When booking an appointment In the studio, you agree to the following artist and studio-wide policies.

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ZERO TOLERANCE

Professional Conduct & Mutual Respect
This studio maintains a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding the failure to respect shop policies, our Artist's time, and our Artist's professional expertise. To ensure a safe and focused creative environment, we strictly enforce the following:

  • Harassment & Behavior: Any form of inappropriate behavior, harassment, or aggression toward Artist's or other clients will result in the immediate termination of the session.
  • Cooperation: Successful artistry requires mutual cooperation. A persistent lack of cooperation or disregard for technical instructions (such as safety or hygiene protocols) will not be tolerated.
  • Theft of Time: Repeated attempts to circumvent booking policies, late arrivals beyond the grace period, or last-minute design overhauls are considered a violation of professional respect.

Enforcement & Forfeiture
It should be understood that deposit is a commitment to the Artist’s time and skill. Any violation of these standards of conduct will result in the immediate forfeiture of my deposit, the cancellation of all current and future sessions, and a permanent ban from the studio.

ETIQUETTE & ARTIST FOCUS

The Focus Zone
To ensure the highest quality of work and your safety, our Artists require a high-level Technical Focus environment. We ask that you adhere to the following during your session:

  • Movement & Stability: Excessive talking, sudden movements, or frequent repositioning can compromise the precision of your service. Please remain as still as possible. If you need to stretch, cough, or adjust, please notify the Artist first.
  • Digital Distractions: The use of mobile devices is permitted for music or movies (with headphones), but we ask that you refrain from FaceTime calls, loud speakerphone conversations, or constant selfie-taking while the Artist is working.
  • Headphones Required: To maintain a calm environment for all clients, all audio must be played through personal headphones.
  • Personal Hygiene: Please arrive showered and in clean clothing. If you are feeling unwell or have an active skin flare-up, please refer to our Rescheduling Policy.
  • Artist Breaks: Large sessions may require brief "Artist Focus Breaks." We appreciate your patience as these are necessary to ensure the best possible results for your piece.

Policy Violation
If a client’s behavior (excessive movement, intoxication, or distraction) prevents the Artist from working safely or accurately, the session will be terminated. In this event, the full balance of the session is still due, and the deposit will be forfeited.

RIGHT TO REFUSAL

The Artist and Studio reserve the right to refuse service to any person, at any time, for any reason. Grounds for refusal include, but are not limited to:

  • Impairment: Any suspicion of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol (per TN Law).
  • Health & Safety: Poor skin condition at the procedure site (sunburn, rashes, lesions), poor personal hygiene, or undisclosed medical conditions that compromise safety.
  • Behavior: Disrespectful, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior toward the Artist or other clients.
  • Artistic Scope: Requests for designs that the Artist deems unethical, offensive, or outside their professional style and capability.

Forfeiture: If service is refused due to a violation of studio policies (such as intoxication, hygiene issues, or failure to provide legal ID), any deposit paid will be forfeited to cover the lost session time.

GUEST & AGE-RESTRICTED ENVIRONMENT

Studio Access & Minors
For the safety of our clients and the maintenance of a sterile environment, children and minors are strictly prohibited from entering the studio unless they are the scheduled individual receiving a piercing.

  • Minor Piercing Appointments: Minors receiving a service are limited to one (1) adult guest (parent or legal guardian). No additional children or guests are permitted in the lobby or procedure area.
  • Adult Appointments: To ensure the Artist’s full focus, please arrive alone. If a guest is absolutely necessary, they must be pre-approved and are limited to one (1) person aged 18+.

Mature Environment Disclosure
You must acknowledge that this studio is a professional 18+ environment. During your visit, you (or your minor child) may be exposed to mature language, graphic artistic imagery, and exposed skin.

Violation of Policy
Failure to adhere to the guest policy—including bringing unsupervised children or unapproved guests—will result in the immediate cancellation of the appointment and forfeiture of the deposit.

