FAQs

For most tattoos, yes. A consultation gives us chance to talk through your idea, placement, size, style, budget, and any questions you have before booking the tattoo itself. It also helps make sure we can design something that works properly on the skin.

Yes, our tattoo consultations are free. They are a relaxed way to chat through your idea, get advice, and see whether The Inkpot Studio is the right fit for your tattoo.

The Inkpot Studio is based in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. We welcome clients from Ross-on-Wye, Hereford, Monmouth, the Forest of Dean, Gloucester, and the surrounding areas.

Yes. The Inkpot Studio is fully licensed and insured, and tattooing is carried out by a licensed tattoo artist in a clean, professional studio environment.

Yes. Our premises tattoo licence and artist tattoo licence are available on our Licensing & Safety page for transparency and peace of mind.

Walk-ins may be available depending on the day, design, and artist availability, but booking ahead is always recommended. For anything custom, detailed, or larger than a very small tattoo, a consultation is usually the best first step.

You must be 18 or over to get a tattoo in the UK. We cannot tattoo anyone under 18, even with parental permission. Valid photo ID may be required.

Tattoo prices depend on the size, placement, detail, style, and time needed. Small tattoos may cost less than larger custom pieces, but every design is different. The best way to get an accurate price is to book a free consultation.

Because a tattoo is not just priced by size. Placement, detail, shading, colour, skin area, design time, and how long it will take to tattoo all affect the final quote. A quick consultation lets us price things properly and fairly.

Yes, most tattoo bookings require a deposit to secure your appointment. This protects the artist’s time and covers part of the preparation/design work. Deposit terms will be explained before you book. At The Inkpot this is generally 20%.

Deposits are usually non-refundable, especially if design work has begun or appointment time has been reserved. However, we understand life happens, so please contact us as early as possible if you need to rearrange.

Yes, but please give as much notice as possible. We may need a minimum notice period to move your appointment without losing your deposit.

The easiest way is to book a free consultation through our website. You can also contact us through our social media pages or visit the studio if we’re available.

Yes, absolutley. Consultations at Inkpot Studio come with a free coffee, because talking tattoos is better with a decent drink.

Yes. Custom tattoos are a big part of what we do. You can bring ideas, reference images, meanings, styles, or even just a rough concept, and we’ll help turn it into a tattooable design.

Yes, reference images are very helpful. They don’t need to be perfect — they just help us understand the style, mood, layout, or elements you like. We won’t directly copy another artist’s tattoo, but we can use references to create something personal to you.

No. We can use other tattoos as inspiration, but we won’t directly copy another artist’s work. Your tattoo should be designed for you, your body, and your placement.

That’s completely normal. You don’t need to arrive with everything figured out. A consultation is there to help shape your idea, narrow down the style, and work out what will actually make a good tattoo.

Yes, we can discuss handwriting, names, dates, memorial tattoos, and sentimental designs during your consultation. These pieces are often very personal, so we’ll take time to get the details right.

Yes. Small tattoos can be simple, but they still need to be designed properly. Very tiny details may not age well, so we’ll always advise you honestly on size, placement, and long-term readability.

Yes, tattoos can hurt, but the level of pain depends on the person, the placement, the size of the tattoo, and how long the session lasts. Most people find it manageable, especially with a calm studio environment and good preparation.

Pain varies, but ribs, feet, hands, fingers, elbows, knees, shins, sternum, and areas close to bone can be more uncomfortable. Fleshier areas like the upper arm or thigh are often easier for first tattoos.

Eat a proper meal, drink water, sleep well, avoid alcohol, and wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being tattooed. It’s also worth bringing a drink or snack for longer sessions.

No. Avoid alcohol before your tattoo appointment. Alcohol can thin the blood, affect how you sit, and make the tattooing process harder. We may refuse to tattoo you if you arrive under the influence.

Avoid taking anything that may thin your blood unless advised by a medical professional. If you regularly take medication or have a medical condition, let us know before your appointment.

Wear something comfortable and practical. Choose clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area and that you don’t mind potentially getting ink on.

Keep your tattoo clean, follow the aftercare instructions given by your artist, avoid picking or scratching it, and keep it away from swimming pools, baths, sunbeds, and direct sun while it heals.

The surface of a tattoo usually heals within a couple of weeks, but deeper healing can take longer. Everyone heals differently, and aftercare plays a big part in how well the tattoo settles.

Yes, you can shower, but avoid soaking the tattoo. Keep showers brief, use gentle cleaning, and pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Do not scrub the tattoo.

No. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, baths, and soaking the tattoo until it is fully healed. Soaking a fresh tattoo can increase the risk of irritation, poor healing, and infection.

It depends on the tattoo and where it is. Heavy sweating, friction, tight clothing, and gym equipment can irritate a fresh tattoo. We’ll advise you based on your tattoo placement and session.

Yes, light scabbing, peeling, dryness, and itching can be normal parts of healing. Do not pick or scratch it. If anything seems unusual, painful, swollen, very red, or infected, contact us or seek medical advice.

Contact us as soon as possible with a clear photo and explanation. We can advise whether it looks like normal healing or whether you should seek medical advice.

Some tattoos may need a touch-up after healing, especially delicate designs, fine line tattoos, small details, or tattoos in areas that move a lot. Skin healing varies from person to person.

Sometimes, yes. Touch-up policies depend on the tattoo, placement, healing, aftercare, and timeframe. We’ll explain this clearly when you book. If you’re unsure, contact us after your tattoo has fully healed.

Wait until the tattoo has fully healed before booking a touch-up. This usually means giving it several weeks so the skin has properly settled.

Yes. Inkpot Studio follows professional hygiene practices and works in a clean, controlled studio environment. We use appropriate cleaning, preparation, and hygiene procedures for tattooing.

Yes. Tattooing is carried out using professional equipment and safe hygiene practices, including exclusive use of sterile, single-use items.

No, we do not recommend getting tattooed while pregnant. It’s best to wait until after pregnancy and recovery. Your safety and the baby’s wellbeing come first.

This is something to discuss before booking. Many studios prefer to wait until you are no longer breastfeeding, as healing, immune response, and infection risk need to be considered carefully.

Possibly, but please tell us before booking. Certain conditions, medications, allergies, skin issues, or immune concerns may affect whether tattooing is suitable. In some cases, we may recommend speaking to your GP first.

Yes. Please tell us about any allergies, skin sensitivities, latex reactions, adhesive reactions, pigment reactions, or medical concerns before your appointment.

The upper arm, outer forearm, thigh, or calf can be good first tattoo placements because they are usually easier to sit for and heal. The best placement depends on your design, pain tolerance, and lifestyle.

Finger tattoos can fade, blur, or drop out more easily than tattoos in other areas because the skin is used constantly. We’ll always be honest about what to expect before tattooing fingers or hands.

Wrist tattoos can heal well, but the skin is thinner and the area moves a lot. Very delicate designs may heal lighter or need extra care. We’ll advise on size and detail so the tattoo has the best chance of ageing well.

Fine line tattoos can look beautiful, but they need careful design and realistic expectations. Very tiny details may soften over time, so we’ll guide you on what will work best.

Cover-ups may be possible, depending on the existing tattoo. They usually need more planning, and the new design often needs to be darker, larger, or more detailed than the old tattoo. A consultation is essential.

Sometimes, but it depends on the scar, age, texture, and skin condition. Scars usually need to be fully healed and settled before tattooing. We can discuss this during a consultation.