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Everything you wanted to know (and maybe a few things you didn't!)
Q1. Does it hurt?
A. Yes, come on... it's needles in your skin! However, here are a few things that might ease your mind:
Pain tolerance differs from person to person so there is no way for us to tell you how painful it will be for you. Also, some areas of the body hurt more so the location of your tattoo will be a factor as well.
After about the first 15 minutes the process becomes less painful for most people. This can be attributed to a drop in anxiety and an increase in endorphins.
The pain is temporary. It lasts for the duration of the tattooing process and by the next day most of the soreness is gone (although some areas such as the inside of the arm, top of the foot and ankle area may stay a little tender for a couple of days).
A tattoo is a big decision, congratulations! Now, are you going to let a little pain get in the way? If you want it bad enough you can get through it!
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Q2. Are your needles single use & how possible is a reaction or infection?
A. Our needles are single use. We would never, under any circumstances, reuse needles. We group and solder our own needles, then they are individually bagged and sterilized in an autoclave like your doctor/dentist uses. All items that can be single use are single use (needles, ink cups, rinse cups, razors, ball point pens, bags, etc.). Items that are not single use (tubes, needle bars, etc.) are soaked in bleach, cleaned in an ultra-sonic and then sterilized in the autoclave. We pay to have our autoclave tested monthly by a certified company, it has never failed a test and we have these results on file. After each appointment the work station is thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant, the spray bottles, clip cord, etc. are covered in clean bags and new, individually bagged and sterilized needles are brought out which your artist will open in front of you. We are extremely careful to avoid cross-contamination and take your health, as well as our own (we all get tattooed here!), in the highest consideration. We go through needles, gloves and cleaning products like you wouldn't believe!
That being said, common sense tells us that whenever skin is being broken there is risk of infection (although rare and seldom serious) which you will be required to acknowledge by signing our consent form. Before your skin is broken and before applying the design stencil or writing on your skin with a single use ball point pen, the area to be tattooed will be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, green soap and then shaved with a single use razor. Other products used before, during or after also include vaseline and Vitamin A&D ointment. However, even though we practice these numerous sterile measures it is not reasonably possible for us to know whether you might have an allergic reaction to the pigments or processes used or get an infection after you leave. Proper after care is essential, good hygiene being key. You should also be aware that two types of bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus (staph), which is most common, and Streptococcus pyogenes (strep) - can live harmlessly on your skin until they enter through a cut or wound and cause the skin infection impetigo (although most common in infants and children). In adults, impetigo is usually the result of injury to the skin - often by another dermatological condition such as dermatitis (diabetes and a weakened immune system could contribute as well). Remember, the world is full of bacteria so once you walk out our door it is up to you to prevent infection by following proper after care!Return To Questions
Q3. What should I get?
A. It's "your" tattoo, "you" decide. Come by and browse through our personal portfolios, flash racks or library. We have a large collection of categorized (dragons, military, flowers, etc.) binders that contain magazine clippings, drawings, greeting cards, etc... that might help give you an idea. Once you know what you want we can help you fine tune it but the basic idea is up to you because... a tattoo is permanent!
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Q4. How do I get a custom piece designed & what if I change my mind after it's drawn?
A. Bring by a cash deposit (currently $60, $100 on large pieces) and elements of your idea in any format (magazine, book, t-shirt, photo, greeting card, rough sketch, etc.), or we can help you find the elements in our shop. For example: if you want a pin-up girl you'll need to find the body position, face, hair, clothes, etc. that you like and then the artist will put it all together. If you want a large or complex design drawn such as a full back piece or sleeve, a short consultation will likely be scheduled for another date so that you and the artist can discuss one-on-one. We do not take on custom drawings via e-mail or over the phone.
A detailed work-order will be written up per "your" specifications so be 100% sure of what you want and how you want it "before" you leave a deposit. Our artists draw on their days off and do not want to waste time drawing something that someone might not get. The drawing will be a basic outline only and will not be colored/shaded in, that's where you have to trust your "artist" to make it come alive (and we assume you trust our abilities since you chose to come to our shop). We will call you when your design is ready so that you can come by and take a look at it. We do not e-mail drawings because details get misinterpreted. That means if you live out of town you will need to make another trip in but since you chose a shop out of (your) town we're assuming that shouldn't be a problem. It's always best to discuss something permanent in person! Currently we do not charge for drawing time but we also do not work for free... keep reading. The drawing deposit is non-refundable, holds your appointment and goes towards your tattoo unless any of the following occur... you decide you don't want the tattoo (for whatever reasons), you want "major" changes made to the drawing that weren't on the original work-order, or if you want something entirely different... then the deposit "does" go towards the drawing time because again, we don't work for free. If you want something else drawn another deposit will be required if the artist is still interested. Again, you need to be 100% sure of what you want before you leave a deposit! We will not take your deposit if you are too vague or wishy-washy or if we don't think your idea will turn out good as a tattoo.Return To Questions
Q5. Do I need an appointment or can I just walk-in?
