FAQ - Everything you need to know before your tattoo

I WOULD LIKE TO GET TATTOOED AT TRUE LOVE TATTOOS, CAN I GET A QUOTE, WHAT’S THE BOOKING PROCESS?

You have a couple of options, First you can come into the studio and speak to our receptionist who will be able to recommend the right artist for you. Whilst you are in the studio she may be able to get a time and cost quote for you as well if your chosen artist is available to give it to her. Secondly you can email over a description to us at tltnorwich@gmail.com.

When you email us you will recieve an auto-response to your email and its very important you read it - it will double check that you’ve sent the correct information to receive a proper quote.

If you send something like “how much is a sleeve’ we won’t be able to quote you properly so make sure you follow up with all the information we’ve asked for in the auto-response email. For larger or more complex work we may ask you to come in for a consultation - A consultation is mostly for us to make sure the work you want can be carried out, and to work out a rough time and cost estimate for you. this won’t be a very long process as we will then ask you to email your reference and description so its accessible in written format closer to the appointment. You can show us printed reference or digital images in person.

Once we’ve worked out how long your work will take we will then proceed to booking you in if your artist is available.

HOW MUCH IS THE DEPOSIT?

We ask for a deposit on all appointments, and we work this out by time booked. Your deposit guarantees your space. If you don’t pay your deposit within 7 days of your tattoo and don’t alert us to a reason for this we will cancel your appointment and reallocate it to someone else. If you don’t give us at least 72 hours notice that you can’t make an appointment you will automatically lose your deposit.

If you don’t turn up for your appointment, again you automatically lose your deposit. This is because if you don’t turn up, the artists don’t get paid and it’s unfair on them. It also then goes towards covering any prep work they will have done towards your tattoo. We are a very understanding bunch so if you have genuine issues attending your appointment at very short notice please call and let us know.

Please note, if you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment your artist may have to cancel your slot and you will lose your deposit. we tend to book more than one appointment in a day and lateness then affects all appointments, and at times our artists need to leave the studio on time ie. to collect their children, so lateness cannot be accommodated. If you know you are going to be late please call and let us know, it will then be down to artist discretion whether they can retain your appointment.

HOW LONG IS YOUR WAITING LIST?

The booking processes vary from artist to artist. Only a couple of artists operate on a waiting list system, others we can book you in straight away. Please contact us in regards to specific artists.

WOULD ONE OF YOUR ARTISTS BE ABLE TO DRAW SOMETHING UP FOR ME?

Yes - if you are choosing to get tattooed by them! We are a custom tattoo shop. Most customers bring in their rough ideas, ranging from the vague to the very detailed. Our artists will work with you to make sure you get the tattoo you want. Please be aware, if you bring in another artists work or design your artist will likely refuse to copy it and instead suggest a redraw to make it unique to you.

CAN YOU COPY THIS PICTURE MY FRIEND DESIGNED?

Most of the time we can as long as its in the right style for the artist you have chosen. Please bear in mind that some things are not achievable with tattooing and your design may need to be altered to work - don’t be offended, your friend might be an amazing artist but our artists know what can and can’t be achieved with a tattoo machine and what will look good in years to come, so will respectfully turn your design into the perfect tattoo.

CAN I HAVE THIS ONE I FOUND ONLINE?

If you found the perfect tattoo but its one someone has already made on someone or its an illustration that belongs to someone else, we unfortunately won’t copy it. We can however use it as inspiration for your tattoo and work to create something in a similar vein so that you get the unique piece of art you want.

CAN I SEE MY DESIGN BEFORE THE BOOKING?

This is down to artists discretion. You will need to let us know if this is something you require. the artists tend to work daily designing for the next day so nothing is done a long time in advance, and we are very wary of sending out images as it is not uncommon for the work to be stolen and taken to other artists.

Unfortunately its a thing that has happened enough times across the tattoo industry for it to be standard for artists to not be comfortable sending out designs. Generally our artists are very happy to work with you on the day to make alterations to the design, and ideally you will have looked through their work, have got a good idea of what they do, and given us a clear enough description to create something perfect for you.

I WOULD LIKE TO GET A COVER-UP OVER AN EXISTING TATTOO, HOW DO I GO ABOUT THIS?

Cover ups need a bit more attention, it’s best to come into the studio and show us in person so we can see how realistic a cover up would be for you, or email us well lit photos - get someone else to take them in natural daylight so we can see where the tattoo is on your body, how dark it is, and what space there is around it.

CAN I BRING A FRIEND WITH ME WHEN I GET TATTOOED?

Ideally we’d prefer it if you came alone. We are a busy studio and although we dont always have space for extra people in the studio area. We have a cosy reception area so sometimes a friend can sit and wait there, however they are likely to get bored with the wait! Some artists will also prefer less distractions so will prefer not to have an audience. We just want you to get your best tattoo! We are a friendly studio with lots of comforts so you’ll be fine once you get over the initial nerves and get started!

*If you suffer from anxiety or it would be very useful for you to have someone with you please let us know before you come for your appointment that you’ll be bringing someone so we can work out how to set up the spaces to accommodate this as we would not want to disappoint you.

CAN I BRING MY SON/DAUGHTER?

If they are over 18 then yes, we do not allow any children in the studio for safety reasons.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is not your best or favourite! if you are getting a leg tattoo don’t wear a jumpsuit! wear small shorts or big pants! We find that if you are getting something on your back or torso its best if you bring a shirt, hoodie or cardigan, so you can put it on backwards. We are an open studio but we are able to put up privacy screens if its needed so don’t worry about being seen by all in your pants.

DO YOU DO PIERCING?

No, sorry, not currently.