Studio Info and FAQ’s
Current Rate:
The current rate at Ink Joy Tattoo is $125 per hour. Minimum shop rate is $80 (this rate if for smaller pieces that would take about a half hour or so to complete). Please note that the hourly rate will be increasing to $150 per hour starting July 1, 2026.
Flash tattoos are pre-designed, pre-sized, and ready to roll, priced at $50 and $100 - see the Flash page for all available designs (please note that modifications to the designs are possible, but they will be charged at the normal shop rate).
Touch up appointments - please note that I generally do not charge for touch ups depending on circumstances (for example, if the touch up is due to lack of saturation during the tattoo process, this will not be charged). If you have picked or scratched your tattoo, or ran into something, cut yourself, was bit by a dog or small child, the touch up will be charged per my rate stated above. Please note that free touch up appointments are only available up to one year from the tattoo being completed. Should you require any touch ups after this time, it will be charged per my rate stated above.
Deposits & Cancellations:
A $50 deposit is required for all new clients. A deposit may be required for returning clients if there is a history of cancellations or no-shows (you will be notified if this is required).
The deposit will be applied at the time of your appointment (if multiple sittings are required, the deposit will be applied at your first appointment).
If the tattoo design has been started, the deposit will be forfeit if you cancel your appointment or want a full change to the design.
If you need to reschedule - a call, text, email, or message is required 24 hours prior to your appointment. Your deposit will be forfeit if the appointment is cancelled within 24 hours, if you are more than a half hour late for your appointment, or if you do not show up for your appointment. You will receive reminder notifications by email and text (but honestly, who could forget about a tattoo appointment!?!)
In case of inclement weather or illness and you need to cancel, you will not lose your deposit. Unfortunately, I may not be able to reschedule you until my next available appointment (I apologize, you may be waiting a while).
If I cancel your appointment within 24 hours, you will receive a credit of $50 off your next scheduled appointment (this cannot be transferred as cash or gift card, this is just my way of apologizing for having to cancel!).
Other Studio Policies:
All payments must be made immediately after the tattoo.
Payments accepted are Cash (preferred), Credit Card, or eTransfer (inkjoytattoo@outlook.com).
Only minor changes to the design may be made at the time of the appointment. Your approval of the design, size, and detail will be obtained prior to your appointment.
You must bring government-issued identification with you. Parental consent is required for anyone under 18. Please note that the minimum age for a tattoo at Ink Joy Tattoo is 16 years old, dependent on design and location, with parental consent and accompaniment.
My studio is small, please limit your moral support to 1 friend.
This is a scent free space - please avoid wearing perfume or cologne.
No pets or children allowed.
If you smoke, please use the ashtray provided outside the studio entrance.
Feel free to park in the driveway or on the corner of Culloden and Young Street - please avoid parking on the grass.
FAQ’s:
I am a tattoo newbie, where do I start?
The first question to ask yourself is what would you like to get! If you don’t know, you can always have a look at some flash (tattoo designs that are ready to roll). If you don’t like that idea, there are millions of ideas online. I cannot tell you what you should get, I can only make suggestions - skulls, snakes, roses, butterflies, hummingbirds, reapers, fairies…I could go on!
When you have an idea of what you would like, I always recommend searching for an artist that you like! Search online for different studios and artists, take a look portfolios and see what style of tattoo you are drawn to! I dabble in pretty much everything (except realism...for now!) - feel free to browse my portfolio!
When you find an artist that you like, reach out to them! Most artists have their preferred method of communication or an online booking system. Keep in mind that some artists specialize in certain styles and don’t always want to do what you want - don’t be offended, keep looking around for someone you can work with! Feel free to reach out to me here with any questions you have or designs you have in mind!
How do I get a quote for a tattoo?
Some artists charge by the hour, and some charge by the design. At the very least, your artist will need to know a few things (I recommend preparing this before reaching out!):
What do you want to get? Good idea to figure that out first! One thing to consider…if you find a design online that you LOVE, do not expect an artist to replicate it exactly as it is (most artists will not duplicate an original design). Also consider what style of tattoo would you like. Black and grey, fine line, colour, traditional, neo-traditional, Japanese, realism, semi-realism…should I continue? Do a search online about the many different styles you can choose from! A picture is worth a thousand words…providing images of designs you like will really help an artist understand the style and vibe you want.
How big would you like the tattoo? Provide an approximate measurements in inches or centimeters (or full sleeve, half sleeve, etc.). I recommend that you avoid taking a photo of the placement unless you include a tape measure (using your fingers to show how big you want it is not an accurate measurement!). Dig out those grade school rulers!
Where do you want to get the tattoo? Generally, artists will design a tattoo to compliment a specific area on your body. In addition, if you want the tattoo on your neck vs your forearm, the cost will likely be more as the neck is a more delicate and difficult area to tattoo and generally takes longer. Some artists (myself included) like to see a good photo of the area where you want the tattoo, and best to have someone else take the picture. Think of it this way…if the artist is using that photo to send a superimposed design back to you, you won’t be able to see the image very well if you provide them with an awkward selfie!
