Telephone: 01842 861104

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please take the time to read through these frequently asked questions before you contact us. If you have any concerns then chances are it will be answered here.

***QUESTION***

I guess I need help with a design. A few years ago I was well sexually assaulted by a guy that I was very much in love with. I
didn't want to go the direction he did but when his biceps are the size of my thighs well I really had no choice. Plus love sometimes
makes you blind.  My best friend disappeared and well let’s just says I was going through a rough time. I started cutting myself it
wasn't a cry for attention but no matter it became a bit of an addiction.

this year I have been cut free for 6 months now and I want a tattoo that will remind me of how strong I am inside and how I don't need
to make my pain physical. I wanted it on my upper thigh because that is where the scars are. I don't want anything to big. I wanted
a heart with a sleeping cobra laying around. But I can't put together the right pictures. And I can't find anything that really
suits me or the pain and trials I have gone trough in the last 3 years. I'm not a junkie or a rocker.

Do you have any suggestions on the art? I want to remember my pain so when I go through a rough time again I can be reminded that I am
in control of my life and that no matter how much something hurts sometimes it is for the best.

>>>MY COMMENTS:

First of all, thanks for sharing your touching story. First I was planning to answer this one with "you need to figure
out what you want for yourself", but then I read it again more carefully and realized you actually had an idea for your tattoo.

I really like when I hear about people who have a real meaning and purpose behind their tattoo, and it's pretty clear to me that you do.

It will be more than a beautiful piece of art on your body. Every time you look at it you will feel proud because you know you
got it for a purpose and you will be reminded of the meaning behind it and feel empowered.

That's one of the reasons I love tattoos so much...

It's not only a beautiful art form; it can actually have a real impact on people's lives if there's a meaning behind it.  And your
story is a perfect example of that.

Now, you said had a problem finding the right pictures and putting the design together. I'll try to give you some advice...

The good news is that you already seem to have a clear idea of what you want. At least you've got that figured out, which can be a long
process in itself. Actually putting the design together is often, at least in my opinion, the easier part.

What I suggest you do is this..

Look around for a picture of a heart and a cobra that is close to what you want. They don't have look exactly the way you want them
to look. It's just to give the artist an IDEA of what you want. Then you simply tell him or her what you want to different.

For example, the picture of the cobra could just as well be one where it is lying in a straight line and not in the position it
will have when lying around the heart.

Be persistent and keep looking everywhere for suitable pictures that somewhat match the pictures you have in your mind. Then visit
a skilled artist and have him/her combine the two and draw a custom design for you...

A lot of artists will do that for free. It's a nice break from doing all of the flash that is on the walls. Just tell the artist
exactly what you want your design to look like. If there's something you don't like about the design, just explain what
changes you want made.

I'm sure you'll eventually end up with a great-looking tattoo that you'll be very pleased with.

Good luck!


***QUESTION***

I was wondering if it is ok to get a tattoo done before I go on holiday. The country is very hot though and would this affect
the new tattoo?


>>>MY COMMENTS:

I thought this would be a useful question to answer at this time of the year.

Well, the answer is both yes and no. It's a matter of common sense when you know that water and especially the sun are the unhealed
tattoo's worst enemies.

Here are some guidelines to follow if you're leaving for holiday in a sunny location shortly after having had a tattoo done (that
hasn't fully healed yet) if you want to make sure to give it the best possible conditions to heal properly:

1. Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight. - I can understand if you desperately feel like showing off your new tattoo at the
beach all day, but unfortunately that isn't a very smart thing to do. Put some dark clothes on or wrap for instance a piece of fabric
or something similar over the area. Take it off when you get indoors though. The "wound" needs to breath to heal properly. If
you absolutely have to take your clothes off, buy and wear the strongest sunscreen you can find and put your clothes on again ASAP!

2. Avoid prolonged exposure to water. - Most of us feel like going for a swim in the sea when the heat is killing us. Water isn't as
bad for your tattoo as the sun, but it should definitely be avoided. The water at the beach could potentially contain all kinds
of bacteria and water itself isn't good for your tattoo. Keep showers as short as possible, preferably under 5-7 minutes. You do
however want to make cleaning the tattoo with water and a mild antibacterial soap a part of your aftercare routine. When done,
gently pat the tattoo try with a soft cloth.


Also, don't forget to follow the aftercare instructions the artist gave you. Keep your tattoo clean,
and avoid scratching and picking at it.

Personally, I would avoid the risks at all costs. It just ain't worth it. I'm sure I'd be able to make my holiday enjoyable anyway,
and I think you can too. Especially when you can rest assured your tattoo doesn't risk getting damaged.

Then there's the question of whether you really have to get that tattoo done right before leaving?

I'd say: wait till you get home and enjoy your holiday to the fullest!

***QUESTION***

I'm wondering if it is ok to get tattoos over a scar. I have heard both yes and no.


>>>MY COMMENTS:

A lot of people are asking this same question. Yes, you can get a tattoo over a scar, but there are a few things to consider. Some
"types" of scars are not easy to tattoo. Ink sometimes has trouble of staying put on and may require a few sessions until full
coverage is achieved. Therefore, never trust a novice artist to do the job. Always consult with an experienced artist before covering
up a scar.

Also, you need to keep in mind that a scar will in most cases still be noticeable through the tattoo.

One option is to get a tattoo that doesn't completely cover the scar, but instead, a design that runs through it. If the design
covers the entire scar, the raised area will sometimes become even
more obvious.


***QUESTION***

I'm going to get a tattoo for my 22nd birthday next week but am really indecisive. I want a butterfly with a tribal design on my hip,
lower back but i'm really indesicive. Please help, i'm scared i won't go through with it because i'm so fussy.


>>>MY COMMENTS:

Go for it! Tattoos are cool! You know, there's always laser treatment if you happen to change your mind in a few weeks!

No really. I'm puzzled. I'm not sure what you want me to say?

Saying "I'm going to get a tattoo for my 22nd birthday next week" when you still don't know what to get is probably one of the
stupidest thing you can do.

If you have an appointment with an artist next week, cancel it! And don't call them again until you're absolutely, 100% sure about what
you want.

The best way to know almost for sure that you won't regret your tattoo in the future is to get a tattoo that has some kind of
meaning to you and then make sure you get it done by a skilled, reputable artist who does a good job.

Q: Dos it hurt?  
A: Yes it dos but it is bearable. You will just feel a mild burning sensation.

Q: Are my prices negotiable?
A: Not as a rule.

Q: How much notice do I need for an appointment?
A: As much as possible, but some short notice appointments may be available depending on the schedule.

Q: Do I answer all my e-mails?
A: Yes, I try to reply the to all my emails.

Q: Can I drink alcohol on the premises?
A: No alcohol.

Q: Can I smoke on the premises?
A:  No smoking.

Q: What areas do I cover?
A: I cover all areas of the UK.

Looking forward to meeting you

Telephone: 01842 861104