FAQ’s

Getting a Tattoo

Lets face it tattoos are pretty awesome, some even reckon they make us 10% cooler, whether thats true or not doesn’t matter. Getting a tattoo is not about what anyone else thinks but you. It can be a rewarding and liberating experience, a representation of ones freedom of expression, whether to commemorate an experience or simply the love of artwork. If you’ve come to the realisation that you want a tattoo, then here’s some things to consider ( bit of a read but tattoos are forever !).

Do your research - Educate yourself, as much as possible. Please don’t expect us to be mind readers! There are plenty of online resources you can use for inspiration and reference. Giving us the information we need will help us create the best tattoo for you. With that said, give your artist room to get creative. We consider ourselves to be pretty good at what we do, but please make sure you look at our art and our processes to make sure we are the right fit for you. Just as you have the right to refuse or choose us, please be aware that we also have the right to decline any work we don’t feel aligns with our values or style.

Be Realistic - We have all seen an episode or two of ink master but that’s not the reality of how tattoos are done. We’re not magicians, the tattoo process takes time and we have been doing this a while. Trust in us and we will provide you the best advice we can. We will discuss and guide you in what we think will work best. Some tattoo designs will take longer than others depending on size, detail, black and grey , colour and also yourself. Everyone has a different skin and varying pain thresholds, this factors into the tattoo process. The chances are that if you don’t generally care for your skin or protect yourself from the sun - your tattoo will not look the same as it would if tattooed on well nourished, undamaged skin . Lather up and invest in a skincare routine, we love supple skin!

We are human, not robotic skin printers so please don’t expect us to exactly replicate an image you pulled from another tattooist on Google. We’re here to provide you with your very own, unique tattoo. We will use your references and make them your own but we’re not about copying others artwork to exact. Imagine someone copied you own original design? We all have our own style and ability, our portfolio should give you an indication of what our abilities are.

Booking - Once you have read all the FAQs and asked any questions you may have, we will discuss availability and who you’d like to book with. Don’t feel scared to make changes to your ideas while waiting for your appointment, we are quite flexible provided you are working within the scope of your selected artist. If you have never been into the studio, feel free to pop past and introduce yourself prior to your appointment. Just be mindful that we will be quite focused on our current work, but we’re always excited to meet our new clients in person.

Please be aware that Saturdays do book out well in advanced. While we will try to get you in as soon as possible, there is only two artists here. We run a semi private studio so If being patient isn’t for you, please refrain from behaving like an entitled brat. Remember, the booking process is also a screening opportunity to decide if we are the right fit for you. We want to satisfy all of our clients and have learned from experience that we cannot please everyone who sends us a message. We would much to prefer to turn a client away than risk providing a substandard experience. We are mindful of only taking on clients we believe we can give our best efforts to. We strive for quality not quantity and want you to walk away a super happy Chappy.

Cost- I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “Good tattoos ain’t cheap and cheap tattoos ain’t good” We understand that tattoos can be costly. Please don’t come to us expecting something for nothing. We won’t compromise our standards to give you a rushed tattoo, we can give you an estimate of what a tattoo may cost but a tattoo will take as long as it takes. If you have a budget, make sure you bring this up with us so we can set realistic goals prior to booking your appointment. Remember tattoos are luxuries and not a necessity so if you can’t afford it now, wait until you can.

Tattoos are Permanent - It’s very difficult and painful to remove tattoos via laser removal. Your skin will never return to the way it was before. Do not get a tattoo unless you intend to live with it forever. Put consideration into what you are getting. Make sure you double, triple, quadruple check the spelling of names and dates you want incorporated before you come in.

Touch ups - Everyone heals at different rates and have varying outcomes. We highly recommend looking after that tattoo you just went through all the pain to get. There are is a huge variety of reasons as to why you may require a touch up. Your occupation, sun exposure, sports you play, aftercare or lack there of, your age, health condition, rejection of particular pigments, placement on high cell turn over areas, wear and tear (hands, feet, fingers etc). We can touch up these things when doing your next tattoo or you can book a touch up session.

There are no free touch ups as we cannot control how your body reacts to the healing process or what activities you partake in once you leave the studio. This is also why we encourage you to decide whether you are happy to help an apprentice learn or if you should spend that extra money for the experience.

Please make sure you are completely happy with your design before we pack up our gear. If you want that extra line or a small alteration, it is your responsibility to let us know (again we can’t read minds). Once all of that single-use and very expensive gear is in the bin, we would need to set up and open more equipment therefore incurring further cost to you.

Age - Howling Wolf requires that you be eighteen (18) years of age or older to obtain services at our studio. You will be asked to present a valid, legal ID before we will start work. We do not advocate the tattooing of anyone under the age of eighteen.

