FAQ

Welcome and THANK YOU FOR READING!

At Rock City Tattoo, tattooing is more than just ink on skin—it’s a collaborative art form built on passion and creativity. While I am thrilled to receive so many amazing ideas, I can’t take on every project. This selective approach ensures that I’m fully engaged with each piece, crafting tattoos that not only meet but exceed expectations. I am particularly drawn to projects that include portraits, illustrative lady heads, skulls, animals, large botanicals, dark themes, and mythology. These styles truly ignite my creativity and allow me to deliver my best work. I am not limited to these but it gives a rough idea of what I enjoy making. Additionally, I’m really proud to present an extensive selection of predesigned tattoo ideas that I have crafted with great care and dedication. If your idea aligns with these themes or you’re interested in a predesign, I would love to hear about it! Even if it doesn’t, I still appreciate you reaching out, and I’m always here to discuss how we might work together in the future. Thank you for your understanding and for considering me to bring your vision to life. Your trust in my artistic process is deeply valued.

Online Consultation:

To kickstart the tattoo process, please share your tattoo idea, preferred style (realism, fine-line, etc.), desired body placement, approximate size, and budget. Unsure about style or size? No worries, I'm here to guide you! For instance, "I'm interested in a fine line black work peony and dagger on my upper arm" is perfect to begin. If there are too many specifics or falls within a style not in my range, I may not be suited for it.

I'll need a photo of the intended body part and 2-3 reference ideas. For the best results, have someone else take the photo. Let me know if it's the right or left side (as back-facing cameras flip the image). Feel free to draw inspiration from my portfolio or existing designs in our gallery. If you are still in the early stages of planning your tattoo, I recommend waiting until you’re about 80% certain of what you’d like before submitting. I will be interpreting your idea in a unique way and creative freedom is appreciated!

How much does a tattoo cost?

The shop minimum is $500

Non Refundable Deposits are $150

The base rate accounts for the consultation, design time (including any necessary redesigns), setup, equipment, stencil preparation, and the actual tattoo application.

For projects that offer creative freedom or involve pre-drawn designs, I charge an hourly rate of $200.

Tattoos that are completed in one session or require custom designs are priced at a flat rate. Tip: If your budget is limited, you might consider choosing a pre-drawn design or giving me full creative freedom over your concept. Custom designs demand significantly more time for the design phase. Please specify your budget on the booking request form. If cost is your primary concern and you're seeking the lowest price, I might not be the right fit for your needs. If you're unsure about your budget, consider applying my standard hourly rate.

(Rough guidelines; An outer arm sleeve can be 12+ hours broken up in 3-5 hour sessions. Outer half sleeves are approx 4-6 hours. Large thigh pieces can be 4-8 + hours depending on body size. Portraits are a minimum of 4 hours.)

These guidelines are for pre-drawn designs. Colors, realism, custom designs, highly detailed or portrait work will take longer. It also depends on body part and condition of the skin.
I understand that a custom tattoo can be a significant investment! If your current budget doesn’t align with the design you have in mind, I can suggest some creative alternatives that can still bring your vision to life within your financial comfort zone.

Deposits:

I require a $150 NON REFUNDABLE/transferable deposit for tattoo appointments. I accept Venmo or credit card/debit over the phone or the link here on my site. Cash is due at the completion of tattoo.

The deposit will come out of the cost of the tattoo if it is one sitting, if it is multiple sittings the deposit will come out of the final session.
The deposit goes towards my preparation time as well as reserving your time on the calendar. Missed appointments will leave me without any income for the entire work day. The deposit policy is designed to offset the negative effects of cancellations, and rescheduling.

In case of inclement weather, appointments can be rescheduled within a 4+ day period (prior to weather event) without the loss of the deposit. Please reach out via email ASAP to reschedule.

Discretion will be used if appropriate notice is given (5+ days) to reschedule, as I understand life events do happen. Rescheduling will happen at the time of cancellation. The deposit is held 60 days and considered forfeit after that.

If you come to your appointment and change your mind, do not get tattooed, cancel day of or not show up, etc., the deposit is forfeit.

