Question 1

Where is your studio located?

Accepted Answer

Blue Aura Tattoo & Piercing Studio is located at 1-317 Columbia Street, New Westminster BC. Our studio is a ground level unit, located 2 blocks east from the Columbia Skytrain Station. We have ample paid parking available right in front of the studio, handicapped parking, as well as 2 hours Free Parking on any of the side streets of 4th Street, Carnarvon St and Clarkson St.

Question 2

How do I book a tattoo appointment?

Accepted Answer

Same day appointments may be requested through either email or by phone call. For all future bookings, we require you to fill out a Request form linked through our Instagram, or a Consultation form linked here. All Tattoos booked in to a future date will require a deposit to hold a spot in our schedule, and are needed before any drawing/designing may begin. Consultations either in person or via video call may be required before booking in.

Question 3

Is a Deposit required for booking a tattoo?

Accepted Answer

While walk-ins do not require a deposit, a non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your tattoo appointment and is to ensure our clients respect our artist’s time and efforts. Deposits are deducted from your tattoo’s final price, or carried over to your next session if a piece requires multiple sessions. It is not an extra fee. The cost of the deposit is dependent on the size of the tattoo, ranging from $50 - $200. Deposits may be forfeited by the client if they do not show up for their appointment or they do not provide at least 72 hours of notice via email or by phone to reschedule, with no exceptions. Consultations are free and do not require a deposit. See our Policy section for more info.

Question 4

How old do I have to be to get tattooed and do I need ID?

Accepted Answer

All clients are required to be 18 YEARS OF AGE or older, with no exceptions. All persons are required to show valid Photo ID before their appointment may begin. Accepted forms of ID would be a Driver's License, Passport, Health Card with photo, Birth Certificate with Student Photo Card.

Question 5

How much do tattoos cost at Blue Aura Tattoo & Piercing Studio?

Accepted Answer

Each tattoo artist has their own hourly rate which is based on talent, speed and experience. Tattoos are priced either during your consultation, or when your artist has received all necessary information regarding your tattoo ideas. If you have a budget, be sure to mention it to your artist, as we can always design within it. For smaller projects, our studio has a $100 minimum charge for tattoos taking 20 minutes or less. Artists also have Flat Rate fees on their personal flash drawings, which tends to be priced less than their regular hourly rate.

Question 6

Can I bring guests with me to my tattoo appointment?

Accepted Answer

We know entering a tattoo studio can be both exciting for some, and cause some anxieties for others, and support is wonderful to have. We ask all clients that you refrain from bringing any large groups to your appointment and keep visitors to 1 person per visit. Any additional guests may be asked to leave our studio during the tattoo session to avoid crowding in our reception area. Please be sure to secure adequate CHILDCARE. Minors are prohibited from entering the tattoo area, and we are unable to watch your children in the front while you’re being tattooed. Please plan ahead to avoid having to reschedule and forfeit your deposit.

Question 7

Can I bring my pets into the studio?

Accepted Answer

We ask of you to leave your fur babies at home during your appointment. We are not permitted to have animals roam freely in the studio due to health regulations. A service animal may be allowed in our studio; however, you must have proper documentation, and they must be in a carrier or stroller for the duration of your appointment.

Question 8

Can I take pictures/video during my appointment?

Accepted Answer

While we understand tattoo days are super exciting, video recording of any kind is prohibited within our studio to protect the privacy of our clients and staff. If you’d like to take a photo of your tattoo during your appointment, please be sure to first ask your artist for their consent before documenting.

Question 9

How long does it typically take for a tattoo to heal?

Accepted Answer

Tattoo healing can vary depending on the size and placement of the tattoo, as well as individual healing abilities. Generally, it takes 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to heal completely.  Refer to our Tattoo Aftercare link to familiarize yourself with the best aftercare practices to ensure a quick and smooth healing process.

Question 10

Does getting tattooed hurt? Do you use numbing cream?

