GENERAL Tattoo QUESTIONS:

• How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?

  • In the state of Georgia, even with parental consent, you have to be 18 or older and possess a valid government photo ID showing date of birth.

• What do I need to bring with me to my tattoo appointment?

  • You will need to bring, at a minimum, a PHYSICAL, valid government-issued photo ID. Without this, you will be turned away. We do NOT accept paper copies or digital copies of identification. Also, feel free to bring something to eat and drink to keep you hydrated and from being hungry during your tattoo appointment. You will be able to take breaks.

• Do tattoos hurt?

  • Yes, they do hurt. It’s not excruciating for if it was, no one would have tattoos. Pain varies based on certain locations on the body. Your artist will advise you on placement if pain is a concern. Also, it doesn’t matter if the ink is black or colored, it all feels the same.

• How do I find the right artist for me?

  • Research! By that, we mean research local shops, read reviews, visit the shops to check out the vibes and most importantly, check portfolios. Search for the artist whose style matches what you want. Do your research before getting the tattoo and you won’t regret it in the long run.

• Are your artists/piercers licensed and is your facility inspected by the health department?

  • Yes! All of our artists/piercers are licensed and have all necessary certifications. BSTS is also periodically inspected by the Richmond County Health Department and Fire Department and is compliant on all health codes and fire inspections.

• I have an idea for my tattoo, but where can I find tattoo references to explain my idea to my artist?

  • Tattoos are normally expressions of individuality, and gathering ideas to get your idea across to your artist can be a challenge. A few tips for finding good reference photos are using Google to find drawings similar to that of your idea(s), checking Pinterest and other image search engines, and looking right in your artist’s portfolio. References for things similar to what you’re wanting allows your artist to come up with a custom design for you.

• How long do tattoos take?

  • Multiple factors play into this: tattoo size, placement, location, pain tolerance, and how long you can sit still. It’s hard to give an exact time, but your artist can give you a time estimate at the time of your in-person consultation. Please bear in mind that it is an estimate only.

• When is the best time of the year to get a tattoo?

  • Although you can get a tattoo at any time during the year, your skin takes more abuse during the summer with swimming, tanning, and being more frequently exposed to the elements. Winter time is really the best season to get a tattoo for these reasons, but anytime is a good time!

• Are tattoos permanent?

  • The short answer: YES. While your tattoo can potentially be covered with another tattoo, it may also be removed via laser therapy which can be costly and painful. Always be sure you’re fully committed to your design and artist prior to your tattoo appointment!

• My friend just bought a tattoo kit online and wants to practice on me, should I let them?

  • Absolutely not, unless your friend has gone through the proper health training and necessary tattoo apprenticeship in order to properly tattoo you. Without this training, your friend is putting you both at risk health-wise and potentially giving you a tattoo you may regret or worse, a disease you can’t get rid of.

• Why does it matter what my skin type/pigment is and what is the best kind of tattoo for my skin type/pigment?

  • Your skin pigment and type allows for certain types of tattoos to be executed successfully and can also dictate what kinds of tattoos are not suitable. Darker pigmented skin will tend to be less suitable for light tattoo pigments. The lighter your skin pigment, the more color range and options you may have. If you are unsure about what pigments are best suited to your skin type, speak with your tattoo artist for their professional opinion.

GENERAL PIERCING QUESTIONS:

Please see our Piercing Page for more information on piercing options and prices!

• How old do I have to be to get a piercing?

  • Per GA’s Body Art Chapter 511-3-8, you must be 18 or older to get any piercing. The only piercing allowed for minors is piercing done in ear lobes. BSTS’s age requirement for this piercing is 10+ years old but BSTS’s piercer does reserve the right to refuse piercing any minor, regardless of parent/guardian’s consent.

• I am/my child is between 10-17 years old. What piercings does BSTS offer for this age group and what documentation is required?

  • *IMPORTANT: Per Georgia’s Body Art Chapter 511-3-8, It shall be unlawful for any person to pierce the body, with the exception of the ear lobes, of any person under the age of eighteen for the purposes of allowing the insertion of earrings, jewelry, or similar objects into the body, unless the body piercing is performed in the presence of the person’s parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must have proper identification and sign a written consent form…”. The minor must possess a photo ID and parents/guardians must bring their PHYSICAL, valid, government-issued photo ID and provide proof of guardianship (i.e. birth certificate, legal guardianship documents). The parent/legal guardian MUST stay with the minor throughout the piercing process. If at any time, the minor expresses that they do not want the piercing or are uncomfortable, BSTS reserves the right to refuse to pierce the minor.

  • BSTS will pierce the ear lobes for minors aged 10+; nostril, navel, and ears (to include helix) for minors aged 14+. All other piercing offerings require client to be aged 18 or older.

  • It is unlawful to pierce nipples and genitalia on anyone under the age of 18.

• How do I obtain a state-issued ID for my child?

  • For GA residents, please visit the GA Dept of Driver Services Website for more information.

  • For SC residents, please visit the SC Dept of Motor Vehicles Website for more information.

• What happens if I do not have the required documentation when I come in for my piercing?

  • BSTS will be unable to pierce anyone, regardless of reason, without all required forms of ID and documentation. BSTS will NOT make any exceptions. Please be sure you have all PHYSICAL documentation and forms of identification with you as these items are required by state and county laws.

• What piercings do you do at BSTS?

  • We do most piercings above the waist on patrons 18 years of age and older and EAR LOBES only on minors aged 10-17. Please see our piercing page for available piercings and pricing!

• Do I need an appointment to get a piercing?

