FAQ
Want to be prepared for a truly wonderful tattoo experience? Here are answers to some common questions to get you started. If there’s anything you don’t see answered, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Our email: iloveicon@icontattoostudio.com
Our phone: 503.477.7157
What is your hourly rate and minimum? Do you charge by the hour or by the piece?
This varies slightly from artist to artist. Our shop minimum hourly rate is $150/hour. Some artists charge slightly more than this. Most artists’ minimum is $125. In general, we charge by hour of tattoo time. There is no charge for an initial drawing, but if we end up having to do tons of re-drawing, we may charge a drawing fee.
Is it alright to contact more than one artist if I like more than one person’s work?
It’s fine to get in touch with multiple artists, provided that you disclose to all artists that you are doing so! Please don’t set up appointments with more than one artist for the same tattoo project, whether for consultations or tattooing, without letting all the artists involved know. Our time is really valuable, and all our wonderful clients deserve the most time we can give them. Please bear in mind that all phases of the tattoo process are incredibly time consuming for us—emailing, drawing, and meeting with you in person. They amount to many hours of time per client that we are not paid for. We are happy to invest this time in our clients, but please be fair to us and disclose if you’re deciding between two artists, or don’t intend to get tattooed by one.
What is your deposit policy?
ALL appointments require a deposit before they will be scheduled. The amount of the deposit will be determined by your artist. Please note: DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. If you give your artist at least 48 hours notice, the deposit will be credited towards your next tattoo. If you no-show, or give less than 48 hours notice, the deposit is forfeit. If you change your mind about getting tattooed, or move to another country, or for any other reason decide not to get the tattoo at all, your deposit is forfeit, regardless of how much notice you give. PLEASE DON’T MAKE AN APPOINTMENT UNLESS YOU ARE TOTALLY CERTAIN ABOUT GETTING THE TATTOO.
Will it hurt?
Yep. But not horribly, and it will only hurt while you’re getting tattooed. Post-tattoo you’ll experience mild discomfort akin to a bad sunburn, but that should be it. If your tattoo is unusually sore or swollen for more than a few days after a session, please let your tattoo artist know.
Is there anything I can do to make it hurt less?
YES! The single biggest factor that worsens pain during a tattoo is stress or anxiety. Anything and everything you can think of that’ll make you feel relaxed and at ease is a great idea! Before your tattoo, get a good night’s sleep, get some exercise, DON’T drink coffee, and DO eat a big meal! Bring snacks, beverages, a friend, an ipod, a pillow, a blanket. During your tattoo, breathe, breathe, breathe. Holding your breath and tensing your body makes it worse, we promise. Move through the pain and into being awesome.
Can I drink/take drugs before my appointment?
In a word, no. We can’t tattoo you if you’re visibly intoxicated or on any substance that thins your blood.
Is it a good idea to get tattooed before a beach vacation?
NO! You’ll need to keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least a month, and out of water (especially salt or chlorinated water) for about two weeks. Note: you do need to wash your tattoo daily; we’re talking soaking in water here. Washing=good. Soaking=bad.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Probably not. Melanie takes cards, all other artists are cash only. Hopefully we’ll be getting a credit card machine going for everyone else soon, but it’ll be a little while. Please make arrangements to have cash on you when you come.
Am I supposed to tip?
Of course we are THRILLED should you decide to tip us! Customarily tipping works like it does for any other similar service: hair or massage, for example. An average tip is usually between $20-$100, depending on the appointment length and how psyched you are! Your tattooer is putting lots and lots of time and energy into giving you the tattoo you want, and we are so grateful for gratuities where gratuities are deserved. We also absolutely love creative “tips:” we all save and cherish sweet thank-you cards; we’ve also gotten really wonderful creative things like cupcakes, paintings, handmade jewelry, books, plants…we love getting to know you as a person, and value the connection we get to make with you, so if you prefer to give us something that represents you or our tattoo process, please do! We will be so excited!
Can I bring my child to my tattoo appointment?
NO, NO, NO, please God, no, and again NO!!! A tattoo shop, no matter how clean, is a totally inappropriate place for a child. Not only does it put us at a huge liability risk, it’s illegal, not to mention a really terrible idea. We have biohazard garbage at exactly kid level, as well as sterile areas that need to be protected from ungloved hands. Additionally, other people may be getting tattooed, and may not want your child around them during their tattoo experience. Please please please make other arrangements for your kids! We’re sure they’re great. Just don’t bring them into the shop.
Are your tattoo inks vegan?
Yes! Additionally, all products associated with the tattoo process are vegan.
Do I need to have something drawn up?
No! We are experts at taking your ideas and turning them into something beautiful. Images from books or online are helpful for giving us a sense of your style and what you’re looking for, but you do not have to have an exact image of what you want. In fact, you may get a more beautiful/interesting tattoo if you let us do what we love!
What should I use to care for my tattoo?
There are about as many answers to this question as there are tattooers. But to see what we advise, click on our aftercare link. Please don’t use anything on your tattoo that’s not included in our aftercare recommendations or something you’ve discussed with your artist.
My tattoo is peeling! Is something wrong with it?
No, peeling is completely normal! And yes, we know it looks kind of crazy. It’ll be like big ol’ flakes of colored skin coming off. Don’t pick it, don’t rub it, don’t try to help it. When it’s good and ready it’ll shed all the damaged skin and you’ll have a shiny new tattoo!
My tattoo is swollen! Is that normal?
Probably. Extremeties, such as forearms, ankles, or feet, have a tendency to swell very dramatically just after a tattoo. Other areas will swell as well, but the amount depends on the person. Treat it as you would any swelling: ibuprofen, ice, elevation. The normal process of swelling is that the tattoo will be swollen beginning just afterwards and lasting 1-3 days. If the tattoo gets swollen later in the healing process, or if after a few days it isn’t getting better, please contact your artist.
Can I exercise right after my tattoo?
It’s best to give your tattoo a minimum of two days to heal before participating in any kind of grueling, sweat-inducing, or dirty exercise. If you absolutely must exercise the day after your tattoo, wash the tattoo immediately afterwards using hot water and liquid soap.
Can I go camping right after my tattoo?
Please don’t. Your new tattoo needs to be kept clean, moist, and protected from dirt and particulates, especially during the first few days.
Is Icon really the cutest tattoo shop ever?
Well, without tooting our own horn TOO much, yes! We think so. We love each other, we love you, we love love. It doesn’t get much cuter than that.
