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How long does it take to apply a tattoo? How long does it take to apply a tattoo? The time involved in the application of a tattoo varies based on several factors, including: - The amount of detail in relation to the size - The overall size of the tattoo - How color or solid fill is used - How well the skin takes the ink - The client's comfort level, preparation, and cooperation during the process Generally speaking, a tattoo appointment for even a one- to two-inch tattoo takes about an hour, allowing time to set up for the tattoo, apply the tattoo, and discuss the care instructions afterward. A small- to medium-sized tattoo will usually take one to two hours and can be finished in one appointment. Larger pieces may take several hours; they could be completed in one sitting or divided into several different sessions. An extensive piece (such as a sleeve or back piece) will involve an ongoing process of many hours over the course of several appointments. How much does it cost? The cost of the tattoo is based on the above factors and is calculated according to an hourly rate. We are happy to discuss your ideas with you in detail and give you a rough estimate of the final cost of your tattoo based on this discussion. More accurate estimates are possible once we have a final design. To get a time or cost estimate on a specific idea or design, contact us via e-mail or phone. You're welcome to e-mail us .jpg attachments if you have an image you'd like to discuss with us. Does it hurt? Each individual perceives physical sensation differently. Several factors can affect whether or how much the application of a tattoo hurts, such as your own sensitivity level to pain, your ability to relax and work through the process, and your degree of certainty that you are that you are ready to "make the mark." What does it feel like? The way it feels to one person is often completely different from the experience of another person. That being said, the feeling of being tattooed has often been described as "an annoying sensation" or similar to the feeling of a cat scratch. As the tattoo is healing, it tends to feel similar to mild sunburn. From our experience, if you know that you want to choose this mark for yourself, the pain becomes secondary to the process. How do I begin the process of getting a tattoo? Contact us via e-mail or phone to initiate the discussion. Then describe your design ideas to us in as much detail as possible. Even better, e-mail or postal-mail us an image to view. Some of the specifics we'll be looking for are: - The size you want your tattoo to be - The placement of the tattoo on your body - Whether you'd like color, solid black, shading, or an outline only Prior to beginning any artwork, we will ask that you leave a deposit. As we continue through the design process, we'll ask you more questions specific to your design. Do I have to leave a deposit in order to schedule an appointment? Yes, we do ask that you leave a deposit prior to our beginning any artwork. This deposit will be credited to the cost of your tattoo once it is applied. If for any reason you choose not to get the tattoo, the deposit serves as compensation for the time we've invested in your design process and is not refundable. How old do I have to be to get a tattoo? The health department of the city of Minneapolis states in its "Tattooing and Piercing Ordinance" that the client must be eighteen in order to get tattooed. We acknowledge that age has little bearing on how much thought and consideration someone puts into his or her tattoo and that many people under the age of eighteen possess the maturity and foresight to make the choice to mark their bodies. This law serves to protect the legal interests of the artist as well as those of the client in that the client is not legally an adult and therefore unable to make legally binding agreements. Do I need to bring an ID? Yes, we photo ID everyone, regardless of age. Please bring a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, or a valid passport to your appointment. Do you have designs to choose from? We believe that tattoos are a form of expression unique to each individual. As such, we specialize in and offer only custom designs. We will custom design your tattoo for you, or you're welcome to bring in a design of your own. We don't offer any "flash" (pre-drawn) designs to choose from. What if I know what I want but I don't have a design on paper? We are happy to work with you to design your own original tattoo. As we move through the process of designing the image, we'll have all kinds of questions for you to help us better envision the image you see in your mind's eye. We'll offer suggestions regarding the size and detail ratio best suited to the medium of tattooing as well as how to make striking use of the shape and flow of the design to fit your body. What if I have a specific design that I'd like to use? You're welcome to bring in your own design. We are happy to discuss your design with you and make any suggestions that would better suit your design to the medium of tattooing. As with any artistic medium, there are certain strengths of and certain limitations to the art form. In most circumstances, if any changes to the design are necessary, they are minimal and do not change the overall look of the design. Two balancing points to keep in mind are: - Working with a size that accommodates the detail within the design - Recognizing that the placement on the body is as important as the design itself Is it possible to commission a custom design and have another tattoo artist apply the tattoo? Tattoo designs often play to the tattoo artists' strengths as well as artistic style; with that in mind, it is often beneficial to have the same tattoo artist both design and apply the tattoo. There have been circumstances where, when someone has been unable to travel to the Twin Cities to work with us and yet would like to "wear" our art, they have chosen to commission a custom design to take to an artist in their area. If you're interested in commissioning a custom design, please contact us via e-mail or phone to initiate the discussion. The more information you can provide about your idea the better; for specific examples, please refer to "How do I begin the process of getting a tattoo?" After some detailed discussion about your design ideas, we'll provide an estimated cost for the commissioned design. We charge by the hour for design time, so the final cost is dependent upon several factors, including the actual design time, the number of alterations you choose to make as you "fine tune" your image, and the complexity of those alterations. Upon completion of the initial draft, we will e-mail you an invoice for the design cost up to that point. Upon receipt of payment, we will e-mail you an electronic version of the design to review. Once the final design is completed, we will e-mail you an invoice for the balance and upon receipt of payment we will e-mail you the updated electronic version. At that point, we will also postal-mail you the original hard copy. We accept payment via PayPal or personal check. It is possible to be allergic to the tattoo? As with any new experience, there is always a possibility of having an allergic reaction. According to our experience, allergic reactions rarely occur. If you know that you have allergies or are concerned about having a reaction, please contact us to ask specific questions. How do I care for the tattoo while it heals? Upon completion of your tattoo, we will provide you with a written care card detailing how to care for the tattoo as it heals. These are our recommendations: - Leave bandage on overnight - Remove bandage - Wash well with soap and cold water - Blot dry - Quick showers are OK - Do not soak - No baths, swimming, etc. - Apply Bacitracin twice daily for two days - When flaking appears, apply a thin layer of A&D ointment to reduce itching - Do not pick - Healing takes ten to fourteen days - Once healed, protect with sunscreen As always, if you have questions please give us a call or e-mail! How long does it take the tattoo to heal? The healing time of a tattoo will vary from person to person, based on several factors. These factors include how well the finished tattoo is cared for during the healing process and the client's overall immune system and ability to heal quickly. On average it takes two weeks for a tattoo to heal after it's been applied. During this time it is important to avoid direct sunlight and to avoid soaking the tattoo under water (such as swimming, soaking in a bath or hot tub, etc.). Sweating and/or quick showers are fine. How do I care for the tattoo to help it have a long, vibrant life? Your new tattoo is a part of your skin. If your skin is injured, the appearance of the tattoo may be affected accordingly. Since skin has a remarkable ability to heal and repair itself, minor cuts or scrapes are usually not a problem. The most typical damaging factor to tattoos is sun exposure. Ongoing sun exposure or a series of burns will darken the tone of your skin, which will darken the overall appearance of your tattoo and make the detail less clear. We recommend that you use sun block to protect your tattoo from sun damage. |
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