A.W.O.L. Custom Tattooing FAQ
How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?
In this shop you must be at least 16 years of age with parental consent. The parent must accompany the minor and both must have a picture ID accompanied by a birth certificate for our records. This rule is the same for piercings as well.
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Everyone handles a tattoo a little differently. Most people describe the feeling as a dull burn, similar to rubbing or scratching a sunburn. There are exceptions in both directions varying from complete ecstasy to crying.
What should I get as a tattoo?
This is a very personal decision. If you are having a hard time deciding perhaps you should hold off on getting a tattoo or ask for assistance with developing a design that is right for you. We do not recommend getting a tattoo on the spur of the moment and encourage you to think before you ink.
Where should I place my tattoo?
This is also a very situational decision. Many designs are made to fit certain parts of the body better than others. An experienced artist will be able to explain these things to you. In many cases a design can be altered to fit areas other than where they were intended to go.
How much does a tattoo cost?
Well, every tattoo is different in our establishment. The artist takes many factors into consideration prior to giving a price. Things such as size, location, and complexity of the design are among those things. We do not charge by the hour, the number of colors, or by the inch. We do, however, also have session rates for larger pieces that are discussed at the time of planning the design that allows for breaking up the cost of the tattoo to make it more affordable over time.
Why do tattoos cost so much?
In a professional establishment there are many costs. Modern establishments operate as complete businesses. They pay taxes and social security. In the old days many tattoo shops eluded doing such things. On top of those costs the artists have to pay for all of their supplies and the shop has a laundry list of overhead. So, in short, a tattoo shop that is giving out "cheap tattoos" is more than likely cutting corners somewhere. Would you like to gamble on where? The artists at this establishment are very reasonable with their rates though and you will not be overcharged for the tattoos that you receive.
Beyond the costs of business you are also paying the artists for their skills and talents. There is so much more involved in tattooing than just drawing. The majority of people don't realize this fact. For a tattooist to deal with the multitude of factors efficiently and have a great outcome is a skill. To develop a tattoo properly and place it on the body correctly is a talent. No matter how easy they make it look they should be thinking the whole time. The safety and quality of going to a true professional tattooist is worth the extra money that is paid.
Do you have a shop minimum?
The artists in the shop set their own prices so they have their own minimums.
How do I become a tattooist?
Most people that set out to become a tattooist don't even make it past the paperwork. Be prepared to spend years learning and growing before even attempting to get an apprenticeship. If you are not ready to do that, quit now. This is a profession that requires an ability to learn for the rest of your career and a willingness to do so. There are more than enough tattooists out there right now so to be able to surpass anyone you will have to do it the right way. It is an incredible and satisfying career, but there are many, many things to learn.
Do you allow children in your shop?
We do not mind if you bring a child into the shop while you look around as long as they are kept under control and are supervised. If you do not watch your child you will be asked to leave. We do not allow children into the tattooing area for obvious reasons.
What is the soonest that I can change my jewelry?
This varies by the piercing. A cartilage piercing must be allowed to heal for approximately two weeks prior to changing the jewelry. A nostril piercing should be allowed to heal for at least three days. Navel jewelry should not be changed until three to four weeks have passed. The eyebrow can be changed after about a week. These are all approximations and may vary depending on your own body's healing time. You can refer to our piercing aftercare section for more information on piercings.
Why do I have to be pierced with a hoop or long barbell?
The reason for being pierced with a hoop or long barbell is to allow for swelling. If the jewelry does not allow for swelling there are possible complications with the jewelry becoming lodged in the flesh and/or prolonged healing times.
Can I use peroxide to clean my piercing?
Short answer, no. The long answer being that while your piercing is healing your body is forming new layers of skin and the peroxide can irritate or remove those layers which will prolong healing time and will be likely to cause infection.
©2007 A.W.O.L. Custom Tattooing LLC
1147 W. Hackley Ave, Muskegon MI, 49441