Consent Form - All clients are required to read and sign a “Consent to Application of Tattoo and Release and Waive of All Claims” form prior to receiving services from Howling Wolf. Please read it carefully and make sure that you understand what you are signing. If you do not understand something in the consent form, do not sign it without asking for clarification first.

Design Process - We ask that you send us reference images, size and location when contacting us, this helps us find the right Artist for you. Your tattoo is designed at the beginning of your tattoo appointment so any adjustments can be made in real time to ensure you are happy with the final design. While you wait for the stencil to be done there are local cafes to grab a bite!

Pricing-

Chris: $180 per hour (minimum of 4 hours) or $1200 for full day session.
Faye (Apprentice): $100 - $120 per hour.

*** Full payment is to be made in full on the day of your tattoo. We’re not kmart, we do not do payment plans***

Our Artists base their entire day around you. If you don’t show up, not only do our Artists lose income for the day but others who may have been able to fill the appointment also miss out.

The booking fee is required to confirm your booking; this is credited to the cost of your tattoo and holds your appointment time. We request a minimum of 48hours notice of reschedule/ cancelation of appointment.

All booking fees are non-refundable, though may be used as credit for a future appointment if you have given enough notice to reschedule.

Please note: if you have already rescheduled once, a second rescheduling will forfeit your booking fee and a new payment will be required to rebook. We have wages to pay and serial rescheduling wastes staffs time and creates a lot of work for our admin and artists.

Drinking and Drugs - We do not tattoo anyone known to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This often leads to poor judgement and decision making. Let’s be honest drunk ppl are pretty annoying and hard to focus around - save that shit for when you get home. Alcohol and/or drugs will thin your blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding, increased risk of infection and in turn result in a poorly healed tattoo. If you are taking prescribed medications, please tell your artist ahead of time.

Smokers - We ask that smokers go outside at either the rear of the building or well away from the entrance of the studio. Smoking is not permitted at our entrance and we also would like our clients to be mindful that we do neighbour a cafe with outdoor service.

Medical Conditions - If you’re under the care of a physician for a medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, please tell your artist ahead of time. If a medical emergency arises while you are at our studio, we will be better prepared to handle it.

If you have any sensory requirements or feel there’s anything we should know that will increase your comfort during your session, don’t be scared let us know.

Tattoo Preparation - Before your appointment we prefer that our clients arrive having prepared themselves hygienically (remember we don’t like stinky feet or bad breath either). If you have a chance apply moisturiser regularly in the days prior to your appointment, this helps keep the skin in good condition for tattooing. Getting a tattoo burns up energy so its advised that you come well rested and have something to eat and drink before hand. Remember to dress appropriately for the area we will be tattooing, that means non restrictive clothing that is comfortable. The tattoo process can produce excess ink which can permanently stain clothing, we recommend not wearing your best clothing. The main part of our shop is a public space meaning if you are not comfortable with this, we can arrange for a more private session if need be (please ask beforehand).

The Tattoo Process - We understand that for some people the idea of getting the tattoo can be a daunting experience. To answer your first question YES a tattoo does hurt. The tattoo process shouldn’t be taken lightly. As the artist, we try to use the best practices available to make the tattoo process as least traumatic to the body as possible. Every artist works differently but the ultimate goal is to create the best tattoo possible, taking into consideration the individual clients body (as previously discussed, every persons skin is different depending on age, integrity, health conditions, fluid retention, lifestyle and ability to heal).

Some people are more prone to adverse skin reactions regarding the process of tattooing. We want to provide our best to you, so please take our advice and recommendations as we assess and consider all contributing factors (to best of our ability) before we tattoo you.

Involuntary twitching, sneezing etc does happen but try to sit still and refrain from making sudden movements (where it can be helped). Swiping on your phone aggressively or talking with your hands can making our job harder. If you want those crispy lines, be conscious of the movements you’re making. Slow and steady breathing whilst being tattooed makes life easier for both you and your artist.

The tattoo process can use up a lot of energy . Your body requires energy and stamina to get through bigger sessions. In our experience, bringing high energy food and drink eg: lollies, chocolate, sugary drinks ect…will help during the process. Be mindful of high caffeine products as they can be anxiety inducing and of course stay within your individual dietary requirements.

A tattoo takes time and we don’t intend to do any rush jobs, if you are concerned with the amount of time you might need to sit to completion then please tell us before we start. If we end up extending your session on the day, please make sure you are financially able to do so.

Occasionally larger pieces require several sessions, if your body has had enough it’s always best to come back and finish the piece when you are well rested and completely healed. There’s no point trying to push ink into skin that is just no longer accepting it properly.

