FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How much does a tattoo cost?

A: Really? That’s your VERY FIRST question?! While it is, of course, a concern, it shouldn't be the most important factor. However, be assured that you will get a very fair, competitive price at our shop. We are NOT prima donnas that think we're doing YOU a favor by tattooing you. And, just because someone may quote you a HIGHER price elsewhere does not mean it will be better! More on this later. . . We value every client equally, be they a first-timer getting a small piece, or a veteran collector getting a sleeve.

Back to the question: first off, what're we talking here? What image, what style is it to be rendered in, how big is it going to be, and where on your body? In short, there's no cut-and-dried answer to this question. You gonna be happy driving off the lot in a Honda, or are you more into a Jaguar with the heated leather seats?

A senior artist's hourly rate is $150 an hour and all of the above factors play into how long a piece is going to take. We’ll look at it, and use our experience to guesstimate a price based on how long we expect it to take . . . for large session work, we cannot possibly give you a fixed price. Come in, sit down, and your session will last 'til you've had enough, or your budgeted money runs out-whichever comes first.

Tattooers with LESS than 10 years experience generally do not adhere to the hourly rate quite so strictly. Simply because a less experienced artist may not be quite as fast. This does not mean your piece will be of any lesser quality. Think about it. A 20 year veteran may be able to work 3-5 times faster than a newer artist, but the extra time that it takes the latter should not cost you more money. That’s like saying if Jack Rudy finishes your portrait in 2 hours, but his apprentice takes 4, the apprentice should make more money than his mentor (and may not be as good—then again, it might be better!) Does that sound right to you . . . ? That’s why the hourly rate DOES have some wiggle room. The average time that something SHOULD take is also accounted for when making a quote. Artists that are super-fast should not be penalized, either. The above example may explain why price should not be your deciding factor. Look CAREFULLY and OBJECTIVELY at your prospective artist's portfolio. The end outcome is most important. A diamond, and a tattoo, is forever. If someone quotes you a lower price than someone else, make sure quality is not going to be sacrificed. Some stinky artists overcharge, and some great ones don't. By the same token, some stinky artists are cheap, and some great ones overcharge, too! Use your judgment. I personally wish to- and believe I deserve-to pay my bills and have a comfortable life. But I do NOT expect to eat filet mignon and drink 1945 Rothschild Laffite every day. : )

In short, the best answer I can give you: shop hourly rate is $150, with a minimum of $50. Yep--even for a dot. If we set up a machine, it's 50 bucks. We've got to set up, lay out ink, consume various disposable supplies to ensure sterile procedure, use up needles, and scrub and sterilize whatever non-disposable equipment necessary to tattoo you. If we do it for less, it costs US money. Not a good business model. If you want a teeny, tiny thing, or a teeny, tiny touch up (on work that we did not do--touch-ups on our own work are free of charge) I’d suggest maybe waiting 'til you get something else, and tack the tiny one onto that session.

If you've read all of this, i realize you may be frustrated by now. For the sake of ballpark illustration, the 'average' tattoo (there really isn't such a thing) that's about the size of the palm of the average person’s hand of 'normal' difficulty is gonna run you $100-$200. That’s as close as I can get!


Q: Is it sterile/safe?

A: At our shop, absolutely. No one can work here without having a current blood-borne pathogens training certificate, our autoclave is tested monthly, and we follow universal precautions (you can see what that means here: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/bp_universal_precautions.html ).

When assessing shops, keep in mind that PROCEDURE and the order in which things are done is just as important. A working, tested autoclave and plastic properly covering everything do NOT ensure your safety. I’ve seen tattooers answer the phone with contaminated gloves on, use a marker on broken skin and put it back in their pencil cup, tape people's bandages up with dirty gloves on (thereby contaminating the entire roll of tape), and various other horrendous things that many wouldn't notice. For instance: my own dentist was guilty of cross-contaminating right in front of me. I promptly pointed it out, and switched dentists.

That said, don't get scared, and don't get crazy! HIV dies outside of the body in less than 10 minutes, and even if you took a syringe filled with a full cc of contaminated blood and INJECTED it into yourself, you're still not guaranteed to contract the disease. Tattooing is FAR less invasive, and good shops are as careful/more careful than dental and health care professionals.

If you have any doubts, whomever you talk to gets defensive about answering your questions, or seems like an idiot, go elsewhere. Please! (And, really, this should've been your FIRST question. If Rembrandt put anthrax spores into his paint, would you still want a painting? Even if it IS incredibly beautiful and/or was free?

