At Solana Tattoo Company, Fort Collins, Colorado , we want to bring the heritage of flash tattoos back into the mainstream. Flash tattoos are a major part of tattoo history, so in addition to custom body art of all kinds, we think it's important to preserve this part of the art's tradition. That's why we offer Flash Fridays the first Friday of every month. But what is a flash tattoo? Simply put, flash is pre-drawn tattoo designs. Back in Sailor Jerry's days (the tattoo artist, not the rum), sailors would dock at the shore, pop into a tattoo shop, and pick a design off the wall. The designs were often maritime-themed and done in what is today known as the "traditional" style of tattooing. In Solana Tattoo Company, we hang our flash on the walls, and we also proudly display Sailor Jerry's original flash in books. Anyone can choose a flash design off the walls or from the books. On the walls, we carry a variety of famous and respected tattoo artists' work, as well as our own in-house artists' flash. Our artists release new flash sheets every month -- something you just don't see anywhere else anymore. These are tattoo designs our artists want to do but might not otherwise get to do, so it's a win-win. Our artists get to flex their creativity, and you get gorgeous designs you don't have to come up with on your own. Because let's be honest: Sometimes you don't know what you want until you see it. Not sure if flash is for you? When you browse tattoos on Pinterest and bring a design to an artist, you are essentially looking through tattoo flash; these are pre-drawn designs and ideas, just digitally. So in that, flash is far from dead. It just looks different today than it did for Sailor Jerry. We love to provide new ideas and inspiration for you, which is why our artists are constantly coming up with something new. And we work to make it affordable for you one day a month on Flash Friday, when those new designs are massively discounted and all other flash on the walls and books is 10% off. Every month. Legacy matters. And traditional tattoo flash is timeless. When you wear a piece of flash from our walls, you are wearing a part of tattoo history, as well as what it means to you personally. You are a part of something bigger.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about gifts that go beyond the ordinary – like our first-ever holiday tattoo and piercing gift discount. No more stockings filled with candy, socks, and maybe a bottle of wine that they’ll drink and forget about. This year, stuff your loved one’s stockings with a truly unforgettable present that will last a lifetime: a tattoo or piercing.  Solana Tattoo Company in Fort Collins, Colorado, has an incredible holiday offer for 2024 that you don’t want to miss: a special deal on gift deposits with a 10% bonus.  This is the first time we’ve ever offered a promotion like this, making it an amazing opportunity to give the gift of art and self-expression while also saving money. The catch? This is a limited-time offer. It starts in November 2024 and ends on December 20, 2024.  Tattoo Gift Deposit Promotion Here’s how it works: For every dollar you put on a deposit toward a tattoo gift, the recipient will get an extra 10% in value. For example, deposit $100, and they’ll get $110 in tattoo credit. Or get an extra $50 on a $500 tattoo. The bigger the deposit, the bigger the amount of money saved.  It’s a simple yet powerful way to add a little extra to your holiday gift, while giving your loved ones something truly personal. (And hey, who are we to say you can’t give a gift to yourself? Santa told us you can.)  Solana’s skilled tattoo artists are well-known for their expertise in creating designs that bring your vision to life. From intricate fine-line tattoos to bold, vibrant pieces, our team is dedicated to delivering top-quality art in a welcoming environment.  This holiday season, why not give the gift of creativity and self-expression? Our Fort Collins tattoo shop holiday special makes it easier than ever to snag a meaningful, one-of-a-kind present from November through December 20. Piercing Shop Holiday Deals In addition to our tattoo gift deposit promotion, we’re also offering fantastic deals on piercings.  If you’re searching for a unique gift that’s outside the box, a gift deposit for piercings will add a little sparkle under the tree. Piercings make for a fun and thoughtful holiday surprise. Don’t miss our huge selection of high-quality, internally threaded jewelry to add to the package. We are also happy to place custom orders if you want to gift a specific style.  At Solana Tattoo Company, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Our professional piercers ensure that every procedure is done with precision and care, providing a comfortable experience for all of our clients.  Whether it’s a new ear piercing, a septum, or something a bit more adventurous, our Fort Collins piercing shop makes it easy to give the gift of self-expression in a safe and welcoming environment. There’s a reason we’re rated 4.9 stars out of 5 on Google.  Don’t Miss Out on These Holiday Specials Here’s how to get the hook-up:   Stop by Solana Tattoo Company at 1119 W. Elizabeth St. in Fort Collins, Colorado — right across the street from Colorado State University at the corner of Elizabeth and Shields.  Give us a call at (970) 666-4842 Fill out an online form at www.solanatattoo.com/contact  and we will get back to you quickly. Pro tip: You can also sign up at the bottom of this page for more exclusive deals and discounts. Email us at solanatattoo@gmail.com . Message us on Instagram at @solanatattoo . You can message us on Facebook at Solana Tattoo too, but our response times are slower there. Procrastinators, remember: These promotions are only available for a limited time— from November through December 20.  (We don’t know if we can convince the boss to do this again next year.) Make sure to follow us on Instagram at  @solanatattoo  and like us on Facebook at  Solana Tattoo  to stay up to date on all of our latest deals and offers. Don’t miss out on this chance to save money while giving a unique and memorable holiday gift.  Celebrate the season of giving with Solana Tattoo Company’s tattoo holiday special and piercing holiday deals – whether you’re on the Nice List or the naughty one. We don’t judge.

