faq

Sorry, we don't currently have vacancy!

That’s awesome! We love helping artists join the tattooing community. Unfortunately, we are not taking on any more apprentices.

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. We require deposits to schedule an appointment. You can expect your tattoo to cost around $100-200 an hour, but each artist has different prices, and you'd need to talk to your artist to get a better estimate.

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.

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.

We love that you are so eager to get your tattoo with us! However, we ask that you be patient with us. Many artists stay pretty booked out, which we are so fortunate for! Most artists require a deposit to book with, so be prepared for that. Reach out to an individual artist directly or fill out their booking form to get more information.

You most certainly can fill out a consultation form online if your artist offers it, or you can shoot them a message on social media. Find their booking forms and instagram here. Your artist will reach out to you to get your appointment scheduled if they have availability. Check out each artist’s portfolio before scheduling so you get the best artist for what you want.

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 deposit to secure your tattoo session on the calendar. Most artists offer and prefer this in the form of an online booking form!

Short and easy answer: probably not. Long answer: We show extra love to regulars, but, as every artist manages their own payments, it is completely up to them. Feel free to bring up the subject of a discount to your artist, but be ready for a sigh! 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.

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

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

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.

The artists that tattoo out of Speakeasy Tattoo operate as individual businesses and simply share the space. Therefore, they have more power and freedom to set their own prices, manage their own brand, and work with their clients that works the best for them. Artists here handle 100% of their own payments. The "shop" does not make money off of the artists or clients; each artist splits the operating costs evenly.

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. 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.

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. Please also keep in mind that tattoo locations for minors are limited to places that are visible while clothes remain on.

No, we do not pierce or sell jewelry.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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 to not risk it.

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.