Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that approaching or inquiring about your first tattoo can be stressful, as tattoo shops often carry a stigma of being "dark" or taboo. However, we are dedicated to shattering this stereotype and providing a more personal approach. Just like you, we are human beings with fears and emotions, and we will treat you with kindness and understanding, as we would like to be treated ourselves.

To begin the process, it is helpful to have an idea of what design you want, where you want it, and its size. Once you have formulated your ideas, you can reach out to us via email, phone call, text message, or by visiting our studio. From there, we will guide you through the process. There are no obligations or specific requirements, except that you must be 18 or older — or 16–17 with a parent present and a valid ID. Rest assured, we will do our utmost to accommodate your needs and preferences.

If this is your first tattoo, we understand that you may have some questions and uncertainties about the process. Rest assured, we are here to guide you through it. Here's a step-by-step approach you can take:

1. Research and gather ideas: Spend some time exploring different tattoo designs and styles that resonate with you. Consider the placement of the tattoo on your body and the size you prefer.

2. Consultation: Once you have a general idea of what you want, reach out to us via email, phone, text, or visit our studio to schedule a consultation. During this meeting, we can discuss your design, placement, size, and any specific details you may have in mind. We will also answer any questions you have and provide expert advice.

3. Customization: If you have a specific design in mind, bring any reference materials or sketches to the consultation. Our tattoo artists can work with you to create a customized design that suits your vision and preferences. If you don't have a specific design, our artists can create one for you based on your ideas and inspirations.

4. Booking and preparation: Once you are satisfied with the design and details, we will schedule your tattoo appointment. Before the appointment, make sure to follow any preparation instructions provided by our studio, such as avoiding alcohol or certain medications.

5. Tattoo session: On the day of your appointment, arrive at the studio on time and ready. Our professional tattoo artist will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the process. They will clean the area, apply a stencil of the design, and proceed with the tattooing process. Don't hesitate to communicate any discomfort or questions during the session.

6. Aftercare: After the tattoo is complete, our artist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of infection and achieve the best results. If you have any concerns during the healing process, don't hesitate to reach out for guidance.

Remember, this is an exciting journey, and our team is dedicated to making it a positive experience for you. We are here to address any concerns, answer your questions, and create a beautiful tattoo that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Believe it or not, some of the best tattoo projects we have worked on are with clients who have a "general" idea of what they want or give us complete artistic freedom. We have a wealth of ideas and styles to offer, and the best approach is to choose an artist whose aesthetic resonates with you and allow them to create something specifically for you. We thrive when given the freedom to create imagery that complements the body and aligns with our artistic style. This allows us to provide a truly unique piece that stands out in the sea of tattoos that modern society has to offer. So, never worry about not having the "right answer" to the question of what you want. As artists, it is our job to bring something to the table that is original and unlike anything else out there. We are excited to work with you and create a one-of-a-kind tattoo that you will love.

Yes — walk-ins are welcome Thursday–Sunday, 12–7, for small tattoos and lettering. Anything custom or larger starts with a free consultation, which is also walk-in, no appointment needed. The fastest way to check is to text your reference to 256-361-1613 and we'll let you know if we can fit you in that day.

Ivo Angelov, the owner, and George Hristov. Ivo handles the largest projects — sleeves, back pieces, chest panels — and all major cover-ups. Both artists consult in person, so a realism project starts with a free walk-in consultation where we can look at the placement and your reference together. You can compare their portfolios on our artists page.

Our shop minimum is $100, and the final price depends on size, placement, detail, and style. We quote in person at a free walk-in consultation, Thursday–Sunday 12–7 — no appointment, no obligation. One tip: a planned sleeve is usually more cost-effective than collecting several smaller pieces over time.

Match the artist to the style. Black & grey realism goes to Ivo or George; fine line, florals and anime to Emily or Baylee; American traditional and color to Amber; small pieces and lettering to Baylee or Jade. Browse each portfolio on our artists page — the work tells you more than a description can. Still unsure? Bring your idea to a free walk-in consultation and we'll point you to the artist whose work fits it best.

Yes, we do offer services to cover up older or poorly done tattoos, and we are always willing to work with you. However, it's important to keep in mind that while we strive to erase the memory of the "mistake," we can't perform magic. The success of a cover-up largely depends on your willingness to collaborate with us on the desired design. Often, people have a specific idea in mind for a cover-up, but it's not always feasible to achieve that exact result. Sometimes, cover-ups require a lot of creativity and involve selecting a design that is complimented by the existing tattoo. It's not always possible to simply use a more aggressive pigment to conceal the image underneath.

A general guideline is that the new design should be "darker" in a literal sense, regardless of the metaphorical interpretation. Nonetheless, we will approach your project with your idea in mind and do our best to help you cover up your previous experience.

Every cover-up starts in person: text us a photo of the existing tattoo, then come in for a free walk-in consultation so we can assess it properly. Large or complex cover-ups go to studio owner Ivo Angelov.

Tattoos involve the use of tiny needles to puncture the skin, although the process is not overly invasive. These needles pierce the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) and inject ink into the dermis (the middle layer of skin), avoiding the hypodermis (the deepest layer). We steer clear of muscle tissue, major veins, and arteries. Generally, the sensation is often likened to a continuous cat scratch. The level of pain experienced varies depending on the location of the tattoo. Starting with the forearm or calf is typically recommended, while areas like the neck, hands, face, or stomach are better suited for those who have prior tattoo experience. Regardless of the location, there are ways to manage the pain, such as ensuring you have a good night's sleep, eating before the appointment, avoiding heavy drinking the night before, and staying well hydrated. Additionally, light painkillers like Advil can be helpful. It's also important to maintain proper levels of salts and sugars during the tattooing process, so we suggest bringing snacks or drinks containing sodium and something sweet, along with water or an electrolyte beverage.

