Liberty tattoo Frequently Asked Questions

1. DOES IT HURT?

Yes, it's needles in your skin! However, here are a few things that might ease your mind:

- Pain tolerance varies from person to person and with tattoo size/location.

- After about 15 minutes the pain might lessen a bit due to a drop in anxiety and increase in endorphins.

- The pain is temporary and really only lasts for the duration of the tattoo process (varies with tattoo size/location).

- Everyone is doing it, how bad could it be? If you want it bad enough you'll get through it. If you're scared out of your mind you'll have a difficult time.

A tattoo is a big decision, congratulations!

2. ARE YOUR NEEDLES SINGLE USE, WILL I HAVE A REACTION OR GET AN INFECTION?

Yes, our needle cartridges are single use and all other items that can be single use are (ink cups, gloves, rinse cups, razors, ballpoint pens, barrier bags, sheets, pillow cases, paper towels, tissues). We no longer use a tattoo machine that requires a separate needle tube, we're using a "pen" style, cordless machine that the needle cartridge simply pops into. 

After each appointment all needles are placed in a Sharps container, ink cups, barriers, and paper products (paper towels/tissues used and unused, sheets, pillow cases) are discarded, the work station, tattoo machine, and chairs are disinfected with a hospital grade cleaner (we use Opti-Cide Max), and all new barriers and items are put in place. 

We're extremely careful to avoid cross-contamination and take your health, as well as our own, very seriously. We go through needle cartridges, gloves, paper products, and cleaning supplies like you wouldn't believe!

That being said, whenever the skin is broken there is risk of infection (which you will be required to acknowledge by signing our consent form/release waiver). Before we do anything to your skin it will be cleaned with tincture of green soap and rubbing alcohol, and shaved with a single use razor. Other products used during and after the process include Vaseline and Vitamin A&D Ointment. However, even though we practice these sterile measures it is not reasonably possible for us to know whether you might have a reaction to the pigments or processes used, or get an infection after you leave. Proper aftercare is critical, good hygiene key! You should also be aware that two types of bacteria - Staph, which is most common, and Strep - can live harmlessly on your skin until they enter through a cut or wound and cause 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's up to you to prevent infection!

3. WHAT SHOULD I GET?

It's "your" tattoo, "you" decide. No, we can't take an idea out of your head! Do some research, find pictures you like whether online, in books or magazines, on greeting cards and t-shirts, wherever. Also, look at different tattoo styles online to see if you like black lines, color lines, traditional, realism, etc. Once you present us with your idea we'll help you fine-tune it of course but the starting point is up to you because as we are constantly reminded... tattoos are permanent. 

4. HOW DO I GET MY PIECE DESIGNED, HOW DOES A CONSULTATION WORK, WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER IT'S DRAWN? 

Once you've done your research and have your idea/pictures narrowed down... call, email or message via FB or Instagram. If you email or message please keep it "brief," only send a picture or two (not 10, 20 or 30  please), and if we can accommodate you we'll schedule a consult. Consults are typically a half hour or less at 4:30 or 5:30 (see question #5) depending on our schedule that day (sometimes 12:30 if your idea is really straightforward), and you'd bring "all" of your ideas then (printed out would be awesome but if not, on a tablet, laptop or phone is fine). Then, if you and the artist agree on the details and you're 100% sure you'd like to get the tattoo, a detailed work-order will be written up with all of the specifications agreed upon, we'll collect a non-refundable cash deposit, and schedule your tattoo appointment(s).

You'll be contacted once the design is drawn and another short consult will be scheduled so that your artist can go over it with you, please bring up any concerns then!!!!!! We don't email or text drawings because details usually get misinterpreted, and it's always best to discuss something permanent in person. Keep in mind that the drawing will be a basic outline only, not a full-on colored/shaded piece of art, so you'll have to trust your "artist" to make the drawing come to life as a tattoo (and since you chose your artist based on his/her work this shouldn't be a problem).

The deposit is non-refundable so be sure you want the tattoo!!! We don't charge for draw time and the deposit goes towards your tattoo unless you change your mind after it's drawn... then you did pay your artist for “some of“ his/her time because we don't work for free. If you don't complete your tattoo for whatever reason, you'll lose your deposit. If you want major changes made to the drawing that weren't initially agreed upon, you'll lose your deposit and another one will be required to continue. If you want something entirely different, you'll lose your deposit and another one will be required (IF we still want to work with you). 

If we can’t seem to get started on the project after a consult or two (in the case of a large project), and/or after several months of cancellations/reschedules, we both might be better off walking away from it. 

