First timers welcome

Your first tattoo, explained simply

Nervous is normal. Almost everyone is. Here is exactly what happens, start to finish.

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The day itself

What actually happens

1

We chat first

You show your idea. We talk about size, spot, and price. Nothing is booked yet.

2

You see the drawing

We place a stencil on your skin. You look in the mirror. We move it until it is right.

3

Then we tattoo

A small piece often takes under an hour. You can take a break any time.

The pain question

Does it hurt? A little.

Most people say it feels like a hot scratch. Not fun, but very doable. Nearly everyone tells us afterward that it was easier than they built it up to be.

Where it goes matters a lot. Bony spots like ribs, feet, and the inside of the wrist sting more. Softer spots like the outer arm, shoulder, and thigh are much gentler. That is a great place to start.

You can stop for a breather whenever you want. Nobody here is going to rush you through it.

Before you come in

Four easy things

Eat a real meal

Low blood sugar makes people lightheaded. Eat within a couple hours of coming in.

Drink water

Hydrated skin takes ink better. Start the day before, not on the drive over.

Skip the drinks

No alcohol the night before. It thins your blood and makes tattooing harder.

Bring your photo ID

You must be 18 or older with valid photo ID. This is Kentucky state law, so we cannot make exceptions, even for a tiny tattoo.

After you leave

Taking care of it

We send you home with a simple written sheet. The short version is easy. Keep it clean, keep it moisturised, and keep it out of the sun.

Do not pick at it while it heals. It will flake a little, like a light sunburn. That is normal. Picking is what causes patchy spots.

No pools, no baths, and no long soaks for about two weeks. Showers are fine. If anything looks off, call us. We would much rather hear from you.

Still have questions?

Ask them all for free. The consult takes about 20 minutes and you never have to book after it.

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Questions

Answered plainly

How much does a first tattoo cost in Louisville?

We have a minimum price, even for a tiny tattoo. That covers a fresh needle, clean setup, and the artist's time. You get your exact price in writing at the free consult.

How much does a tattoo hurt?

Most people say it feels like a hot scratch. Bony spots like ribs and feet sting more. Soft spots like the outer arm and thigh are much easier. Your first one is usually easier than you expect.

What should I do before my appointment?

Eat a real meal, drink water, and get some sleep. Skip alcohol the night before because it thins your blood. Wear clothes that make the spot easy to reach.

What do I need to bring?

A valid photo ID showing you are 18 or older. That is required by Kentucky law. Bring a snack, water, and headphones if you want them.

Thinking about something small and delicate? See our fine line work.