PS: if the tattooers in a shop are using spray bottles for their rinse soap and spray directly onto broken skin (or an already used paper towel) during the tattooing process, get the hell out of there! The aspirated droplets hit your skin, pick up blood, etc, and then travel and settle in an alarmingly wide radius and remain completely unseen! If they don't know this, it's a tell-tale sign that they have not really educated themselves on procedure. Tattooing is still a self-regulated industry in California, so be aware. It’s the one thing that I’m still amazed at how often I see 'professional tattooers' doing. (Note: spraying onto a clean paper towel IS acceptable.) Another thing to look for: there should not be an ultrasonic cleaner ANYWHERE near the work areas. Same issue as the spray bottles holds true here. The vibration of said machine creates a micro fine mist that can spread and settle over 6 feet away from it. Just had to address these issues, because I’m still seeing it happen.


Q: How do I pick an artist?

A: Get ready, you're in for another long-winded explanation!

First and foremost, look at their work. I appreciate that the person that is new to the tattoo world is at a great disadvantage, and may not REALLY know what to look for. I’ll do my best to concisely educate you.

First off, don't expect to see the exact image that you're looking for in an artist's portfolio. I’ve had people look at my book full of perfectly rendered portraits, and question whether I was qualified to do a simple kanji. Use some logic, people.

Also, clients sometimes art direct a piece, and it doesn't come out as it would have had the artist been left to their own devices. And, you may not fully understand a chosen image on another person. Look at QUALITY, not necessarily the specific image.

You should see clean lines, solid color, and smooth gradations. Also look for style. If you want a portrait, or photorealistic piece, and there's NOTHING like that in an artist's book, be careful. Graphic tattoos require a different skill set and sensibility than photorealism. They are not mutually exclusive, however. Most good artists can do both. Just be logical and objective. Don’t let anyone bullshit or pressure you. (Honestly telling you why your great idea is not the best idea technically does NOT fall into this category. . . don’t be upset if an artist can’t honestly tell you what you want to hear. . . does what they’re saying make sense? Do they sound reasonable and knowledgeable?) An artist’s work should speak for itself. If they seem over-eager, or too pushy, ask yourself why.

Also, you may notice that the portfolio pieces look red. That is perfectly normal . . . pictures are often taken immediately after the work is finished. Therefore, it's still bleeding, and the surrounding skin will still be irritated. Light colors and fine shading are more delicately pigmented than the blood welling up to the surface, so a fresh photo will not EXACTLY reflect the appearance of the piece once it's healed. Without a trained eye, this may be confusing. As you view more and more portfolios, you'll get the hang of it. If you do see pictures of fully healed work, that is a good sign. It a much better representation of the finished work, shows that the artist's techniques heal properly and stand the test of time, and that their clients return after their first piece! If you DON'T see a lot of healed photos, don't panic, though. It’s not a prerequisite.

Also, you're not (and shouldn't be) looking for a new best friend or date. That’s not to say that a prospective tattooer should not be a rude a-hole, either (unless you started it : ).


Q: How old do I have to be to get tattooed?

A: Finally, an easy answer! You must be 18 (and able to prove it) to be tattooed. Period.


Q: How painful is it?

A: Another relatively easy one . . . you'll definitely be able to stand it. Yes, some areas hurt more than others, but it's not that huge of a difference. Don’t let it influence your decision. Placement alone can elevate a so-so tattoo to greatness! Looking at your new piece for a lifetime in a spot that was second choice just because you were scared is much more painful than the fleeting moments you'll spend getting it.


Q: What should I get/where should I put it?

A: You really shouldn't expect complete strangers to answer those questions for you. If you really have NO idea, you're not ready to get a tattoo. You’ll be wasting both our and your own time, and I’d hate for that to happen. I’d also hate to see you rush into anything, and make a mistake that you'll regret later. I’ll say it again: a tattoo is FOREVER! You’re sitting at a computer, get ye to Google Image Search! Homework is YOUR job.

That said, if you don't have a concrete idea, we WILL take the time to listen to what you have to say, and will make suggestions if we feel that our expertise might give you a better result that you might not even realize is possible. We’ve got plenty of books and images at the shop to help you out, but please have some sort of idea to streamline the process.


Q: Are there any restrictions before or after?

A: Yes. We cannot/will not tattoo sunburned or otherwise damaged skin, intoxicated people, underage folks, or pregnant women. You’re just going to have to wait until these temporary circumstances are no longer in effect.

