- Does it hurt?
In a word..yes, but the amount can depend a lot on the location, the person tattooing, and especially your mindframe. The more relaxed you are, the easier your session will go.
- Where does it hurt the most? The least?
Tough question, since everyone is very different in that opinion. But regardless, never make a decision on where to get a tattoo based upon the pain level. Having a tattoo hurt a little more during the application is better than a lifetime of looking at it in a location you’re not crazy about.
- What does it feel like?
While opinions vary, many would agree that it’s somewhere between a cat scratch and a bee sting.
- How deep does the needle go?
Roughly a 1/16th of an inch, so it feels very different than getting a shot.
- Is your equipment sterile?
EDEN uses only single use, disposable tubes and needles, so there’s no risk of an autoclave malfunction or remaining ink left from a previous tattoo. All other procedural surfaces and equipment are cleaned after every tattoo with a hospital-grade germicidal solution.
- Do you use ever re-use needles?
NO!! Needles are immediately disposed of in a sharps container.
- When did you get into tattooing?
I apprenticed in 2001, and began tattooing progressively later that year.
- Have you ever had anyone pass out?
People sometimes get light-headed, but it usually happens when they’re nervous, then find that it hurts a lot less than they thought once they begin. They relax, blood pressure drops, and they get light-headed. A few minutes and a snack or juice to raise blood sugar, and it’s usually smooth sailing from there.
- Do you have privacy?
Yes, as much as you like. EDEN is a single-station studio, so the entire space can be made completely private during your appointment. There’s also a video intercom for added security.
- Why aren’t there any tattoo designs (flash) in your shop?
All the work at EDEN is custom, so you won’t have to worry about running into someone with the same design as you.
- My buddy’s friend said he could do it for 20 bucks. Why are you so expensive?
A good rule to follow: Cheap tattoos aren’t good, and good tattoos aren’t cheap. Tattoo rates vary, generally from $100 to $200 per hour or more. If an artist is extremely inexpensive, there’s usually a good reason for it.
- Do tattoos fade?
Since tattoos are on a living canvas, it’s expected that a tattoo will change some over time. But factors such as sun exposure, skin care, and even genetics play a large part in how a piece ages.
- Can tattoos make me sick?
If you are tattooed with non-sterile needles and unsanitary ink, supplies, or equipment, you could get an infection, or worse. So it’s important to make sure you work with an artist that has bloodborne pathogen training, and who can provide proof of this with a certificate.
- What is the ink made of?
Tattoo ink is made of a number of ingredients. Generally, inks are composed of organic pigments in a solution of glycerin, alcohol, and/or distilled water. Since the exact ingredients vary, it’s best to ask your artist for details on their specific brands.
- How long does it take to heal?
A tattoo will usually skin over in 2-3 days, and take up to 2 weeks to peel. The tattoo then slowly settles into the skin over the next 3-6 weeks. This process can vary greatly from person to person, so follow your aftercare instructions, and alert your artist if you have any questions or concerns.
- Do you do piercings too?
No, at EDEN we specialize strictly in tattooing.
- Will you copy my favorite celebrity/sports figure’s tattoo on me?
As a rule, EDEN will not copy an existing tattoo. There’s a world of possibilities, so why not make your own statement?
- Do you ever turn down tattoos?
Yes. If I don’t feel I’m the artist for the job, or if there’s someone that could do it better, faster, or sooner than myself with matching quality, then I will gladly refer people to another artist. In the end, it’s all about getting the person the best tattoo possible.
- Is there any body part you won’t tattoo?
Not really, though some types of designs often work better in one location than another. For instance, I wouldn’t do a realistic portrait in an armpit, since the constant flexing of skin would probably blur the tattoo over time.
FAQ