
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DOES A TATTOO COST?
When it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for. The price is based on the size, detail and complexity of the tattoo design you have chosen. This may be charged at an hourly rate or a flat rate. My minimum is $120, and my hourly rate starts at $150.
HOW DO I GET A PRICE QUOTE?
It is best to book an in-studio consultation to get the most accurate price quote. This will give me the ability to discuss your tattoo needs, ideas and design options. However, the option of price quoting via email for smaller, less complex pieces is available. To do this you will need to send in any reference images you may have, as well as the sizing, details and placement.
DO I NEED TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
At this time, I will be working by appointment only.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATION?
Currently I have no set business hours. I operate on an appointment only bases. My preferred availability for appointments is 7 days a week between 11am and 5pm.
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
To book an appointment please send me an email, call or text. You can find all my info on the CONTACT page.
DO I HAVE TO LEAVE A DEPOSIT TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Yes, this goes towards either starting a design or securing a date. In order to schedule an appointment I require clients to leave a minimum of a $100. The deposit then goes towards the final price of your tattoo. If the tattoo requires more than one session, your deposit will be deducted from the final session. If you decide to not get tattooed, the deposit will be then considered a drawing fee and will cover the cost of time spent creating your design. If you need to reschedule your tattoo appointment, 48 hours notice must be given or your deposit will be forfeited. All deposits are non-refundable. To read all my policies before booking please visit my POLICIES page.
CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I'M FEELING UNDER THE WEATHER?
If you are feeling sick please feel free to reschedule for when you are feeling better.
WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE TO RESCHEDULE?
In order to cancel or reschedule an appointment you must call, text or email, at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment time. Cancellations and rescheduling of appointments made outside of the 48 hour notification period will result in a loss of your deposit. If you are looking to reschedule your appointment after having lost your original deposit, an additional fee will be required.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED?
You must be the minimum of 18 years of age to get tattooed on your own without parental consent. Or you must be minimum 16 years of age to get tattooed with parental consent. Your legal guardian or parent must be present throughout the entire tattoo process and must present valid photo identification and sign on your behalf.
DO TATTOOS HURT?
Yes tattoos hurt. Although pain is relative and everyone has a different tolerance. The process of receiving a tattoo can cause minor discomfort. I suggest doing the following to help you stay comfortable during your tattoo process:
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Get a good night’s sleep before the day of your appointment.
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Eat a healthy breakfast or lunch before coming in for your appointment.
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Try avoiding intoxication the day before and definitely the day of your tattoo.
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Bring some snacks and drinks to stay hydrated.
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Wear something comfortable that will allow your artist easy access to the area being tattooed as well as comfortable for you during your sitting.
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Relax as much as you can; listen to some music, read a book, or just close your eyes.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK?
Currently there are no mask mandates in place. That being said, if you feel more comfortable if I wear a mask please let me know.
WHAT TATTOO SHOULD I GET AND WHERE SHOULD I PLACE IT?
Design and placement of your tattoo is a matter of personal taste. I will give you opinions on aesthetic in regards to both placement and design; ultimately what you want and where you want to put it is up to you. Some things to consider before getting a tattoo:
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Is the design appropriate?
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Will it leave a negative impact on your job/work/family life?
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Will it hinder future prospective employment opportunities?
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Will this tattoo age well?
CAN I BRING MY OWN DESIGN? / DO YOU PROVIDE DESIGN SERVICES?
I offer custom designs and artwork for your tattoo. Bringing in your own design idea is a great option but you have to keep in mind that it must be suitable to be tattooed and/or must be converted into a design that is possible on skin. Not all drawings or images are suitable to be tattooed. Booking a consultation will give you the opportunity to have a professional go over your design and determine what will and will not work.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WON'T TATTOO?
I reserve the right to refuse work on anything they deem blatantly hateful, racist, obscene, sits above the collar, below the wrists, near the genitals, or on any other area on the body that may cause myself discomfort. I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, for any reason including poor attitude, disrespectfulness and/or any inappropriate behaviour.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO HEAL MY TATTOO?