MINORS:

NO MINORS. 18 + OVER ONLY

Coverups/Lettering/FixUps, Etc.:

​Currently, I am not taking any lettering jobs, coverups, fix ups, working on or finishing other artists work. Exceptions can be made on a tattoo that has undergone laser removal treatment. Please send the photo of the current situation. Check out my blog post on CoverUps.

CONSULTATIONS/WHAT TO EXPECT:

Your request form is your initial consult. If I feel it’s a good match, I will reach out via email. I will request pictures of the body part and 2-3 reference ideas. Once I receive those, I will call you and we will have a phone consultation. If everyone is on board with the project, we will book the appointment and take the deposit at that time. You can make the deposit over the phone, via Venmo or directly through the DEPOSIT page.

When you arrive at your appointment, I will be there on time with your prepared artwork. I will have my station set up for you and I will be ready to get started! At my private studio, it’s just you and me, creating in a safe and comfortable space that feels like home. I believe in making each session a personal experience, where you can relax and feel completely at ease.

As your professional, I will counsel you on the optimal size, placement and design for the best result.

We typically take a designated “lunch break” after about 2-2.5 hours for 10-20 minutes. That is a good time to refuel and stretch. Feel free to ask for more breaks if needed!

I do not provide artwork prior to the appointment. I understand the desire to visualize the final product in advance, however my policy is set up in a way that I reveal the design at the time of the appointment. This approach helps ensure that any final adjustments are made together, ensuring the best possible outcome. I have written a blog post that covers this topic more in depth.

Disclaimer:

If you prefer to have complete control over the design, wish to replicate an existing tattoo, desire a style that falls outside my preferred range, change your mind during the appointment, or if we can't reach a mutual agreement, I will gladly recommend another artist who may be better suited for your project. I reserve the right to respectfully decline any tattoo project that I am not comfortable undertaking. Due to a physical limitation I am not working on rib cage areas at the moment. Thank you for your understanding!

Portrait Tips:

SEE BELOW. A high quality photo is essential. Low quality/ low contrast photographs are difficult to tattoo and as a result, may be turned down. Preferred body placement is a flat area (forearm, calf, etc), so the photo will not be distorted when the stencil is placed.

I will request 3 photo references and let you know which one is ideal for me to tattoo. I will factor in the lighting, pose, expression and detail. Portrait sessions are typically a minimum of 4/5 hours, starting at $800.

Things I avoid:

TINY DETAILS/TOO MANY SPECIFICS. Small, crowded tattoos/too many ideas/tiny details (fingers, toes, etc), or overly detailed specifics in the design. I can produce highly detailed work, just not on a miniature scale. I will recommend another artist for your project. Please reference my portfolio for examples.

If you have several ideas/concepts, pick the most important one and I will emphasize that. My focus is first on creating a visually stunning tattoo, and then weaving in the symbolism. I usually use/suggest 1-3 images, that is what I feel I am best at executing.

I avoid adding lettering/names “into” a design or lettering in general. I will recommend a lettering artist for you. (I will gladly add a pets name into a portrait when needed.)

If a character is part of the concept, I will always lean towards emphasizing the character as opposed to other elements in the idea (like backgrounds, landscapes, etc).

Helpful Tips:

Feel free to bring your favorite snacks and wear comfy clothing.

Please come alone.

Don't drink heavily the night before your appointment.

Make sure to eat a proper meal 2 hours before your appointment. We will take 1 designated (lunch) break during the session.

Please do not wear perfume/cologne to your appointment.
Wear comfortable clothing that will easily allow access to the area you are getting tattooed (skip the jeggings if you're getting a leg tattoo). I will try my best to keep you toasty in cold weather, but make sure to consider layers in the winter months. And consider the logistics when getting dressed afterwards with a bandage on. Loose and layered is the way to go!

Do not sunbathe/tan 48 hours prior to your appointment.

Do not take aspirin/ibuprofen 24 hours prior to your appointment. Do not use numbing cream.

I book all appointments at 11 am for the day, Tues-Sat.

*Pro Tip* before large tattoo session, rest and fuel your body THE DAY before. Treat the tattoo day like a marathon or athletic event. Don’t be afraid to eat throughout the day. Caffeine and sugary snacks are your friend!
Parking: there is ample free parking! There is a paved lot behind the building, unpaved lot next to the building, and free on street parking in the front and on the side.

Have fun!

CASH is due at time of appointment