TATTOO FAQ
Helpful hints for tattoo clients
Q: How do I get the best tattoo possible?
A: As tattoo artists, we have a responsibility to give you the best product that we can provide. That said, as a client, you are commissioning a piece of art. Together, we can bring your vision to life, but it is important to be clear with your ideas and desires. The more details we have to start with, the quicker we can move from paper to skin! Bring images that inspire you! Consider size, coloration, location, and angle of subject matter when preparing for your consultation.
Q: What's the deal with deposits?
A: Consultations are always free, however, a $50 deposit will be taken to book an appointment and cover draw time. This deposit is nonrefundable and it covers one drawing as well as minor changes. Additional drawings will require an additional deposit. Your deposit will apply to the final cost of your tattoo! Unfortunately, a no-show appointment forfeits your deposit (cancellations must be made with 24 hours notice), and another deposit will be required to make an additional appointment.
Q: What should I do to prepare for my tattoo session?
A: Take a shower! We are going to be working in close quarters, plus, it's important for your skin to be clean so we can avoid infection or contamination.
Eat something! Getting tattooed will give you an adrenaline boost, which can throw off your blood sugar levels. Make sure you've eaten so you have a settled stomach and energy to push through the appointment.
Drink something - and I don't mean a cocktail! Make sure you are well hydrated. This will help the healing process as well as give your body a healthy balance to start your appointment.
Q: Now that I have my tattoo, how do I take care of it?
A: Aftercare is just as important as the good technique of the artist - so this part is up to you!
Cleanliness: Keep the area clean during the healing process. Saniderm will be offered as a skin protectant, but if that doesn't work for you, wash your tattoo 1-2 times a day with unscented soap. Avoid spending too long in water until your tattoo is fully healed.
Moisture: You need to keep your tattoo moisturized but not slimy or suffocated. Aquaphor or A&D ointment are great; however, they are thick and should be used in small amounts to avoid suffocating the skin.
Peeling: Your skin will flake and peel like a sunburn. It's gross, but it's part of the process. Don't pick at it!
Sun protection: During the healing process, keep your tattoo out of the sun! After healing, always use sunscreen to avoid premature fading.
*If you have any indications of an infection
(i.e. pus, fever, prolonged swelling),
contact your doctor immediately!*
Q: Why are tattoos so darn expensive?
A: The time spent executing a tattoo is just a small fraction of the time that goes into the final product. Typically, several hours are spent working on a tattoo design before we are ever ready to put needle to skin. Many hours have been spent communicating with clients, researching art and design, purchasing supplies, cleaning the space, and marketing the business. On top of that, many years have gone into training an artist's hand and eye. It's easy to forget that tattooing takes a significant mental and physical toll on your artist. Commissioning your piece supports years of love,
dedication, and training.
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Because of the cost of supplies and the demand on our time, Dark Mark Arts has a $75 shop minimum.
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All of our tattoo artists can accept cash, card, and Venmo - though cash is always a favorite!
Q: How come I didn't get selected to be scheduled?
A: We love what we do! If we had all the time and energy, we would take on every proposed project. However, we are tired and get a LOT of inquiries, which means we have to be selective about what projects we decide to take.
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One way to improve your chances of your tattoo proposal being accepted is to match your ideas to the strengths and interests of the artist you want to work with! Check out each artist's profile and portfolio to see who you match with best!
Q: I sent an inquiry, so when will I hear back?
A: We try to respond to inquiries as soon as possible, but sometimes that may take 1-2 weeks. Each artist is balancing tattoo time, drawing, responding to inquiries, maintaining equipment, as well as living lives and fulfilling obligations outside of the studio!
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We promise that we care.
We are artists, and we are sensitive.
Please be patient with us!