We strongly suggest visiting our studio ahead of time to book an appointment for a tattoo. All booked in clients get priority over walk in appointments. We usually can't fit walk-in appointments as most of our clients pre-book. As we operate quite a busy studio we do suggest calling ahead to book a tattoo consultation with us first.
During the consultation we'll discuss your rough ideas with the tattoo artists and help guide you in the right direction. At your consult it’s recommended to bring us your ideas, sketches, pictures, or browse through the thousands of designs we have here at our studio. This will help us get an idea of what style etc. that you like. We’ll work with your ideas and help design you a custom tattoo.
After the consultation we can then book you an actual tattoo appointment. All tattoo appointments require a small deposit, usually around $30-$100 depending on the size of the tattoo. This deposit is subtracted from the price of your tattoo on your appointment date. If you don't show up for your scheduled appointment or if you don't give us 48 hours notice of cancellation, then you may lose you deposit. On your appointment date we request that you show up a few minutes early to fill out the appropriate waiver form and to discuss any last minute questions you may have.
Unfortunately it’s difficult to book tattoo appointments through email as there is a lot of information to discuss, such as style, size, placement, colours, price, time needed etc. This makes it extremely difficult to email proper tattoo quotes. The tattoo artists don't have direct access to replying to emails, and with the number of emails we receive; it's difficult to answer them all with the proper information.
Important: This option is only available to clients that do not have an easy way to visit our studio, usually reserved to those out of town, another province or even country. We will try to help you out as much as possible through email and phone conversations. The first step would be to email us as much information as possible about your tattoo idea so we have a clear idea of what you want done. To make this easy we’ve listed a few important pieces of information to include with your email.
Tattoo description or picture?
Estimated size?
Placement on body?
Colour or black and grey?
Did you have an artist in mind?
It's sometimes difficult to email quotes, and have consults through email etc. as the tattoo artists don't have direct access to replying to emails. Also with the number of emails we receive it's difficult to answer them all with the proper information. As you’re from out of town we’ll try our best to make this work for you. If further consultation is needed we’ll probably have one of our artists contact you by phone. The artist will be able to get your full ideas, placement, size, etc and give more of accurate quote and time needed to get it done. This way you'll get the best service possible and get the perfect tattoo you're looking for.
At the time of booking we require a small deposit (usually between $50-$100) depending on the size of the tattoo. This deposit also comes off the price of your tattoo. Out of town clients can send us a deposit through our secure PayPal account. Just follow the steps on the
www.paypal.ca website how to send money. You personally don't need to have a PayPal account in order to pay us, you can just use your credit card on the site. Once the transfer is complete, you and I will both receive a receipt for the transaction. The email address that you will be transferring the money to will be
info@thrivestudios.ca
We require all clients to produce proper identification upon request to get a tattoo at Thrive Studios. ID accepted is a Driver's License, Passport, Health Card with photo, BYID card, Birth Certificate with Student Card. The age for getting tattooed is 18 with proper ID. Clients that are 16 or 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent with proper identification.
This seems to be the most popular question in regards to getting a tattoo. Yes I guess you can say it "hurts" however it's not an unbearable pain. Everyone has a different pain threshold so what may hurt one person may not hurt the other. Most people describe this feeling as a "hot scratch sensation" or more of an "annoying" pain. I can't recall a single incident where a client has not finished their tattoo due to the pain associated with it. Many of our clients are very nervous prior to getting their tattoo and then feel extremely relieved after the procedure. A common thing we hear afterwards is that it didn't hurt as much as they thought it would. We will make sure you go through a relatively painless procedure and make this a very enjoyable experience for you. If it hurt so bad then there wouldn't be as many people with tattoos and we wouldn't be in business!
I'm afraid of needles and very nervous! What can I do to help me get through this?
Many people have a fear of needles which prevents them from getting a tattoo. I believe that this fear can be overcome once you get your first tattoo. Most of the pain associated with getting tattooed is all in our head. We have repeat clientele that are becoming less nervous with each procedure they get done. It's normal to be nervous prior to getting your tattoo but it usually subsides quickly once you get it started. If you're nervous about watching it being done you can always look the other way until you're comfortable. Usually after the first few minutes you'll become more relaxed and excited about seeing the final outcome.
To achieve proper sterilization it takes multiple steps. Just owning an autoclave (sterilizer) doesn't mean its functioning properly or even achieving sterilization. At Thrive Studios we will always follow these guidelines below to provide you the safety that you deserve.
- After a tattoo procedure, our tubes are submerged in a high level disinfectant bath. These tools will soak in a covered biohazard container until the sterilization process begins.
- All tools will be brought to our sterilization room to be scrubbed free of any debris. Our tools are scrubbed with a metal polishing compound using metal and nylon brushes and then rinsed.