Tattoos take between 7 to 15 days to go through the initial healing process. It can take up to two full months for your skin and hair to grow back to normal. Following the aftercare instructions given to you is very important during this time. I will give you aftercare instructions at the end of your tattoo appointment and will review the instructions with you before leaving the studio to ensure full understanding on how to care for your tattoo. Scabbing, flaking, peeling, dryness or itching are all part of the healing process. Severe scabs that are deep and thick may indicate a need to change your aftercare routine and should be addressed. Feel free to ask any questions during your appointment, via telephone or email after your appointment. This will ensure there no confusion on how to care for your new tattoo.
DO YOU OFFER FREE TOUCH UPS?
I offer one free complementary touch up on work originally tattooed by myself within three months of receiving the tattoo. Exemption of a free touch up will include anyone who no-shows a scheduled touch up appointment. Following the three-month grace period, I charge for touch ups at my discretion. Please contact me.
IS MY TATTOO PERMANENT? DO YOU OFFER TATTOO REMOVAL?
Yes all tattoos done by me are permanent. You cannot rub or wash them off. If you would like your tattoo removed, you will need to find a laser removal clinic.
WILL MY TATTOO AGE OR FADE? HOW DO I PREVENT THIS?
All tattoos fade and lighten over time. Proper long term after care aids in prolonging the freshness of your piece.
DO YOU DO COVERUPS OR REWORKS?
Yes, please email a photo of what you were looking to cover as well as any references of what you were looking to cover it with. From there I would be able to let you know if I would be able to do the piece for you or if I need suggest another person for the work. A cover-up will always have to be significantly larger than the original tattoo; so keep that in mind when picking out references. Not all images are able to be covered and may need to be designed going in another direction than what you originally had in mind. Being flexible always works best when it comes to cover-ups. Some cover-ups may require multiple sessions to fully cover the original tattoo.
CAN YOU TATTOO OVER SCARS / STRETCH MARKS?
It depends on the severity and maturity of the scar. In general a scar should be at least one or two years old and no longer be a reddish/pinkish colour. If you were looking to have a scar cover up please send in a photo of the scar as well as what you were looking to cover it up with.
CAN I TAN?
Tanning can damage/fade your tattoo. It is not suggested to tan before or after your tattoo appointment. Once a tattoo is fully healed it is suggested to use SPF 30+ sunscreen. Keeping your tattoo out of the sun is important part of the healing process. If you are planning a vacation before or after your tattoo appointment; make sure the allotted time is respected to assure the best results for your tattoo.
WILL HAIR GROW BACK OVER MY TATTOO ONCE IT'S HEALED?
Yes, your skin will go back the same state as before the tattoo once it has fully healed.
CAN I WAX / SHAVE THE AREA OF MY NEW TATTOO?
It is best to wait until your tattoo has fully healed before shaving/waxing the area. Shaving/waxing over scabbing, flaking, peeling and or dry skin can be dangerous and detrimental to the healing of your tattoo.
IF I PAY CASH AM I ABLE TO SKIP OUT ON TAXES?
No, unfortunately taxes will have to be added to amount of your tattoo; the method of payment will not change the final price of your tattoo. The only two things certain in life is death and taxes.
HOW CAN I KNOW IF I'M ALLERGIC TO ANYTHING TATTOO RELATED?
I cannot guarantee not having an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink and/or materials used during your tattoo. Patch tests are available but may not be suitable pending on the allergy. Checking with your doctor before coming in would be suggested if you are known to having allergic reactions. Some clients show allergic reactions to coloured ink and/or black ink; asking myself the brands of inks being used to check ingredients before coming in would also be suggested.
SHOULD I SHAVE BEFORE COMING IN FOR MY TATTOO?
You can shave the area that will be getting tattooed; however I provided razors and will shave the area before tattooing you also. If you choose to shave the area yourself please be sure to not nick the area - this could create issues with the tattoo application.
