How do I make an initial tattoo enquiry?

For all appointment enquiries please use our enquiries form, this will ask you for all the information we need. *Please note all consultations are by appointment only or we can CC your artist into an email.

Can I walk in or do I need an appointment?

For same day appointments please email studio@iamvagabond.co.uk to book in - for anything else please send us an email or give us a call.

Do the artists have long waiting lists?

This depends on the individual artist and the size of your chosen piece. Availability can range from on the day to a couple of weeks, however it is always worth checking as appointments move around daily. We do offer walk-ins but it availability varies from day to day.

Do you offer consultations?

We kindly ask you to read over the following information before booking your consultation.

Each artist offers consultations, either during the day or before we open during the week.

Each artist works differently so please check with Adam, studio manager, he'll be able to assist you.

A non-refundable deposit of £80 is required at the time of making a booking and we accept cash, bank transfer or Paypal

What are your opening hours?

The studio is open Monday-Saturday on the following times:

MONDAY - 11am-7pm

TUESDAY - 11am-7pm

WEDNESDAY - 11am-7pm

THURSDAY - 11am-7pm

FRIDAY - 11am-5.30pm

SATURDAY - 11am-5pm

SUNDAY- 11am-5pm

First appointments start at 11am and last appointments depend on how long a piece will take.

How do I choose an artist?

If your piece is non-specific to an artist E.g Using your own design/script/numerals/symbols then please fill in our enquiries form and we can advise you from there. We have regular availability for small pieces with our resident artists all of which are experienced in thin linework.

What should I be aware of before booking my tattoo?

You must be 18 or over to have a tattoo and ID will be required on the day of your appointment. (We cannot accept parental consent for under 18’s).

We unfortunately cannot tattoo you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you have any medical conditions such as a blood borne virus etc, please make your artist aware of this during your consultation or before making your booking.

We recommend no swimming or heavy sun exposure (including sun beds) for the first few weeks of your healing.

Do you take deposits?

As of the 3rd June 2024 our deposit system has changed, deposits will now be paid directly to your artist and can be done so through direct correspondence with them.

Our artists require an £80 deposit in order to secure your appointment slot.

We ask for the remaining payment to also be paid directly to the artist via Cash, Bank Transfer, Paypal or artist's personal card reader at the end of your session.

48 hours notice is required should you wish to change your appointment date/time. Failure to inform an artist of cancellation will unfortunately result in a lost deposit. A new deposit will be required in order to secure your new appointment. No-shows/late cancellations will result in lost deposits.

How should I prepare for my tattoo on the day?

A good breakfast is highly recommended, and too much alcohol the night before is not a good idea, as this can thin the blood. Please be aware we will not tattoo anyone under the influence of drink or drugs.

We will shave the tattoo area for you, please do not do this yourself.

Will I see a design before my appointment?

Designs are ready to view during your appointment with plenty of time to make changes with your artist before it is tattooed. Sizes and orientation can all be adjusted on the day too.

We don't show any design before your appointment,

Can I use numbing cream?

We do not recommend using numbing cream. This can make the skin more difficult to tattoo and can sometimes affect how it heals. There is often a greater level of pain experienced once it has worn off.

If you would like to use numbing cream then speak to us before your appointment. We recommend doing a patch test a couple of weeks before your appointment to make sure you don't have a reaction.

Are there any areas/tattoo's you refuse?

The areas of the body which we do not tattoo are the sides of the fingers/palms, the inner lip and the soles of the feet. These areas tend to be very difficult to heal and are prone to drop-outs and blow outs.

We do not tattoo in white ink alone as this tends to turn an off-white yellowy colour over time.

We can tattoo tops of hands, necks and faces, however these would require a consultation.

Please be aware that our artists will not directly copy another artists design, however we are willing to take inspiration from certain pieces and create your own original version for you.

How much will my tattoo cost?

We have a £80 minimum (£90 for hands) and generally quote on size and detail. For larger more detailed pieces we work on a £120 an hour rate.