Accepted Answer

Tattooing can cause discomfort, and the level of pain varies depending on the person, placement, and duration of the tattoo. While there are many numbing agents available, we strongly discourage using them. Numbing creams can cause severe allergic reactions or skin irritations, and they may also alter the texture of the skin, making it more difficult for the artist to inject the ink properly. They have also been known to alter the look of a tattoo, desaturating colours and other ink pigments. Please discuss any concerns with your artist before your appointment, and avoid attending your appointment with numbing cream applied to avoid having to potentially reschedule.

Question 11

Can I bring my own design for the tattoo?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We can certainly use the designs you’ve brought in to tattoo and we encourage you to bring in as many reference photos as you can find. Whether you have a sketch or a collage of digital images, our artists will work with you to create the perfect tattoo design.

Question 12

Can you tattoo over scars?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can tattoo over most healed scars. Scars must be fully healed and settled for 6-12 months before tattooing over, and surgery or deep scars can be much longer of a wait. Tattooing over scars is often sensitive and more painful than normal tattoos, ink saturation may not hold well and could fade or blur, and the raised or sunken skin could warp an image’s appearance. It’s best to consult with your artist beforehand to go over any questions and concerns.

Question 13

Do you offer tattoo cover-up services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our talented artists are skilled in tattoo cover-ups. They can transform old or unwanted tattoos into beautiful new designs that you’ll love. Be sure to book a consultation first to properly discuss your options.

Question 14

What should I expect during a tattoo consultation?

Accepted Answer

During your free consultation, you’ll meet with one of our talented artists to discuss your ideas, design preferences, style, size, placement options, and any other questions you may have. It’s a chance for you to collaborate and ensure your tattoo design is perfect, and your vision is understood. It is a great opportunity to see our space, meet your artist, and brainstorm a custom design that is unique and just for you. Make sure to be well prepared before your consultation, and have as many reference photos available as possible, and as many ideas written down. Consultations are always free, and at the conclusion of your appointment you can decide to book an appointment, or mull things over some more. Drawings will only commence after a Deposit is received, and an appointment is booked in. Each artist has their own unique consultation process, so be sure to ask as many questions as needed. To book your Consultation, click here.

Question 15

How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Accepted Answer

HYDRATE as much as possible for 48 hours leading up to your tattoo and EAT a healthy meal at least two hours beforehand. bring a water bottle, snacks and a lunch for longer sessions. Make sure to SHOWER before your tattoo, and WEAR appropriate clothing, so that the artist can access the tattoo area. DO NOT consume alcohol 24 hours before your tattoo appointment and AVOID too much caffeine or energy drinks before your tattoo, as they can thin your blood and push the ink out of your skin while healing. Please be SOBER for your tattoo appointment to avoid rescheduling, BRING headphones or entertainment if you’d like to distract yourself with music, movies, games, etc. so long as they don’t interfere with your tattoo. Please be sure to secure adequate CHILDCARE and limit your SUPPORT to a +1 at most. Make sure to free up your SCHEDULE on the day of your tattoo in case your appointment runs later than intended. Nobody wants to rush a tattoo!

Question 16

Can I see the design for my tattoo before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

In a perfect world we would happily accommodate this request, but showing drawings to all of our clients weeks to even days before just isn't realistic. All drawings are shown the day of the appointment. Consultations are the best opportunity discuss all concepts and details, and that allows our artists create a design within your image. We ensure to allow enough time on the day of your appointment to go over any questions or changes. Whether major or minor, we don't start tattooing until you're 100% happy with the design.

Question 17

What should I expect on my tattoo appointment day?

Accepted Answer

Upon arrival, you’ll sign a waiver form and proceed to your artist’s station. The first half hour will be spent reviewing and finalizing your design, allowing time for any necessary adjustments. Next, your artist will apply a temporary stencil to your skin for placement and sizing approval. Once you approve the stencil, the artist will finish setting up their equipment and proceed with the tattooing process until the session is complete.  For longer sessions we allocate time for breaks to eat and stretch your legs.  There’s plenty of food options around the studio to choose from or you can bring your own meals.  Our staff is available to assist you with any questions or needs that may come up.