GRACE PERIOD & LATE FEES

We respect your time and ask that you do the same. A 15-minute grace period is allowed for all appointments. Please be aware that arriving late will shorten your overall session time.

  • 20–30 Minutes Late: A mandatory $40 late fee will be added to your total.
  • 30+ Minutes Late: Your appointment will be considered a "No-Show." The session will be canceled, and your deposit will be forfeited.

CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULING

To retain and transfer your deposit to a new date, you must provide at least 48 hours' notice.

  • Under 48 Hours: Any cancellation or reschedule request made within the 48-hour window leading up to your appointment will result in a forfeited deposit.
  • No-Shows: Failure to arrive without notice will result in a forfeited deposit and may require full pre-payment for future bookings.

Client Responsibility
It is the client's responsibility to manage their arrival time. The Artist is not required to provide reminders or contact you if you are running late.

DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENT

Booking Deposit: A non-refundable booking deposit is required via the artist's requested method (eg. Cash or Square Digital) to secure all standard service appointments.

Custom & Large Tattoo Projects:
A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to secure qualifying custom, large, cover-up, wraparound, and multi-session tattoo projects. The deposit is credited toward the final session/project balance when the project is completed normally.

Each tattoo session is paid separately based on the billable appointment time completed that day. Multi-session clients are not required to pay the full estimated project total before the first tattoo session.

If a project is abandoned, the deposit is forfeited under the studio’s deposit policy.

Then keep your cash-payment rule separately:

Payment:
Remaining tattoo balances are due in cash at the time of each scheduled tattoo session.

NUMBING CREAM

Product Safety & Approval
For your safety and the technical integrity of your skin, you must agree to use only the Artist’s specifically recommended brands of numbing cream. Many over-the-counter products contain ingredients that can "rubberize" the skin, affect ink saturation, or cause adverse vascular reactions.

Application Instructions
Please acknowledge that improper application can negatively affect the tattooing process and final healing. You must consult with the Artist for specific application instructions (including timing and skin preparation) prior to your appointment.

Disclosure & Risk
You must disclose the use of any numbing agents to the Artist before the session begins. Understand that the use of unapproved brands, or failure to follow the Artist's specific instructions, may result in the immediate termination of the session and forfeiture of your deposit.

AFTERCARE REQUIREMENTS

The longevity and quality of your tattoo or piercing are determined by the care it receives during the healing phase. To ensure the best results and maintain your eligibility for studio guarantees, the following standards must be met:

  • Adherence to Protocol: Clients are required to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by the Artist at the end of the session.
  • Immediate Aftercare Restrictions: For a minimum of 14 days (or until fully healed), the following activities are strictly prohibited:
  • Submersion: No swimming, hot tubs, baths, or lakes.
  • UV Exposure: No direct sunlight or tanning beds.
  • Physical Trauma: No picking, scratching, or peeling of healing skin.
  • Contamination: No contact with pet dander, gym equipment, or unwashed hands on the procedure site.
  • Approved Products Only: The use of scented lotions, harsh chemicals, or unapproved petroleum-based products is prohibited as they can cause pigment migration or infection.
  • Infection Protocol: While complications are rare when instructions are followed, clients must contact the studio immediately if they notice signs of abnormal irritation. In the event of a suspected infection, seek medical attention immediately.
  • Voiding of Warranty: Touch-Up Eligibility:Failure to follow the studio’s aftercare requirements may void complimentary touch-up eligibility. Restorative work required because of preventable healing damage may be billed at the Artist’s current rate or studio minimum.

RED'S ARTIST POLICIES

CONSULTATION & APPOINTMENTS

To ensure the highest quality of artistry and a seamless experience, all clients must adhere to the following preparation and consultation standards:

  • Tattoo Consultations & Estimates
    Multi-session projects should maintain reasonable progress between sessions. Projects with no meaningful scheduling, payment progress, or communication for approximately 12 weeks may be considered inactive.

