FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Consultations & Booking

  • Yes, you can book a consultation either in person or online. Please fill out the Booking Form, and I’ll get back to you to arrange a time. Consultations must be scheduled in advance — if you drop by without notice, I may be busy tattooing and unable to talk.

  • You can contact me by filling out my Booking Form. The form asks for details like your name, contact info, tattoo description, placement, size, and reference photos. By filling it out fully, I’ll have everything I need to understand your project and get back to you quickly.

  • Yes. All appointments require a deposit to secure your booking. Please read the full Deposit Policy for details.

Deposits & Rescheduling

  • No, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, as long as you contact me at least 3 days before your appointment, your deposit will be carried over to the new date. If you cancel, don’t show up, or try to reschedule last minute, your deposit will be forfeited. Please read the full Deposit Policy for details.

  • Yes, your deposit will be deducted from the final price of your tattoo as long as no appointments are missed, cancelled, or rescheduled late.

  • At the time of booking. Appointments cannot be held without a deposit.

  • Once we’ve agreed on your project, I’ll send you a booking link with Available Dates. You can then select your time and pay the deposit securely to confirm your spot.

  • Yes, but you must contact me at least 3 days before your session. Less than 3 days’ notice will result in losing your deposit.

  • No. Appointments and deposits are not transferable. Every project must be approved by me directly before booking. 

Designs

  • Your deposit and appointment are for the project we agreed on before booking. If you later want something completely different, that will count as new tattoo time and may require additional sessions.

  • I usually send designs a the day before your appointment.

  • I can provide up to 3 revisions if needed. After that, the appointment won’t go ahead and your deposit will be kept. Please be sure about your idea before booking.

  • I’ll always work with you to refine the idea. Small changes can be made on the day, but please note this counts as tattoo time and may extend the number of sessions needed.

  • No. I only work with custom designs created around the customers idea. You’re welcome to bring references, but your tattoo will always be unique. See my Available Designs for inspiration.

Black and gray tattoo of a compass with a rope wrapped around it, surrounded by sketch-like map details and landscape elements on a person's shoulder and chest.

Pricing & Booking

  • I work on full-day and half-day sessions. See the Pricing & Booking page for full details and examples.

  • Full day session: 11:00 – 18:00

    Half day session: 11:00 – 14:30

  • I’ll give you a custom estimate once I review your inquiry. Final pricing may vary depending on size, placement, and design. See Pricing & Booking for detailed pricing info.

Before & During Your Appointment

  • Get a good night’s sleep, eat a meal before your session, and stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol or blood-thinning medication for at least 24 hours before. Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed. Please read Appointment Preparation Guide for full details.

  • No. Please don’t shave — I’ll shave and prep the area safely at the studio.

  • Unfortunately the studio space is small and friends and family are not allowed in the tattoo area.

Pain & Comfort

  • Yes, there is some discomfort, but pain levels vary depending on placement and personal tolerance. Most people describe it as uncomfortable but manageable.

  • The short answer is no. Numbing creams change the texture of the skin and can affect how the ink heals. Tattoos generally heal less vibrant when numbing cream is used.

  • Yes. Many clients listen to music or podcasts to help them relax during the session.

Healing & Touch-ups

  • Avoid heavy sweating, swimming pools, hot tubs, and the beach until your tattoo is fully healed (around 2–3 weeks).

  • Yes. If your tattoo needs a touch-up after healing and proper aftercare was followed, I’ll take care of it within the first few months.

General

  • All tattoos are done at Sacred Gold Tattoo, Unit 74, Stables Street, King’s Cross, London, N1C 4DQ. For directions, visit the Studio Location page.

  • I specialise in black and grey realism and surrealism, and this is where my focus remains. I could add a “touch” of colour on your tattoo but it has to be discussed during the booking process.

  • Yes, depending on the tattoo and placement. When filling out the Booking Form, make sure to attach pictures of your current tattoo.

  • Often yes, but it depends on the age and texture of the scar. When filling out the Booking Form, please attach clear photos of the area so I can confirm if it’s possible.

  • No, for health and safety reasons I do not tattoo clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Aftercare

  • You’ll receive full aftercare instructions after your session. In short: keep the bandage on for 3–4 days, wash gently with unscented soap once removed, pat dry, apply a thin layer of lotion, and avoid swimming, gym, or direct sun until healed. See the Tattoo Aftercare Guide for step-by-step instructions.

  • The surface usually heals in 2–3 weeks, but full healing under the skin takes up to 6–8 weeks. Some peeling and light scabbing are normal.

“Everything starts with an idea”

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