Tattoo FAQs

 
 

Valley Roots Studio is home to several different Tattoo Artists, who offer a variety of techniques and styles.

We are most know for our bespoke Fine Line Tattoos, though we also offer bolder linework, microrealism, and color pieces.

We strive to make our studio a safe space, and pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming tattoo experience.

Please read on for more information about us and our tattoos.

We can’t wait to meet you!

 
 

  • Fine Line Tattoos are done using a small needle configuration, to create lines that are as thin as possible.

    These smaller needle configurations allow us to create soft and highly-detailed pieces.

    Though often synonymous with “tiny tattoos”, Fine Line Tattoos can be done on both a large scale.

  • While Valley Roots Studio is renowned for our Fine Line work, we offer a number of different styles! What style you should go with really depends on personal preference.

    “Fine Line” can mean a number of different styles; from simple things like script, handwriting recreations, or tiny tattoos, to full and detailed large-scale pieces! These tattoos usually consist of a thin, solid-black outline, and can include either zero, or lots of shading.

    We also offer “bolder” line work - this means that the tattoo will be done with a larger needle configuration, to make the outline thicker. This style gives more of a visual pop to the piece, and is great for things like big ornamental pieces.

    “Microrealism”, on the other hand, is done with all shading, and has no solid-black outline. These pieces are intended to resemble a real image, and have high values of contrast.

  • We’re so happy you asked! Please scroll to the top of the page and click the button that says “Book With Us”.

    From there, you will be prompted to fill out a Tattoo Request Form. This form will capture all of the details we need to make your tattoo dreams come true! After reviewing your request, we will follow up via email with a booking link. And, if for some reason we don’t think your tattoo is suited for one of our Artist’s, we’ll try to refer you elsewhere!

  • The final cost of your tattoo will depend on:

    • Artist

    • Size

    • Placement

    • Leve of detail

    Our Tattoo Artist’s pricing ranges from $100 - $175 per hour, and each Artist has a 1 hour minimum. Each of our Artist books by size-of-piece, so you will see a price estimate for your tattoo when booking.

    However, please note that there are a number of different factors that will determine the final price of your tattoo. For instance - some parts of the body are easier to tattoo than others, and everyone’s skin is different! So the quote provided may be more, or less, depending on how long the tattoo takes.

    Each of our Artist’s requires a deposit when booking, that ranges from $50 - $100. This deposit is non-refundable, and will be deducted from your final cost the day of your appointment.

  • Before coming to your tattoo appointment, please:

    • Do not pre-numb yourself (this changes the texture of the skin and makes it more difficult to work on). We understand if you are concerned about the pain, but our tattooing techniques are done as gently as possible and generally very tolerable.

    • Eat beforehand. Avoid caffeine and alcohol (we will not be able to tattoo you if you are under the influence).

    • Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to adjust or remove in order to reach the tattooing area.

  • Similar to more traditional tattoo techniques, Fine Line Tattoos are created with a carbon-based ink that is implanted in the dermal-layer of skin, making them just as permanent as any other tattoo.

    However, because there is a smaller concentration of ink in the skin, Fine Line Tattoos need extra TLC during the healing process! You can read on below for more information about our aftercare recommendations.

  • Thankfully a touchup is very rarely needed, but if it is, we ask that you please email a healed photo of your tattoo to your original Artist. (this will help us determine how long of an appointment to book you for).

    Fine Line Tattoos are suitable for any place on the body; however, tattoos on the hands and fingers may require touchups to achieve the desired retention. This is due to the amount of exposure, namely to moisture, that these areas undergo.

  • Upon completion of your appointment, your Tattoo Artist will wrap the tattoo in “second skin”, a clear and water-proof adhesive bandage (otherwise known as Tegaderm or Saniderm).

    We recommend that you leave this bandage on for 3-5 days, and remove it in the shower when it’s ready to come off.

    Following the removal of the “second skin”, you will need to wash your tattoo 1-2 times per day (with an gentle, antibacterial soap, like Dial or Cetaphil), followed by a light application of ointment (such as Aquaphor). You will repeat this washing & ointment routine for about 3-5 days, until your tattoo is no longer dry and flakey.

    For 2 weeks post-tattoo, please avoid sweating, tanning, soaking, and any products (aside from fragrance-free lotion).

  • Unfortunately, we do not take walk-ins at this time. But we will update this section if that changes!

  • Why yes, we would love that! In fact, we will not copy another Artist’s work (unless you have received express permission from them, or purchased a “tattoo ticket”).

    Please provide as much detail and reference imagery as possible when filling out your Tattoo Request Form - this helps us understand and visualize your request as much as possible. While we strive to bring your exact vision to life, we do ask that you acknowledge that drawing tattoos requires lending us professional judgement and creative freedom.

    After your tattoo is booked, we will begin drawing a custom design just for you. Please note that we do not send the design ahead of time. This is because a lot of the details (like shading) that we intend to add, do not translate well over email (nor do we want our designs to get stolen). If you like our work and have adequately described your request, you will love what we create for you! Minor alterations can be made the day of your appointment.

    Please note that our Artists do charge a Custom Design fee, that ranges from $30 - $100 per design, depending on the size and complexity of the piece (this fee will be applied the day of your appointment). Drawing custom tattoos takes many, many hours of work behind the scenes. We appreciate your understanding!

  • Want to come in with a friend, family member, or partner and get matching tattoos? We love it! When filling out the Tattoo Request Form, there will be a box to check if you and a friend want to come in together.