By J.D. Markwardt I have been in tattoo shops for more than 14 years at this point. I get to meet people from all walks of life. Many of you are bold and confident, some of you are shy and unsure of whether they should be in this place to begin with. But not many of you know how to ask for what you want. One of the most repeated questions I get is "How much for a tattoo?" One of my mentors always liked to follow that question up with "How much is a bag of groceries?" Then he would stare blankly at the client and most often, they would get it. Without the sarcasm, this is actually a pretty good answer. I know I have walked out of the grocery store with a single bag containing an item or two, wondering how I spent $200. I have also walked out with a cart packed full, able to use the change I found between the seats of my car. The same logic can be applied to tattoos. It really depends on what you put into them. So how much does a tattoo cost? Let's talk about the variables. First and foremost, you have the tattoo artist. They are probably going to be the biggest variable. You may wonder why one artist costs a little more than the next, or why one artist charges by the piece while another is charging by the hour. Typically this is going to be broken down into: experience speed and, of course, demand. A more experienced tattoo artist will likely have a much better system in place to get you in and out of the door quickly and hopefully with as little pain as possible. Experience will also likely enhance the next category. But keep in mind, you don't want an artist who is in a rush -- not if you are looking for the highest quality. Some artists do just move a little faster. With proper technique, tattooers with a faster hand speed can get the saturation they want. The specific variables here would take a novel to explain in depth. But just like with any other job, we all have our own movements and systems that will affect how fast a job can get done properly. Your tattoo design Now that you have your artist picked out, you gotta tell them what you want. Your design is going to be the next biggest variable. With an endless possibility of designs, a tattoo can cost as little as that shop's minimum (typically around $100) up to 10s of thousands. After all, it is art. You wouldn't expect to walk into a downtown art gallery and pay the same for an original piece of work from a master artist as you would to get a stamped print from the guy selling his stuff on the beach. Once an artist has an idea of what style you are looking for, they can help you navigate the different options and ways to fit a design into a certain price point. Your tattoo's size Size matters. That and placement. If you are trying to cover your upper back in all black tribal, the larger it is, the longer it will take. Makes sense right? "But my buddy got a back tattoo that was half the size! And he paid just as much as I did. What's that about?" This gets a little complicated, but to keep it short, there were probably more small and detailed areas in your design that eat up time. It's kind of like painting a house. You can use a big roller or sprayer and get a lot of paint on the walls really fast, but when you switch to cutting in the edges with a 2" paint brush, you aren't spreading as much paint, but it takes you longer. What else affects the cost of a tattoo? Okay, maybe the artist isn't the biggest variable. If we are being honest, it's the other human that really affects things. It's really all about the person getting the tattoo. Yeah, you. Skin health and type are a major factor in the cost of your tattoo. And most importantly, whether you can sit still and handle the pain. If the client is healthy and comes in and can sit still and stand the pain, the artist can focus on the task at hand and get you in and out. Some skin types and conditions are out of our control, but they do dictate how well the body takes the ink. Coming to your appointment in the healthiest state you can will only help. The bottom line: What does a tattoo cost? Once you add all the variables, divide twice and multiply by the x factor, you finally get a price. In the Fort Collins and Northern Colorado area, most tattoo places base pricing off of a median $150 per hour price point. Some charge more or less. Ultimately, don't be afraid to ask more, in-depth questions to better help you understand what you are paying for. If the price seems outrageous compared to what other people are paying, chances are one of the humans in the interaction are being a dick. Reassess and make sure it's not you. If it's not, find yourself a new tattoo artist, and you will probably find a new price. If the price doesn't change, reassess again.

