Tattoo FAQs

​Q.  I am ready to get a tattoo in your studio and want to schedule an appointment.  What's next?

    A.  The first thing you should do is call, email, or walk in to the studio to schedule a consultation appointment.
If your design is pretty simple we can create your design right before tattooing without a consultation.


Q.  How painful can getting a tattoo be?

    A.  Each individual has a different level of pain tolerance.  It will vary depending on where you want the tattoo on your body.  Some areas are more sensitive than others. We strive to provide a comfortable environment at our studio. We are also understanding and patient in order to get you through the process. 


Q.  What can I expect to see during a consultation?

    A.  A consultation is a meeting with our tattoo artist that is usually around 30 minutes.  We listen to your ideas and customize a design to make it truly unique and one of a kind. It all starts with the initial consultation, which is free of charge. You may  bring in your own drawing, prints, or photos for us to use as a reference or inspiration for your art piece.  However, if you do not have any reference for your tattoo design, you can simply describe your ideas and we will put them together visually.  If at the end of your consultation  you and the artist both decide to go forward with the design, you will leave a deposit ($100 min) to ensure that the artist can devote the time it takes to draw the actual design for your tattoo. The  deposit will be put towards your overall tattoo payment. Once we have your design ready we will contact you to come in and take a look. This will give you the opportunity to make sure your design is perfect. If your design is relatively simple, for your convenience you can go over it with your artist on the day of your tattoo appointment. It is our policy that we do not send out any designs we have created via e-mail or phone.   


Q.  Do you accept walk ins?

     A.  While most of our tattoos are done with a prescheduled appointment, we also offer walk-ins upon availability.  However, we suggest you call us  to check availability prior to your visit. 


Q. How much does a tattoo cost?

    A. There are several factors involved with the pricing of a tattoo, including how much detail is involved, the area of the body, size, etc.  For small and medium sized tattoos we can give you a set price.  For more detailed work that requires multiple sessions, the tattoo work is $100-190 an hour. It usually  depends on the style of the tattoo and the artist. If you have a limited budget, we will set a flat price by the piece so you know ahead of time how much you will be spending.  Our tattoo design and consultation services are included in the cost of your tattoo. We do not charge extra for these services. We want to ensure that each design is exactly as you envision it, and often times our artist will spend more time drawing a design than doing the actual tattoo.  


Q. If I am from out of town, can I make an appointment without a consultation?

     A.  Yes. In that case we will  require $50 deposit to secure your spot. This deposit is then deducted from the price of your tattoo on your appointment date.  If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment, or if you don't give us 24 hours notice of cancellation, then you may lose your deposit. The deposit must be paid through Paypal or a credit card by phone. 


Q. Do you have a shop minimum?

    A.  We have a $60 shop minimum. The minimum is the starting price.  Watercolor tattoos by Daniel Natural start at $200.


Q.  I am underage.  If I bring my parent will I be able to get a tattoo?
 
    A.  No. Under Minnesota law, we are not permitted to tattoo anybody under the age of 18


Q.  How long does a tattoo take?

    A. Your tattoo time depends on a few factors such as size, detail, color vs. black/gray, skin condition, etc. Once we have finalized the design with you, we can usually estimate a general time frame.


Q.  Can I work out after I get a tattoo?

    A. Working out within 48hours after getting your tattoo is not recommended. 


Q.  How should I prepare for my tattoo session?

    A.  Do not drink alcohol or take any medication that will thin out your blood 24 hours before your tattoo.  Keep skin moisturized prior to tattoo session. This will help the skin to heal better and easily receive ink.  Eat and drink water before receiving a tattoo! This will help with pain as well as preventing dizziness and nausea during your session. We recommend that you wear loose, comfortable clothing.  You don’t need to shave the tattoo area prior to getting a tattoo. Let the artist shave it at the shop to avoid accidental cuts/razor burn. If there is excessive hair you can trim it but leave the shaving to the artist.  Make sure you have plenty of recovery time, and do not have to rush off to do something immediately after your session. The artist will take whatever time is needed to bring your tattoo to life on your body. 
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Q. Is your studio sterile?

     A.  We are inspected and certified by the City of Bloomington Health Dept. which meet or exceeds all Minnesota cities standards. Every artist has blood borne pathogen training and is licensed by the state of Minnesota.   
 

Q. Are tattoos safe?

    A.  We at  Ocean Blue Tattoo can’t speak for every tattoo artist, but we take your health and safety seriously.  Ocean Blue Tattoo is a fully disposable shop. This means that all items that come into contact with your bodily fluids are disposed of and replaced with brand new materials for each and every client. This includes new single-use needles, disposable grip, disposable ink holders, disposable razors, and disposable barriers covering everything that is used in the tattoo procedure. We simply prefer disposable materials as it is the most effective and efficient way to keep everything safe and sanitary.


Q. Are there any health conditions  that may prevent me from being tattooed?
​
     A.  There are several conditions that may prevent you from getting a tattoo, or would at least require the permission of a licensed medical doctor.
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If you are pregnant or nursing.
If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you are diabetic, have hemophilia, skin diseases, lesions, staph, H1N1, ebola or any other  communicable diseases
If you have skin sensitivities to soaps, disinfectants etc.
If you have a history of allergies or reactions to pigments or dyes.
If you have a history of epilepsy, seizures, fainting, or narcolepsy.
If you are currently using  medications which thin the blood or interfere with blood clotting.
If you have hepatitis or HIV infection.


Q.  Do you offer touch-ups?

     A.  We offer our customers a free touch up in the initial 12 months period following your tattooing. Touch-ups are rare just as long as you follow the our aftercare procedures. 
 

Q. How do I know my tattoo is healed fully and ready for my next session?
     
     A.  if you poke the tattoo area and you no longer feel any pain, that is a good indication that the tattoo is largely healed. You will usually see surface healing within 5-14 days and normally the tattoo will be fully healed inside and out within 30 days.


Q.  Can you  cover up an old tattoo with new design?

    A. Yes, old tattoos can be covered up with  a new tattoo, and often times  there may be some limitations as to what you can cover it with, depending on the size, style, or darkness of the old tattoo. In the consultation process your artist will go over what is and is not possible. 

Ocean Blue Tattoo & Art Studio  
​9158 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425   Phone: (952) 858-7188