Black Lagoon Tattoo Shop FAQ
Here at Black Lagoon, we like to plan your tattoo out to ensure you are completely satisfied with your artwork. Once you have a general idea for your tattoo in mind, stop by the shop to check out some of the artists work. Doing this can help you focus your ideas a little more before you schedule a consultation with the artist
Once you a have a good idea of how you want your tattoo to look, you'll put a $20 down payment on your appointment. This down payment lets us know that you are serious about getting a tattoo, and gets you a consultation with an artist. At the consultation you will speak directly with the artist about your artwork and where on your body you want to put it. The purpose of the consultation is for the artist to get an idea of what you are looking for so that he can begin sketching a design for you.
Now that the artist knows what you are looking for in a tattoo, he will begin sketching your artwork. Once you and the artist agree on a design, you are ready for an appointment.
Once you have the design you like, you make an appointment to get the work done. Also, the $20 you paid earlier for your consultation will be taken off your total bill.
We ask that clients not consume alcohol or aspirin on appointment days (these can thin the blood and make tattooing difficult). Having a healthy mind and body will ensure that your tattoo experience is as pleasant as possible, and that your artwork will turn well. It sometimes helps to bring a friend or two for moral support while you are being tattooed, and Black Lagoon offers one of the most comfortable seating areas for your friends to wait. They can watch movies on Hi-Def TV or play PS3 while they wait! After care of your tattoo is also extremely important, and knowledge of how to maintain your ink is a definite plus (check out our After Care link to learn more). Also, it's important to note that some people may have allergic reactions to tattoo ink. If you are allergic to shellfish, it may be a good idea to NOT get a tattoo. Reactions often become itchy or exhibit a pimply rash. These reaction are not usually serious, but they can affect the look of the tattoo after it is healed.
Safety is our top priority! Our artists are current on all of their vaccinations - including hepatitis - and they never re-use needles. Our artists use only the highest quality inks and pigments, and if you have any concerns, the artist will be happy to discuss them with you. We want you to be safe and have your mind at ease in our shop. Sometimes, a reaction to the lotion used during the healing process can occur. If you experience a reaction, stop by the shop and we will see if we can get you set up with a different type of lotion that won't react with your new ink.
People experience pain in different ways, but many people find the anxiety they feel before their tattoo to be worse than the pain experienced during the process. Some people even find that they like the experience! Of course, certain areas of the body - the elbow, for example - are going to cause more discomfort than other areas. Besides, to-date, nobody has stopped halfway through a tattoo because of pain in our shop.
You pay for your tattoo after the session is done. If your session lasts longer than one sitting, each sitting must be paid for after it is complete. Also, the $20 consultation deposit will be credited to your total bill.
It is common practice to tip your tattoo artist 15-20%, but we understand if you cannot afford it. Any gesture of appreciation, however, is welcomed!
Caring for your tattoo is extremely important! You will receive a Tattoo Aftercare Instruction Sheet when your tattoo is finished, but we recommend you check out our After Care tab for detailed instructions.