Frequently asked questions
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT OFFER PIERCING SERVICES AS OF OCTOBER 2018.
How old do you have to be to get tattooed?
At this time, we are 18+ only — regardless of parental consent.
I want to get tattooed, how do I do that? What if I want a specific artist?
All tattoo inquiries are to be sent to tattoos@live.ca with a detailed description of what you’d like to get done as well as reference images and photos of the area you want tattooed.
In the description, please include sizing (in inches), placement, any specific imagery you’re wanting done, if you want the tattoo done in black/grey or full color, if you have a budget, if you want a specific artist at the studio and anything else you think we should know!
** We ask that you please avoid contacting an artist directly in regards to booking or about any existing appointments. When you DM your artist directly, chances are that they won’t see your message as quickly as our manager! All forms of contact should remain through the shop to avoid any miscommunication and to streamline the process for everyone involved. If you do DM your artist, chances are you may have to go through the booking process again with reception if the information isn’t relayed properly!
Our support staff are more than happy to direct you through the right channels in regards to speaking directly with an artist and booking an appointment — that’s why they’re here! Let us make the booking process as smooth and easy as possible for you.
How long until i receive a response?
Our support staff will generally respond within 1-12 hours of receiving an inquiry via email. Please keep in mind that if you email outside of business hours, it may take longer to receive a response.
If you have not received a response within 48 hours, please give us a call or send another email as chances are the original didn’t go through or ended up in spam!
What is your hourly rate?
The majority of our artists have an hourly rate of $200 plus tax. We only apply the hourly rate to larger, multi session tattoos and charge by piece for smaller tattoos.
We offer a price break for full day (8 hour) appointments at $1200** plus tax. This breaks down to $150 an hour.
We have a $150 shop minimum. This only applies to small, simple linework designs.
We accept cash, Debit, Visa or MasterCard as forms of payment for your tattoo.
We do not accept E-transfer, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay or American Express as final payment for your tattoo so please plan accordingly!
** Cory and Dijon have separate day rates than the studio, so if you’re inquiring to book with them please let us know in your initial email!
How can I get a price estimate?
Please email us a detailed description of what you’d like to get done as well as reference images and photos of the area you want tattooed.
In the description, we need you to include sizing (in inches), placement, any specific imagery you’re wanting done, if you want the tattoo done in black/grey or full color, if you have a budget and anything else you think we should know!
Our support staff will respond as soon as they are able, and let you know if we require a consultation or if we can forgo that and book the appointment.
If we happen to recommend booking and you would still like to speak directly with the artist prior — that’s totally okay! Please let us know so that we’re able to accommodate accordingly.
I want to get my hands/fingers/neck/face tattooed, will you do that?
We will tattoo these areas on a case by case basis. Please send us an inquiry!
Do I have to leave a deposit? How does that work?
We require a $100-$500 deposit depending on how many sessions we must book. The deposit is to secure the appointment time, and ensure that the artist/support staff will be compensated for their time spent preparing for the appointment. This includes corresponding with the client, any administration work, any mental labour and drawing.
All deposits are 100% non-refundable and expire after two years of inactivity from the original date of deposit.
What if I have to cancel/reschedule my appointment?
We require at least 48 hours notice — preferably a week — prior to your appointment when cancelling/rescheduling.
ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE VIA EMAIL (TATTOOS@LIVE.CA)
Failure to provide us this notice will result in a forfeited deposit to pay the artist for their lost time. More than 3 of these cancellations/reschedules will also result in a loss of deposit.
When we get last minute cancellations, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fill the appointment time which will result in lost work/pay for the artist. We totally understand that things happen and will do our best to accommodate whatever we can.
We will contact you a week before your appointment via phone/email/text to confirm your appointment. This is a curtsey and ultimately it is your responsibility to remember when your appointment is. Failure to confirm your appointment may result in the appointment being cancelled and loss of deposit — so when you see us contacting to confirm, please respond!
Please note that late arrivals (anything more than 15 minutes with no contact) can result in loss of deposit and rescheduling of appointments. Any large changes made to the design (after the consultation appointment) may result in a forfeited deposit and rescheduling of appointments.
Small changes are to be expected, but please do not change your entire tattoo design once your appointment has been booked as we may have to reschedule your appointment which could possibly result in loss of deposit.
When will I see the design?
You will not see the design until the day of the appointment. We will not send out designs via email or social media due to copyright reasons.
We understand that some people would like to see the artwork prior to the appointment, but can assure you that our artists are experienced in this process and that they’ll be able to create something you love based off all the information you provide to us.
We always book a small amount of extra time for each appointment just in case any small adjustments need to be made. We will never force you to get something that you aren’t sure about!
Can I bring my friends/family to my appointment?
We ask that you do not bring anyone to your appointment as we need to be courteous of the other clients in the studio. We understand that some people require support during the appointment and will allow accompaniment on a case by case basis so please ask prior to your appointment!
We also ask that you acquire adequate childcare as we are 18+ only and will not allow children into the studio.
If you would like to book an appointment with multiple people, please clarify when emailing us and we will do our best to accomodate!
Can i go out the night before my appointment?
Do not consume alcohol or recreational drugs 24 hours prior to your appointment. Alcohol and certain drugs can cause blood thinning and excessive bleeding during the tattoo which poses a risk to yourself and the tattoo.
Should I eat before my appointment?
Yes! We recommend having a large healthy meal before your appointment which will provide more comfort for you as you get tattooed. You are welcome to bring snacks and a beverage for extended sessions.
I am on medication/have health complications, do I have to share that with the artist?
We do ask that you are open about your medical history as it may pose a risk during your tattoo. We want all of our clients to know that they are in a professional and safe space, and that we will do our best to make you comfortable.
How do I take care of my tattoo? What can/Can’t I do?
Check out our aftercare page for all of this information! Please note that we have a $50 (plus tax) touch up fee within the first 6 months of the tattoo. Any touch ups will be subject to hourly rate after 6 months.
Do you offer piercing services?
In 2018 we collectively decided that we wanted to focus on tattooing, and therefore no-longer offer piercing services.
Do your GIFT CARDS EXPIRE?
As per regulations in the province of Ontario our gift cards are specifically for the service of tattooing and do have an expiry of 5 years from the date of purchase.
My question wasn’t answered here, what do I do?
Please send us an email to tattoos@live.ca and our support staff will help you out!