Prior to getting a tattoo, it is common for individuals to neglect their health by engaging in behaviors such as excessive drinking, prolonged sun exposure, drug use, inadequate nutrition, failure to shave, moisturize, or even changing their mind about the tattoo design.

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To ensure the best possible outcome and to help us create exceptional artwork, it is important to follow our advice for preparing for your tattoo session. Preparation is a one-time effort, considering tattoos can be quite expensive. Prioritize your mental and physical readiness to receive the tattoo. A crucial step is to eat well the day before your appointment, as inadequate nutrition combined with mild pain or muscle tension can potentially cause fainting. It is also advisable to bring snacks to eat during the process. Avoid sun exposure or sunbathing, as this can damage the work area and affect the final result. Heavy drinking should be avoided as it can lead to excessive bleeding, dilution of pigments, increased pain, and a lengthened process. Taking drugs can heighten pain sensitivity, negatively impact your experience, or cause excessive movement during the procedure. Refrain from shaving the area to be tattooed, as cuts can create spots where the ink may not properly penetrate. Similarly, avoid applying moisturizer before your session, as it can interfere with stencil application. Lastly, it is essential to avoid last-minute design changes, as this can disrupt the artist's process and potentially result in design mistakes or unbalanced composition. While some artists excel at improvisation, it is best not to take unnecessary risks.

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 During the tattooing process, the comfort of both the artist and the client is of utmost importance in order to achieve the best possible result. At our studio, we strive to ensure that everyone's needs are met and that both parties are comfortable throughout the session. As a client, there are a few things you can do to enhance your comfort during the tattooing experience. Firstly, it's advisable to bring something to occupy yourself, such as a book, a movie, or music, as this can help to distract from any potential discomfort. Additionally, having a snack or something to eat can be beneficial, especially for longer sessions, as it helps to maintain energy levels and prevent lightheadedness. In certain cases, bringing a pillow for added support can also contribute to a more comfortable experience. Furthermore, considering the location of the tattoo, it's important to wear appropriate and comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. By taking these steps and communicating any specific needs or concerns to our team, we can ensure that both you and our artist are as comfortable as possible, ultimately leading to the best outcome for your tattoo.

Before getting a tattoo, it is important to be aware of any medications that could potentially affect the tattooing process and your overall experience. Here are a few medications that you should consider:

1. Blood Thinners: Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain anticoagulants can increase the risk of bleeding during the tattooing process. Excessive bleeding can make it challenging for the artist to work and may impact the quality of the tattoo. It is advisable to consult with your doctor if you are taking any blood thinners and discuss whether it is safe to temporarily discontinue them before getting a tattoo.

2. Pain Medications: Some pain medications, such as opioids, can lead to increased sensitivity or altered pain perception. It is important to communicate with your tattoo artist about any pain medications you are taking to ensure they can adjust their technique accordingly.

3. Antibiotics: If you are currently taking antibiotics, it is crucial to inform your tattoo artist. Certain antibiotics can make your skin more sensitive, increasing the risk of irritation or complications during the healing process. Your artist may advise you to wait until you have completed the course of antibiotics before getting a tattoo.

4. Allergy Medications: Antihistamines or other allergy medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may affect your ability to sit still during the tattooing process. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with your doctor and consider whether it is safe to take them before your appointment.

5. Immunosuppressant Medications: If you are taking medications that suppress your immune system, it is essential to discuss this with your tattoo artist. A compromised immune system may affect the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Your artist may recommend adjusting the aftercare instructions or potentially advise against getting a tattoo if it poses a significant risk to your health.

It is crucial to consult with your doctor or pharmacist regarding any medications you are taking and how they may interact with the tattooing process. They can provide you with personalized guidance based on your specific medical history and medication regimen. Additionally, it is always a good idea to inform your tattoo artist about any medications you are taking to ensure a safe and successful tattoo experience.

For anything custom or larger than palm-size, yes — and it's free, walk-in, and no appointment is needed. Small pieces can often skip straight to a walk-in. Come by Thursday–Sunday, talk through your idea, meet the artists, and see the studio before you commit to anything.

Emily Boykin and Baylee Terry are our fine-line specialists — delicate linework, florals, script, and minimal pieces. Browse their portfolios on our artists page, or text us your reference and we'll point you to the right artist.

Amber Delicia — bold lines, classic palette, and vivid color work, with 27 years in the craft. She was raised in the trade by her father, artist Stan "Eazy" Garner. See her work on our artists page or come by for a free consultation.

Yes — multi-session, large-scale work is one of our core specialties. Sleeves are planned as a single composition at a free consultation rather than pieced together ad hoc, so the finished arm reads as one design.

18 and up with a valid ID. At 16-17 we can tattoo you with a legal guardian present at both the consultation and the session, plus your birth certificate and both your and your guardian's IDs. Under 16 we politely decline.

Deposits reserve your appointment and come off the final price of your tattoo. They're non-refundable and non-transferable, and one reschedule is allowed with at least 72 hours' notice. The deposit is sent as a Square invoice that includes the full terms — read it carefully before paying.

Absolutely. We'll tattoo your finished design faithfully, adapt it with you, or design something from scratch at a free consultation. Alternative and experimental ideas are always welcome.