FAQ

Check out our current Health Protocols (10-31-23)!

A: The day has come to get that tattoo (maybe even that first tattoo) you’ve been thinking about for so long!  But how to begin…  hey, no sweat. Simply contact Awen with an Appointment Inquiry, include all requested details and reference images for what you envision – and if the design concept compliments Awen’s artistic style and peaks his creative interest, he’ll be in touch to schedule a consult, get set with the deposit and book the date to breathe life into your new tattoo!

A: YES! Check out 30 Things Your Tattoo Artist Wishes You Knew

All these things and one more…

#31: Please read all correspondence from Awen, including the info on this website. It’s all news you can use, and will help the tattoo process unfold more smoothly for everyone.

A: Good question! Health and safety always come first, which is why Awen is a Professional Member (and State Representative) of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, is re-certified annually through the Alliance of Professional Tattooists ongoing education in “Prevention of Disease Transmission in Tattooing” and is licensed as a Professional Tattoo Technician through the Minnesota Department of Health. Check out our current health protocols.

A: This is a three step process: Design Consult, Design Review and Tattoo Application.

1. The Design Consult is the time to be clear about your ideas and expectations – and to provide all of your reference materials.

The process begins by digitally scheduling an online video consult. Awen approaches tattooing by honoring the Creative Process. Beginning with your idea, he’ll incorporate his own creative vision and understanding of the medium of tattooing by making suggestions and even changing certain aspects of the design. There are multiple considerations when designing a tattoo, from balancing size with detail – to the placement on the body for a natural fit and flow – to what style may or may not translate well into the medium of tattooing. If you’re looking for someone to work by art direction, Awen is not your guy.

You’ve done your research and chosen to engage Awen’s creative vision and professional advice –
please take the information and suggestions he provides as trusted guidance based on decades of experience.

2. The Design Review is an opportunity to preview a concept sketch of the artwork prior to your tattoo appointment.

Plan to allow time to meet with Awen for a second video consult to review the design concept. Please set aside focused time out of respect for your tattoo and for Awen. Requests for minor alterations need to be made during the Design Review and not after. Following the Design Review, Awen will carefully invest time in finalizing the artwork for your appointment. Changing content after a Design Review will forfeit the deposit.

3. Next up, Tattoo Time!

A: Ever notice that an entire back piece is finished on TV in ten minutes plus the commercial break?  It’s almost like *magic*.

One thing not to rush is a tattoo, so while some tattoos will be completed in one session, more extensive pieces will involve multiple appointments over multiple weeks or months.

Remember that you are endeavoring in an ancient, creative process.
Tattoos are created by hand, one tattoo at a time.
Thank you for your patience.

A: It depends on what you’re getting. While there are too many variables involved to quote firm prices, Awen is happy to provide a rough estimate based on the information you provide.

A: Yes.

Deposits are non refundable – but hey, no worries as long as you’re committed to showing up for your tattoo!

  • The deposit will be credited to the final cost of your completed tattoo.
  • Deposits are payable through an online invoice provided by Awen.
  • If you need to postpone or reschedule (Hey! Life happens!) – 72 hours notice is required to avoid forfeiting the deposit.
  • Keep in mind that changing the content of the design following a Design Review will forfeit the deposit.

A: If you are ill, do not come to the studio. In the days leading up to your appointment, assess how you’re feeling.
If you are feeling unwell in any way – including, but not limited to any one or all of the following: headache, fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficult breathing, chills, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, or muscle aches – contact Awen to reschedule.

If you are ill, Awen will waive the 72 hours required notice and forward your deposit to the rescheduled appointment. We know you’re looking forward to your tattoo – so are we! But hey, COVID don’t play, Baby! Awen wants to protect his health, the health of every other client he sees and the health of his family.

Read our current health protocols before scheduling AND before coming into the studio.

If you are healthy and need to reschedule (because, hey – life happens) we ask that you provide 72 hours notice so that we have the opportunity to fill the opening. The more effective we can be with bookings, the more options we can provide you for rescheduling!

Please be aware that Awen is typically booking several months to a year in advance. When rescheduling, your new appointment may occur then or later depending on availability.

A: Yes. Photo I.D. is required to get a tattoo. That’s right, no exceptions. Be sure to bring your I.D. to your appointment. Without your photo I.D. your appointment and your deposit will be forfeited.

A: Effective January 1, 2011, the State of Minnesota requires a minimum age of 18 in order to get a tattoo, regardless of parental consent.

