Mikey Vigilante works on a tattoo sleeve for a man in Long Beach.
Getting Started on Your New Tattoo

A tattoo is a transformative experience, whether it's your first piece or your fiftieth. We want you to enjoy every step of the process, from your initial tattoo consultation to your aftercare.

Schedule a Consultation with a Tattoo Artist Today!

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We're stoked to be part of your tattoo experience and can't wait to see you in beautiful Long Beach!

Choose a Tattoo Artist

All of our artists are outstanding, with industry experience, stylistic expertise, and awesome attitudes. Find the styles you like:

  • Each of our artists has certain areas that they specialize in. Many of our artists are accomplished across multiple styles.
  • Here's a quick rundown of some of the tattoos styles you might be interested in:
    • Traditional Japanese/New School Japanese Tattoos: Japanese-inspired tattoos stem from the Irezumi tradition, which originated in Japan in the 1600s. This style typically focuses on classic themes from folklore, legend, and history but can encompass modern elements as well.
    • American Traditional Tattoos: Also known as traditional or old school, American traditional tattoos feature bold outlines and a limited color palette.
    • Neotraditional Tattoos: Neotraditional is all about bold colors and and bold lines—but these tattoos typically feature a wider range of both colors and line weights, which gives more depth, detail, and realism.
    • Blackwork Tattoos: Blackwork tattoos are comprised of black ink and use a variety of techniques like dotwork to achieve depth and detail. These pieces showcase linework.
    • Realistic Tattoos: Whether in full color or black-and-grey, realistic tattoos implement expert linework and shading to create a style that is extremely true to life.
    • Black-and-Grey Tattoos: Black-and-grey tattoos can be done in many styles. Artists use a variety of techniques like smooth shading or dramatic stippling to achieve different aesthetics. Realism and naturalistic tattoos both work well in black-and-grey.
    • Full Color Tattoos: Like black-and-grey, full color tattoos can be done in many different styles. Japanese and neotrad pieces in particular look striking in full color. Depending on what you're interested in, an artist can put together a color scheme that is soft and subtle or bold and bright.
Choose an artist:
  • Our most recent works are posted on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where we feature all of our artists and the latest tattoos they're working on.
  • If you can't decide on an artist, we encourage you to screenshot a few tattoos you like on our social media to help us match you with an artist.
  • If you fall in love with an artist's work, we're happy to connect you with them.
  • Alternatively, we can match you with an artist based on the tattoo style you like.



Schedule a Tattoo Consultation

A tattoo consultation is an excellent opportunity to see what we can do with your vision. You can discuss what your tattoo design will look like and see if the artist's style translates to the tattoo you want. It's also your opportunity to get a quote on price, determine the size and placement, etc. What to bring to your consultation:

  • Your photo ID.
    • California law requires you to be eighteen to get tattooed.
    • There are no exceptions to this!
  • Any reference photos.
    • The cleaner the image, the better!
    • Your artist can help you find reference photos during your consultation, so don't worry if you can't find the perfect image.
  • Screenshots from the artist's portfolio/social media.
    • When you have a consultation with a specific artist, we ask that you take a look at their recent work and screenshot a few pieces that align with your ideas.
    • This helps the artist to see what you like about their work specifically.
    • If you can email these (along with your reference photos) in advance, that's always appreciated!
  • All your favorite tattoo ideas.
    • We want to hear all of your ideas for your new tattoo so we can create something deeply personal and utterly unique.
  • Money for a deposit.
    • Deposits range from $50-$1,000.
    • By having the money for the deposit at the time of your consultation, we can get you scheduled on the spot.
  • An open mind.
    • Each artist has their own incredible style and approach, which is what makes our tattooing family so strong.
    • Our years of experience give us insight on things like tattoo placement, size, color, style, etc.—and these insights can be invaluable when it comes to both your session and the final product.
  • Trust in our vision.
    • We know your tattoo has special meaning for you—and we are excited to bring your concept to life!
    • We ask that you trust our artistic experience and vision when it comes to designing your tattoo: The more freedom you can give us, the happier you'll be with the outcome of your art.

Talk about your budget:
  • Your tattoo artist will discuss their hourly rates and give you a quote for your piece during your consultation.
  • If you have a budget, now is the time to talk about it!
  • Although we don't haggle over rates, we're very happy to work with your budget if possible.
  • This might mean scaling back the size of a tattoo, limiting the color palette, utilizing other techniques to cut down on tattooing time, or splitting a large piece into multiple sessions.



Leave a deposit and make an appointment

We occasionally have time for walk-ins—but if we need a significant amount of time to design a piece or if you want to work with a certain artist, you might have to wait a few weeks.

  • Some artists in high demand are currently booking two to three months in advance.
  • Remember that the right artist is worth waiting for!
  • If you want to come in ASAP, please send us an email or call us. We can see if anyone with the stylistic expertise you need is readily available.
Why do I need to leave a deposit?
  • Your deposit holds your appointment time/date for you.
  • It also shows us that you're serious about getting a tattoo before we spend time designing it.
  • For small pieces, the deposit is $50-$100. For large pieces, it's $100-$1,000. (There's a 2% service fee if you pay with credit/debit or online.)
What if I need to cancel my appointment or change the time/date?
  • Each artist has their own policy, so please reach out to your individual artist if you need to make a change.
  • Typically if you give us enough notice, we can switch your appointment time/date without requiring a new deposit.
  • As a rule, we don't refund a deposit in the event of a cancellation.
  • If you don't show up to your appointment, you forfeit your deposit and will need to leave a new one if you want to reschedule.
  • **IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID, PLEASE ADVISE YOUR ARTIST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO WE CAN RESCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT!**
What if I want to make a change to my design?
  • The best way to avoid design changes is to make good use of your consultation.
  • If you have changes after your consultation, please remember that even small details can impact tattooing time, so that might mean an increase in price or an adjustment to your appointment time/date.
  • Ultimately, your deposit is to cover the tattoo design discussed in your consultation.
  • It is at the artist’s discretion to allow changes or to require a new deposit if they have already started the design.



Get Tattooed!

Things to keep in mind on the day of your tattoo:

  • Wear comfortable clothing that provides appropriate access for your tattoo placement.
  • Bring a light blanket if you'd like, as the shop can get fairly cold.
  • Pack snacks and liquid (no alcohol, please!). We suggest bringing something sweet to keep your blood sugar up.
  • DO NOT use any kind of numbing gel ahead of your appointment, as this can interfere with the application process. If you're nervous about the pain, we're pleased to offer HUSH anesthetic sprays and gels—we can discuss your options with you in person.
  • Bring your photo ID.
    • We cannot tattoo you without an identification proving you are eighteen or older.
  • Leave for your appointment with time to spare!
    • Long Beach is notorious for parking problems, and our shop isn't an exception. Visit our FAQ to get our best advice on parking.
    • Traffic around LBC can also be an issue. We don't want you to feel rushed or stressed for your big day, so please plan accordingly.
  • Eat a meal that isn't too heavy—something that will keep your blood sugar in check without upsetting your stomach.



Don't Forget the Aftercare

  • Aftercare is a key factor in ensuring your tattoo looks beautiful for years to come.
  • We have detailed aftercare guidelines to help you in your healing journey.
  • Your artist will go over aftercare with you after your session, and you can always give us a call with any questions