faq

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

CAN I WORK AT SPEAKEASY?

We are always accepting applications. If you are already licensed in the state of Arkansas for Body Art, please apply below: APPLY (LICENSED)



I’M NOT LICENSED, BUT I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TATTOO.

That’s awesome! We would love to support you in your journey. Follow the link below for more information about our apprenticeship program. APPLY (APPRENTICE)



SERVICES AND COST

HOW MUCH DOES A PIERCING COST?

We don’t do piercings right now, nor do we sell jewelry, but we are hiring piercers! Feel free to click the link above to apply if you are already licensed and interested! Otherwise, stay tuned on our facebook and instagram, and we will announce when a piercer joins our team!



HOW MUCH WILL MY TATTOO COST?

It really, really depends. Asking how much a tattoo costs over the phone or internet is like asking how much a bag of groceries cost. Just as there are too many variables to estimate the cost of a bag of groceries, there are also too many variables in the tattoo process; design, placement, size, and detail. Some artists require a consultation for custom tattoos. Most of our artists take deposits to schedule an appointment after the consultation. You can expect your tattoo to cost around $100-150 an hour, but each artist has different prices, and you'd need to talk to your artist to get a better estimate. You can always contact them on their individual social medias if you have any questions.



WHAT CAN I GET FOR LESS THAN $50?

Other than aftercare or merch? Pretty much, nothing at all. It can cost us almost that much to set up for a large tattoo! Small words and simple designs can be $100-150. A piece the size of a grapefruit can be $300-800 depending on the amount of detail.



HOW CAN I PAY? CAN I PAY LATER?

Each artist handles payments differently, so please ask your artist about their preferences. If you are worried about paying a large sum at once, you may be able to split up a large tattoo over time. For example, a $500 tattoo can be split up in sessions like so: $100 line work, heal for 4 weeks (or sometimes less time with Saniderm), $200 shading, heal, then $200 color.



WHEN CAN I GET MY TATTOO?

We love that you are so eager to get your tattoo with us! However, we ask that you be patient with us. Most of our artists stay pretty booked out, which we are so fortunate for! Most of our artists have online consultation pages that you can find under their profiles under the team section of our home page. Sometimes they require a deposit to book with, so be prepared for that. If they don't have a consultation page, you can send them through the social media of their choice that the contact button takes you to instead. Alternatively, you can now walk-in Fridays and Saturdays and participate in our Speakeasy Tattoo School Apprenticeship $50 Flash Friday and Walk-In Saturdays.



CAN I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE?

We are stoked that you want to get your tattoo at Speakeasy Tattoo and can't wait to welcome you into the shop! You most certainly can fill out a consultation form online if your artist offers it. You can find an artist's consultation form on our front page under "Team". Your artist or a Consultation Manager will reach out to you to get your appointment scheduled once you fill out the consultation form. Check out each artist’s portfolio before scheduling, so you get the best artist for what you want. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any question!



OK, I GET THAT I NEED A CONSULTATION. WHAT IS THAT???

A tattoo consultation is the first step toward getting a tattoo. It's an important meeting that generally takes only 10 or 15 minutes, where you exchange important information with your artist in preparation for your tattoo session! Be prepared with an idea you want, a few examples of similar ideas (whether they are images from online or drawings you might have done), an idea of your budget range, and a $100 deposit to secure your tattoo session on the calendar. Consultations are now offered online and may be preferred by your artist. You can find each artist's consultation form on our front page under " Team".



CAN I GET A DISCOUNT?

Short and easy answer: probably not. Long answer: We show extra love to regulars, and the shop has a military and first responder discount, but, as contractors, artists are not obligated to honor the discount for tattoos. Feel free to bring up the subject of a discount, but be ready for artist's eyes to roll or narrow! We work really hard to give you quality art at reasonable prices! Please also keep in mind that all of our inventory prices have risen during the pandemic and haven't gone down.



DO YOU SELL AFTERCARE PRODUCTS?

We often keep aftercare products in stock. Ask your artist what we have in stock when you come in!



ARE TATTOOS TAXED?

Yes. Standard Arkansas Sales tax plus local taxes apply (around 13% total).



IS IT NORMAL TO TIP MY ARTIST?

Yes! Thanks for asking. A typical 20% is average, but with any tipped service, each experience varies. That being said, artists typically make a percentage of sales or pay rent to the shop, so we love anything extra you want to share with us! Especially gloves right now.



HOW DOES THE ARTIST MAKE MONEY, AND HOW DOES THE SHOP MAKE MONEY?

Our artists are independent contractors, not direct employees of the shop. Therefore, they have more power and freedom to set their own prices, manage their own brand, and work with their clients. Our shop provides space and some common supplies to our artists and then takes a monthly shop rental to keep things running smoothly. However, we will never take a percentage of the tip! That goes directly to the artist.



