How to book an appointment!
Please choose which artist you would like to work with and send them an email or fill out a tattoo appointment request form.
A link to the Artists email or tattoo request form will be active once their books are open
Emails received prior to or after the booking dates listed will NOT be considered.
To expedite a response please include answers to ALL questions listed below in the email you send to the artist you wish to work with.
Please allow 2-4 weeks for a reply.
1. Your idea for your tattoo or which posted available design you are interested in getting.
2. Size in approximate inches tall and wide.
3. Whether you desire color or black and grey.
4. Location on your body for the tattoo.
5. Any other tattoos we are working around. (Please Attach Pictures)
6. Any reference photos (knowing that we will not copy an exact image, but use it as a reference point of what you like visually in terms of style, coverage, etc.)
7. Any other pertinent information to your design. (i.e., reason for your tattoo even if just for fun)
8. Your phone number.
9. What days & times you are typically available.
Deposit Information and Cancellation Policy
To secure an appointment, a non-refundable deposit must be paid in person, over the phone, or via PayPal. There is a $100 deposit for a 1-3 hour tattoo, a $200 deposit for a 4-6 hour tattoo, and a $300 deposit for any tattoo 6+ hours. The deposit will be applied to the total price of the tattoo. Please provide us with 48 hours' notice if you need to reschedule, and you can move your appointment to another time without losing your deposit. If you do not reschedule your appointment within 30 days, you will forfeit your deposit. If you reschedule 2 times with the required 48-hour notice, you will be required to leave an additional $100 deposit to reschedule a third time.
Please DO NOT send your deposit until your appointment is confirmed by your artist.
We will begin scheduling clients interested in one of our custom designs posted on social media first. We always welcome you to send your design ideas as we still love being inspired by our clients!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you do piercings?
No. Thanks for inquiring if we can help you with a tattoo down the line please visit us at www.velvetlotustattoo.com.
2. What are your hours?
We are typically here Tuesday-Saturday noon - 6pm. Each artist does their own booking. Please visit the booking information tab for booking info.
3. Do you take walk ins?
Our artists work by appointment. Walk-ins are sometimes available if an artist has a no show or reschedule. Feel free to call us to check walk-in availability. Better yet book an appointment by visiting our booking information tab.
4. How do I get an appointment?
Each artist does their own scheduling. Please visit the artists page where a link will be available to email the artist during the time their books are open for new appointment requests. Including all the information listed on the booking information tab will expedite a response.
5. How much does a tattoo cost? Why do you not do pricing over the phone?
Our tattoos start at $100 and go up from there. Larger designs, such as those bigger than a sheet of paper or so, are priced at an hourly rate of 150-165 an hour. (Discounted rates for apprentice may be available.) Many factors are considered in pricing a tattoo such as size, detail, location and amount of color.
6. Do tattoos hurt?
Pain is relative. We all feel it differently. There is a discomfort that is more irritating and annoying than painful. While described many ways, it is kinda like a cat scratch on a sunburn.
7. How old do you have to be to get tattooed?
Iowa State law requires you to be 18 years of age with a valid, government issued ID such as a drivers license, non-drivers license, passport or military ID. There is NO parental consent allowed in this state.
8. Do you use new needles on each client?
YES! Each tattoo is applied with new, sterile needles and tubes. The pigment is poured in individual ink caps. Ointments are single use. All is disposed of after each client.
9. Are you State licensed?
Yes. You can find licensed studios and artists online at www.idph.iowa.gov and typing tattoo establishment directory or tattoo artist directory in the search bar. Our permit is visibly seen at the studio as well as each artists permit. Once a year we are inspected by the health department and must have our inspection checklist posted for viewing at the studio.
10. What type of tattoos do you do?
We like to custom design tattoos for our clients via a sit-down (consultation) appointment. We do everything from flowers to animals, geometric, to traditional. If your idea is not applicable to be translated to a tattoo we can educate you to what can work and still get across your idea. We want you to have a long lasting, legible tattoo for years to come.
11. How long have you been in business and how much experience do your artists have?
Velvet Lotus Tattoo opened in August of 2013. Our artists have a combined experience of over 25 years. For more information on our artists visit www.velvetlotustattoo.com and click on the artist page.
12. How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
On average, 7-14 days for the initial healing flaking to subside. The underneath layers of skin can take anywhere in the month or so range.
13. Do you do touch-ups?
Touch ups are free of charge within the first year. You will know if there was an issue with the application of your tattoo within 2 weeks. If you followed the care instructions as received and feel you need a touch up please contact us right away. There may be a small set up fee for tattoo touchups on the feet, hands, and fingers.
14. Do you do permanent makeup/cosmetics?
No. Thank you for your interest. If we can help you with a tattoo down the line, let us know.
15. Which artist would be best for my project/tattoo idea?
Choosing an artist is really a personal decision. Please visit the artists page view a sample of each artists work and find links to view are work on their instagram or Facebook page.
16. Why do you require a deposit to secure an appointment?
The deposit helps compensate for our time. To secure an appointment, a $100 (NON REFUNDABLE) deposit is taken in person, over the phone, via Venmo or via PayPal. The deposit will come off the total price of the tattoo. Please provide us a 48 hour notice if needing to reschedule, and you can move your appointment to another time without losing your deposit.
