FAQ

A: Walk-ins are always welcomed. However, walk-ins are taken at a 1st come 1st served basis. Sometimes all of the artists are booked for the day and we cannot fit in any walk-ins. So we do recommend that you schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that appointments should almost always be set for custom work and/or big projects

A: Legal adults need nothing more than a government issued ID. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18 to our shop and we will not perform service on anyone under the age of 16 (tattoo) or 14 (piercing). The only exception made is for children ages 2-13 getting their ear lobes pierced. In addition, we will not perform any kind of genital piercings or tattoos on anyone under the age of 18. All adults must present and provide us with a valid ID at the time of their appointment, regardless of their age. Adults accompanying minors must provide proof of guardianship. Minors must also have a form of ID. ID exceptions made for children between 2 and 13 years of age. A perfect scenario is a passport for each the adult and minor where last names match along with the minor’s birth certificate verifying the parent. Another acceptable combination is a school ID (with photo) and a birth certificate for the Minor along with any government ID for the adult. Adults must remain with the minors at all times.

A: Yes, we have artists who specialize in them.

A: The short answer in most cases, yes. The truth is, the pain associated with tattoos and piercing varies person to person. While we work to make each of our customers comfortable throughout the process, the level of pain you experience will depend upon your personal pain threshold, the area of the body in question, whether you had a good meal before, if you had a good night’s rest, etc. The human body “rewards” you with endorphins to deal with pain. So typically the tattoo usually hurts only for the first 5-10 minutes and then you will either feel numb in that area or you may even feel very good all of a sudden.

A: Yes but we do add a small percentage to the cost, because accepting Credit Cards costs us more. We accept Visa, Discover and Master Card.

A: See after care instruction page.

A: Black ink has a number of advantages. First of all it is the darkest color, and with today’s ink, the black is stronger than ever. Depending on what your artist uses for his/her black ink you can actually have two tattoos side by side where one will be much darker than the other. 

A: We use what is now becoming the industry standard – the autoclave – Tubes, the part of the machine that acts as a pen handle or grip, are scrubbed free of loose ink, etc. then run through an ultrasonic and then autoclaved. You will find your dentist uses the same sterilization techniques. We always use a new needle for EVERY person. We spore-test our autoclave monthly via ATS. We follow all local and state regulations. Actually, we exceed their requirements. The fact is that we are protecting you but we are also protecting ourselves.

A: Behind the ear and upper arm. Really though I think people should get tattooed or pierced wherever they envision them looking good and want them regardless of the pain, because once it is over you live with it forever… which might be a really long time!

A: In no particular order the top 3 typically are: Top of the head, ribs and neck.

A: Wow, what a bad mistake! That question always reminds me of people saying they drive better when they are drunk. Alcohol makes your surface blood vessels dilate, which means you will bleed more and that means it will be harder to have ink spread evenly in the skin. Bleeding more will also push some of the ink out. People who are drunk, I find, can never stay still while getting tattooed. This is incredibly annoying, trying to paint a straight line on a moving car for example, almost impossible. If you want even straight lines, you have to stay still. The main point however is that we want you to be 100% with us when you are getting tattooed or pierced so you are happy with all your decisions later. Besides, we WILL NOT tattoo or pierce anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A: The shop minimum is $100. All of our artists can do custom work and charge a rate between $100-$200 an hour. We are definitely not the most expensive shop but we are also not the cheapest. We charge a fair price. We don’t want to take advantage of our customers but we do need to be compensated for the job we do. Our work is guaranteed and your skin is our reputation.

A: 3 things I would base my decision on:

• You have seen and like their work/portfolio.
• You like the person doing the work. (You are going to be spending time with them, maybe hours. Make sure you are comfortable with them and can tolerate their personality.)
• The shop is clean and professional!

Don’t confuse this with any regular day to day purchase like sneakers or potato chips. So do not choose your artist on price but rather on their work and reputation. Honestly, what is an extra $20-$50 spread out over a lifetime? Pennies a day if that… compare saving that to looking at a bad tattoo on your body for the rest of your life.

A: We do offer apprenticeships but you will have to come in for the rest of that answer. It is way too much to type.

A: I am not saying you have to but… Yes. This is a service industry. As a tattoo artist or piercer we cater to your wants and needs. We (Expressive Ink) try to deliver the best possible tattoo and/or piercing to you. We try to make it as painless as possible and try to make the time go by for you (conversation, music, TV, etc.) If a tattoo artist or piercer has gone out of their way to make things good for you, or gave you a more amazing tattoo than you anticipated, then by all means- tip a little more.

A: Roughly 20% – 30% of the total cost (tattoo artists and piercers live off tips similar to that of a waiter and waitress.