Frequently Asked Questions

Whether it’s your first tattoo or you’ve been getting tattooed for years, there are always a few things worth knowing. We’ve put together some of the questions we get asked most often below.

How do I book a tattoo?

Head to our Tattoo page and after looking through our team and picking an artist that you think is a good fit, fill out the tattoo enquiry form with as much information as you can.

Let us know which artist you have in mind (if you have one), what you’d like tattooed, the style you’re after, placement, approximate size, colour or black & grey, and anything else that might help us understand your idea.

Each of our tattooists manages their own bookings, so the booking process can differ slightly between artists. You are also welcome to visit us in-store to book your appointment.

I don't know which artist to choose. Is that okay?

Of course. Have a look through the work on our Tattoo page to get a feel for each artist and their style.

If you’re still not sure, tell us a bit about what you’re wanting in your enquiry and we can point you in the right direction.

Do you take walk-ins?

Absolutely. When we have the time, the boys love a walk-in.

It all depends on what’s happening in the shop that day, so we can’t guarantee someone will always be available. But if you’re wandering past and have an idea, come in and ask. If someone has the time to fit you in, they’ll be happy to.

Can I come into the shop and talk about my tattoo?

Yep. You’re welcome to come in and have a chat.

Consultations are particularly helpful for larger pieces, cover-ups, tattoos over scars, or anything that’s difficult to properly explain through an email.

If you’re hoping to speak to a particular artist, it’s a good idea to get in touch first so you know they’ll actually be around and have a minute to talk.

How much will my tattoo cost?

There isn’t one set price for every tattoo. Cost depends on the artist, size, placement, detail, style and the amount of time involved.

Give us as much information as you can in your enquiry and your artist can give you a better idea of what to expect.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

This depends on your artist.

All of our tattooists manage their own bookings and have their own way of doing things, including deposits. Your artist will let you know what is required when arranging your appointment.

What if I need to cancel or move my appointment?

Contact your artist or the shop as soon as you know you need to change your booking.

Because each artist handles their own appointments, any deposit or rescheduling conditions will depend on the artist you’ve booked with.

The more notice you can give us, the better. An empty appointment at short notice can be pretty difficult to fill.

What if I'm running late?

Let us know.

A few minutes generally isn’t the end of the world, but being significantly late can cut into the time your artist has put aside for you and may affect what can be done that day.

There’s no need to turn up extremely early either. Around your appointment time is perfect.

What should I do before my tattoo?

Eat a decent meal, drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep if you can.

Wear something comfortable that gives your artist easy access to the area being tattooed, preferably something you’re not too precious about in case it gets ink on it.

Turning up fed, hydrated and rested can make a surprisingly big difference to how you handle your tattoo.

What if I feel light-headed or need a break?

Tell us!

There’s no prize for silently suffering through it. We have lollies and water available free for our tattoo clients, and often have a few other drinks around too. If you’re feeling light-headed, need a bit of sugar or just need a minute, let your artist know.

We want you to be comfortable. Ask for what you need and take a break when you need one.

Can I use numbing cream?

Yep. Our artists are happy for clients to use numbing cream and understand that being more comfortable can make the whole experience easier, particularly on painful placements or longer sessions.

We sell TKTX Gold numbing cream in the shop and have personally used it with good results.

Numbing cream needs time to work, so don't wait until your appointment to buy it. Purchase it beforehand and carefully follow the instructions supplied with the product.

It generally needs to be applied around an hour before your appointment. Once applied, cover the cream with glad wrap and leave it covered until your appointment unless the product instructions tell you otherwise.

Numbing creams affect everyone differently. We’ve heard great things about TKTX Gold and our artists use it themselves for particularly painful areas, but no numbing product is guaranteed to work the same way for every person.

For some people it works extremely well, while others may find the effect weaker or shorter-lived. Because individual results are outside of our control, we can’t guarantee how effective the product will be for you.

For longer pieces, your artist can talk you through what may work best for your session.

Can I see my tattoo design before my appointment?

Generally, your artist will draw your tattoo close to your appointment rather than sending a finished design days or weeks beforehand.

Our artists intentionally work this way. Having drawn the piece recently means the design and its lines are fresh in their mind and hand when it comes time to tattoo it.

Asher will usually draw his clients’ work the night before or the morning of their appointment, and the other artists at the shop work in a similar way.

You’ll still have the opportunity to see and discuss your design before it goes onto your skin.

There can be exceptions on a case-by-case basis where there’s a genuine reason a design needs to be viewed earlier. If you think that applies to your tattoo, talk to your artist.