We take deposits for the sole purpose of tattooing (and earning the income from that tattoo), not drawing. We won't take your deposit if you're too vague or wishy-washy, if you're super picky and we think it'll be impossible to please you, or if your idea simply won't translate well into a tattoo. 

5. CAN I WALK-IN, WHAT DAYS DO YOU WORK, HOW LONG IS A SESSION, DO YOU DO SMALL TATTOOS?

No walk-ins, everything is by appointment. We book one client per day on MON, FRI, SAT in a 3 or 4 hour session @ 1:00, no morning or evening appointments. We occasionally book shorter sessions when a large piece is being finished and doesn't require a full 3 hours, and shorter sessions are priced at 2 hours regardless of how long they take. 

6. HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, WHAT IF I LIVE OUT OF STATE OR OUT OF TOWN? 

See question #4. We require a cash deposit to make the actual tattoo appointment(s). The deposit shows us you're serious (time is money), and guarantees you that we won't give your appointment day/time to anyone else.

If you live out of town or out of state please be sure that you’re committed to traveling to our studio. If it's determined that we can discuss and finalize your design via phone/email, we'll require a cashier's check or money order before booking your tattoo appointment(s) and drawing your design. Again, this can be tricky because it's always best to discuss something permanent in person.

7. WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE, I'M LATE, OR I'M A TOTAL LOSER & DON'T SHOW UP? 

If you need to reschedule please call us at least 2 full days in advance (the more notice the better!). If you cancel at the last minute and we can't fill your time you'll lose your deposit. If you have an emergency we'll of course be understanding.

If you're going to be late (10-15 minutes) please give us a heads-up so we don't think you're not coming. If you're late you'll still be required to pay for your full appointment. If you'll be 30 minutes or more late, we'll discuss your options when you call.

If you're a LOSER and don't show up you'll lose your deposit and any other appointments will be canceled. If you eventually contact us and we're still interested in tattooing you (which is unlikely), total prepayment will be required.

If you cancel and reschedule a lot we’ll get frustrated and lose interest. 

Remember, once you book an appointment we turn business away for that time slot so if you flake out we lose money, and no one likes to lose money!

8. HOW MUCH WILL MY TATTOO COST?

Once discussed we'll give you an estimate ("an approximate calculation or judgment of its value"). Remember, this is given before your design is drawn and before your work started so is a ballpark guess. We charge by the hour (please call for rate) and book 3 or 4 hour sessions.

The cost of your tattoo will depend on its size, amount of detail/shading/color, location, and artistic worth. We usually don't give estimates over the phone or via email (this is so much easier to do in person) but if we do remember, all estimates are subject to change.

Your tattoo will cost more if you can't sit still, need to take breaks, want changes made at the last minute and of course, if you want to do it bigger than initially agreed upon.

9. WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

CASH, no cards, no Venmo, etc. Just like a tattoo, cash is permanent. 

10. HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY TATTOO?

Excellent question and "extremely" important! See our page on Aftercare. You'll be given a very detailed aftercare brochure and we'll go over the basics before you leave. Remember, good hygiene and proper aftercare are essential for your health as well as outcome of your tattoo.

If you're elderly you may experience a prolonged and difficult healing process due to the more delicate nature of your skin.

If you're a larger/heavier person and the tattoo is on your leg (especially lower leg), you may experience a prolonged and more difficult healing process. Elevate it!!!!

You can certainly call us if you have any concerns but remember, we're not medical professionals so in the end you'll have to use your best judgment and do what you think is best.

11. ARE TOUCH-UPS FREE?

Only right after your tattoo is healed, give it at least 1 month and if you think an area(s) needs to be touched-up give us a call and we'll schedule a quick consult. If you can't get in right away, if you'll be out of town for example, we'll give you a couple of months but please still reach out right away. If it looks like you've cared for it properly we'll be happy to touch-up the area(s) at no cost.

The reason we won't touch-up a tattoo for free several months or years later is because we'd have no way of knowing what it looked like right after it healed. You can't pick it or treat it poorly while healing and expect a free touch-up. You can't bake it in the sun and expect a free touch-up.

Contrary to popular belief touch-ups are rarely necessary if done by someone who knows what they're doing. A professionally applied and properly cared for tattoo can remain vibrant for years and years (Lori's arms and foot are over 20 years old and have never been touched-up!). Sunscreen is essential!!

12. WHAT'S YOUR STUDIO LIKE, WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I COME IN?

- No guests allowed due to the size of our office, there is seating in the lobby.