So, you want a tattoo . You've thought about it for a while. Let's do this thing. What now? Getting your first tattoo may seem intimidating if you don't know what to expect. So let's remove the mystery for you. Here's the process of getting a first tattoo. Book a consultation. If you know what you want or have a pretty good idea, book a consultation online , call to book a consultation (720-209-6238), or just come in: 1119 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins. We welcome walk-ins and should always have someone to help you at the front desk. If you're not sure what tattoo you want, here's an article to help you decide: " How to Pick a Tattoo ." Talk to an artist at the consultation. At your consultation, you will chat with a tattoo artist about your design ideas, where you want it, and other details. You can request a specific artist, if you vibe with someone's style, or you can talk with whoever is available. Note: All of our artists are trained and certified in safe and proper blood-borne pathogen handling (this is above and beyond the enforced requirements), as well as experienced and passionate artists, so you can't go wrong. At your consultation, you will also get a price quote. The price of the tattoo has a ton of variables. Our shop minimum is $80. Here's more about how much a tattoo costs . You will also book your appointment at the consultation. You may be able to get your tattoo that day, depending on the complexity of your tattoo design and the artists' schedule. The artist will design you a custom tattoo. If you want a custom tattoo and it requires a little time to prepare, the artist will work on your design and send you a draft for your approval. This specific process depends on the artist, but it is generally good etiquette to tell your artist all specific details you want up front before they spend hours drawing your piece. The artist does not get paid for the drawing time, although there may be a charge for excessive redraw requests and extra complex designs that demand a lot of back and forth and drafts. The day of your appointment. At your appointment, the artist will make a stencil (sort of like a temporary tattoo) of your design and put it on your body, so you will get an idea of what it will look like before you actually get tattooed. You may want to make it bigger, smaller, or move it a little. You generally do not make design changes/choices at the point; this is more about the placement of the completed design. For more information on how to prepare for your tattoo appointment, check out this story . Sit back and relax. Or try to relax. That's it! The rest is the artist's job. All you gotta do is hold still and relax. The more relaxed you are, the less it hurts, swear. Bring a good binge-worthy Netflix show to watch with headphones or bring a friend to keep your mind busy. You did it. Easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

By Adam Lopez Body piercing, which is a form of body modification, is the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body, creating an opening in which jewelry may be worn, or where an implant could be inserted. The word "piercing "can refer to the act or practice of body piercing, or to an opening in the body created by this act or practice. It can also, by metonymy, refer to the resulting decoration, or to the decorative jewelry used. Piercing implants alter body and/or skin profile and appearance (e.g. golden threads installed subdermal, platinum, titanium, or medical-grade steel subdermal implants). Although the history of body piercing is obscured by popular misinformation and by a lack of scholarly reference, ample evidence exists to document that it has been practiced in various forms by multiple sexes since ancient times throughout the world. Body piercing can be performed on people of all ages -- controversial, particularly when applied to youth. The display or placement of piercings have been restricted by schools, employers, and religious groups. In spite of the controversy, some people have practiced extreme forms of body piercing, with Guinness bestowing World Records on individuals with hundreds and even thousands of permanent and temporary piercings. Contemporary body piercing practices emphasize the use of safe body piercing materials, frequently utilizing specialized tools developed for the purpose. Body piercing is an invasive procedure with some risks, including allergic reaction, infection, excessive scarring, and unanticipated physical injuries, but such precautions as sanitary piercing procedures and careful aftercare are emphasized to minimize the likelihood of encountering serious problems. The healing time required for a body piercing may vary widely according to placement, from as little as a month for some genital piercings.

