Before Getting Tattooed FAQ

Our industry may seem complex, with unique style names and many technical terms. There are different methods to apply tattoos, various types of machines, and important aftercare procedures.

We have comprehensive information on Tattoo Aftercare available on our website. Feel free to reach out to us by phone or in person if you have any questions. Whatever information you may need and whatever questions you might have, Anatomy Tattoo is here to help so please feel free to contact us without hesitation.

health or accessibility concerns

Please inform your tattoo artist before the tattoo session if you have any allergies or health concerns. This will help them prepare and provide the best service for you.

If you need accommodation, please contact the artist you are working with directly to discuss available options. 

We ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and sterilization techniques as per the Oregon State Health Licensing Department. Our tattoo artists use sterile, single-use needles and disposable tubes. They also frequently wash their hands and wear nitrile gloves.

Vegan

Please let us know if you prefer vegan products; we have vegan petrolatum we can use for your appointment. All our tattoo inks are vegan as well. 

Choosing an Artist

The tattoo artists at our studio have diverse backgrounds and unique experiences, personalities, and artistic styles. You can explore more about our artists by reviewing their profiles, which feature a brief biography, examples of their work, a headshot, and links to their Instagram accounts. Our tattoo artists are committed to delivering an exceptional experience and creating the perfect tattoo for each of our clients. If an artist feels that another colleague in our studio, or even at a different studio, would be a better match for your project they will happily offer that recommendation.

Consultations

Our artists have different preferences for conducting consultations. Some prefer in-person consultations, while others prefer to conduct consultations via video chat. When requesting a tattoo project, our artists rely on booking request forms to obtain the necessary information.

For larger, highly detailed, custom pieces, or cover-ups, an in-person consultation may be necessary, depending on the tattoo artist. During a consultation, the tattoo artist will have the opportunity to view the location on your body where the tattoo will be placed, discuss design details, and provide a price estimate. The pricing depends on the tattoo artist you work with. Consultations are free and usually last around 15 minutes. Please be prepared to leave a deposit at that time. Learn more about deposits here.

When filling out the form or during the consultation, please inform your tattoo artist if you have any medical conditions such as skin issues, blood-borne illnesses, or allergies. This information will not prevent you from getting a tattoo; it just helps us prepare for your appointment. If you have any medical concerns, always consult with your doctor first.

Making an Appointment

Appointments are preferred, although we do accept walk-ins when time allows. To schedule an appointment, please fill out the tattoo project request form on the artist’s profile page. The form will be directly emailed to the artist. 

You don’t need a finished idea or a completed drawing; a rough idea will do. We offer a free consultation to help you come up with the perfect tattoo design. A nonrefundable deposit is required to cover the drawing and secure the appointment, which will be deducted from the final session cost.

Each artist manages their own appointments, so when you’re ready to book, please contact your chosen artist directly through their profile page. If you experience any communication issues with your artist, feel free to call or email us. Make sure to stay updated on artist availability by joining our email list and following our social media accounts.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact your artist using their preferred communication method.

Canceling/Rescheduling

If you need to change your appointment, you can reschedule up to three days before the scheduled tattoo day. If you need to cancel or reschedule closer to the appointment time due to illness or emergency, please contact the tattoo artist using their preferred method of communication. Appointments should only be canceled or rescheduled due to illness or emergency. If you are feeling unwell, please reschedule your tattoo appointment, and our tattoo artists will work to find a new time for you promptly.

Many variables affect the tattoo pricing including size, placement, level of detail, overall design, which artist you choose, and texture of the skin, to name just a few. A consultation with your chosen artist will help determine what you will be paying for your tattoo. Payments will be taken the day of your tattoo, before you start your session make sure you have an estimate for that session.

What will we not tattoo

Illegal

Our tattoo shop will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18, regardless of parental consent. You must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. We will refuse to tattoo anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, pregnant or nursing, or with a sunburn.

No Hate

Our tattoo studio does not perform tattoos featuring hate speech, symbols, or gang-related imagery. We rely on our artists to exercise their judgment when determining which designs they prefer not to tattoo.

Placement

Tattoos on the hands, neck, feet, and face are subject to individual consideration and the discretion of the tattoo artist. Prior to making an appointment, please consult your artist about getting tattoos in these areas.

Each of our tattoo artists determines their own comfort level when it comes to tattooing different parts of the body.

Work by other artists

We do not replicate the work of other artists. We are willing to create a tattoo based on a similar idea to something you like, but our tattoo artists will modify the design to make it their own before tattooing it on you unless we have direct permission from the original artist. Some of our tattoo artists can tattoo a design created by you or for you, but they may need to make adjustments to create a design suitable for tattooing.

How should I prepare myself for a tattoo

Legalities

No drugs or alcohol at least 12 hours before your tattoo. It is not only illegal for you to obtain a tattoo under the influence, but it can make the process more difficult, more painful, and raise the risk of complications.

Avoid activities in the sun several days prior to your tattoo appointment. If you come in sunburned, we can not legally tattoo you.

Clothing

It is important to respect the shop’s shared space by coming to your appointment clean and wearing clean clothes.

Please wear clothing that allows your tattoo artist to access the body part being tattooed and that will be comfortable to wear during and after the procedure and bandaging. 

you may end up sitting in the same position for hours, so dress accordingly by wearing loose, comfortable clothes. Not only does this prevent problems for the artists, like fidgeting and tension, but it will also help you stay comfortable and relaxed throughout your tattoo.

It’s best to wear clothing that you don’t mind getting tattoo ink on. If you’re unsure about the best type of clothing for the area you’re getting tattooed, please ask your artist. We will only ask you to remove as much clothing as necessary, and we can suggest clothing options for you. Our tattoo shop is open, but we have dividers, pasties, and drape sheets available if you prefer more privacy.

Best Practices

Moisturize the area to be tattooed for at least a week before your tattoo appointment

Confirm you are not regularly taking blood thinners (ibuprofen, alcohol, excess caffeine, and aspirin all can make you bleed more).

Come well and rested, having eaten, and be hydrated. Feel free to bring in snacks and a water bottle.

Be mindful of others working or being tattooed and bring headphones if you want to use your device while getting tattooed.