I'M LOOKING TO GET MY FIRST TATTOO. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

First, you will need to have a consultation where you detail exactly what you want for your artist. Your artist may require a deposit. Consultations are now offered online and may be preferred by your artist. You can find each artist's consultation form on our front page under " Team". Your artist or a Consultation Manager will call you within 24 hours to schedule a day for you to get your tattoo. 
In the time leading up to your tattoo, keep your skin moisturized & out of the sun - we can't tattoo over sunburned, broken, or severely dry skin. 
The day of your tattoo, eat well-rounded meals before getting inked! 
Tattoos hurt, but it's only temporary & typically far from unbearable. 
After your tattoo, listen to your artist on aftercare! Please feel welcome to contact us if you have any more questions.



HOW CAN I CONTACT AN ARTIST?

Please find the "Team" section of the home page. You can message each artist individually on their respective social medias.



DO YOU TATTOO MINORS?

Arkansas Body Art Law dictates that artists cannot tattoo children under the age of 16, and that if the child is 16 or 17, a legal guardian must sign a consent form, provide identification proving guardianship, and be present for the entire procedure. Even though it is legal, it is entirely up to the artist whether or not they feel comfortable tattooing a minor. If you are a guardian, please message an artist to see if they will take a minor client. If you are a minor, please talk to your guardian first and have your guardian reach out to the artist. At our shop, we also require the guardian to come in and pick up a Proof of Guardianship Form that needs to get notarized before getting the tattoo. You will need to pick this up in person; we can not send this over email. You can do this once you have an appointment with an artist set up. Please also keep in mind that tattoo locations for minors are limited to places that are visible while clothes remain on.



HEALTH

CAN I GET A TATTOO IF I HAVE DIABETES?

Typically, yes. Your tattoo may take longer to heal. In some cases, it is entirely likely some tattoos won't be possible, especially on your legs. You will definitely want to eat a balanced meal before the session and bring some snacks and whatever insulin/sugar supplements you might use on a daily basis and for emergencies. The process of tattooing can raise your adrenaline which is a hormone that affects blood sugar levels. Let your artist know you have diabetes, and they should make sure that you are fully prepared for the tattoo and will make sure that know that you are welcome and encouraged to take breaks if you feel like your sugar spikes or crashes. Talk with an artist and/or your doctor if you are worried or have any questions!



WHAT IF I HAVE JAUNDICE, LIVER PROBLEMS, HEART CONCERNS, ETC?

If you currently have jaundice, or other major health concerns with your heart, liver, or skin, we will need a doctor's note that getting a tattoo is safe for you. Please note that even with doctor’s approval, all artists reserve the right to decline service. Ultimately, we want to make sure you fully understand the risks that come with your particular set of health concerns, and we always have your best interest at heart!



CAN YOU TATTOO OVER A SCAR?

It depends on a few factors (the thickness of the scar, how long it has been since it has healed, etc.). Please include a photo of the scar when you contact your artist or submit a consultation form so your artist can see it and let you know what can be done! Please keep a back-up location in mind just in case the cover up is not possible. Please contact us if you have any questions.



WHAT IF I FORGOT TO EAT RECENTLY?

We try to keep snacks at the shop just in case. However, please try to eat a balanced meal up to 2 hours before you come because it helps the healing process greatly and improves your tattoo experience. Always let your tattoo artist know if you feel lightheaded, sweaty, or tingly during your tattoo. These are signs that you may pass out or be sick due to an adrenaline-induced blood sugar crash. Usually, a small snack break will resolve the issues!



CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL DURING MY TATTOO OR AT LEAST BEFORE?

Absolutely not. Even one sip of alcohol removes your ability to legally consent, and it is very illegal to tattoo you under those conditions. Plus, it thins your blood, can harm your tattoo, and can prevent proper healing, so it’s better not to risk it.



CAN I TAKE PAINKILLERS OR HEADACHE MEDICINES?

Blood Thinners of any kind lead to increased bleeding and improper tattoo healing. We absolutely do not recommend them, but if they are necessary for your physical or mental health please inform us beforehand. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may need a doctor’s note before scheduling a tattoo. If you are worried about the pain, there are topical numbing creams that you can purchase and apply before your tattoo as directed. Please research these and do a test patch days before your tattoo. We ask that you communicate your use of this to your artist, as some numbing creams can change the texture of the skin and change the way we approach your tattoo. Please note that some artists prefer not to work with them at all.



WILL GETTING A TATTOO WEAKEN OR STRENGTHEN MY IMMUNE SYSTEM?

There are a lot of current & recent studies along with anecdotal evidence that reinforce the idea that the immune system is what heals the tattoo. Your tattoo is essentially a pretty wound that the body works hard to heal as fast as possible in order to prevent infection. It heals the outer layer first, to prevent microbes from entering your body, then it heals the layers underneath. While it might seem like your tattoo is closed up and done healing after a few days, complete healing can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks in a healthy body. Additionally, any immune compromise can slow that down. This can be an existing condition like lupus or diabetes, a temporary illness like the common cold, or even something as minor as a poor nights rest after a stressful day. While some studies suggest that tattoos may strengthen some people's immune system over time, the scientific evidence just isn't there yet. What we do know for sure is that getting a large tattoo can weaken your immune system until it is done healing the tattoo. Keep this in mind during the pandemic, and make sure you stay as safe as possible in the weeks before and after your tattoo appointment.