FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We are part of the Spode site, on Church Street in Stoke-on-Trent (UK).
For more detailed directions and public transport information, take a look at our CONTACT page.

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No.
All stations are currently filled and we have no plans to take on any apprentices in future.

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The final price of a tattoo will be discussed with you and your artist and will depend on the complexity, size and placement of the design.
As a rough idea; both Asha and Jay are £70 per hour or £400 for a full day.
Zoe is our junior artist and often runs promotions and discounts to build her portfolio.

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We offer flexible payment options to make your experience as convenient as possible.
You can settle your balance using cash, or opt for a hassle-free bank transfer. Some artists may also take Paypal or have their own card machines - ask your artist when booking to clarify.

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We have a shop minimum of £70 for one hour - if you are looking to book something on the smaller side we recommend getting a number of small tattoos in this hour to make the most of your time.

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We operate as a private studio, which means that walk-in appointments on the day are not usually available.
However, you can always send a message to enquire if any of our artists have availability for a same-day tattoo session as cancellations and rescheduling sometimes occur. Saturdays book up quite far in advance so these are unlikely.

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In accordance with UK law, individuals must be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo. We strictly adhere to this age requirement to ensure a safe and legal tattooing experience for all our clients. Valid identification will be required when you arrive to complete your consent form.
Parental consent CANNOT be given for under 18s. We appreciate your understanding and compliance with this regulation.

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Passport
Drivers license
Citizen Card
Armed Forces ID

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Unfortunately, most tattoos do come with some degree of pain but everybody's pain threshold is different. This can vary for a number of reasons such as the location of the tattoo, the style of tattoo being done, the duration of the tattoo, how well you have prepared for the tattoo, how comfortable you are, etc.
For longer sessions we recommend clients bring along movies/TV shows loaded up on your phone/iPad, bring a book or anything else you might need as a distraction. The studio has free WiFi for your devices and we also have a selection of fidget toys should you need them.

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You can use numbing cream if you wish, but we recommend discussing it with your tattoo artist first, as preferences may vary.
​​If you plan to use numbing cream for your session, we strongly advise conducting a patch test 48 hours in advance to ensure your skin has no adverse reactions to the cream (even if you have used the cream before, as like with hair dyes you can become allergic at any time).

Do NOT purchase any numbing products from Amazon or social media advertisements - unfortunately there are many counterfeits out there and you need to be absolutely sure of the ingredients.

We recommend Extreme Numb which you can purchase directly from their website at www.extreme-numbing.com

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We have a strict 4 day cancellation policy in place. If you find it necessary to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please ensure prompt communication with your designated artist. Failing to do so within 4 days of your scheduled appointment will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.

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You have the flexibility to reschedule your appointment while retaining your deposit as long as 4 days notice is given. However, in the event of a multiple rescheduling requests, your deposit may be forfeited and you will be required to pay a new deposit to rebook.

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Always ensure you eat a good nutritious meal beforehand. Stay well hydrated in the run-up to your appointment and bring a drink with you (we encourage bringing snacks and some lunch for full day sessions).  Ensure a good night's sleep before your tattoo and please refrain from caffeine, drugs or alcohol for the best tattoo experience.
Stay out of direct sun before your appointment - we cannot tattoo sunburnt skin.

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Feel free to bring drinks and snacks to your appointment. Sugary drinks and snacks can help maintain your blood sugar levels during the session. While we provide comfortable beds and cushions, some clients prefer to bring their own pillows for added comfort. If you feel cold during your session we also have blankets available.
Anything to help distract you if needed: iPad/phone/headphones/book etc.

Try to wear loose, appropriate clothing for the tattoo you are getting which allows access to the area being tattooed.

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If you anticipate being late for your appointment, please contact your artist as soon as possible with an update.
More than 30 minutes late may result in your appointment being rescheduled.

 

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Absolutely! There is space for one person to sit alongside you during your tattoo or if they prefer then can wait on the sofas in the waiting room. However, please note that under 18s are not permitted in the studio.

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We do not have any private rooms in the studio, but we can set up screens for added privacy during your tattoo session. If you prefer additional coverage, we recommend bringing a small sheet or blanket with you.

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Absolutely! Jay is our designated cover-ups specialist.
We recommend sending images of your existing tattoo along with reference images of the kind of thing you would like to cover with (or if you are open to any/all ideas). We might recommend you visit the studio for a consultation in person to discuss your cover-up options.

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The general rule for scars is at least 2 years healing time - if scars are particularly deep they may need longer. Usually if they have healed with a white or clear appearance it is possible to tattoo over them. If they still appear pink or purple in colour then you will have to wait longer. A consultation is required for scars and skin conditions so you can discuss your specific situation, and our artists will provide guidance based on your unique needs.
It's advisable to consult with your doctor regarding any skin conditions and the potential effects of tattooing in or near the affected area for your safety and well-being. Your health and safety are our top priorities.

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Yes, we are open to tattooing visible areas like hands or the neck. However, it's up to each artist's discretion when it comes to visible tattoos. If you don't have a substantial number of tattoos already, some artists may choose not to tattoo certain visible areas.

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The majority of the products we use are vegan, cruelty free and made with natural ingredients - we actively seek products which align with these values wherever possible. This includes our inks, soaps, process creams/butters and aftercare products.

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We have a number of aftercare options available and your artist will discuss these with you in more detail ensuring you have all the information you need to keep your tattoo looking vibrant and beautiful.
Our aftercare of choice is Yayo Guard second skin.
For those who prefer to use a cream/balm we recommend Skin Jungle (we also use Skin Jungle during the tattoo process and it is available to purchase from us in the studio). We also sell Skin Jungle soaps formulated for cleaning fresh tattoos. 

We do NOT recommend Vaseline, Savlon or Sudacrem.

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We advise our clients to prioritise the healing process of their new tattoos. To ensure the best results, we recommend waiting for one week before resuming any gym activities and at least two weeks before swimming or bathing. This allows your tattoo to heal properly, reducing the risk of complications and preserving its quality.
Saunas, steam rooms, sun-beds, direct sun, and self-tanning should also be avoided for at least two weeks.

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We take pride in delivering exceptional tattoos that stand the test of time. If, for any reason, your tattoo hasn't healed perfectly and requires a touch-up, we've got you covered. Simply reach out to us within three months of your original appointment, and we will schedule a touch-up session for you. All touch-ups are completely free of charge as long as aftercare advice has been correctly followed.

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We do not offer piercing services. We recommend our friends at Hedonism in Hanley for all your piercing needs.

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Unfortunately not.

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We love to host guest artists and there is a handy hotel located on the same site which makes visiting us super convenient!
We ideally look for artists that offer something different to our resident artists so nobody is stepping on any toes.
If you would like to be considered just drop us a message on our studio Instagram or Facebook page.

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Unfortunately our studio is located in a historically listed building and there is no lift. Whilst there is a fold-out ramp to allow access at the main doors on ground level, the tattoo studio itself is up a further two flights of stairs.

We are always happy to recommend alternative tattoo studios in the local area if access is an issue.

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