Inactive projects may require a new consultation, updated project estimate, current pricing, additional design review, and/or a new deposit before tattooing resumes.

Tattoo Savings prepayments do not indefinitely preserve an old project estimate, rate, appointment priority, or deposit status.

  • Large/Custom Project Deposits
    $200 non-refundable deposit to secure the project, credited toward the final session/project balance when completed normally.
  • Session Pricing & Payment
    Multi-session work is paid by actual billable appointment time each session. Appointment time includes tattoo-related work from arrival through departure, including normal setup, stencil placement, breaks, bandaging, etc.
  • Appointment Requirement
    Red prefers appointments for most sessions and during busy season, will transition to appointment only for all services, when demand requires it.
  • Scope Changes
    Changes to size, placement, coverage, wraparound design, detail, color, added elements, background, or overall concept may change the estimated tattoo time and require a revised project estimate before work continues.
  • Project Continuity
    Multi-session projects should maintain reasonable progress between sessions. Projects with no meaningful scheduling, payment progress, or communication for approximately 12 weeks may be considered inactive.
    Inactive projects may require a new consultation, updated project estimate, current pricing, additional design review, and/or a new deposit before tattooing resumes.
    Tattoo Savings prepayments do not indefinitely preserve an old project estimate, rate, appointment priority, or deposit status.
  • Touch-Ups
    For multi-session work, the touch-up eligibility period begins after the final session is completed and healed.
  • Tattoo Savings Plan
    Optional prepayment toward future sessions; not financing; enough must be funded for the upcoming session before scheduling.
  • Design Finalization
    Final designs are presented at the time of the appointment. Minor tweaks can be made on-site; however, a complete change in concept or design on the day of the session will result in a forfeited deposit and the need to reschedule.
  • Physical Preparation
    For the best skin receptivity and safety, clients must: Eat a substantial meal within 2 hours of their appointment, be well-hydrated and have had a full night’s rest, Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the procedure area without compromising your modesty.
  • Identification
    A valid, government-issued photo ID is required for every session. No ID, no service, no exceptions (and your deposit will be forfeited).
  • Health Disclosure
    You must disclose any blood-thinning medications, skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, severe sunburn), or allergies (latex, specific pigments/metals) during the consultation phase.

Failure to meet these requirements—including arriving on an empty stomach, without an ID, or with significant "last-minute" design changes—will result in the cancellation of your session and forfeiture of your deposit.

TATTOO MINIMUM

My minimum is $100 which only applies to certain small custom designs.

DESIGN PROCESS

For privacy purposes and to avoid pressuring the client with too much to think about, drawings/designs are not revealed until the day of the appointment.

COMPLIMENTARY TOUCH-UPS

Eligibility & Timeline
One complimentary touch-up may be offered when needed for normal healing-related pigment loss.

For single-session tattoos, the touch-up should be scheduled and completed within approximately 6–8 weeks of the tattoo appointment.

For multi-session projects, the touch-up eligibility period begins after the final tattoo session has been completed and the finished project has healed.

It is the client’s responsibility to monitor healing and contact the studio within the applicable timeframe.

Exclusions & Limitations
This complimentary service is strictly void if the Artist determines that pigment loss was caused by client negligence or poor aftercare, including but not limited to:

  • Failure to follow written aftercare instructions.
  • Picking, scratching, or "popping" healing scabs/bumps.
  • Premature sun exposure or submersion in water (pools, gyms, etc.).
  • Specific Areas: Due to the nature of the skin, touch-ups for hands, feet, fingers, and "high-friction" areas are not complimentary and will be subject to a setup fee.

Paid Touch-ups
Any touch-up requested outside the applicable touch-up window, or required because of improper aftercare, trauma, design changes, added detail, or other client-caused factors, may be charged at the Artist’s current rate or studio minimum.

frequently asked questions

FAQ's

How much do your tattoos cost?

Tattoo pricing varies by project because no two tattoos require exactly the same amount of work.

