-Please eat a decent meal before coming. If you are between meals, stop and get a candy bar and some orange juice or soda before coming. Raising your blood sugar will make you feel better during the tattoo, especially if you haven't eaten in a while or had a night on the town the evening prior.
-You are welcome to bring someone with you to share the tattoo experience. We ask you don't bring a crowd as it becomes a distraction and safety hazzard. We have a comfortable area for guests in our waiting area.
-Please wear clothing that will allow access to the area where we will be applying your tattoo. Wear something you don't mind getting stained. During the application of your tattoo, we'll try to be careful but ink may get on your clothing in the area where you're being tattooed.
-We don't have an ATM. You'll need to stop prior to coming if you need cash for your payment.
-DO NOT SHOW UP UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS. State law dictates that if you are observed to be intoxicated or high, you will not be tattooed that day. You'll have wasted an appointment slot and you'll go to the back of the line for re-scheduling.
-No cursing. We won't offend you by using offensive/vulgar language and we request the same courtesy. Our wives, children or those of our clients may be within earshot of the tattooing area: we wouldn't come to your house and disrespect you or your family..........you get the idea.
I look forward to working with you on custom projects or applying a tattoo chosen from hundreds of Flash Art images available. We do select types of piercings and stock a small selection of body jewelry. You'll walk in a client but will leave a friend.
PRICE
You will receive a price quote from the Tattooist before beginning the tattoo. You can either accept the price and begin the tattoo or you can walk out. DON'T DICKER with the Tattooist over the price; you aren't buying a piece of junk at a flea-market, you're about to get a piece of art that will last for the rest of your life. If you can't afford the tattoo, please go home, save up and return. Don't compromise the art because of the price. If you're choosing between buying baby food and getting a new tattoo, hopefully you won't be at the Tattoo Shop.
PAIN
YES IT HURTS! Most would describe the pain as scratching a sunburn with your fingernail. It's actually more annoying than painful and pretty much quits as soon as the tattoo is over. Either way, prepare yourself for the reality that tattoos hurt. That's part of the process and frankly what makes being tattooed so cool; if they didn't hurt it wouldn't be such a badge of honor. Part of the cool thing about having tattoos is the bragging rights of tolerating the pain. DON'T FREAK OUT. Chances are, your Tattooist and everyone else in a tattoo shop has tattoos. They know what the pain level is and won't be impressed if you act like a fool while getting tattooed. Screaming, crying, and by all means MOVING won't help lessen the pain and will likely get you short-changed in the ink department. You'll scare off other customers and will piss off your tattoo artist.
TIPPING
Tattooists don't get paid a standard hourly wage. Just like in a restaurant, 10% is the bare MINIMUM and 15% - 20% is the standard. Hand the tip to your artist after the procedure is over and you've been bandaged. Chances are, you've been given a pretty good price for your piece and were treated well while at the shop. Maybe you saw the Artist turn others away while speaking to you about your tattoo; if so, that was money walking out the door. Tipping is greatly appreciated.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
DON'T! Shops have the right to refuse service to you if you're messed up. If somehow your mental state escapes unnoticed by the artist, it's likely you'll make a bad decision about what tattoo you're getting. Alcohol thins your blood which will increase bleeding and affect the colors of the ink. In Alabama, it's illegal to tattoo someone if they are under the influence of something; you could cause the Tattooist to lose their license.
BE POLITE
If you've brought your "tattoo support crew" with you, ask the Tattooist if it's alright before assuming someone can accompany you into the procedure area. Also, ask before your buddies begin flashing pictures while your artist is trying to concentrate on YOUR tattoo.
CHILDREN
Children in the shop are discouraged. Not to say you can't bring family, but small children are a distraction and a tattoo shop isn't a "child proof" environment. Some places aren't suited for small children, Tattoo Shops, Bars, Chainsaw Carving competitions and meat packing plants are just a few on the list.
RESPECT AND DECENCY ARE KEY. We aren't "tattoo prostitutes." Please understand the ARTIST has the right to refuse to tattoo anyone or any image they choose; telling them to just do what they are getting paid for is not acceptable and will result in your sudden geographical displacement.
As stated by another artist, "Remember, even if you're being tattooed by a 300 pound man named Spider, you are still in a business atmosphere. Conduct yourself as a customer, respect the proprietor and your experience will be a pleasant one.
