Frequently asked questions
Design & Consultation
Do you do consultations?
Yes, we do, but un-scheduled and walk-in only—no separate bookings just for consultations. Bring your ideas, references, and images. If we’re tattooing at the moment, please give us a few minutes to take a break to consult you. We’ll give you an estimate and potentially an appointment date given that your ready to book.
Can I bring my own design or reference?
Absolutely. Bringing references helps us clearly understand your vision. If your design or idea isn’t fully ready, we can redraw and adapt it to ensure the final tattoo looks exactly how you envision it and works properly as a tattoo.
Can I change my design last minute?
Most likely not. Small adjustments are always welcome, and I’m happy to make minor changes to ensure you love the design.
However, major changes or full redesigns made last minute will require rescheduling. For larger changes, I need at least 48 hours’ advance notice. Depending on how drastic the change is, we’ll determine whether your appointment can stay or needs to be rescheduled.
How long does a tattoo session take?
How long does a tattoo session take?
It depends on the size, level of detail, and placement on the body. Small tattoos can take about an hour, while larger or more detailed tattoos may require multiple sessions. Every tattoo is different and handled on a case-by-case basis.
What is your studio's hygiene practice?
Scheduling, Availability & Walk-ins
What days are you available?
The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, but the latest walk-in time for a small tattoo is around 4:30–4:35 p.m.
Please do not come in late expecting a large-scale tattoo to be completed in an hour or less. Larger tattoos require scheduled appointments, especially if you arrive later in the day.
Any messages sent to the shop will be replied to on the next business working day or when time constraints allow during high-volume periods. Thank you for your patience and your interest in working with our shop.
How far do you book out?
I typically schedule two to three months in advance, depending on availability.
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes, we do accept walk-ins when time is available.
The best way to be a walk-in is to not call and physically just walk into the shop
If we’re finishing up a tattoo or have time open, you may only need to wait a short while—or we may be fully available that day.
Can I reschedule my tattoo appointment if something happens?
Yes, but you must provide at least 72 hours’ notice to reschedule or cancel. This allows us the opportunity to fill the appointment slot.
If you reschedule with less notice than required, you will be asked to leave a new deposit.
No-shows are not tolerated and will result in the inability to book future appointments.
Pricing & Deposits
What is your hourly rate and shop minimum
The shop minimum $150 which is the shops hourly rate and pricing is non-negotiable. There is no haggling or bargaining.
Whether a small or big tattoo you are paying for a permenant professional service, skilled craftsmanship, years of experience, and quality work. This is a skilled trade.
$150 - $200per hour is currently within the average market rate and, realistically, should be higher due to inflation, rising costs, and cost of living. The price reflects the quality of work, experience, and the environment provided.
Why do I have to pay the $150 shop minimum if I’m only getting a tiny tattoo?
Even if your tattoo is small, you are still paying for professional skill, experience, and proper setup.
Every tattoo requires full sterile preparation, cross-contamination prevention, proper equipment setup, supplies, stencil preparation, skin prep, tattooing, breakdown, and cleaning.
This process typically takes an hour to an hour and a half, regardless of tattoo size.
The service does not happen on its own—there is a lot of preparation, knowledge, and experience involved to ensure the tattoo is done safely and professionally.
Do I need to leave a deposit?
Yes, deposits are required.
The deposit amount is based on the overall cost of your tattoo and is used to secure your appointment date.
Deposits are cash only and non-refundable.
This ensures your commitment to the appointment and partially compensates for time lost in the event of a cancellation, reschedule, or no-show.
Payment Methods
How can I pay?
Cash is preferred. We also accept payment apps such as Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle.
At this time, credit and debit cards are not accepted. In the future, credit and debit payments will be available, and notice will be given when that changes.
Age & Guest Policies
Can I get tattooed if I’m under 18?
No. We do not tattoo anyone under the age of 18. No exceptions.
18 and up only. Thank you.
Can I bring a guest?
No. To keep the space calm, comfortable, and safe, we ask that you come alone to your appointment.
Guests can be distracting, and distractions can cause sudden movements, which may affect the tattoo process.
Exceptions can be made by request in advance for medical or accessibility needs.
If a guest is approved, they must remain seated in the waiting area, not in the tattoo area where the client is being tattooed, and must follow all studio guidelines so the artist can remain fully focused.
Preparing for your appointment Pain & Aftercare
Do tattoos hurt?
Yes, tattoos do hurt, but most people can tolerate it. It’s not an excruciating pain—it’s more of an irritating, scratchy pain that is bearable. The fear is often worse than the actual pain.
Can I bring a guest?
No. To keep the space calm, comfortable, and safe, we ask that you come alone to your appointment.
Guests can be distracting, and distractions can cause sudden movements, which may affect the tattoo process.
Exceptions can be made by request in advance for medical or accessibility needs.
If a guest is approved, they must remain seated in the waiting area, not in the tattoo area where the client is being tattooed, and must follow all studio guidelines so the artist can remain fully focused.
How can I prep for my tattoo?
Have a good breakfast or lunch, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and make sure you get a good night’s sleep before your appointment.
Avoid alcohol and painkillers such as ibuprofen, Advil, or Tylenol 24 hours prior to your tattoo.
What should I wear to my tattoo appointment?
It depends on the placement of the tattoo. Wear something comfortable, breathable, and easy to move in that allows easy access to the area being tattooed.
If the tattoo is time-consuming, you may be sitting for a few hours, so comfort and accessibility are important.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
Initial healing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, but full healing under the skin can take a couple to a few months.
Even though tattooing is minimally invasive, it is still an incision into the body. The surface heals first, while the deeper layers take longer.
Following aftercare instructions is important even after the first few weeks, as healing continues beyond that point.
Can I swim or use a jacuzzi after getting tattooed?
No. Swimming and soaking should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks.
Avoid pools, jacuzzis, sun exposure, and wearing tight clothing while the tattoo is healing.
Touch-Up Policy
Do you do free touch-ups?
No. Touch-ups are not free. If a touch-up is needed, there is a $50 fee to cover tattoo supplies and the time needed to perform the touch-up. We take a picture and video of your finished tattoo to show that the final results were done properly. Once you walk out the door, the aftercare and healing process are solely your responsibility, based on the aftercare instructions you were provided. If you want the entire tattoo redone for any reason, that is a completely separate cost and not considered a touch-up.
Transform Your Canvas Today
Visit Lehigh Valley Ink Tattoo Studio for bespoke tattoo artistry. Conveniently located at 187 Main St, STE 100, Emmaus, PA. Your unique story deserves to be inked.