Question 18

What aftercare methods should I use following my tattoo session.

Accepted Answer

We provide thorough aftercare instructions to ensure your tattoo heals properly and maintains its vibrancy. Following these guidelines, which include keeping the tattoo clean and moisturized, will promote a smooth healing process. Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing, helping to prevent infection, scarring, and fading. Our professional tattoo artists will give you detailed, easy-to-follow instructions to support your tattoo’s long-term health and appearance.

Question 19

Do you offer tattoo touch-up services?

Accepted Answer

Tattoos may occasionally require a touch-up due to a variety of factors. Sometimes, a tattoo might fade or lose ink during the healing process due to natural body responses or the location of the tattoo, other timers it may be due to negligence of improper aftercare. Our artists will provide free touch ups on most healed tattoos, so long as they are booked within a certain timeframe, and so long as improper aftercare was not a factor. if we determine that the tattoo didn’t heal well due to improper aftercare by the client, the touch-up will not be complimentary. Each Artist has their own Touch Up Policy, so be sure to ask them ahead of time for clarity. However,

Please: We do NOT offer free touch ups on hands, fingers, feet, elbows, or faces, as those areas are prone to fading, even with the most experienced of artists.

Question 20

Can I cancel or reschedule a tattoo?

Accepted Answer

To reschedule a tattoo appointment please notify us at least 48 hours before your appointment. We allow you to reschedule up to 2 times, however, if you fail to notify us before 48 hours of your appt, or you reschedule more than 2 times then your deposit will be forfeited. If you cancel an appointment altogether or you don’t show up for your appointment your deposit will be forfeited.

Question 21

What if I'm running late to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Clients should arrive 5 – 10 minutes early for your appointment to allow time to sign waiver forms, and go over your design. Arriving late may result in our artists not having enough time to finish your tattoo before their next appointment, and you may be asked to reschedule your appointment, while forfeiting your deposit in more serious cases. If your artist doesn’t have a subsequent appointment, you may still be charged a late fee.

Question 22

How soon after a tattoo can I go swimming?

Accepted Answer

We suggest waiting until your Tattoos are fully healed before submerging them in bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, oceans, pools, hot tubs, and even your bathtub (showers are of course recommended for your own health and cleanliness). Your tattoo is an open wound, and Bacteria in untreated waters, such as lakes, leave your tattoos susceptible to infection, fading and scarring. Please avoid swimming and any long exposure time to sun while your tattoo is healing.

Question 23

Can I still get a tattoo even if I’m pregnant?

Accepted Answer

We will not perform any tattoo services if you are pregnant. We also recommend waiting until you are finished breastfeeding before getting a tattoo due to the fluctuation of hormones causing issues with healing. Treating any potential infection while pregnant or breastfeeding is also a risk one would want to avoid.

Question 24

What types of tattoo designs and styles do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Our artists are quite diverse and specialize in a wide range of tattoo styles, including Traditional & Neo Traditional both in colour and black & grey, Anime style, Fine Line, Black & Grey realism, Colour Realism, Floral work, Mandala Dotwork, cover-up tattoos, and much more.

Question 25

Which forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay and Google Pay. All forms of payment are subject to GST.

Question 26

Is your studio wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

-       Blue Aura has an accessible, street level entrance at the front of the store, with a ramp leading on the inside the building. There is a designated accessible parking spot located right in front the studio, as well as ample parking spots beside. Jewelry is displayed in display cases easily viewable from a seated position, and we can always bring jewelry out, as well as provide jewelry menus to take a closer look. 
-       For our piercing services, most procedures can be performed in a seated position, but you may be asked to tilt your head back or to the side depending on the procedure. If you would prefer to be laying down, our piercing chairs are low enough and adjustable to transfer onto. While we are not able to offer assistance getting on and off the exam table, you may bring someone over the age of 18 to assist you if needed.

Question 27

Should I tip my tattoo artist?

Accepted Answer

Tips are greatly appreciated but not expected.

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