We are often able to give an indication of price over email, but for larger work your artist will give you a quote during your consultation.

The remainder of your payment is due after your tattoo has been done

Please note that all deposits are non-refundable. 48 hours notice is required should you wish to re-schedule your appointment.

What methods of payment do you accept?

All final payments will go directly to your artist.

Final payment can be paid via Cash, Bank Transfer, Paypal or artist's personal card reader.

We do not offer card payments in the studio.

Can I bring a friend/partner to my appointment?

Yes, one friend is welcome , a member of the team will advise on the best place for them to sit should all stations be in full use.

Are you a licensed studio and do you have sufficient needle disposal in place?

Yes, we are a fully licenced studio and pride ourselves on having excellent levels of cleanliness. All of our needles are one-use disposables and our artists follow strict health and safety guidelines.

We use certified medical waste and sharps disposal contractors.

Which ink brands do you use? Are they Vegan friendly?

We use Dynamic black, Intenze, Dermaglo and Eternal ink.

These brands are all vegan.

Do you do piercings?

Sorry we do not do piercings.

Do you offer laser removal?

We do not have a laser removal service here but we can recommend Naama Studios.

Do you do cover-ups?

We occasionally work with cover-ups, however we would need to see you for a consultation to determine if this is the best option for you.

Will my tattoo change if I gain or loose weight?

Your tattoo will only ever expand or reduce at the same rate as your skin, it will not distort in shape.

Can I exercise with a new tattoo?

Exercise is fine, as long as the area is not knocked. Contact sports e.g Rugby are generally not advised until fully healed, due to the risk of knocking off scabs. swimming is not advised for at least 3 weeks.

After exercise make sure you wash the area with warm water and PH balance soap.

Is it safe to swim and sunbathe with a fresh tattoo?

We recommend at least 3 weeks before exposing a fresh tattoo to sun/ sea/swimming. This is due to the risk of poor healing and infection.

It is always best to wait until after a holiday before having a new tattoo.

How do I look after my new tattoo?

Here’s our general overview for how to take care of your tattoo Your artist may have given you specific instructions for taking care of your tattoo based on the design and placement. Below are some simple steps to follow.

CLING FILM After 2-3 hours gently remove the cling film and give your tattoo a good wash with warm water and soap. Pat the area dry with a clean towel or kitchen roll and leave to dry. If you’d like to rewrap your tattoo overnight for the first night you can do but don’t rewrap again after that.

SECOND SKIN, IF APPLIED Leave the second skin on for 3-4 days and then remove it slowly in warm running water. Pull the second skin away from you and then wash the tattoo with warm water and soap. After the cling film or second skin has been removed apply a thin layer of Cocoa Butter, Aveeno Cream or something similar 2-3 times a day for around 2-3 weeks.

If your artist has recommended dry healing then do not apply any creams or serums while your tattoo heals.

In the first 24 hours avoid excessive alcohol consumption and be mindful to keep your tattoo out of contact with unclean surfaces.

THINGS TO AVOID WHILST THE TATTOO IS HEALING:

• Avoid sun exposure including sun-beds
• Avoid any fragranced creams on the tattoo
• Avoid any communal waters (swimming pools, hot tubs, jacuzzis, seas and lakes) - Avoid tight clothing/footwear or activities that cause rubbing to the area
• Avoid contact sports such as rugby, jiu jitsu etc.

You can shower as normal, you should be cleaning your tattoo 1-2 times a day and especially after exercising.

DO NOT RUB or PICK the treated area while it is healing. Loss of ink and/or infection could occur.

Extreme sun and exposure over the years can and will fade your tattoo. This can be minimised by using a strong sunscreen, SPF 30+

Consult your GP if you have any signs or symptoms develop such as redness around the area, green/ yellow discharge (foul smelling) and/or fever.

IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS YOU CAN CALL US ON 0207 739 2231 OR EMAIL US STUDIO@IAMVAGABOND.CO.UK