Afterwards, you will not be able to go into chlorinated/saltwater or saunas for a couple of weeks, or get a massage or spa treatment on the affected area. Our detailed care instructions are posted below:

Care Instructions for your new Tattoo
Proper care is essential to the final, healed appearance of your new art! Luckily, caring for it is quite easy. . .

• Refrain from listening to anyone’s advice other than your artists’ (this includes other tattooers. . . ) It’s amazing how soon your friends become ‘experts’ when you show up with fresh ink.
• Leave the bandage on for AT LEAST 2 hours, up to overnight. It is preferable to wait until you get home to remove the bandage. The site will be a bit of a gooey mess under the bandage, and that’s a drag in public. It’s also unsanitary--for you, and others.
• When the bandage does come off, wash the tattoo in hot water and bar soap (something mild is best, like Ivory, Dove, Neutrogena, etc. Avoid things like Coast/Irish Spring/anything smelly--because fragrance can be irritating to broken skin). Use your hands only, no cloth! Pat dry gently with a clean towel, or paper towel.
• DO NOT re-bandage. Ever.
• Keep your (and other people's) fingers off of it unless you’re washing it. NO picking or scratching.
• If your tattoo itches, wash it. Optimally, you should be washing the area as often as possible. Every couple of hours is best, for the first 3-5 days, and 2-3 times a day thereafter. This is not always possible in the real world, so a travel pack of plain baby wipes is a good substitute for soap and water. I repeat: PLAIN. No scent or moisturizer. A paper towel wetted with hot water works, too.
• DO NOT apply ointment of any kind. Ever.
• Lotion is an option, but it is not necessary. If you do choose to use it, do so sparingly. Rub it in, and stay away from lotions with fragrance, aloe, and lanolin.
• Your tattoo WILL become dry, flaky, and rather unattractive in a few days. It may look as though it is fading. This is normal. Also, if you fail to wash it often enough, it may scab. That’s ok, just keep it clean and leave it alone. Once it is finished peeling, it will be beautiful again!
• NO SUN, SWIMMING (or soaking of any kind), PICKING, SCRATCHING, VIGOUROUS SCRUBBING, OINTMENT, DIRTY CONDITIONS, TIGHT CLOTHING, SUNSCREEN, OR SAUNAS until your tattoo is healed (usually 7-14 days).

Q: Is there anything that you WON’T do?

A: We WILL do all white tattoos, tattoos inside the lip, knuckles, and tattoos with no black outlines (at each individual artist’s discretion). We WILL, however, advise you of potential problems and longevity issues, and make you sign an additional release form stating that you understood what you were getting into.

Rachel will not tattoo penises. Ever. Don’t even ask.


Q: Do I have to make an appointment?

A: Nope--there are always two or three artists at the shop to make sure walk-ins can be accommodated. However, if you'd like to work with a specific artist, are coming a very long distance, and/or are interested in a large piece, I’d recommend emailing your chosen artist directly or calling the shop before you make the trip. Each artist's contact info is on their portfolio page. Rachel also posts her schedule online here.


Q: What forms of payment do you accept?

A: We take credit cards (with corresponding ID), ATM cards, cash, and traveller’s cheques. (NO personal checks of any kind.)


Q: Do you offer gift certificates?

A: Yep. And may I say, what a thoughtful gift that will be cherished forever! : )

Q: Do you do 'tattoo parties'/will you tattoo outside of the shop?

A: One last easy one, eh . . . ? I don't even have to think about this one: Absolutely NOT. Not only is this the epitome of unprofessional, unethical practice, it's next to impossible to maintain sanitary procedure in an improper setting. Would you ask a dentist to come to your house? A plastic surgeon? I'm betting you're asking because you think it'd be cheaper? Um, no. In order for a tattoo artist to create a suitable, sanitary environment,and have it be worth their while, it'd cost you MORE. Not only is sanitation severely compromised in this scenario, odds are that there will be inadequate lighting, furniture that does not create the proper body position necessary to get a good result, and no access to proper drawing/reference materials, photocopiers, etc. . . it's just something that any true professional would just not be willing to do. If you find someone that will, be wary. I guarantee it's for the money, and if they need it that bad, why? Gotta be a reason why they haven't been successful in a shop. Artists that get fired/can't get hired in a good studio often resort to this. It's gross, and tarnishes the entire industry. Think about it : )

If you'd like to do an event involving multiple people for a birthday, bachelor/ette party, etc. Call ahead and we'll be happy to make arrangements to accomodate your party properly at the shop. We can even arrange for on-site catering, etc.



Thanks for taking the time to look through this. If you have a specific question
that has not been addressed here, feel free to email us:

immaculateconceptiontattoo@gmail.com