Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Where can I find a good artist ... ?
What type of design should I get ... ?
How long do they take to heal ... ?
Do I need to make an appointment ... ?
Do you have gift vouchers ... ?
What are the studio hours ... ?
Where is AJ's Tattoo Affair located... ?
Does it hurt ... ?
Yes! Having needles pierce your skin hurts. But what you really want to know is, how much it hurts and can I handle it? It's not as bad as you might think, however, some areas of the body are generally more sensitive than others. The pain factor can also be attributed to your state of mind or psychological attitude. Remember - you are volunteering for the experience.
Why do I want one ... ?
People get tattoos for different reasons. It could be to identify with a certain subculture or group; it could also be to show independence, individuality or uniqueness. Tattoos are not for everyone, and remember, there is nothing like a tattoo to bring out the hypocrisies and prejudices of people.
How old do I have to be ... ?
The Child Welfare Act requires that you be no less than 18 years of age. It doesn't matter if you have parents' consent or not! The only person that can give permission is the Governor General and then only for deep seated religious or cultural beliefs. For this reason we might require photographic ID.
Where can I find a good artist ... ?
The biggest pain to any professional artist is the "backyarder" or "scratcher". NEVER get tattooed by these people unless you are prepared to take all the risks that go with it. Check the studios in person. Speak to the artist who will be doing your tattoo. Check his/her photo albums and see if there are photos of some of the Flash and compare the quality in the skin. Look for any custom pieces on display. Find out how long the artist has been working and where. Never be baffled by membership certificates on display. There are a lot of organisations with members that can't tattoo and do not even follow any Health Act. Ask to see the Autoclave steriliser and ask when the last spore test was done and to see the results.
What type of design should I get ... ?
You will be pleasantly surprised at the range of designs carried in most good studios these days, but you are not limited to the Flash in the studio. You can take your own design along with you or even get the artist to design your own individual piece. The choice of design should always be yours. Never get pushed into a design you are not sure about. Remember, tattoos are forever.
How much does it cost ... ?
An artist will price his work according to the intricacy, size, body placement, colour detail, his expertise and many other reasons. At AJ's Tattoo Affair we are certainly not the cheapest but offer top quality for money spent. "There is nothing another man cannot make worse for less". We have designs individually priced so you know the cost of what you are looking at. Our price doesn't change according to the size of your wallet! One thing to remember is that tattoos have not gone up in price as much as everything else in the last 25 years.
Prices will not be given via e-mail correspondence !
How long do they take to heal ... ?
Healing time may vary however, if you follow the instructions we will give you on completion of your tattoo it will be generally around 4-5 days with very little, if any, scabbing.
Do I need to make an appointment ... ?
For custom work, yes, however, if we can do your work there and then we will. A non-refundable deposit is required for all appointments. The deposit does come off the price of the tattoo on completion of the work. The deposit is transferable to another appointment time as long as 3 working days notice is given. The deposit is not transferable to another person.
Do you have gift vouchers available ... ?
Yes, we do sell gift vouchers and they are valid for 3 months. Telephone bookings can be made after the voucher has been purchased. The voucher is neither transferable nor redeemable for cash.
What are the studio hours ... ?
WE ARE OPEN
11:00am - 8:30pm
Monday - Saturday
Sunday by appointment
Open all hours necessary for visiting American fleets.
Where is AJs Tattoo Affair located ... ?
AJ's Tattoo Affair
370c Canning Highway Como
(cnr Thelma and Barker Streets)
Parking at the rear