Is a deposit required?
You will be notified if a deposit is required. Some artists require a deposit and others do not! Read the studio’s policy to find out if it is required, and if so, ensure you are aware of their cancellation policy or if your deposit is refundable.
I have made and appointment and given a deposit, what’s next?
The hardest part is waiting! Your artist should let you know when (or if) you will see your design before your appointment. Many artists will not show you a design until the day of your appointment - this is typical for many different reasons:
The client could take the design, cancel their appointment, and find someone cheaper to do it (that’s just down right rude if you as me!!).
When a client sits down and looks at the design for too long, sometimes they either want a ton of changes or change their mind entirely.
The artist may be very busy and only has a short amount of time to work on it before your appointment.
There are many different reasons, but never be afraid to ask!
I do my absolute best to send over a design about a week beforehand, although if I am a bit busier than usual sometimes it is only a few days prior to the appointment (I apologize in advance!). I want to ensure my client is 100% happy with what they are getting before they even get here. This way I can make any changes they would like, and have it prepared so I’m ready to go right away!
How should I prepare for my appointment?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment. I recommend the following:
Drink extra water for a few days before your appointment to help hydrate your skin (yes, less beer, more water!)
Moisturizer the area you are getting tattooed for a few days leading up to your appointment (it rubs the lotion on its skin…).
If you are a sun-worshiper, keep the area you are getting tattooed covered up or put on some SPF 1000!! If you are burnt to a crisp, you may need to rebook.
Avoid drinking alcohol within 24 hours of the tattoo.
Be sure to eat a good meal BEFORE your tattoo! Trust me. Clients who pass out, get dizzy, or feel nauseous during the tattoo admit they did not eat beforehand. Eating will help your body throughout the painful process!
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that will allow access to the area being tattooed. And on that note…if you don’t want your beautiful white cashmere sweater ending up looking like you lost a fight with a sharpie marker, I always recommend wearing old clothes that you don’t care too much about. I don’t know about other artists, but I am messy and clumsy!
This is my first tattoo, what should I expect?
Everyone experiences pain a bit different! I like to describe it as a burning cat scratch. It is not typically a comfortable experience (although some people really do sleep while getting inked!). If you are anxious, I am more than happy to give you a “dry run” - run a needle on your skin without ink so you have an idea of what to expect and calm down some of the anxiety. There are a few things (even for tattoo veterans) that you should never be afraid to ask for:
Changing the position of the tattoo stencil
Changing the size of the tattoo stencil
Taking a break or shifting positions if you’re uncomfortable
Having a drink or a snack
Borrowing a squeeze ball
At the end of the day, tattoos hurt, plain and simple. Everyone has their way of managing the pain, so if you need distractions, bring some! Some studios play music, have tv’s, or have artwork plastered all over the walls to admire! I usually have music videos rockin…and some of them are definitely distracting! Feel free to bring ear buds, a book, or a buddy to help distract you!
Can I use numbing cream?
I highly recommend reaching out to your artist first - some artists will refuse to tattoo you if you arrive with numbing cream already applied.
At my studio you can use numbing cream, but I don’t offer any here. Just a warning that some folks find the tattoo process a bit more painful when the numbing cream wears off. Additionally, some individuals react a bit weird when using it - the skin can get a bit tougher or can even feel a bit squishier (please be advised that the tattoo may not heal as expected and a touch up fee will apply if you do choose this option). I recommend trying out the cream on a small patch of skin before using it on appointment day to ensure it does not react negatively.
If you do decide to use numbing cream:
Find a cream that has at least 5% lidocaine.
Apply a decent layer of cream about an hour before your appointment and cover with saran wrap the whole time. Reapply another layer just before you making your way over, and cover back up with saran wrap - I will remove the wrap and clean the area when you get here.
How do I take care of my tattoo?
With some awesome, fresh ink, there are a few options you will have for protecting your tattoo. Most artists provide gauze to cover the area, some provide “second skin” (Saniderm, Tagaderm, etc. - there are many different brand names, but they all do the same thing - it is a clear adhesive to cover the area), and some artists may not provide any coverage. I give the option of all three methods. If you are not allergic to adhesives, I generally recommend using the second skin. I find it is very convenient, especially for the first night of healing!
Before you leave, your artist will explain their recommendations. As for me, I recommend just staying CLASSY!
C - Clean your tattoo for a few days, using unscented soap & water and pat dry!
L - Let your tattoo breathe! Wear loose, lightweight clothing around your new ink.
A - Avoid direct sun exposure for as long as possible.
S - Stay out of pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, oceans, etc. until healed (showers are fine!).
S - Scabbing is NORMAL! Let the scabs fall off naturally. Do not pick, scratch, or poke at your new ink!
Y - YOU are ultimately responsible for your aftercare, but I am always here to answer any questions!
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Ink Joy Tattoo anytime!