A: Well… Yeah. However, all things being relative plenty of things hurt more, like a broken heart, ice cream headaches, giving birth, scrolling Facebook, reading the news… When it comes to getting tattooed, the ability to relax into the Creative Process,  and a possessing a reasonable certainty that you’re ready to become tattooed, will make the process easy peasy lemon squeezie.

A: Have fun with the process! Self expression is fun and affirming. Getting tattoed is exciting, and excitement can include feeling nervous. Hey. That’s okay! Notice it, acknowledge it, thank it – and then trust the Creative Process and move forward to seize the day.

  • Plan ahead – Assess how you feel in the days leading up to your appointment.
    Let Awen know in advance if you’re feeling unwell or have been around someone feeling unwell.
  • Plan ahead – bring your photo ID. It is required.

The day of your appointment:

  1.  Assess how you’re feeling the morning of your tattoo. If you are (or have been around anyone) feeling unwell in any way – contact Awen to reschedule. He will forward your deposit to your new appointment. Awen will cancel your appointment if he is in doubt about your wellness. And, welp – that would be awkward. Nobody wants awkward.
    Thank you for being proactive!
  2.  Review our updated (10/31/23) health protocols before coming in for your appointment.
  3. Enjoy a light meal a couple of hours before your appointment.
  4. Check email before coming in for your appointment in the event the appointment is delayed or rescheduled. As we all know, things like illness, injury and family emergencies tend to come up at the last minute, so be sure to check your email before coming to the studio in case there are last minute changes to the appointment time.
  5. Wear comfortable, clean clothes. A zip up hoodie might feel nice since the studio runs cool.
  6. Bring your Photo ID. A photo ID is REQUIRED. And no alcohol or drugs. Any of these will forfeit both the appointment and the deposit.
  7. Feel free to bring AirPods or headphones.

A: Hopefully it goes without saying (but we’ll say it right here anyway) that any alcohol or drug consumption absolutely forfeits your appointment and your deposit. Forgetting your current, valid photo ID also forfeits your appointment and deposit. These studio policies are not only for our protection but also required by law. And hey, all of these things show basic respect and consideration for yourself, your artist and your tattoo.

Also, if you’re feeling ill in any way contact Awen to reschedule. We will forward your deposit to the new appointment, no questions asked. Be sure to review our updated (10/31/23) health protocols before coming in for your appointment. 

And PLEASE, play the pass card on any topical numbing / anesthetic / tattoo creams. These creams obstruct and lengthen the tattoo process.

Choosing a tattoo is choosing a rite of passage.  If the temporary discomfort of the tattoo feels like a barrier to you – then it’s wise to wait until you feel more solid with your decision to become tattooed.

A: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Apple Pay and Cash. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. If you’re getting an extensive piece requiring multiple sessions, payment is required at each session.

And we have GIFT CARDS! Yes indeedy! Awen offers gift cards in any denomination. What a stellar idea to put on your wish list for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day (hey – be your own Valentine), Groundhog Day, Talk Like a Pirate Day… Every day is a great day to get a tattoo! Purchase an eGift Card with Awen.

Gift Cards are non refundable and must be presented in order to redeem.

A: YES! eGift Cards are available and are fulfilled instantly (a life saver for that last minute and yet unforgettable gift idea). Purchase an eGift Card with Awen

We also have merch available including: shirts, hoodies, hats, books and all the fun things available in-studio and in the Art With a Point Online Store.

Gift Cards are non refundable AND must be presented in order to be redeemed.

A: One more thing. Everyone is welcome here.

Inclusivity is something Art With a Point has always championed. We strive to help each client feel comfortable, respected and welcome. On the daily this means setting self expression free, letting your inner unicorn out, bringing your best self to the creative process and just plain old having fun. After all, this is what tattooing is all about, amiright? There are moments when sparkleponies start to ruin the fun for everyone by telling businesses who we can welcome and by trying to make people feel bad about who they are. That simply does not fly here. Everyone deserves to belong.

Be cool, you cool cats. Kindness is THE thing.

Healing Your New Tattoo

  • Leave bandage on overnight.
  • Remove bandage.
  • Before touching tattoo, wash hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • Wash tattoo well with soap and water.
  • Blot dry.
  • Quick showers are a good thing.
  • Do not soak. No baths, swimming, etc.
  • Apply A&D Ointment sparingly twice daily to reduce itching and condition skin.
  • Do not re-bandage.
  • Do not pick. Healing takes 10-14 days.
  • Contact your artist and a health care professional at the first sign of infection.
  • Once healed, protect with sunscreen.
  • Questions? Contact Awen