Summer is a time for fun, adventure, and self-expression. For many, this includes getting a new tattoo. However, the warm weather and increased sun exposure require extra care and attention to ensure your new ink heals properly and stays vibrant. Here’s a guide to getting a tattoo in the summer, covering everything from pre-tattoo considerations to aftercare and protection for new and old tattoos . Pre-Tattoo Considerations in the Summer 1. Sunburn: A No-Go for Tattoos Before heading to your tattoo appointment, it's crucial to avoid sunburn. Tattooing over sunburned skin is extremely painful and can lead to poor healing and potential damage to the skin and the tattoo. If you're planning on getting inked, keep your skin protected from the sun in the days leading up to your appointment. Use high-SPF sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to keep your skin in optimal condition for tattooing. 2. Hydration: Key to a Better Experience Staying hydrated is essential for your overall health and plays a significant role in how well your skin handles the tattoo process. Well-hydrated skin is more resilient and can handle the stress of tattooing better than dry, dehydrated skin. Make sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment and on the day itself. 3. Dressing for Comfort On the day of your tattoo, wear cool, breathable clothing. Not only will this help you stay comfortable during the process, but it will also be easier to remove or adjust clothing to give your tattoo artist access to the area being tattooed. Loose clothing will also prevent rubbing against the fresh tattoo afterward, reducing the risk of irritation and infection. During and Tattoo Aftercare Tips 1. Sun Exposure: The Enemy of Fresh Tattoos Sun exposure can be incredibly harmful to a fresh tattoo. UV rays can cause the ink to fade and increase the risk of complications such as infections and prolonged healing times. After getting your tattoo, keep it covered with clothing or sterile derm when you’re outside. Even after you remove the derm, continue to protect your tattoo from direct sunlight. 2. Keeping Cool and Comfortable After getting a tattoo, it’s important to keep the area cool and dry. Avoid activities that will cause excessive sweating, as this can irritate the tattoo and introduce bacteria. Choose breathable fabrics that won’t stick to your skin and aggravate the tattooed area. 3. The Importance of Aftercare Proper aftercare is crucial for the healing process of a new tattoo. Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions carefully, which usually include gently washing the tattoo with mild soap and water, applying a thin layer of moisturizing lotion or a specific aftercare product, and avoiding scratching or picking at the tattoo. Consistent aftercare helps prevent infections and ensures your tattoo heals beautifully. 4. Hot Tubs, Pools, and Lakes: No-Go Zones During the healing process, typically the first two to four weeks, avoid submerging your tattoo in water. This means no swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean, and no soaking in hot tubs or baths. Immersing a new tattoo in water can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Stick to quick showers to keep the area clean without soaking it. 5. Sunbathing and Traveling with a New Tattoo Sunbathing with a new tattoo is not recommended. The sun can cause severe damage to a fresh tattoo, leading to fading and increased healing time. If you’re traveling, plan your tattoo appointment accordingly. If you must travel with a fresh tattoo, make sure you have all the necessary aftercare supplies with you and continue to protect the tattoo from sun exposure and dirty environments. Long-Term Tattoo Care and Protection 1. The Role of SPF Even after your tattoo has fully healed, protecting it from the sun is essential to maintain its appearance. UV rays can cause tattoos to fade over time, so apply a high-SPF sunscreen to your tattoos whenever they’re exposed to the sun. Make this a daily habit, especially in the summer when sun exposure is more intense. 2. Seeking Shade Whenever possible, seek shade to protect your tattoos from direct sunlight. Whether you’re at the beach, park, or just out and about, try to stay in the shade to minimize sun exposure. This not only protects your tattoos but also helps prevent sunburn and skin damage. 3. Moisturizing Regularly Keeping your skin moisturized is key to maintaining the vibrancy of your tattoos. Use a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturizing lotion daily to keep your skin hydrated and your tattoos looking their best. Hydrated skin helps keep the tattoo’s colors sharp and reduces the appearance of aging. 4. Protective Clothing Wearing protective clothing can also help shield your tattoos from the sun. Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and other protective gear can provide an extra layer of protection against UV rays. Bottom Line Getting a tattoo in the summer requires some extra precautions, but with the right care and attention, you can ensure your new ink heals properly and stays vibrant. Remember to avoid sunburn before your appointment, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable clothing. After getting your tattoo, protect it from sun exposure, keep it cool and dry, and follow your aftercare instructions diligently. Avoid swimming and sunbathing until it’s fully healed, and take extra care when traveling. For both new and old tattoos, regular use of SPF, seeking shade, moisturizing, and wearing protective clothing will help maintain their beauty for years to come. With these tips, you can confidently get a tattoo in the summer and enjoy your new art with pride.

