Tattoo Faqs

Have a look at our artist portfolios (here or on Instagram) and see whose work fits what you’re looking to accomplish. Need help? Feel free to call and ask! Once you select an artist, please contact them via email or Instagram with reference images for your tattoo. Your artist will provide the hours required for the appointment, which can be booked with our reception staff in person or by phone. A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your appointment and to draw your tattoo. The deposit will be applied to the total cost of your tattoo. Please keep in mind that we do not send out artwork ahead of time, which is why it’s helpful to be as descriptive as possible in your emails or messages. Any minor adjustments to the artwork can be made at your appointment. View our tattoo portfolios

Yes! It’s normal to have concerns, especially if it is your first time being tattooed. At Studio City Tattoo, we take your safety and comfort seriously. Our artists are “fully disposable,” meaning they only use sterile single use needles, grips, and tubes. Each of our artists hold up to date Bloodborne Pathogens training and will be happy to discuss any concerns that you may have.

Yes, it hurts to get tattooed. People have a varying tolerance to pain, and some places on the body hurt more than others. Everyday people come to us for their first tattoo experience and nearly every time the result is the same: That wasn’t that bad! Most people’s fear of being tattooed is far worse than the pain they experience in the chair, so being as relaxed as you can really helps! The best way to prepare for your first, or any tattoo appointment, is to make sure you have a good night’s rest, a filling meal and a good level of hydration, all of which will contribute to a successful visit. (Please Shower)

Our hourly artist rate is $200 per hour; Our shop minimum is $120 (yes, even for a single dot). We do offer a Day Rate (6 hours) for $1000 (A $200 discount).

Some tattoos can be completed in a single session, which your artist can quote based on the amount of time needed to finish. For larger, continuing projects (sleeves, back pieces, etc) we recommend booking in for a day rate. Ultimately, your artist will be able to provide the most accurate quote.

We guarantee our tattoo work; Any touch-ups needed are free for the first 6 months.

Unfortunately, California state law prevents anyone under the age of 18 from getting tattooed. However, certain body piercings can be done with parental consent. For body piercing under 18 years old we require valid, government issued identification for the parent/guardian (driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc), identification for the child (various based on age, ranging from passport, driver’s license or school ID) and a copy of the child’s birth certificate bearing the names presented on the personal identification. The parent must be present for the duration of the piercing.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding what to bring based on age or situation, please feel free to call.

Every tattooer has work they will not do. The artist's chosen style may come into play; For example, a tattooer well versed in Traditional American may not prefer to do portrait tattoos and could recommend someone else at our studio who would be more proficient and provide a better experience. Most tattooers at our studio will refuse to tattoo hands, faces, or necks on individuals who are not already heavily tattooed. While tattooing is becoming more common, these areas still carry social stigma. Fingers, palms and similar areas have a higher rate of regeneration and generally result in tattoos with missing ink as they heal and as such, cannot be guaranteed. And finally, hate symbols, to include symbols of hate-based organizations, will be loudly refused, so don’t ask. Ultimately, the tattoo artist reserves the right to refuse a tattoo based on their experience and best judgment.

Things to consider for tattoo placement include visibility, pain tolerance, and how the design fits the body. Areas like the chest, back, or upper arms offer flexibility for larger designs, while wrists or ankles are ideal for smaller, more discreet tattoos. When in doubt, consult with your artist; they’re always happy to make recommendations for the longevity of the tattoo and happiness of the client.

The truth is, all tattoos will fade over time. Sun is the biggest enemy of good-looking tattoos and can accelerate fading/aging of the work. As the body breaks down the pigment of the ink in the skin, lines can spread and become thicker; colors can become lighter. A well-made tattoo using professional pigments will last a lifetime, but as we get older, so too will your skin and your tattoo. Please take this into consideration when deciding what to tattoo and where to place it. When in doubt, your artist can provide insight based on experience.

Yes! Tattoos are personal things and can be anything. Ideas ranging from the sentimental like a drawing made by a loved one or your parents handwriting, to even something as silly as a brand logo. Please be aware, when working with outside artwork some changes may need to be made to make the design viable. Unfortunately, skin isn’t like paper, so some minor tweaks may be needed to ensure the longevity of the tattoo. We always ensure the quality of our work here as previously mentioned. All our artists offer free in person and viral consultations to help your design come to life.

Whether you are looking to freshen up a tattoo or cover it completely, old tattoos can often be reworked. If you are considering reworking a piece or looking to cover something up, it’s best to book an in-person consultation and speak with an artist of your choosing so they can provide accurate information on the possibilities.

We have a lot going on in a small space; We ask that you take that into consideration and limit your back up to one person. Seating can be tight based on who is waiting for piercing or tattoos, but we have plenty of wonderful neighbors where your friends can get a coffee, beer or bite to eat while they wait.

Your artist will apply an adhesive bandage to your tattoo upon completion. This acts as a second skin, creating an occlusive barrier over the fresh tattoo. This protective layer keeps germs, dirt, and other harmful elements out of the fresh tattoo. It also locks in the skin’s natural moisture, preventing the area from drying out. This ensures a faster and more comfortable healing process and reduces dry skin which can compromise your healing tattoo. Keep in mind that while this bandage is an advantage for healing your new tattoo, it is absolutely not a requirement for the healing process.

Leave this bandage on for 2-4 days. You may shower as normal and generally go about your daily life but be careful to not damage the bandage. It is normal for fluid to collect, do not poke or pop it! When removing the bandage, take a warm shower and gently work a corner up and allow the heat and moisture to release the adhesive. Wash the tattoo with a gentle soap, pat dry with a clean towel and moisturize with a mild, unscented lotion. If by chance the tattoo bandage does happen to pop or the seal is to break before the recommended time, that’s totally fine and does occasionally happen. Don’t panic, just treat your fresh tattoo as you normally would with the instructions listed above once the bandage has been removed. For more instructions, please read

Initial healing will last roughly one week. During this time your tattoo might appear to be “raised” or even a little “scabby.” During this stage and into the two week stage you might experience some itching around the tattoo and that’s totally normal. It is best to keep in mind to please not scratch the tattoo and keeping it moist with an unscented lotion is the best way to help this. In two weeks the top layer of the tissue will have regenerated and feel ‘normal’. It’s totally normal in this time frame for your tattoo to have a “shine” to it in the light. By three weeks your skin should begin to feel the way it did before the tattoo. It is normal for a tattoo to settle into the tissue after a few months, where the skin above will have completely regenerated and the appearance has reached the point it will remain for life.