- All tools will then be placed in a covered ultrasonic cleaner for at least 15 minutes. The ultrasonic creates micro bubbles created by vibration which helps break down any pathogens attached to the tools.
- Tools are rinsed once again and allowed to air dry.
- Each tool is individually packaged in sterilization pouches and sealed.
- The packaged tools are then placed in the autoclave with an indicator strip to ensure the autoclave is working properly.
- The autoclave is run for a 30 minute cycle reaching a temperature of 274 degrees. This kills all living organisms and spores.
- Tools are then allowed to dry once again before leaving the sterilization area.
- All equipment is then returned to the working areas and placed into covered drawers until the next piercing or tattoo procedure.
- All our tattoo needles are SINGLE USE and disposed of immediately afterwards in a sharps container. Absolutely no needles should ever be reused.
At Thrive Studios we surpass the health board standards and we will continue to uphold the highest guidelines in the industry. Our sterilization area is visible to our clients so you can learn about the sterilization process from beginning to end.
Spore testing is the most common way to ensure that an autoclave is working properly. In short, it works by running a package of living spores through an autoclave cycle. This package is then sent to a laboratory which attempts to incubate it. If anything is still alive, then the autoclave did not achieve sterility. Spore tests actually test the autoclaves ability to kill even the most dangerous and resistant organisms such as HIV, Hepatitis and other bloodborne pathogens. Indicator strips are also run with each sterilization load as an extra precaution. These indicator strips turn colour during the sterilization process if the proper heat has been achieved during the cycle. Our strips are available to view at anytime if you wish to see them. Also our weekly spore testing certificate is framed in our lobby for your viewing to ensure you that our equipment is in good working order. Learn more about Spore Testing HERE.
In most cases the answer is no. Usually if they are not working in a studio environment it's for a good reason. Usually it's because they have just purchased their cheap tattoo kit on Ebay and now think they are a tattoo artist. Basically they are more than likely not properly trained and putting you at risk. Beware as they will tell you that they are fully qualified and trained and everything is sterilized. To the average Joe this seems to be enough of an answer to trust them. Most in-home tattoo artists are too cheap to purchase the proper disinfectants (not Windex) and most likely not able to afford a proper autoclave (sterilizer) for this industry. Your stove or oven doesn't work for proper sterilization! My best advice for your own personal safety would be to avoid these establishments altogether and seek out a professional studio that has to at least abide by minimal health board standards.
I found a picture of someone else's tattoo on the internet; can I get the same one?
We would prefer to help you design a custom tattoo of your own. Most artists will not duplicate tattoos that are already on someone else as it may be a custom design of their own. If you have pictures or ideas from an existing tattoo you have seen in the past you can still bring it into us and we can help design something custom for you based on these ideas. Certain tattoos can obviously be duplicated such as sports logos, symbols, flags, cartoon characters etc. but for the most part we will still try to add some additional "flare" to these designs.
No, once again these are custom tattoos designed specifically for the person getting it done. We don't believe its right to rip off someone else's custom tattoo. If you have your own personal ideas bring them into us and we can help you out.
We don't recommend bringing your toddler as we cannot properly watch them while you are getting work done. Please arrange for babysitting prior to your appointment. NO PETS whatsoever.
We do allow friends and family in the room with you as moral support. Space is limited to two guests per client however the artist reserves the right to remove anyone from the tattoo room at any time. Children are not permitted in the piercing or tattoo room. All we ask is that your friends remain calm and quiet as piercing and tattooing take a lot a concentration and skill. Please turn off all cell phones as they can be a distraction during the tattoo or piercing process.
If you're pregnant or nursing we wouldn't suggest getting pierced or tattooed. Your goal is to provide the best nourishment and staying healthy for your child. Getting pierced or tattooed will put a strain on your immune system which can harm you and your child's well being. Wait a few months after your child birth or after nursing so your immune system can get back on track. You will definitely have much better healing results if you wait.
Tattoos start at $50 and can go up from there averaging at approximately $100 per hour. You can view our thousands of tattoo ideas here at our studio or bring us in your thoughts and we can help design your tattoo for you. Once you bring us your ideas we can usually get you a quote for your tattoo.
Sure it's greatly appreciated to receive tips and most artists will happily accept. However, tipping doesn't always have to be money. A simple "thank you" and handshake showing appreciation for the work you just had done will go a long way. Let the artist know how happy you are with your new tattoo or piercing. Telling your friends, giving referrals and being a repeat customer is often enough as a tip. Be creative, some of the best tips we have received have been simple gifts, baked goods, even an occasional coffee. If its cash you decide to show your gratitude with and you can afford it then your artist will be more than happy to accept. To sum it all up, tips are greatly appreciated but not expected.
Yes we do and it seems to be on everyone's wish list. Our gift certificates are can be purchased in any denomination and available at any time. Surprise grandma with one today!