Pricing is affected by factors such as:

  • size and total coverage
  • placement on the body
  • whether the design is a flat panel or wraps around the body
  • amount of detail
  • black & grey versus color
  • realism or other technically demanding styles
  • existing tattoos or scar tissue
  • the amount of custom design and planning required
  • the estimated appointment time needed to execute the tattoo properly

Two tattoos that appear similar in size can require very different amounts of time and therefore have very different prices.

Larger custom and multi-session projects are provided with an estimated project range. That estimate is not a guaranteed final total because actual tattoo time can vary based on the project and how the client’s skin responds during the process.

Why does a wraparound tattoo cost more than a front-panel tattoo?

A wraparound tattoo involves more than simply making the design wider. The artwork has to flow correctly around a three-dimensional body part, transition properly from multiple viewing angles, and often requires more stencil placement, repositioning, coverage, and tattoo time than a design contained to one visible panel.

Why can color take longer?

Color often requires additional saturation, pigment changes, blending, and controlled passes to achieve an even healed result. Depending on the design and pigments used, this can increase the amount of tattoo time compared with some black & grey techniques.

Why do different tattoo artists charge different prices?

Artists vary in experience, specialization, technical ability, style, demand, studio standards, and the type of work they provide. Pricing reflects more than the physical cost of ink and supplies; it also reflects the professional skill, planning, execution, safety standards, and experience required to produce the tattoo.

Do you take walk-ins?

Yes, but availability is limited. I primarily work by appointment, so walk-ins are accepted only when my schedule allows. Piercings, jewelry changes, and select small one-session tattoos are the most likely to be accommodated the same day. Large or custom tattoos require a consultation before booking.

How can I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Our biggest tip to best prepare yourself for your tattoo appointment is to

1. make sure to get a full nights sleep,

2. eat a meal before coming to your appointment and

3. make sure to stay hydrated and to moisturize your skin daily. Most people are chronically dehydrated and this effects the skin as it is our body’s largest organ…so the better hydrated you are before your appointment, the healthier your skin will be which will be extremely beneficial for not only the tattoo process itself, but how well your skin will heal afterwards.

We also highly recommend making sure to eat healthy and take any vitamins or supplements that will help boost your immune system. When you get tattooed, your body is undergoing trauma and will have to heal from this. The healthier you are, the better you will heal.

How long will it take?

Tattoo time depends on much more than size.

Different designs, placements, skin types, levels of detail, color saturation, existing tattoos, scar tissue, and body anatomy can all affect how quickly a tattoo can be completed safely and correctly.

Some skin accepts pigment quickly and evenly, while other skin may require slower application, additional stretching, repositioning, or more careful passes. Wraparound pieces and difficult placements may also require more time for stencil placement and execution than flatter areas.

The goal is not to complete a tattoo as quickly as possible. The goal is to apply the tattoo correctly while protecting the skin and producing the strongest healed result possible.

For larger projects, I will provide an estimated time and project range when possible, but these are estimates rather than guaranteed totals.

What if I am early?

Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early to your appointment, our parking area is small and we share it with a barber shop and Chinese restaurant and employees of said locations.

Can I get a tattoo under 18?

NO. Per TN Code § 62-38-211, it is a Class A misdemeanor to tattoo anyone under 18. The only exception is for minors aged 16 or 17 who wish to cover up an existing tattoo. In this case, a parent or legal guardian must provide written consent and be present for the entire procedure.

Do you do piercings on minors?

YES. Minors can receive body piercings with the written consent and physical presence of a parent or legal guardian. Per TN Code § 62-38-305, you must provide the following three documents at the time of service:

  1. Valid Photo ID for the Parent/Guardian.
  2. Minor’s Original Birth Certificate (to prove relationship).
  3. Minor’s Photo ID (School ID or State ID).
  4. Legal Guardianship Papers if you're not the biological parent.

Please note: We do not perform nipple piercings on anyone under the age of 18, regardless of parental consent.

Can I get a tattoo if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, we will not tattoo you if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding due to increased risk of infection.

