FAQ's
Or call 858-247–7113 for walk-in availability
Tattoo walk-ins are welcome seven days a week from 1-7 PM, but appointments are preferred.
1. How do I start designing my tattoo?
Start by gathering inspiration! Think about themes, symbols, or ideas that hold personal significance. This might be a memory, a passion, or something you find visually intriguing.
2. Should I use reference photos?
Yes! Collect reference photos that resonate with your vision. These could include different styles, such as realism, anime, pop culture, or fine line art. Sharing these with your tattoo artist can guide them in creating a design that aligns with your taste.
3. Can I bring an exact image to get tattooed?
Definitely! If there’s a specific image you love, bring it along. Your artist will advise if it’s suitable for tattooing and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it looks great on skin.
4. What if I’m unsure about the style?
No worries! Explore different tattoo styles to see which one speaks to you. Consider elements like color usage (black and gray or vibrant colors), line thickness, and shading techniques. Tattoo artists can also recommend styles based on your preferences.
5. How can I make sure the design is ‘tattoo-friendly’?
Work closely with your artist. They’ll ensure your design maintains its integrity over time and fits the contours of your body. Artists can make suggestions regarding size, placement, and detailing to optimize the tattoo’s longevity.
6. What if I want something unique?
Awesome! Communicate your ideas openly with your artist. They can collaborate with you to create a custom design that embodies your vision while advising on what works well as a permanent piece on the skin.
7. How do I choose a tattoo artist?
Research artists whose portfolios align with your desired style. Meet with potential artists to discuss your ideas and gauge their comfort with the design direction you want. Trust and open communication are key!
8. Do I need to consider placement beforehand?
It helps! Consider where you want your tattoo because different areas of the body can affect design details. Think about how visible you want the tattoo to be and how it might interact with other tattoos or features.
9. What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring your reference photos, any sketches or doodles you’ve made, and an open mind! Be ready to discuss your concept and available for back-and-forth collaboration with your artist.
10. How do I ensure I’m happy with the final design?
Collaborate with your artist, or see if your artist offers a preview of the design prior to appointment time/date. Don’t hesitate to voice preferences or concerns; this is your lifelong artwork, after all!
Size, detail, and color are all factors that will impact how long it takes to complete your tattoo. The bigger and more elaborate the design, the longer it will take your artist to apply the design.
Color tattoos usually require longer sessions so that your artist can build up the individual colors and values needed for a vibrant tattoo. Small tattoos can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple hours. Sleeve work or other large pieces can take up to tens of hours and require multiple separate sessions with periods of healing time in between. All of our artists work at their own personal pace to ensure your tattoo is of the highest quality. How well you sit and how many breaks you need will also determine how long it takes to finish your tattoo.
You must first understand that tattoos are lifelong investments. “You get what you pay for”, applies well to tattooing. Our professional and talented artists have spent many years developing and honing their skills. Size, detail, and placement will all affect the price of your tattoo. Your artist will choose whether to price by the piece or price by the hour. A small 1 inch tattoo starts at our shop minimum of $100. Hourly rates for our artists start at $125. Please communicate your budget with your artist. We will discuss options and work hard to provide the best tattoo art and experience within your budget.
At Sugoi! Tattoos and Piercings we follow all government mandates and healthcare guidelines. California law requires that you be 18+ to legally get a tattoo.
This is our most frequently asked question, especially from first time tattoo clients. The short answer is yes. The pain of being tattooed is often described as a mild burning sensation or a cat scratch. Tattoos placed over bones (ribs, hips, hands, feet) tend to be more sensitive than areas protected by larger groups of muscles (shoulders, arms, legs). Luckily after only a short period of time, your body’s natural pain killers called endorphins will kick in. That being said, everyone’s pain threshold is unique. What may have been a sensitive location for your friend, may be an easy location for you!
Sugoi! Tattoos and Piercings encourages all of our artists to use vegan inks and sustainable eco-friendly products. Please communicate with your artist prior to your tattoo appointment if you are interested in a vegan tattoo experience.
- Coming to your appointment well rested will go a long ways towards making your session more comfortable.
- It is not recommended that you drink alcohol within 24 hours of your appointment.
- Shave the area being tattooed the morning of the appointment. You may think you don’t need to shave, but go ahead and do it anyways. Even the smallest hairs can be detrimental to the tattoo process.
- Wear clothes that will grant your artist easy access to the area being tattooed while maintaining your dignity. Bringing pasties is a good option when clothing will not allow this.
- Make sure you are well hydrated and have eaten a good meal one hour prior to arriving to your appointment.
- Bring snacks and beverages to consume during breaks especially for longer sessions.
- BRING YOUR ID. You will not be getting tattooed without unexpired government issued identification.
- Bring a distraction such as a book or headphones.
- Tell your artist if you feel unwell during the tattoo process. Your body might experience a drop in blood sugar while releasing endorphins. Do not feel ashamed, your artist understands and is there to help you throughout the experience.
- Tip your artist for a job well done! While not required, tipping is greatly appreciated.
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