  • No, most piercings can be done on a walk-in basis, depending on piercer availability. Feel free to call ahead to inquire about piercer availability and potential wait times.

• What kind of jewelry do you use for my piercing?

  • All basic jewelry for initial piercings is made of titanium and is included with your piercing. Jewelry upgrades are an option, but cost extra.

• Can you change out my piercing jewelry?

  • Yes! If you bring your jewelry with you, we can change it for $10. If you purchase your jewelry from our selection, there is no charge.

• Do you sell body jewelry?

  • Yes, we have a wide variety of jewelry. Most basic jewelry starts at $10 and we offer a variety of more ornate jewelry starting at $20.

• My piercing fell out, will you put it back in for free?

  • This is situationally dependent as oftentimes, the piercing will have closed up if not given the proper amount of time to heal. If your piercing falls out, please contact us immediately. Our piercer can attempt to put your jewelry back in, free of charge, but if closed up, it may require re-piercing. If re-piercing is necessary, the cost will be that of the piercing. If the piercing area is too irritated, the piercer will inform you and you will need to wait on the area to heal prior to getting it re-pierced at a later time.

TATTOO APPOINTMENTS and walk-ins:

• How do I set up a tattoo with Broad Street Tattoo Studio?

  • Stop by our shop during business hours. Check out our portfolios unless you already have an artist in mind. Consult with your artist about your design and leave a deposit. Your artist will set up an appointment with you to get your awesome tattoo!

• Do you take walk-ins?

  • Yes, we do take walk-ins, but it is based on artist availability. If an artist is available, they will discuss your idea with you. If the tattoo is smaller and simpler, your artist will likely be able to do it for you. However, if your artist determines an appointment would be necessary, they will set you up for a future visit with us to get your work of art. Walk-ins are first come, first served and we do not allow calling ahead to “reserve” a time slot. For more info on whether or not you should set up an appointment, check out our video on our media page!

• Is it better to set up an appointment?

  • Setting up an appointment allows your artist to dedicate time to your design and keeps them from feeling rushed. When they are prepared and know you trust them to create something cool, they’ll be inspired and ready to complete your work of art! For more info on whether or not you should set up an appointment, check out our video on our media page!

DEPOSITS AND PRICING:

• How much do tattoos cost?

  • Prices vary across the board, just based on where you are in the world. Some artists charge hourly, some by the piece. Here at BSTS, the average price range is about $120 an hour. We do our best to provide cost estimates at your in-person consultation upon setting up your tattoo appointment. Keep in mind there is always someone willing to do it cheaper. We stand by the motto of “good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good!” As an aside, haggling with your artist is disrespectful, especially since their art will be a part of your body forever. Quality art comes at a price.

• How much do piercings cost?

  • Piercing prices vary. Please see our piercing page for more information on pricing!

• What’s the shop minimum for a tattoo?

  • Our shop minimum is $100.

• What is a deposit and how much is it?

  • Deposits are required for all new appointments and are for securing your tattoo appointment. The deposit minimum is $100 but may be more based on artist’s discretion. Deposits are deducted from the final cost of the tattoo and for tattoos requiring multiple sessions, the deposit is deducted from the cost at the FINAL appointment. Please see our Deposit Policy for more information.

• Why do you charge a deposit?

  • Deposits are to secure your appointment. When a client doesn’t show, the artist loses out on the time they would have been tattooing and time is money in the tattoo world. That deposit compensates your artist for time lost. Under most circumstances, your deposit is applied to the final tattoo price so it can also be thought of as a “down payment.”

• Are tattoo touch-ups free?

  • We allow one free touch up for your tattoo within the first 3 months after getting your tattoo. We do not offer touch-ups for finger and toe tattoos.

• Should I tip my artist? If so, how much?

  • Tipping is not required, but is always greatly appreciated by your tattoo artist, just like any other service profession. If you cannot tip your artist with money, you can always tip by sharing your artist’s information with your friends! Take some business cards and spread the word, and/or leave a nice review on Facebook and/or Google. These things are always appreciated. If you are inclined to leave a tip, the numbers are pretty much the same as what you’d leave your amazing barber or that awesome waitress, around 10%-20%. But no amount will be frowned upon! Like we said, they’re never expected, but always appreciated!

TATTOO AND PIERCING AFTERCARE:

• How do I take care of my tattoo?

  • We will go over aftercare instructions with you once your tattoo is complete and provide a complimentary aftercare kit. It is perfectly normal for tattoos to go through a “rough” patch, where they look terrible. That’s all part of the healing process. Hang in there and DO NOT pick at it! Your tattoo/piercing is and should be treated as an open wound. However, if after 2 weeks, you are still experiencing redness, swelling, purulent drainage, and/or you’re experiencing fever or chills, please see a doctor!

• How long will it take for my new tattoo to heal?

  • Tattoo healing time varies greatly, but typically can take anywhere from 2-3 weeks for the outermost layers of skin to heal.

• How long will it take for my new piercing to heal?

  • Healing times vary greatly depending on the piercing. Your piercer will discuss average healing times and provide you with instructions on how to care for it properly.

• What should I not do after getting my new tattoo?

  • Your new tattoo should be treated as an open wound. Avoid wearing tight clothing that could irritate the area, do not apply sunblock or most lotions to the newly tattooed area, and do not go swimming as pools are treated with chemicals that can irritate the skin and other bodies of water contain bacteria that can cause severe infections to the newly tattooed area. Also, keep your new tattoo loosely covered when outside and avoid exposing the area to sunlight as much as possible.