FAQs
Do you do piercings?
No.
How old do I need to be to get tattooed?
You must be 18 years old with valid photo ID- state issued drivers license or identification card. According to the City of Boston’s regulations, everyone must show a photo ID which will be photocopied in order to get tattooed. No ID, no tattoo. If you are under 18, you cannot get tattooed, even with parental permission.
How do I make an appointment?
Call 617-522-6444 or fill out our Appointment Request Form. We are open seven days a week.
We take walk-in clients seven days a week. Give the shop a call to check on availability.
Who are the artists, and what is their tattooing experience?
Our full-time tattoo artists are Fat Ram, Roz, Josh, Binx, and Ryan. Each artist has their own unique style; please see their individual pages for more info and photos of their art.
What are the prices?
The shop minimum price for a tattoo is $100. Thereafter, the price varies on the size of the tattoo, the amount of time it will take, and the artist. Artists work at a rate of $200/hr or $250/hr, depending on the artist. Fill out the Appointment Request Form and we can give you a better idea on the price.
How do I take care of my tattoo?
Remove the bandage after 3-5 hours. Wash the tattoo with anti-bacterial soap and warm water, and pat dry with a paper or clean cloth towel. Allow to air dry for 5-10 minutes. Apply a VERY thin layer of ointment like Aquaphor. Wash the tattoo and apply a THIN layer of ointment once a day for four days. Around this time the tattoo will start to shed a thin flaky layer of skin. DO NOT scratch or pick at your tattoo. At this point you can switch to a moisturizer- don’t let your tattoo get dried out for the first few weeks.
If the artist applied a Saniderm bandage, leave it on for about four days. You may see blood, plasma, and ink collect inside the bandage. On the fourth day, gently peel the bandage off in a hot shower and clean with antibacterial soap. Apply an unscented lotion as needed.
REMEMBER:
Do not touch your healing tattoo without washing your hands first. Don’t let your tattoo get sunburned- this can compromise the color. When spending time outdoors, always put sunblock on your tattoo, except when it is still healing. Avoid soaking your tattoo for the first two weeks or so- this includes swimming, baths and jacuzzis. It’s okay to get it wet, just don’t let it soak. If you have any questions about your tattoo please call us at: 617-522-6444. At the first sign of infection, contact us and your doctor. Signs of infection include: Prolonged redness, swelling, rash, discharge, or fever. The better you take care of your tattoo in the months after you get it the better it will look in the long run. Remember- don’t let your new tattoo get any sun!
What kind of sterilization does the studio have?
We have steam autoclave sterilization. Our autoclave is spore tested monthly and the results are kept on record. ALL NEEDLES ARE SINGLE USE.
What kind of training do the artists have?
All of the artists are professionals with many years of experience and their creative pursuits extend beyond tattooing to illustration, graffiti, painting, toy making, sculpture, and printmaking. They are licensed and inspected by the Boston Public Health Commission. All are trained in CPR, First Aid, and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens (more info about licensing below.)
Where are you located?
We are located at 374 Centre St in Jamaica Plain (Boston). We are easily accessible by car and public transportation. We encourage the use of the T whenever possible because parking can be scarce sometimes.
Are the artists and studio licensed? What are the licensing requirements?
The studio and each body art practitioner is licensed with the City of Boston’s Public Health Commission. The requirements include documented experience and proof of apprenticeship, classes in First Aid, CPR, and OSHA bloodborne pathogens; which includes universal precautions, waste disposal, handwashing techniques, sterilization equipment operation and methods, and sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization methods and techniques. The studio itself is also licensed and inspected for safety in accordance with the city regulations, which includes separate rooms for each practitioner, individual handwashing sinks in each area, and a separate sterilization area and reception area.
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Yes. How much it hurts though varies from person to person and depends on where the tattoo is placed and how large it is. It is important to be prepared mentally as well as physically by being in good health, well-rested and well-fed, and by not worrying about it that much beforehand- it really is not as bad as imagination can make it out to be.
Can I use numbing cream?
We do not recommend using numbing cream. It changes the texture of the skin and makes it difficult to tattoo properly. If you arrive at your appointment with numbing cream applied to the area about to be tattooed, the artist will reschedule your appointment.
Do you have designs to choose from?
We pride ourselves in being an custom studio, with each tattoo being drawn specifically for the client. That is why it is important that you have a good idea as to what it is that you want, and we encourage you to bring any kind of art or reference material that will help your artist interpret your idea. Of course, if you already have the exact image of what you want for your tattoo, we can translate that for you.
Do you require a deposit?
We require a $100 deposit to hold the appointment, and the deposit will go directly toward the cost of your tattoo. Your appointment is not secure without a deposit, and the deposit is non-refundable without 24 hour notice of cancellation. For credit card deposits, please call the shop at 617-522-6444 at least two days before your appointment, any day between 12-5 and we can take your deposit over the phone. If you’d like to make a cash deposit, stop by the shop Friday-Tuesday between 12-5. We also accept deposits via Venmo @fatramspumpkintattoo.