The Studio - We have created our studio to be a comfortable and calming space. Please remember that we need to be focused to create the work you desire. This means the more comfortable you are, the easier it is for us to do our best.

We are not a fully private studio and do have to attend to walk in inquiries from time to time, but we try to do this with as minimal disruption as possible. We ask that you be respectful of us and others around you while in the studio. If you are nervous, having a support person with you whist you get your tattoo can help but please be aware that any rowdy or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.

While we want to share the amazing space we have created, here are some serious points to consider prior to your visit -

Do not walk past the front counter without permission to do so. While we appreciate you may have children, we are not a daycare centre (we run an 18+ environment), the studio is not appropriate nor a safe space for miniature humans. The studio is not suited for mates to hangout while you’re being tattooed, please limit your support to ONE person only. If you come into the studio with an enquiry, be mindful of the clients we are currently working with (this is their time and they are who we are focused on, you will appreciate this factor when it’s your turn in the chair).

We do not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobic, ableist or derogatory behaviour. Keep your manners in check, for surrounding clients and our staff. Anyone who doesn’t respect our staff, clients space or studio rules will be told to leave and unlikely welcome back.

Inks and Equipment - No shitty eBay specials here! Our inks and equipment are from supplers with Australian regulated and approved products. Australian standards only approve Vegan inks and products not tested on animals. We only use high quality inks, top quality needles and the highest grade equipment.

Tattoo Aftercare - Every artist has their own preferred aftercare, if they give you care instructions we recommend following these as this is what they have found to work best for their work.

What you will need:
- Unscented antibacterial/antimicrobial liquid soap
- Ointment such as Bepanthen first aid, or a tattoo specific aftercare product such as supreme crème. (Do not use anything with aloe in it, antiseptic/iodine ointment, Lubriderm, Chapstick, Vaseline or haemorrhoid cream).
- Unscented mild skin lotion

*Healing tattoos are open wounds and are at risk for infection. Monitor the tattoo and if any signs of infection occur, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Symptoms of infection include: excessive redness and or swelling, severe itching, or pus at the tattoo site, accompanied by fever.

Making You Aware – The Risks

While tattooing is considered generally safe and we take all possible precautions to safeguard your health, there are known risks associated with the process. The Web is an excellent way to research all the risks associated with tattoos and to learn about the things you should look for when selecting a studio (Please take the time to only use reputable sources). We advise you to consider all risks prior to obtaining a new tattoo from any studio.

Allergic Reactions - You may experience an allergic reaction to the dyes, pigments, skin cleansing products and processes used in tattooing. We cannot determine or guarantee that you will not have an allergic reaction. If you are unsure or are concerned, start with a small tattoo first. However, this still will not guarantee that you will not experience an allergic reaction to larger tattoos.

Bacterial Infection - Tattoos can lead to bacterial infections, particularly if they are not properly cared for. Following our aftercare instructions can help reduce the risk of infection. However, if your immune system is suppressed due to illness or you have an allergy to any part of the process, your risk for infection is greater. If you have any questions regarding the care of your tattoo, call us!

Other Things You Should Know

• Your natural skin colour will affect the brightness of colour in your healed tattoo (imagine a tinted stocking over a painting).
• Variations in colour and design may exist between any tattoo you select and as ultimately applied to your body.
• Obtaining a tattoo is by your choice alone.
• A tattoo is a permanent change to your appearance and no representations can be made to you regarding the ability to change, alter, or remove any tattoo.
• Health Department Warning: Tattooing May cause scarring, bleeding and nerve damage.

If you are unhappy with your outcome , talk to us. We are always willing to explain anything that you may not understand or work together to achieve your desired result. Be fair, we can spot a scammer a mile away, we’ve heard it all ! We will do our best to address genuine concerns.

Location/ Parking

We are located on the Main Street of Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction. We have no on site parking but there is plenty of street parking and Woolworths carpark is all day parking and only a short walk from the shop.

Please DO NOT attempt to park behind the shop, this is reserved for staff only.

Services and Ammenities

The Studio is located right next door to one of the best Cafe’s in the Yarra Valley ‘RED RELISH’ they supply us with fresh coffee and awesome food perfect for our clients to have a bite to eat and drink.

Across the road is Woolworths Supermarket, there is a chemist , Bendigo bank and Commonwealth bank directly across the road from us.

We have bathroom facilities here at the Studio. We discreetly provide feminine products so nobody gets caught out in an uncomfortable situation. Getting tattooed can be sweaty work so there is also spray on deodorant in the powder room if you feel you need a freshen up during your bathroom breaks.