DO PEOPLE PASS OUT / FAINT WHILE GETTING TATTOOED SOMETIMES?
Yes, it is more common than you may think. People tend to pass out because of nerves, not having eaten, low blood sugar, or heat. I do my best to assure your comfort and safety during your tattoo process from start to finish. Myself, and my coworkers are trained to know what to do if anyone faints. Most clients who faint end up finishing their tattoo the same day. However, you are not pressured to do so if you do not feel comfortable continuing, we can reschedule or cancel your appointment. It will be left at your discretion unless I feel you should not continue.
IS THE TATTOO SHOP WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
Yes, Toronto Ink is now located on the ground level of 580 1/2 Danforth Rd. (Same building as always)
DO YOU HAVE PARKING AROUND THE SHOP?
Yes, there is street parking available. Located on the side streets to the east and west of the building. I recommend to park on North Bonnington Ave.
CAN I WORKOUT AFTER I GET MY NEW TATTOO?
Yes you can workout after getting tattooed. But make sure there is not too much friction or contact with your new tattoo and the equipment. Also make sure that after your workout session you keep the tattoo area clean and dry for it to heal at its best ability.
CAN I USE A SAUNA OR STEAM ROOM AFTER GETTING TATTOOED?
I do not suggest steaming or going in a sauna after receiving a new tattoo. Try to abstain until your piece has fully healed.
CAN I GET A MASSAGE AFTER GETTING TATTOOED?
It is not suggested to have anyone rub or touch the tattooed area. Please abstain until your tattoo has fully healed.
CAN I GO SWIMMING AFTER GETTING TATTOOED?
You should not be swimming or sitting in any body of water. Make sure your tattoo is not submerged under water until it has fully healed.
CAN I SHOWER AFTER GETTING TATTOOED?
Taking a shower is totally fine; however try not to get the area covered in soap or soak it underwater for long periods of time. Baths are not suggested.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY TATTOO IS FULLY HEALED?
Your tattoo will no longer be dry, itchy, shiny or peeling. Your tattoo will feel as one with your skin and you will instinctively know that you have undergone the entire healing process. If you are looking to go swimming, visit a steam room Etc. please feel free to send in a photo of your tattoo for me give you the go ahead that your piece has fully healed if you feel unsure.
WHEN IS IT NOT A GOOD IDEA TO GET TATTOOED?
You should not get tattooed when you are:
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Drunk
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High
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Pregnant
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Pre-Surgery
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Post-Surgery
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When you don’t know what you want
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When you can’t afford it
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When you’re sunburned
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When you haven’t showered
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When you have your kids with you
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If you don’t have an ID
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Being pressured into it
DO I HAVE TO TIP?
You are not required to tip but it is always appreciated. If you are happy with your my work and your new tattoo a tip is always welcomed.
WHAT IF I'M LATE OR NO SHOW MY APPOINTMENT?
Please ensure that you do not no-show for an appointment; give the artist the proper notice if you need to cancel. If you know you are going to be late please notify your artist to ensure they will still be able to get you in as there may be appointments scheduled after you. If you are more than 20 minutes late; the artist reserves the right to reschedule your appointment.
HOW BIG DOES MY TATTOO HAVE TO BE?
The size depends on the complexity of your image/text and the area of the body where the tattoo is being placed. I will gladly consult with you to determine the best way to meet your needs and get a tattoo that will age well.
WHAT IF MY TATTOO GETS INFECTED?
More often than not, what you perceive as an infection is actually an irritation. Allergic reactions or infections are extremely rare. If you think there is an issue, contact me.
ARE THERE ANY PRODUCTS YOU WOULD RECOMMEND TO AID IN HEALING MY NEW TATTOO?
Yes, I recommend unscented soap such as Dr.Bonner's, Dove or Cetaphil. I also recommend a moisturizer, my personal favourite is Webber Vitamin E or A and D oil. You can find it all of these products at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Walmart or on Amazon. I suggest applying small amounts to your new tattoo after washing when needed to help the dryness and promote healing.