Frequently asked questions!

#1: How do I book a tattoo with Steph or Rish?
FOR STEPH: Begin by sending an email with your request to Steph’s assistant Nichole. Nichole will reach out with further information, and she will send you an online form to fill out. Some tattoos - large work, cover-ups, and reworks - will require a consultation, while other requests can be fulfilled simply via email; we will let you know if a consultation is required for your request. Consultations can be done online via video chat or in person as requested.

FOR RISH: Begin by sending an email to Rish, or messaging him via his Instagram page. Rish works every Sunday through Tuesday, beginning at noon, so also feel free to drop by the studio in person!

#2: How much does a tattoo cost?
It depends on the tattoo - the size, style, and placement.  Most tattoos are priced by the piece at set rates; large custom tattoos are priced at the hourly rate of $200/hour.  Our studio currently charges a $150 minimum for all tattoos, although on occasion we may run special discounts for holidays or flash events.

For Steph’s standardized price list: click here.

#3: How can I get a price quote?
See #1 above to make your booking request.

#4: How long is the wait for an appointment?
It depends! Sometimes a few weeks, sometimes the same week! Pro tip: if you’re looking for a quick turnaround, book during our “slow season” (or what we call “painting season”), typically November through January. Once those tax refund checks roll in during the month of February, you may find there’s a longer wait! ;)

#5: What methods of payment we accept?
Steph: cash/card/Apple Pay/Google Pay - cash is ALWAYS preferred! (4+ percent fees on digital transactions are not fun.)
Rish: cash only at this time!!!

#6: Do you take walk-ins?
Absolutely, whenever possible! Steph works Wednesday through Saturday, and occasionally on other days by request; Rish works Sunday through Tuesday. Call the shop first (805-229-7050) to check on our availability for the day. If it goes to voicemail, we probably have gloves on!

#7: Does it hurt?  How much?
Yes, all tattoos hurt to a degree!  It really depends on the scope of the tattoo, but also on the placement on the body.  Some parts hurt more than others, for sure!  (For example, we don’t recommend getting your ribs or sternum tattooed for your first tattoo, mainly because of the degree of pain involved.)

Honestly, tattoos feel more irritating than anything else.  It’s sort of like getting scratched by a cat repeatedly, or the feeling of a bad sunburn.  Definitely is one of those “you won’t know what it feels like until it happens” sort of things!  Most people feel pain for the first 5-10 minutes until their endorphins start to kick in, and they get used to the sensation. Please note: Steph is known for being unusually light-handed!

#8: Is it safe?
We do our best to keep you as safe as possible!  All of our needles are used only ONE time, and medical grade sterilization methods are used on all of our equipment.  We use high quality, professional grade inks and tattoo products for our procedures.

If you have ANY questions about sterility, PLEASE ASK.  Any competent tattooist should be completely transparent about his/her sterilization standards!

#9: What kinds/styles of tattoos does your studio specialize in?
For Steph: all tattoos will have black linework, as she is a traditionalist at heart and believes this style is what maintains its integrity over the decades.  She specializes in fineline and single needle work, along with linework-based designs, especially floral and botancial pieces.  She also loves challenging pieces, such as geometric work, or coverup tattoos. And of course, if you know Steph, you know she loves a good “cattoo!”

The reason Steph only uses black ink for outlines: over time, colors fade much more quickly than black pigment; often, over a period of decades, all that is left of a tattoo is the black ink outline and shading.  This is the reason why ONLY traditional, hard-outlined tattoos, truly stand the test of time! In the case of any tattoo, it’s best to always research an artist’s work before requesting an appointment to make sure it’s a good fit for everyone involved. Steph’s most recent work is on her Instagram account.

For Rish: he specializes in Japanese and in traditional style tattoos, although he is highly experienced and well-versed in a wide range of styles, including black and grey. Also, if you like roses and skulls, he will be your best friend!

#10: Are there any tattoos you won’t do?
Ask your artist directly via email or message on social media (linked in earlier FAQs). Please know that Steph does not tattoo faces or genitalia, and does not perform wedding band tattoos.

#11: What hours/days are you open?
Hours can vary, but we are typically here from 12-7 seven days a week. Call ahead at 805-229-7050 to make sure we’re here before popping by - we don’t want you to waste a trip!

#12: What is your deposit policy?
Deposits are ALWAYS non-refundable on non-transferable. Deposits are required to book a tattoo appointment, and will be applied to the overall cost of your tattoo. We require 48 hours advance notice to reschedule a tattoo appointment, no more than 30 minutes late, and no more than one rescheduling is permitted.

(See Steph’s deposits and booking information page here.)