Do tattoos hurt?

Yes it hurts. During the tattoo process, needles are used to permanently insert pigments into your skin. The pain varies from person to person but is similar to a cat scratch or a hair pull.

How long does it take to heal?

It typically takes about 10-14 days for your tattoo to appear healed. However, it may take about 4-8 weeks for your skin to be fully healed. A tattoo may appear healed before the deeper layers of skin have fully recovered. Touch-ups are therefore never performed on actively healing skin. For multi-session projects, touch-up eligibility begins only after the final session has been completed and the finished tattoo has healed.

My tattoo is flaking, is this normal?

Yes, this is a normal part of the healing process. Your tattoo will start to scab around day 3 of healing. Flaking and peeling is normal.
DO NOT PICK AT OR ITCH YOUR HEALING TATTOO.

What should I wear to my tattoo appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing. Inks may stain so darker clothing is recommended. You’ll be sitting still for a while depending on the size of your tattoo so dress comfortably.

If you’re getting a tattoo on your arm, bring a zip up hoodie or cardigan so you can cover up the other side of your body and stay warm (you may feel cold throughout your tattoo appointment so be prepared).

LADIES: if you are getting a tattoo on your upper leg or hip, please make sure to wear comfortable clothing and if you have a bikini that ties on the side, that is extremely helpful so you can keep your intimate parts covered during your tattoo. We also recommend bringing a towel you don’t mind getting dirty to cover up with for comfort during your tattoo.

If you are getting your sternum, chest, ribs, or back tattooed, please wear the appropriate clothing. You don’t want to wear a tight bra with an underwire that will rub on your fresh tattoo - ouch! We recommend a bralette or no bra for a day or two to avoid irritation on or around your fresh tattoo.

Shower first (please). Getting a tattoo does require your artist to be in your personal space so please make it a pleasant experience for everyone all around. Please keep colognes and perfumes to a minimum as courtesy to not only your artist but those around you in the tattoo space. This ensures a pleasant experience for everyone all around. Ensuring that you are clean is important to the tattoo healing process as well. As always, we will return the favor and make sure we’re not smelling funky either.

What should I bring to my tattoo appointment?

Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: This is a non-negotiable legal requirement for every session. No ID, no service.

Payment (CASH ONLY): As per our studio policy, all remaining balances must be paid in CASH at the time of your appointment. Please plan your bank or ATM visit ahead of time.

Proper Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the area being tattooed. Consider "sacrificial" clothing that you don't mind getting a small amount of ink or ointment on.

Fuel & Hydration: Eat a full, protein-rich meal within 2 hours of your appointment and stay hydrated. Bringing a bottled water and a small "emergency" sugary snack (like fruit or a granola bar) is highly recommended for longer sessions.

Entertainment: Feel free to bring headphones for music, movies, or podcasts. While we love a good chat, your comfort and distraction-free environment are priorities.

Personal Comfort: If you are prone to getting cold, feel free to bring a clean sweatshirt or a small travel blanket.

How much should I tip? Do I need to tip?

We often get asked this a lot and it can be awkward on both ends.

There is a lot of great advice when it comes to tipping but what is the standard?

Like other services, 20% is the standard (most average between 20-30%), but there is wiggle room. This 20% guideline is typically used when paying an artist an hourly rate. When paying larger transactions (ie: paying a full day rate), a 20% tip may be quite a bit extra money — in these cases, tips usually range from about $50-$200.

Tattooers are not relying on tips for their income — generally they are charging what they expect to make in order to run their business and make a living.

Tipping is appreciated in other forms outside of money. Sometimes clients enjoy tipping in other forms such as gifting handmade items/art, plants, coffee, etc.

All in all, a tip is a great way to show your appreciation for excellent service, especially when your artist goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable throughout the tattoo process. Tipping is not required and is not always expected but definitely valued! It really comes down to what you feel is an adequate tip for your overall experience with your artist and your tattoo.