Here is a look at some common health and safety questions about Solana Tattoo Company . We aim to be the cleanest and safest shop in Colorado. What is the training/experience of your artists? All of our tattoo artists have different levels of experience and come from different backgrounds but all are well trained and up to date on blood-borne pathogen training and certifications. Requiring all artists are certified in blood-borne pathogen handling is beyond the requirements from the state and not something every shop offers. Are your artists required to wear gloves? For your safety as well as our own, gloves are worn during all procedures.  Are all the needles from sealed containers and are pigment trays new? All needles are single use and come pre-sterilized from the manufacturer. Pigment trays and ink caps are all single use, as well.  Do you have a sterilization machine to clean reusable equipment? We utilize a medical grade Tuttnauer autoclave that is spore-tested quarterly. Where do your inks come from?   Each artist uses their own selection of inks, but they all come from major, well-known brands such as Eternal , Solid , and Dynamic , as well as others. Which brand depends on the pigment selection and use.

This ain't your grandma's single earlobe piercing. There are so many creative and expressive ways to pierce your body. You may have heard some of these terms but didn't know what they meant. Or maybe you didn't realize all of the different options for adding a little bling to your life. Here's a look at some of the many different types of piercings. With our highly experienced and precise piercers, we can do anything and everything you can dream up at Solana Tattoo Company . Types of Ear Piercings Here are some of the different types of ear piercings . Types of Face Piercings Here's a look at some common face piercings (graphic by Barberdts.com). Types of Oral Piercings Mouth and tongue piercings get their own shout-out. This graphic also comes from Barberdts.com. Types of Nose Piercings Not only are there many different placements for nose piercings, but there are a ton of creative jewelry options. (Some of these repeat from the face piercings list.) Types of Body Piercings Below the neck, there are a ton of piercing options. Here are just a few of them. This image comes from Pierced.com. There are many more piercing options than just these -- if you have an idea, let's chat!

How do I know how much time to book for my tattoo? It can be tricky to know how much time to book. If it's a small (1x1" or so) or very simple design in a not challenging location (like arms or legs), you are likely good with a minimum (30-minute) window -- even if your artist needs to draw something up. For a 3x3"-ish tattoo without too much detail, an hour should suffice. As the size or difficulty or details increase, book more time. It's always better to book a little more time than not. If you're totally unsure or it's a bigger piece, like a half-sleeve, sleeve, back piece, or thigh piece, you can start with a free consultation and get a proper quote on how much time to book. You can also always reach out to us via Instagram, solanatattoo@gmail.com , or pop in to the shop any time and we'd be happy to help determine how much time to book. How do I pick a tattoo artist? Visit Solana Tattoo's Instagram page. You can see examples of each artist's work in the highlights. You can also see links to each artist's individual page in our pinned post. Or scroll our recent posts and see the style that stands out to you. That being said, all of our artists are great and can do a variety of styles. You can also pick an artist based on your availability/schedule. Select "any artist available" and pick your preferred time. It will automatically pair you with an artist. If you need more help, feel free to message us on Instagram, call the shop, or message us at solanatattoo@gmail.com and we would be happy to help you find the right artist for your needs. We have a wide variety of talent in our shop, so we have a great artist for every tattoo style. What to do when you book? Since it can be hard to know exactly how much time to book, please include in the notes: A description of the tattoo that you want, especially if it will require some pre-drawing by the artist The size of the tattoo (estimated height by width in inches) The location of the tattoo The style of the tattoo or details: color, shaded, stipple, fine-line, traditional, realistic, line work only, text, etc. Other relevant information about you or the tattoo. It’s always good to include what you are getting so the artist can confirm they have enough time and prepare in advance. Got more questions about getting a tattoo? Feel free to reach out to solanatattoo@gmail.com or check out our other blogs for more info.

