the same amount of time to heal as any other kind of cut or open wound. on average, it may be anywhere from 2 weeks 

IS IT RECOMMENDED TO PICK SOMETHING SMALL OR GO BIG?

Most tattoo shops have a minimum charge. OUR HOP IT'S $50.00

. If you are considering a large design we usually recommend getting it in portions as most people have a three hour tolerance. That way you can get a large tattoo more comfortably and with less pain. If you start with the outline for your first sitting you can then get the shading and the color in separate sittings. This allows you to get larger pieces with less skin irritation and the ability to pay for your tattoo as you go. Or if it’s a photo realistic piece you can finish as you go but save parts to be finished in future appointments. WE CHARGE $100 PER HOUR  



HOW PAINFUL IS GETTING A TATTOO?

The truth is getting a tattoo hurts. Some areas hurt more than others and it’s different for each client depending on where they are more sensitive. A lot of clients ask about numbing creams. There are a lot of creams on the market. One thing to consider is a lot of these creams wear off during the tattoo and then it can feel more sensitive than it would have without the cream. Some creams you can order online, and you can get from your doctor. If you are thinking about using a cream, look for numbing creams or numbing spray with lidocaine 5%

CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I’M SICK OR PREGNANT?

If you’re sick, it’s best to reschedule. Your tolerance to pain and stress will be low, and your artist probably does not want to catch anything.

If your pregnant, you will need to schedule for after baby is born. A tattoo can be too stressful on the body for a pregnant mother.

SANITATION MATTERS: HOW WILL I KNOW IF THE TATTOO PARLOR IS CLEAN AND SAFE?

All Maryland tattoo shops have a health department license and must abide by the rules and regulations of the health code and follow aseptic techniques. Aseptic technique means using practices and procedures to prevent contamination from pathogens. It involves applying the strictest rules to minimize the risk of infection. Most clients think that just using a new sterile needle with every tattoo will make it safe. This is not the case. Using a new needle with every tattoo is a given, but there are many other factors involved that can compromise your safety. Your tattoo artist must follow sanitary procedures.

 WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR FIRST TATTOO?

You should have a good idea of what you want and where you want it. Do some research. Especially if you are having the artist draw a custom design. Be sure of what you want before you approach your artist to draw your custom piece.

What is your budget, sizing? Have you chosen your artist and do you feel comfortable talking to your artist and do they listen to you? Once your ready make a free consultation appointment with the artists whose style reflects what you’re looking for.

3. IS IT RECOMMENDED TO PICK SOMETHING SMALL OR GO BIG?

Most tattoo shops have a minimum charge. So if you go for a smaller design you may have been able to get the same design bigger for the same price — something to consider. If you are considering a large design we usually recommend getting it in portions as most people have a three hour tolerance. That way you can get a large tattoo more comfortably and with less pain. If you start with the outline for your first sitting you can then get the shading and the color in separate sittings. This allows you to get larger pieces with less skin irritation and the ability to pay for your tattoo as you go. Or if it’s a photo realistic piece you can finish as you go but save parts to be finished in future appointments.

4. HOW PAINFUL IS GETTING A TATTOO?

The truth is getting a tattoo hurts. Some areas hurt more than others and it’s different for each client depending on where they are more sensitive. A lot of clients ask about numbing creams. Their are a lot of creams on the market. One thing to consider is a lot of these creams wear off during the tattoo and then it can feel more sensitive than it would have without the cream. Some creams you can order online and you can get from your doctor. If you are thinking about using a cream always talk to your artist beforehand.

5. CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I’M SICK OR PREGNANT?

If you’re sick it’s best to reschedule. Your tolerance to pain and stress will be low, and your artist probably does not want to catch anything.

If your pregnant, you will need to schedule for after baby is born. A tattoo can be to stressful on the body for a pregnant mother.

6. SANITATION MATTERS: HOW WILL I KNOW IF THE TATTOO PARLOR IS CLEAN AND SAFE?

All Hawaii tattoo shops have a health department license and must abide by the rules and regulations of the health code and follow aseptic techniques. Aseptic technique means using practices and procedures to prevent contamination from pathogens. It involves applying the strictest rules to minimize the risk of infection. Most clients think that just using a new sterile needle with every tattoo will make it safe. This is not the case. Using a new needle with every tattoo is a given, but there are many other factors involved that can compromise your safety. Your tattoo artist must follow sanitary procedures throughout the tattoo.

Is your tattooist removing their gloves anytime they touch something unsterile like lights, doors, cabinets, chairs or phones? Each time your artist has to touch something other than you or you’re tattoo set up, they should remove their gloves and put on a fresh pair before restarting the tattoo. Anything like a light, chair lever, or a surface that may need to be adjusted during the tattoo process should be covered with plastic to avoid cross-contamination. We are very serious about training our artists to cross-contamination. For the most part, you can usually tell if you are in a professional environment. Your artist should be happy to talk with you about their procedures.

7. CAN I BRING IN A DESIGN OR GET ONE CUSTOM DRAWN FOR ME?

We encourage people to do their research. Have as much material as you can find to let your artist know what you are imagining.

We DO NOT copy other people’s tattoos. If you find something on Pinterest you love, we can redesign it to make it unique for you or give your ideas on ways create a new design just right for you.

CAN I BRING IN A DESIGN OR GET ONE CUSTOM DRAWN FOR ME?

We encourage people to do their research. pinterest.com is a good website to check out Have as much design material as you can find to let your artist know what you are imagining.

If you find something on Pinterest you love, we can redesign it to make it unique for you or give you, ideas on ways create a new design just right for you.