Is it safe to get a tattoo or piercing?
Yes, completely safe for most people Tattoos and piercings are safe, as long as each artist and the entire studio strictly adheres to Universal precautions and Blood Borne Pathogen Safety. You can be assured that American Tattoo Society requires each artist to hold client safety as the first and foremost priority. We have the highest level of sterilization possible and go above and well beyond all local health codes and laws. We do have a consent/waiver form which identifies certain instances when it would not be appropriate for an individual to receive tattoo or piercing, but these are rare instances. Please let us know if you are on any type of blood thinners, have issues bleeding or clotting or have been drinking, as your artist will need to take certain precautions to make sure your get a great tattoo!
Does it hurt?
Yes it hurts, we cannot lie. But, there are lots of people walking around with tattoos and piercings so it’s not unbearable. There are many sensations used to describe it depending on each person and what area is being worked on. Some people even like it!
Remember that everyone’s pain tolerance is different so two different people getting the same tattoo might have different experiences as far as comfort goes while getting tattooed.
Can I bring my own picture or drawing for my tattoo?
Yes. This tattoo will be on you permanently so we want to be sure you are totally happy. Bring anything you think might help to capture exactly what you’re looking for your tattoo to reflect. We also have plenty of reference books, flash & can look up things on the internet with you to see what is available for ideas. No matter whether you know exactly what you want or don’t have a clue, we will always work with you to design a custom piece of art that you will love.
How much will it cost?
That depends on the size of the piece and the detail involved. Some pieces cannot be completed in one sitting. You will be given a quote once you meet with the artist and go over the details of what you want. Remember though, if another studio is willing do your tattoo super cheap BEWARE! Sometimes you get what you pay for and this is going to be on you forever. If you do go for the super cheap shop see question on fixing a bad tattoo!
Deposit Policy
It is our policy to collect a deposit when booking an appointment. We accept deposits via cash or credit card and the amount of the deposit required is decided upon by the individual artist. The deposit you leave will come off the final price of your tattoo. Artists carefully schedule and book their appointments based on blocks of time. If you do not show for your appointment, they often do not have adequate time to fill your vacancy and it hurts them. Deposits serve as a good faith gesture to hold your appointment and to compensate the artist if you fail to show for your appointment time. Deposits are NEVER refundable. If less than 24 notice is given for a cancellation, you lose your deposit and must leave another deposit if you wish to reschedule. If you cancel your appointment with more than 24 hours notice, you may apply your deposit towards your rescheduled appointment. We NEVER under any circumstances will refund a deposit. We are sorry if this policy causes any inconvenience but is necessary to protect the interests of our artists.
Are there any special requirements to get tattooed or pierced?
You must be 18 years or older for a tattoo or piercing due to local health rules and regulations. Piercings only may be done on 16-18 year olds with a guardian or parent present with valid ID for themselves and a birth certificate for the minor. We are strict in our requirements to ensure proper age and that valid legal parental consent is presented, so please call the studio ahead of time to find out exactly what documents you will need to bring to your appointment. For any tattoo or piercing, you must present a valid drivers license or current state photo ID which may be photocopied. You (and your parent/ guardian if your a minor) must also read and sign a waiver/ consent form. Deposits are NEVER refundable. If less than 24 notice is given for a cancellation, you lose your deposit and must leave another deposit if you wish to reschedule. If you cancel your appointment with more than 24 hours notice, you may apply your deposit towards your rescheduled appointment. We NEVER under any circumstances will refund a deposit. We are sorry if this policy causes any inconvenience but is necessary to protect the interests of our artists.
I have a tattoo that's really bad, can it be fixed?
Our artists can usually cover up or fix most tattoos-even really bad ones so you would never even know they were there. We are always honest though. If we don’t think it can be successfully covered we will let you know and work with you on what options you do have so you will ultimately be happy. We never do a tattoo just to make a buck. This is a really good group of artists who take tremendous pride in their work and art. Be assured that the artwork on your body and how you feel about it is a reflection on them – meaning your satisfaction is VERY important!
How long before I can get a tan and what kind of aftercare should I do?
Aftercare guidelines for tattooing and piercing are given to every client. To review these, click on the aftercare link at the top.