Q: Can I be tattooed if I’m under 18?
No, if you are under 18 you cannot be tattooed in California – even with parental consent.
Q: Are the needles new?
Yes, our needles are sterile and single use. Every needle is properly disposed of in a sharps container, and all non-disposable equipment is sterilized using hospital grade sterilization by autoclave. Autoclaves are what dentists and surgeons use to sterilize their tools. Ours is regularly maintained and tested by an independent facility.
Q: What should I do to get ready for my tattoo?
Make sure to eat a good meal, remember to wear appropriate clothing for the area you are getting tattooed. Show up on time for your appointment. Don’t come in drunk or under the influence of any drugs.
Q: Can I bring a friend?
Yes, having a friend with you can make the process easier and more fun. Although, too many people can be a distraction so, please use your discretion.
Q: Do you take walk-ins?
Yes, we try to keep an artist on hand to take walk-ins on a daily basis, but we cannot guarantee availability. Please call ahead if you are looking to get tattooed at a specific time or date.
Q: How do I set up an appointment?
First you should decide which artist you’d like to work with by looking at their work online or in the shop. Once you’ve picked your artist, come in or call to setup a consultation for your artist to hear your ideas and view your reference. Once you’ve talked about the design you will put down a deposit that will go towards the cost of your tattoo and hold your place. Deposits range in price, but generally start around $40, depending on the tattoo.
Q: Is my deposit refundable?
No, deposits are not refundable. Deposits are compensation for the time spent on the drawing and are used to hold your place in our artist’s busy schedules. So please make sure that you are serious about your tattoo before making an appointment. If you need to reschedule please give as much notice as possible, and your deposit will be applied to the new appointment if at least 24 hours notice is given.
Q: How much will my tattoo cost?
Each artist works a little different when it comes to pricing. We charge an hourly rate of $160/hour or “by the piece” at a quoted price. The shop minimum is $80.
Q: Are the artists licensed?
Yes, Picture Machine Tattoo and its artists are all licensed professionals through the city of San Francisco’s health department.
Q: Can you tattoo over scars or stretch marks?
Yes, the skin must be fully healed before tattooing over any scar. If you are interested in getting a scar covered, please call to set up a consultation to have a tattoo artist take a look and discuss your options.
Q: Is there privacy available?
Yes, we have privacy screens that can be set up to make you feel more comfortable while being tattooed.
Q: Can a tattoo be covered or removed?
Yes, we can cover a tattoo. Be aware that a cover up is larger than the existing tattoo, and your options will be limited. Working with a tattoo artist will help you figure out the best way to cover up a tattoo. A specialist at a laser removal facility can remove tattoos, but we do not remove tattoos at our shop.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
We prefer cash, and also accept Visa, Mastercard,and Discover.
Q: Should I tip my tattoo artist?
Tipping is a standard practice when it comes to getting tattooed, and shows your artist how grateful you are for their hard work. No amount is right or wrong, your gesture is always appreciated.