Is it safe to get a tattoo or piercing?
Tattoos and piercings are safe, as long as each artist and the entire studio strictly adheres to Universal precautions and Blood Borne Pathogen Safety. You can rest assured that Inkwell Tattoos requires each artist to hold client safety as the first and foremost priority. We have the highest level of sterilization possible and go above and beyond all local health codes and laws. We do have a consent/waiver form which identifies certain instances when it would not be appropriate for an individual to receive tattoo or piercing, but these are rare instances.
Does it hurt?
Yes it hurts. But, there are lots of people walking around with tattoos and piercings so it's not unbearable. There are many sensations used to describe it depending on each person and what area is being worked on. Some people even like it!
Can I bring my own picture or drawing for my tattoo?
Yes. This tattoo will be on you permanently so we want to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the results. Bring anything you think might help to capture exactly what you're looking for in your tattoo. We also have plenty of reference books available for ideas. No matter whether you know exactly what you want or don't have a clue, we will always work with you to design a custom piece of art that you will love.
How much will it cost?
That depends on the size of the piece and the detail involved. Some pieces cannot be completed in one sitting. You will be given a quote once you meet with the artist and go over the details of what you want. Remember though, if another studio is willing do your tattoo super cheap BEWARE! Often you get what you pay for and this is going to be on you forever. If you do go for the super cheap tattoo elsewhere please see the question below on fixing a bad tattoo!
Are there any special requirements to get tattooed or pierced?
In Michigan, you must be 18 years or older for a tattoo or piercing due to local health rules and regulations. Minors can be tattooed or pierced as long as their parent or guardian are present with ID to sign a waiver. The minimum age to get tattooed at Inkwell Tattoos is 16 with parental consent. We are strict in our requirements to ensure proper age and that valid legal parental consent is presented, so please call the studio at (810)360-0079 ahead of time to find out exactly what you will need to bring to your appointment. For any tattoo or piercing, you must present a valid drivers license or current state photo ID which by law must be photocopied. You (and your parent/ guardian if you're a minor) must also read and sign a waiver/ consent form.
I have a tattoo that's really bad, can it be fixed?
Our artists can usually cover up or fix most tattoos--even really bad ones so you would never even know they were there. We are always honest though. If we don't think it can be successfully covered we will let you know and work with you on what options you do have so you will ultimately be happy. We never do a tattoo just to make a buck. This is a really good group of artists who take tremendous pride in their work and art. Be assured that the artwork on your body and how you feel about it is a reflection on them - meaning your satisfaction is VERY important!
How long before I can get a tan or go swimming and what kind of aftercare should I do?
Aftercare guidelines for tattooing and piercing are given to every client. To review these, click on the aftercare link at the top menu.
What does it mean that you conduct monthly "spore tests"?
Before allowing any studio to tattoo or pierce you, make sure that they conduct spore tests on their autoclave. When a studio states that they have hospital level sterilization, it doesn't mean anything unless you know that their autoclave is properly sterilizing. Spore testing confirms that all microbial life has been destroyed when an object is run through the autoclave. We conduct monthly spore tests to ensure your safety by an independent testing laboratory. Our test results are always available in the studio for anyone to view. To further protect your safety, we also have indicator strips on every package we run through the autoclave. The indicator strip changes color only after the correct temperature, pressure, and time for sterilization have been met.
What does "new needle every time" mean?
That means we NEVER EVER reuse or re-sterilize a needle. When you are tattooed, the needle we use will be brand new and sterile. After your tattoo, that needle will be discarded in an approved biomedical waste container. Everything (ie: pigments, ink caps, razors, etc.) are all discarded after each tattoo.
Tattoos and piercings are safe, as long as each artist and the entire studio strictly adheres to Universal precautions and Blood Borne Pathogen Safety. You can rest assured that Inkwell Tattoos requires each artist to hold client safety as the first and foremost priority. We have the highest level of sterilization possible and go above and beyond all local health codes and laws. We do have a consent/waiver form which identifies certain instances when it would not be appropriate for an individual to receive tattoo or piercing, but these are rare instances.
Does it hurt?
Yes it hurts. But, there are lots of people walking around with tattoos and piercings so it's not unbearable. There are many sensations used to describe it depending on each person and what area is being worked on. Some people even like it!
Can I bring my own picture or drawing for my tattoo?
Yes. This tattoo will be on you permanently so we want to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the results. Bring anything you think might help to capture exactly what you're looking for in your tattoo. We also have plenty of reference books available for ideas. No matter whether you know exactly what you want or don't have a clue, we will always work with you to design a custom piece of art that you will love.
How much will it cost?
That depends on the size of the piece and the detail involved. Some pieces cannot be completed in one sitting. You will be given a quote once you meet with the artist and go over the details of what you want. Remember though, if another studio is willing do your tattoo super cheap BEWARE! Often you get what you pay for and this is going to be on you forever. If you do go for the super cheap tattoo elsewhere please see the question below on fixing a bad tattoo!
Are there any special requirements to get tattooed or pierced?
In Michigan, you must be 18 years or older for a tattoo or piercing due to local health rules and regulations. Minors can be tattooed or pierced as long as their parent or guardian are present with ID to sign a waiver. The minimum age to get tattooed at Inkwell Tattoos is 16 with parental consent. We are strict in our requirements to ensure proper age and that valid legal parental consent is presented, so please call the studio at (810)360-0079 ahead of time to find out exactly what you will need to bring to your appointment. For any tattoo or piercing, you must present a valid drivers license or current state photo ID which by law must be photocopied. You (and your parent/ guardian if you're a minor) must also read and sign a waiver/ consent form.
I have a tattoo that's really bad, can it be fixed?
Our artists can usually cover up or fix most tattoos--even really bad ones so you would never even know they were there. We are always honest though. If we don't think it can be successfully covered we will let you know and work with you on what options you do have so you will ultimately be happy. We never do a tattoo just to make a buck. This is a really good group of artists who take tremendous pride in their work and art. Be assured that the artwork on your body and how you feel about it is a reflection on them - meaning your satisfaction is VERY important!
How long before I can get a tan or go swimming and what kind of aftercare should I do?
Aftercare guidelines for tattooing and piercing are given to every client. To review these, click on the aftercare link at the top menu.
What does it mean that you conduct monthly "spore tests"?
Before allowing any studio to tattoo or pierce you, make sure that they conduct spore tests on their autoclave. When a studio states that they have hospital level sterilization, it doesn't mean anything unless you know that their autoclave is properly sterilizing. Spore testing confirms that all microbial life has been destroyed when an object is run through the autoclave. We conduct monthly spore tests to ensure your safety by an independent testing laboratory. Our test results are always available in the studio for anyone to view. To further protect your safety, we also have indicator strips on every package we run through the autoclave. The indicator strip changes color only after the correct temperature, pressure, and time for sterilization have been met.
What does "new needle every time" mean?
That means we NEVER EVER reuse or re-sterilize a needle. When you are tattooed, the needle we use will be brand new and sterile. After your tattoo, that needle will be discarded in an approved biomedical waste container. Everything (ie: pigments, ink caps, razors, etc.) are all discarded after each tattoo.