A. We stay very busy with appointments so if you definitely want to get tattooed here on a certain day/time you should make an appointment so that you are guaranteed the spot (see next question). You can call first to see how busy we are but walk-ins are always first-come-first-served. We usually don't have time for a custom drawn piece on a walk-in, only a small "flash" piece.
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Q6. How do I make an appointment & what if I live out of state or out of town?
A. Again, it's always best to discuss something permanent in person! Come by (with your I.D.), decide what you want, leave a cash deposit (currently $60, $100 on larger pieces) and anyone here can schedule an appointment for you. The deposit is required in advance to show us that you are serious (again, time is money), guarantees your spot, is non-refundable and goes towards your tattoo unless you cancel at the last minute or don't show up (read next question). We do not make or change appointments via e-mail.
If you live out of state or out of town (and we're not talking Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, Placerville, etc.!) you can make an appointment over the phone but we will still need a deposit in advance to guarantee your spot and we no longer take Visa or MasterCard. You will need to mail a money order or cashiers check (NO personal checks or travelers checks), payable to your artist (ask the person on the phone), and make sure we receive it at least 2 days prior to your appointment. If the deposit is not received in time your appointment will be rescheduled. You will need to come by before your appointment to drop off your idea or pick something out and how soon before will depend on what you're getting (please ask the person on the phone). If your design is fairly small and simple you can e-mail it but if you want something large or complex you'll need to come by to discuss before anything is drawn.Return To Questions
Q7. What if I need to reschedule my appointment, I call at the last minute, I'm late, or I'm a loser & don't even show up?
A. Call, do not e-mail! Again, the deposit is non-refundable but if you call us at least 2 days in advance we'll be happy to carry your deposit forward to a new appointment. Our answering machine is always on so you can call at any hour. If you're a chronic rescheduler we will doubt your seriousness and would rather not take your deposit until you are 100% sure you can make it.
If you call at the last minute with a lame excuse you will lose your deposit (for example... please don't make an appointment for Tuesday if you know you don't get paid until Friday, or on a work day unless you know you can get the day off). If you have an emergency we would of course be understanding. If you're going to be late call us because if it's more than 15 minutes you could lose your spot to a walk-in or be charged for the time. If you're a loser and don't even show up (a "no-show" is the lowest of lows!) you will lose your deposit and any other appointments on the books will be canceled. Also, if you call at the last minute or don't show up not only will you lose your deposit but a much larger one (and possibly prepayment for the entire tattoo) will be required "if" the artist is still interested in tattooing you. Remember, once you book an appointment we turn business away for that time slot so if you flake out we lose money. We only charge for actual "tattoo" time unless you waste our time. Like you, we go to work to make money and time is money!Return To Questions
Q8. How much will my tattoo cost?
A. Come by and we'll give you an estimate. If the tattoo takes 2 hours or more the rate is hourly (please call for), less than 2 hours by the piece (meaning NOT BASED ON TIME). We also have a minimum charge on small pieces in black and color (please call for). The cost of your tattoo will depend on its size, amount of detail/color, location on your body and artistic worth. We usually do not give estimates over the phone or via e-mail but if we do remember, an estimate is subject to change. It's much easier to discuss and understand a design in person therefore give an estimate in person. Also, it will cost more if you can't sit still, need to take a bunch of breaks, want changes made to the design at the last minute or (of course) want to do the tattoo bigger.
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Q9. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. CASH. Just like a tattoo, cash is permanent.
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Q10. How do I take care of my new tattoo?
A. Good question and "extremely" important! See our page on Tattoo After Care. Also, your artist will go over the basics and you will get a detailed after care folder before you leave our shop. Remember, good hygiene and proper after care is essential for your health as well as outcome of your tattoo! We are not medical professionals so if you have any concerns use your best judgment.
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Q11. Are touch-ups free?
A. Only right after your tattoo is completely healed and smooth (up to 6 months). If you notice some light spots please come by and if it looks like you've cared for your tattoo properly and a touch-up is necessary, we'll schedule an appointment for you at no charge. The reason we will not touch-up a tattoo for free several months or years later is because we have no guarantee that you took care of it properly during healing, or later by protecting it from the sun. Contrary to popular belief, touch-ups are not always necessary... and a well applied and properly cared for tattoo can remain vibrant for years (Lori's arms and foot are about 10 years old and have never been touched up!). Please read our After Care!
