FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo?
You must be 18 or over and must have a current, photo ID.
Do you take Credit Cards?
Yes but we add a percentage to the cost for sales tax; taking credit cards costs us more. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. You will need an additional photo ID to pay with plastic.
Do you take "walk-ins" or must I make an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome, but If you want a certain tattoo artist at at specific time you will need to make an appointment. A cash deposit is necessary for all appointments. If you are coming from out of town you can send a money order or certified check two weeks before to secure your appointment.
Can I charge my deposit on my credit card?
Yes you can, but deposits paid with credit cards will NOT be refunded if the appointment is cancelled. All payments on plastic must be done in person and with a valid photo ID, not over the phone.
How do I take care of my tattoo?
See the aftercare section on this website.
Is it safe?
We ALWAYS use new needles for EVERY person. Tubes are sterilized in autoclaves, which are spore-tested regularly. Other equipment is single use only.
Does it Hurt?
Yes it hurts, but everyone handles it differently. What you feel depends on who you are and how you prepare yourself. The body kicks in with endorphins to deal with pain.
What part of the body hurts the least, what hurts the most?
Areas with more muscle or fat will absorb the needle better and as a result hurt less. Places that hurt more are areas of high nerve concentration, errogenous zones like inner thigh, or right over bone. Certain areas that hurt a lot, like the ribcage, usually are chosen by those with more experience. If it's your first tattoo and you are nervous stick to the arm or leg. Really, you should get your tattoo wherever you envision it looking good regardless of pain, because once it's over you live with it forever.
Can I get high or drunk to deal with the pain?
Definitely not. Alcohol makes your surface blood vessels dilate, which means you will bleed more and it will be harder to have ink spread evenly in the skin. People who are drunk can never stay still while getting tattooed, which will result in a bad tattoo.
What is the best way to prepare for getting tattooed?
Get a good night sleep the night before, and eat a meal an hour or so before you come. Do not get drunk, take aspirin or any blood-thinning medication 24 hours before getting tattooed.
Can tattoos be removed?
Laser removal is expensive, requires many sessions, and is very painful, more painful than getting tattooed. Best not to go into a tattoo with the idea of zapping it off later, better to take your time and decide to get something you will be happy with years down the road. If you have some bad work or an old boy or girlfriend's name you want to be rid of, consider getting a cover-up tattoo instead.
If I have dark skin can I still get a Tattoo?
Absolutely, almost all of the artists at Rising Dragon have experience tattooing dark skin. The most important thing to understand is that the style should be adjusted for the design to be bold and show contrast well, especially if the person is very dark.
How much does it cost to get a tattoo at Chelsea Tattoo Company?
Our minimum charge is $80. All artists do custom work and charge about $150 per hour. More commonly we quote a price for the tattoo itself. If we feel it will take more than one session to complete a price is set per session until the tattoo is completed.
Should I tip my Tattoo Artist?
Tips are not mandatory, but you may tip if you are pleased with the job your tattooer has done. The service should be better than just "good enough" which is what you get in most places. If a tattoo artist has gone out of their way to make things good for you, or really set you up with something sweet, than by all means. What's typical? $10-$20 or about 10% of the total cost.
