FAQs
Q- HOW DO I BOOK?
A- Bookings begin with an email. Ensure you are ready to get tattooed before you begin the booking process. If you are on the fence, you may not be ready to get tattooed, and that’s okay! Once you’re ready to go for it, please include the following information (all info is required to proceed, please do not omit anything or your email may not receive a reply):
* Very brief description of your idea.
* 2-3 reference photos of the style and subject matter you like (this helps clearly convey the imagery in your mind).
* Your budget for the desired project (it’s imperative to know if your budget is aligned with the scale or complexity of the project beforehand. You may need to either save up awhile longer, simplify your request, or choose a different tattoo, all of which is okay!). Quality work is a worthy investment in yourself, it will last a lifetime. Keep this in mind when planning your special project.
* Clear photo of the area to be tattooed (it is necessary to see skin condition, tattoos/scars/moles which may need to be worked around, or whether or not the placement needs to change)
Once the completed information is received, you will be contacted to book a consultation. If it is not something Coral Pollock Tattoos feels she is best suited for, she will offer alternative suggestions.
Q- WHEN WILL I RECEIVE A REPLY?
A- It’s tough to be patient in the modern era. We get it! Since some of us wear many professional hats (and do everything from marketing, correspondence, research, inventory, bookkeeping, design, execution of the tattoos, set-up/disinfecting, and more, by ourselves), please allow several days, sometimes longer, for a reply.
Q- WHY CAN’T I GET THE SAME TATTOO I SAW ONLINE?
A- Because someone else likely paid for that tattoo with the expectation that it be special and unique to them. A custom artist takes inspiration from your idea and reference, then designs something just for you! This is why it is important to choose your tattoo artist based on their portfolio. There is a necessary level of trust involved with your artist, so make sure you like their style of work before you bring your idea. Exceptions are flash designs, which are meant to be tattooed over and over again with little to no deviation from the original design.
Q- I WANT WHAT I WANT AND WHERE I WANT IT, WHY DO I NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE WITH MY IDEA?
A- The cold, hard truth is that not everything makes a good tattoo. In fact, most things don’t make good tattoos because skin is a living, breathing entity. And you want a good tattoo, right?! Of course you do, that’s why you’re here! Part of getting a good tattoo is finding an experienced artist with a strong portfolio, and remembering why you sought them out in the first place. You wouldn’t dictate your own dental procedure, right? Plus, we want you showing off work we’re proud of because you are our advertising.
Q- SO THEN, WHAT MAKES A ‘GOOD’ TATTOO?
A- A ‘good’ tattoo should be designed, placed, and executed to maximize longevity, among other things. In most cases, a painting you like, an entire verse of your bible, or a mishmash of subject matter will not make a good tattoo. Keep in mind, the more detail in the design, the larger it needs to be. If you want something small, keep it really simple. If you want something more complex, be prepared for a larger tattoo.
Please understand, most of us don’t want to crush your dreams. We just want to make a great tattoo for you, and that’s why you came to see us, right?
Q- HOW DOES PRICING WORK?
A- Generally speaking, largescale work is priced hourly and smaller tattoos by the piece. Cost can vary based on a multitude of factors, including but not limited to: Size, Detail, Placement, Complexity, Skin Condition, and how well a client sits (squirming and requests for frequent breaks will add on time and increase cost).
Q- IF I WANT A TINY TATTOO, WHY IS THERE AN HOURLY MINIMUM CHARGE IF IT TAKES LESS TIME?
A- What you see is a prepared setup and design ready to go. So much more goes into a quality tattoo. Each one requires both time, supplies, and expertise, regardless of size. These things are costly.
Q- CAN I BRING MY CHILD?
A- No. Please leave the kiddos at home.
Q- WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR MY TATTOO APPOINTMENT?
A- Aside from looking forward to your big day, you will receive your pre-appointment information once your appointment is booked. The basics: Be sober (no drinking the night before), be clean (but NO scented products please!), be prepared with at least the required amount to cover your session (extra incase yourself and your artist want/are able to extend your session), bring headphones and your phone or tablet (conversations are fantastic, but sometimes we need to be in the focus zone for awhile), wear comfy & clean clothes you can adjust appropriately for your tattoo, bring a sugary snack and something to drink, and…this is a big one…please be respectful of your artist & others in the studio.
Q- HOW DO DEPOSITS WORK?
A- Without exception, deposits are required to book a tattoo appointment. Deposits range, depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo. Your deposit is non-refundable, no exceptions. Your deposit is deducted from the final tattoo session, provided it is completed within a reasonable timeframe. If you fail to provide a minimum of 72 hours to reschedule, your deposit will be forfeit and a new one is required to rebook. If you fail to complete a tattoo project within the planned timeframe due to frequent rescheduling, you will need a new deposit to rebook. We don’t want you to lose your deposit, we want to complete the special project you hired us for.
Time is a valuable commodity.
Q- WHAT ABOUT AFTERCARE?
A- Aftercare instructions will be given in both written, and verbal, form after your appointment. Please follow your artist’s specific instructions, they know what works best for their work. Your tattoo is an open wound, it is imperative to follow instructions carefully.