What if I want something changed when I see my design?

Tell your artist.

We’d much rather talk about an adjustment before tattooing starts than have you stay quiet about something you’re unsure of.

Small changes can usually be worked through with your artist on the day. If you have something that is particularly important to the design, make sure you mention it clearly when you first discuss your tattoo.

Can I bring reference pictures?

Definitely.

Reference pictures are really useful for showing your artist the direction you’re thinking. Whether that’s a particular subject, style, composition, colour or just an overall feeling.

You can email reference photos to devonstreettattoo@gmail.com

Will you copy another tattoo exactly?

Generally, no.

Reference pictures are great for showing us what you like, but another tattooist’s original work is better used as inspiration rather than something to reproduce line-for-line.

Your artist can take the elements you like and work them into something that suits you, the placement and their own way of tattooing.

Can you tattoo over scars?

Potentially, yes, but please come in and show your artist first.

Scar tissue can behave differently from normal skin, and your artist needs to actually see what they’re working with. It also gives them the opportunity to design the tattoo around the scar properly rather than discovering something important on the day.

If your original idea isn’t going to work well over the area, your artist can explain why and help point you towards something that will.

Do you do cover-ups?

Yes.

Asher and Jody are both confident with cover-ups and have plenty of experience working with existing tattoos.

Cover-ups do require a little more planning than starting on clear skin because the existing tattoo affects what can realistically go over it. Size, colour, darkness, placement and the new design all come into play.

We highly recommend coming in for a consultation so your artist can see the existing tattoo properly and talk through what will work.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yep. We’re an old-school tattoo shop and we’re not interested in making the place unnecessarily strict. Bringing a mate or support person along is completely fine.

That said, the shop isn’t really a hangout spot and we don’t have a huge amount of spare room. One person coming along with you is generally no problem, but bringing a whole group can quickly make things pretty cramped while everyone is trying to work.

Use a bit of common sense and you’ll be sweet.

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes - always.

Gift vouchers are available from the shop and are a really popular option if you want to buy someone a tattoo without trying to guess exactly what they want.

They can sort out the tattoo itself with their artist when they’re ready.

Do you offer touch-ups?

Yes.

Touch-ups are generally free once your tattoo is completely healed, provided you’re coming back to the original artist who tattooed the piece.

Once it’s healed, if you notice a little area you think may need touching up, get in touch with your artist and send through a clear photo or come in and show them.

Every tattoo and every person heals differently, so your artist will have a look and let you know what it needs.

How do I look after my new tattoo?

Your artist will explain aftercare before you leave, and we also have more detailed information on our Aftercare page.

Keep your tattoo clean, follow the instructions you’ve been given and try your best not to scratch, pick or pull at it while it heals.

Is peeling and itching normal?

Yep. Some peeling, flaking and itching is a completely normal part of tattoo healing.

As tempting as it can be, don’t pick at the flakes or scratch your tattoo. Let your skin do its thing.

If something seems unusual or you’re worried about the way your tattoo is healing, contact your artist or the shop rather than sitting at home wondering.

Can I swim after getting tattooed?

Not while it’s fresh.

Avoid swimming pools, spas, baths, rivers and the ocean until your tattoo has properly healed. A fresh tattoo is healing skin, and soaking it can interfere with the healing process.

If you’ve got a summer holiday or a week at the beach planned, take that into consideration when choosing your tattoo date.

What about the sun?

Keep a fresh tattoo protected from direct sun while it heals.

Once it’s completely healed, looking after it in the sun will help keep it looking good for years to come. UV exposure will fade tattoos over time, so a natural sunscreen is your friend.

Do you have EFTPOS?

Yes we have EFTPOS available in the shop, Afterpay is on the way also.

If you need to use a particular payment method, just check with us beforehand.

Do you sell merch?

We do.

Devon Street Tattoo merch is made in relatively small runs, so we don’t always have every design or size sitting around.

You can see what’s currently available through the Shop on our website or have a look when you’re in the studio.

I'm a tattooist interested in doing a guest spot. Who do I contact?

Use the contact form below, or email devonstreettattoo@gmail.com with a little bit about yourself, where you’re based, when you’re thinking of coming to New Plymouth and links to your work.

We’re always happy to hear from other tattooists.

Still have a question?

For a new tattoo, use the detailed Tattoo Enquiry form so we have everything we need to help you properly.

For questions about an existing appointment, aftercare, guest spots, promotions, collaborations, merch or anything else relating to Devon Street Tattoo, use the form below.

We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.