Frequently Asked Question Here are some of the most commonly asked questions people ask before they get their tattoos done. For commonly asked questions about tattoo aftercare check out the Healing section. 1. Does it hurt? Unfortunately no tattoo is painless. All tattoos hurt to some degree, but that degree really depends on the person getting it. More likely then not, you'll just feel an annoying pain. A type of pain that you know is there but it's bearable and your not going to jump up and run out after that first line. Most people come into a tattoo thinking it’s going to be the worst pain they ever felt and realize shortly after that it’s was not even close to what they were thinking. After about 5 minutes or so you start to get used to it and the tattoo becomes even more bearable. 2. How much does it cost? Size, detail, and placement on the body are the main factors that determine a cost of a tattoo. For smaller pieces that are done in one sitting, we give a flat rate for. You would have to come in and show me what you are looking to get and I would be able to give a price from there, or if needed, I would draw what you are looking to get and then give a price. I cannot give a price without seeing the art to see the work involved. I cannot go by a description cause most of the time what you're thinking isn't what I'm thinking. When it comes to larger tattoos that take more then one sitting, I go on an hourly rate. I charge $100 per hour and most of the time it’s a 4-hour session. Again, once the drawing is done, I give an estimate on the time it will take. 3. How long does it take? Again size and detail are the main factors in how long a certain tattoo takes. Just because a tattoo is small doesn’t mean it will done in a few minutes. The same goes for larger tattoos. The more lines, color or shading that goes into a tattoo, the longer it takes. Placement on the body as well as a person's skin can effect time, some people’s skin just take in the pigment faster and easier then others. 4. Is everything sterile? I'm still amazed how much this question is asked. Not by the people being in fear for their health but the fact that we still need to ask because some tattooist could care less about a clean working environment and the well being of their cliental. I use all one-time use only disposable inks and needles. Anything that is to be touched during the tattoo process is covered in disposable plastic bags or film. After each tattoo everything is disposed of and my workstation and machines are thoroughly cleaned with germicidal wipes. The grips and tubes are cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, place in sterile pouches and steam sterilized using an autoclave. 5. Can I have something drawn up? To have a tattoo drawn up for you, you'll have to come into the shop to have it done. There you can give me your ideas on the tattoo your looking for and I can set it up for you. There is a $25-$50 drawing fee ($25 for small art and $50 large art). Once this drawing is started, there is no refund and it also does not go toward the final price of the tattoo. Generally it takes me about a week to get it complete. Your finished art will be a tattoo ready outline, not a full color design. Colors we will discuss when the work begins. I do not draw tattoos that I'm not personally going to tattoo. I do not send out my artwork or allow it to leave the shop. You may also bring in your own design. Anything you wish to be tattooed can be done. 6. How do I make an appointment? To make an appointment you must come into the shop, show us what your planning to get (so we know how much time to set aside for you) and also you must leave a deposit. Deposits are refundable only if you call and cancel your appointment before your scheduled time. If you are out of town, you can call to make an appointment at least 2-3 weeks prior to the date you would like. Then we require that you mail in a deposit. Again deposits are refundable only if you call and cancel your appointment before your scheduled time. If you still have any questions feel free to e-mail me at dennis@dgtattoo.com. Or come see me at... Big Joe And Sons Tattooing 2150 Central Park Ave Yonkers, NY 10710 (914) 337-1600 Gallery Store Healing Links E-mail Home © 1996-2006. Dennis Gladwell, DGTattoo Inc. All Rights Reserved.