Frequently Asked Questions

♥︎  How do I book a tattoo?

 

First of all, yay! The best way to book is through our booking form. This allows us to receive all your contact details and pair you with the Barbie that best suits your idea. 

Fill the form out here: https://www.caliloustattoos.com/contact

 

♥︎  How much does a tattoo cost?

 

Unfortunately, this answer isn’t as simple as we think. Imagine asking an architect how much a custom house will cost - they’ll need more information before they’re able to give you a price quote.

 

It’s the same with tattoos! 

 

In order to give you an estimate, we’ll have you come in for a free consultation where we go over all the details of your design, as well as take measurements of the area we are working on. From then, your Tattoo Barbie can go over prices. 

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♥︎  How much is a deposit? (Also, what is a deposit?)

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Deposits are $100. They finalize your appointment date in our calendars.

Think of it like a security deposit on an apartment. 

The $100 goes towards the final price of your tattoo, so on the day of your appointment, you'll just be paying the difference!

 

♥︎  Why do I need a consultation? Is there a way that I can just schedule the tattoo?

 

Consultations are where ideas become more concrete. Before a client and artist move forward with tattooing, it’s important for both to be on the same page. 

You wouldn’t want to get your dreamhouse painted before having a discussion of the colors beforehand. That’s how you end up with a fixer-upper. 

 

In most cases, unless told otherwise from your Barbie, consultations are required. 

If you’re not based locally, you may be offered an online consultation via email.

 

♥︎  How early do I show up to my appointment?

 

This is a big one. In Barbieland, earliness is forbidden! 

Just kidding. 

But to be frank, more often than not, our early clients remove the ability for us to mentally reset before each appointment. Even 5 minutes can throw us off when we’re still finishing up with our Barbie before you. With that being said, please arrive exactly 0 minutes early. 

 

We love you - but please go and enjoy what Grey Street has to offer if you find that you’ve arrived well before your appointment time. 

Some of our favorite ways to kill time on Grey Street include:

• Shopping at Recycled Boutique, Red Cross Shop, SPCA Op Shop

• Coffee drinking at Coffee Since Yesterday

• Good eats quite literally everywhere - (check MADE out for pastries, pretzels, sandwiches, pasta, sushi, burgers, the list goes on…)

• Reading in Steele park (please let us know what you’re reading once you’ve checked in!)

• Ice cream at Duck Island

 

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♥︎  What can I do to prepare for my tattoo appointment?

 

Please eat a full meal approximately an hour (or less) before your appointment. The reason why people faint during tattoos is because they come in with an empty or a near-empty stomach - so please don’t eat half the sandwich, eat the whole thing! (Sidenote: an energy drink and a protein bar doesn't count as a full meal. *cough* Cal *cough* Lou, we're looking at you!)

 

If you want extra goodie points with the Tattoo Barbies, start moisturizing the area you’re getting tattooed a week before your appointment - smooth, soft, healthy skin genuinely makes the process easier and gives you better results with healing. Staying hydrated helps as well, so be sure to up your water intake if it’s not already in your routine. 

 

♥︎  What should I bring to my appointment?

 

You’ll need:

• A government issued ID (ex: driver’s license, passport, etc.)

• Method of payment (we accept card, cash, and afterpay)

• Any comfort item! (Kindle or headphones help massively for silent sessions, snacks are encouraged, feel free to even bring your emotional support stuffed animal.)

 

♥︎  For a matching tattoo, can we both get tattooed at the same time?

 

Absolutely! We’re happy to coordinate to make the experience all the more special.

Extra happy as besties tattooing besties. Tattoobestieception. 

 

♥︎  Do you tattoo minors with parental consent?

 

We do not - please come back when you’re 18! We’d love to work with you then. 

 

♥︎  Can I bring a visitor?

 

You may bring one friend at a time! Please do not invite more than one person, as the studio will get over packed with people and interfere with our concentration. 

 

♥︎  How do I take care of my fresh tattoo?

 

Please visit our aftercare instructions here: https://www.caliloustattoos.com/aftercare

Happy healing!

 

♥︎  How long after I get a tattoo can I go swimming?

 

You should wait a minimum of two weeks before swimming - this includes any activity where you are submerging your tattoo in water for long periods of time. This isn’t just for the beach (Sorry, Ken.) this also includes spas, hot tubbing, bubble baths, ice baths, etc. 

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♥︎  What are your coffee orders?

 

Caffeine sure is the way to a tattoo artist’s heart…

Cal: black coffee, or a white monster.

Lou: soy milk latte, or a blackcurrant V. 

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♥︎  What are your snack orders?

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Food is also the way to your Tattoo Barbie's heart!

Cal: The Natural Confectionery Company's "Juicy Bursts", any pastry, or Original Pringles chips.

Lou: Any protein bar (bonus points if it's the 40g one), any kind of salt and vinegar chips, or chocolate.

 

♥︎  What are tattoos?

 

Permadoodles. 

 

♥︎  What do tattoos feel like?

 

Not everything feels like something else, love.

Unfortunately, you're going to have to get tattooed to really understand. 

 

♥︎  What’s the meaning of life?

 

We’re tattoo artists, not spiritual guides!

 

♥︎  What’s all this about the Cult of CaliLou’s?

 

Come get tattooed and find out...

 

♥︎  What do I do if my question wasn’t answered here?

 

Send us an email! We’re happy to help at: shop@caliloustattoos.com