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Q12. What's your shop like and what should I know before I come by?
A. Our shop is clean, professional, friendly, quiet... and attitude free! Anyone can help you at the front counter, just depends on who has time. A privacy screen is available for tattoos in discreet areas. A few important things that you should be aware of are as follows:
All money is non-refundable so be sure you want the tattoo.
A 2 day notice is required to reschedule or you lose your deposit.
If you don't show up you lose your deposit.
Cash only.
Kids under 18 are NEVER allowed in the shop.
Bring a photo I.D. If you look young we will card you and copy your I.D. on our Consent Form/Release Waiver.
No food or drinks are allowed in the shop (water is OK).
Turn off your phone!
Sit still!! If you move it will take longer, cost more and be way more painful if an area has to be fixed ("if" it can be fixed).
If your tattoo takes more than one appointment your deposit will be deducted at the end (we must always have a deposit to hold an appointment).
In order to give you the best tattoo possible and keep the area sterile, no one will be allowed to sit with you or stand in the doorway of the tattoo work area (our work areas are fairly open and not behind closed doors). We can concentrate better without someone looking over our shoulder and without you talking to someone (which will make you move). Also, it's pretty difficult to work on a whiner so suck it up!
Our shop is small so please don't bring a bunch of friends/family. We know that getting a tattoo is a fun and big deal but our shop is not a rowdy-loud music playing-hangout. If your friends/family are too noisy they will be asked to wait outside and honestly, you will do better without them as an audience and without them babying you. We're here to work and our "job" is to give you the best tattoo possible and these are the things that will help us.
Bring your deposit slip on appointment day. We need it back to verify your deposit amount.
If you are getting tattooed in a discreet area (breast, bikini area, etc.) please wear the appropriate clothing so that both you and your artist are comfortable with the situation. Ladies: a bikini top works good for chest tattoos, halter top or something that zips/buttons up the front that you can wear backwards good for back tattoos, sweatpants for the lower back or bikini area. Please use your common sense, we will not tattoo you if we feel uncomfortable.
We do not tattoo fingers, palms, toes, bottoms of feet or badly calloused areas, ears, faces, some necks, or extremely private areas. Also, we reserve the right to not tattoo (what we feel are) inappropriate designs.
Eat something before so you don't get lightheaded!
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Q13. I'm not 18, can I get a tattoo with my parent's permission?
A. NO, never. It 's against the law in California to tattoo someone under 18, period.
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Q14. If I have a few drinks will I bleed more?
A. Maybe a little but that's kind of an old wives tale because nobody likes to work on someone that's drunk. If you are drunk, on drugs, are disrespectful or inappropriate you will be asked to leave.
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Q15. Do you sell gift certificates?
A. Yes, with various borders to choose from (b'day, Christmas, etc.). The current minimum is $60 since that's the deposit minimum. If you live out of state or out of town we no longer accept Visa or MC, please mail a money order or cashiers check payable to "Liberty Tattoo" and once received we will mail the gift certificate to you.
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Q16. Do you pierce?
A. No.
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Q17. I have a medical condition, will you still tattoo me?
A. For your safety as well as ours, if you have any medical conditions such as but not limited to those stated below you must be honest with us. Remember, it's your health and we're not medical professionals therefore it's "your" responsibility to be as informed as possible about your own health. We will NOT tattoo you if:
You have a HEART CONDITION such as but not limited to MURMUR, PACEMAKER, etc.
You have DIABETES, HEMOPHILIA or EPILEPSY.
You have HEPATITIS, HIV-AIDS or any other COMMUNICABLE DISEASE.
You have a SKIN CONDITION such as but not limited to LUPUS, SCARRING (KELOID), ECZEMA, PSORIASIS or ACNE, FRECKLES, MOLES or SUNBURN in the area to be tattooed.
You are on any MEDICATION THAT MIGHT IMPAIR YOUR JUDGMENT OR AGGRAVATE THE TATTOO PROCESS INCLUDING HEALING (such as but not limited to BLOOD THINNER).
You are UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.
You are PREGNANT or NURSING.
You are ALLERGIC to LATEX GLOVES.
And of course, if you are NOT 18 OR OLDER.
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Q18. Wait, I have more questions, what should I do?
A. Give us a call at (916) 977-3977 or come by. We're open every day and anyone here can answer your additional questions.
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