Congratulations on booking your tattoo appointment! This is an exciting step whether it’s your first tattoo or an addition to your collection. To ensure everything goes smoothly from here, there are several important steps you should follow after making your booking. From explaining your design in detail to knowing when to consult with your artist, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your tattoo session. 1. Clearly Explain Your Design Idea When you book your tattoo, it's crucial to communicate your design idea clearly. This includes the size, details, whether it's in color or black and grey, and the overall concept of your design. Be as specific as possible to ensure that the artist can capture your vision accurately. If you're unsure about the size or placement, your tattoo artist can provide guidance based on their experience as to what will look best and maintain its quality over time. 2. Send Examples to Your Artist If you have visual examples or references, these can be incredibly helpful to your tattoo artist. Sending these examples can help clarify what you're looking for, especially the finer details of your desired design. Most artists are accessible via Instagram, making it easy to send images directly to them. This step is particularly helpful if your design is detailed or if you have specific expectations about style and execution. You can also just bring the examples to your appointment, if the tattoo isn't too complex. 3. No Need for Constant Follow-ups Once you have provided all the necessary information and references, there is no need to constantly follow up with your artist. Tattoo artists are professionals who manage their schedules and client communications effectively. They will reach out to you if they need more information or if there are any issues with your proposed design. Trusting your artist’s process is crucial for a good relationship and a successful tattoo experience. 4. Artists Can Adapt and Draw On the Spot Many clients worry about whether their design needs to be perfect before the appointment. It's important to remember that tattoo artists are highly skilled professionals who are capable of drawing and adapting designs on the spot. They are adept at making adjustments that enhance the tattoo's appearance and ensure it fits well on the chosen part of the body. This flexibility is particularly useful for those who might have last-minute changes or decisions about their tattoo. 5. Book a Consultation for Complex Designs If your tattoo design is very complex or large, it might be wise to book a consultation before your actual tattoo appointment. A consultation allows for a discussion where you can explore ideas, sizing, placement, and pricing in more detail. It also gives the artist time to create or finalize the custom design without the pressure of having to tattoo immediately afterward. This is especially important for tattoos that cover large areas or require intricate detail and shading. 6. Prepare Physically and Mentally In the days leading up to your tattoo appointment, it’s important to prepare both physically and mentally. Make sure to: Stay Hydrated Keeping your skin hydrated will ensure that your tattoo comes out as crisp and clear as possible. Avoid Alcohol and Aspirin These can increase bleeding during your tattoo session. It’s best to avoid them for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Get Plenty of Rest Being well-rested will help you cope with the discomfort of the tattooing process. Eat a Good Meal Having food in your stomach will help you feel more comfortable and prevent you from feeling light-headed during the session. Know What to Wear Wear appropriate clothing that will allow easy access to the area getting tattooed. For example, if you are getting a leg tattoo, consider wearing shorts or a skirt. This consideration will not only make it easier for the artist to work but also keep your clothes free of ink stains. Plan Your Day Accordingly Tattoo sessions can vary in length, depending on the complexity and size of the design. Make sure you don’t have to rush to another appointment right after. Giving yourself a clear schedule on the day of your tattoo will allow you to be more relaxed and comfortable with the process. Speak Up! When your artist puts the stencil on you, take time to really look at it. Is everything spelled right? Is it the right size? Exact right placement? You can't change a tattoo after it's done, but you can change a stencil. Use your big-kid voice and say if you want something changed. Don't be That Guy who approves a design and then complains about the design you approved after the fact. It's your responsibility to say what you want on your body and to express your needs. Aftercare is Crucial Finally, be prepared to care for your new tattoo according to your artist's instructions. Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure your tattoo heals well and retains its beauty. This usually includes keeping the tattoo clean, applying ointment as advised, and avoiding sun exposure and soaking in water. By following these steps, you can ensure that your tattoo experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Remember, a tattoo is not just a form of body art but a lifelong commitment. Preparing adequately for it can make all the difference in achieving a tattoo that you will cherish forever.