- Our studio is clean, professional, friendly, and quiet.

- 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're a loser... and you lose your deposit.

- If you change your mind on a custom drawing you lose your deposit.

- Cash only (yes, that means no cards, no Venmo, etc.).

- Bring a photo I.D., we'll need a copy of it if you're under 30.

- No food or drinks, water is OK (and we always have bottled water on hand).

- You're welcome to watch something on your phone but please no phone calls or texting.  If we  need to stop working due to disruptions you’ll lose tattoo time that you’re paying for.  It’s also  difficult to work if you’re moaning or groaning. 

- Sit still! If you move it'll take longer therefore cost more, and it'll be more painful if an area has to be gone over and fixed (if it can be fixed).

- If your tattoo takes more than 1 appointment the deposit will roll and be deducted on the final.

- Bring deposit slip on (final) appointment day.

- Ladies, if you're getting tattooed in the breast or bikini area (men too) please wear the appropriate clothing so that everyone is comfortable with the situation. Bikini tops and tube tops work great for the chest or upper back, if your whole back needs to be exposed a shirt that buttons or zips up the front that you can wear backwards, sweatpants for the lower back or bikini area. We won't tattoo you if we feel uncomfortable.

- We don't tattoo fingers, palms, toes, bottom of the foot, arch of the foot, badly calloused areas, ears, face, some necks, extremely private areas. We reserve the right to not tattoo what we feel are inappropriate designs, and designs/ideas that simply won't translate well into a tattoo (no, we don't do white tattoos).

- Eat before you come in so you don't get lightheaded.

13. I'M NOT 18, CAN MY PARENT SIGN FOR ME?

No, it's against the law in CA to tattoo a minor. 

14. IF I HAVE A FEW DRINKS WILL I BLEED MORE?

A beer or glass of wine won't hurt (won't help either really), but that's mostly an old wives tale to prevent people from coming in drunk because most artists don't want to work on someone who is drunk. If you are drunk or clearly on something, are disrespectful or inappropriate, you'll be asked to leave. 

15. DO YOU SELL GIFT CERTIFICATES?

Yes! But, since we're a part-time, one artist studio open by appointment... we can't accommodate everyone so we won't take your money until we're sure we can accommodate the recipient. Call or email  Lori, she'll ask you a few questions to make sure we'll be able to honor it before you buy it. Isn't that nice of us?! 

16. DO YOU PIERCE?

NO.

17. I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION, WILL YOU STILL TATTOO ME?

For your safety as well as ours, if you have a condition such as but not limited to those listed below, you must be honest with us. It's "your" health and we're not medical professionals therefore it's "your" responsibility to be as informed as possible about your condition. Talk to your doctor! With a Dr. note we "might" tattoo you with "some" conditions, with others definitely not, but in general we reserve the right to not tattoo you if:

- You have a heart condition such as a murmur or pacemaker.

- You have diabetes, hemophilia or epilepsy.

- You have a communicable disease such as COVID, hepatitis, HIV-AIDS, staph, H1N1, ebola, MRSA, herpes. 

- You have a skin condition such as lupus, keloid scarring, eczema, psoriasis, or acne, moles or a sunburn in the area to be tattooed.

- You are on medication that might impair your judgment or aggravate the tattoo process including healing (like a blood thinner for example).

- You are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

- You are pregnant or nursing. 

- You are allergic to any of the products used during the tattoo process.

- You are not at least 18.

18. WHAT ABOUT COVID?

- If you don't feel well (fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, etc.) or if you've been around someone with COVID, please reschedule.

- If you display symptoms when you arrive you'll be rescheduled. 

- Use hand sanitizer upon entry, even if you've just washed your hands. 

- Limit personal items. Purses, wallets, keys, hats, etc. will be placed in a plastic tub that will be disinfected with hospital grade Opti-Cide Max after every client. 

19. AREN'T THERE SOME NEW LAWS REGARDING TATTOOING?

Yes, Assembly Bill 300 (Safe Body Art Act) passed 1/1/2012 and enforcement began 7/1/2012. A studio must have a current business license as well as the proper facility/practitioner (artist) permits from their local County of Environmental Health Department, and each practitioner must have a current Bloodborne Pathogens training certificate. These documents must be on display in the studio.

We were already in compliance with the bulk of AB300 (how to avoid cross contamination, proper cleaning and sterilization, etc.) and are now in compliance with more in-depth paperwork and logs. All of our permits/licenses are current as required by State and County laws.