A tattoo consultation is always free; that's when you can chat with an artist about your ideas, get a more accurate quote, and ask all of the questions you have about the process and design. But after your free consultation if you want to make an appointment, you may be asked for a deposit. This deposit not only holds your spot on the artist's calendar, but it also is there to protect the artist and their time. A deposit, by definition, is always nonrefundable. There are no exceptions. The deposit does go toward your overall tattoo price. So if you pay a $100 deposit and the tattoo ends up costing $300, you will simply pay the difference when you are done ($200). Here are some reasons behind our tattoo deposit policy: Sometimes an artist will spend hours or even days drawing up your design, and all of this time does not count toward the hourly rate you pay when you get the tattoo. A deposit helps compensate for their drawing time, if you decide you don't want to get the tattoo after all. At least the artist isn't at a total loss for their hard work. Even if you provide an already-drawn image, the artist has to spend time sizing it, turning it into a stencil, and making it tattoo-able. Not every image translates into a good tattoo, so some small adjustments may need to be made. We believe in respecting our artists and honoring their expertise and time; this is their livelihood. When you hold a space on someone's calendar, that is time blocked off for you -- time no one else can have. If you back out, that is lost time the artist could have spent serving another client. Note: We don't ask for deposits for walk-ins or appointments where you will be getting the tattoo that same day. Not all tattoos need a deposit.

By Adam Lopez There are the myths and the assumptions that surround the thought. The way the curiosity is in eye of the client, when it's someone who doesn't modify themselves as much as enthusiasts. They ask the regular questions about what I do. I've worked in many shops. In a few different places. There are so many things I've picked up on. Like the nature of the purity in the need to look your true self in a fake as fuck world. Not to sound bleak, but the synthetic is so real now its almost unbearable. Like in past times, self-adornment is something we will always embrace in our own way. The beautiful ritual of it. Dad and son. Mom and daughter. Besties, the loving couple, or the soloist rebel. They come to me. For something different. I abide. Because it means something to me. The act itself dates back to pharaohs, kings and queens, tribal passages in life -- to metal and punk scenes, even dark places you'd usually never be. Piercings can be found across the globe throughout oceans of time. The mechanics of it have been passed down from one installment artist to the next. They can be used as accessories to a look, or highlighting sensitivity in parts of a person. They take much longer to heal than a tattoo and can stand out as much, depending on placement. In a young person's life they can be a wonderful bonding moment between guests. I've always respected it. Never have I gauged it as a simplistic thing. It's dismissed often, the act. The life of a body piercer as the years pass can make up the outline of a true outcast. Even in the fanciest of studios, piercers can find themselves in a one-person act. Typically, being the odd one of the odd ones you expect to see in any shop. Piercers are ones that count on walk-ins. I consider myself an artist, period. We lead a life of possibilities, like any other artist. I consider myself an artist, period. Piercing aside, I paint, write, and enjoy many facets of the arts. My favorite writers include Bukowski, Frost, King, Poe, and a number of others that draw me. Painters I admire include Mike Vax, Salvador Dali, Banksy, Szukalski (his sculpture work, too). My music tastes go from Tupac to George Strait, from Prince to Yo Yo Má, from Deadmou5 to Slipknot. The life of an artist is one of letdowns to joys beyond words. It can be lonely, while satisfying in its own way. Artists are so goddamn important yet the world has taken them for granted. We cook your food, cut your hair, fix your websites, and even help you find the words when you can't. Artist loyalty has fallen by the wayside with the advent of commercialization to industry. We've lost touch with the concept of these artists being human, too. We live in a reality that has everything in your hand at all times, one of Google reviews and 30-second sound bites that people take to heart. Instant gratification has been in for decades now. There was a time where the only options were what you saw, what you knew of. These new options have leveled the playing field in art. But in far many ways made much of the art the same. Good? Bad? Does it matter? The luxury of options is not one that comes without consequences. With experts behind every keyboard, it's made a bitterness out of many an artist. When the reality tattoo shows happened, people saw a glimpse of the glamor that can shine from doing this. But the reality of slow days and atmospheric trend in a studio can be wearing on someone that's done this a long time. I bid pity on the brave souls that dare love an artist. We are a complex bunch that reject common realities strewn across the social landscape. So, "What's it like?" you ask. It's like anything else you give yourself to: joyous, worrisome, triumphant, loving, painful, bubbling with hope. Even with the truth of it most times being relevant to the person in the mirror. I can't think of a time when my art has ever been easy. Perhaps the challenge at the call of something you believe you've mastered is what makes the difference. Or perhaps I'm just full of it. Either way, I'd have it no other way. Because beautiful is never perfect; it's special. Come one, come all.