Tattoo FAQ - Fredericton, NB, Good Wave Tattoo

I specialize in custom tattoo designs created specifically for you.

That includes:

• Custom artwork from scratch

• Color or black & grey tattoos

• Flash / pre-drawn designs

• Small first tattoos to large multi-session projects

• Cover-ups

Have an idea already? Great.
Not sure what you want yet? Even better — I love helping clients develop concepts into tattoos that fit their body and style.

Getting started is easy.

You can reach out through:

• The website booking form

• Instagram or Facebook

• Text

• Phone (during daylight hours)

We’ll talk about your idea, placement, size, budget, and availability — and go from there.

You’re always welcome to reach out if you have any questions, thats why I’m here.

👉 shoot me a message, lets get it started!

Tattoo pricing is generally based on how long a tattoo takes to complete.

Although some cases, it can be charged set price for the piece, regardless of how long it takes.

Other options are Half day, full day rates…. More info below.

A general industry guideline is that a design about the size of a stardard business card could on average take around one hour of tattooing time — though that can vary depending on:

• Detail and style

• Placement on the body (some spots are more challenging and therefore could take little more time compared to easy access spots )

• Ability of client to sit still (hard to tattoo someone who is jumping around!)

My current rate is 100$ per hour

My shop minimum for small, quick designs is 50-90$ (depending on colour or black and grey, placement on body, level of detail, length of tattoo session, and availability or my schedule)

I’m able to offer these relatively lower rates because I work out of my own private studio, rather than a high-rent downtown shop, and I’m in my second year (almost third!!) of operating independently, so my rates reflect this.

However my rates will be increasing soon as I gain more experience and my portfolio grows every day.

My goal is always the same:
high-quality custom tattoos, done safely and professionally, at a fair and transparent price.

Because every tattoo is different, I can usually provide a rough estimate after seeing your idea — but the final price depends on the actual tattooing time. If you don’t have room for surprises for estimates I can work with your budget, don’t want you to feel stressed or unsure of anything just keep communication open. :)

Half Day (4 hours as much as you can take in that time ) - 350$

Full day aka tap out session (as much as you can take or 10 hours in studio, whatever comes first, not counting 1 hour for lunch-700$

Full Day Bring a Friend - Share the full day $800 (400$ each ) take turns getting inked, two stations set up, roughly 4 hrs for each person , 10 hr in studio. You and a friend get breaks, I don’t … lol lets get it!

Tattoo hourly rates may seem inflated or arbitrary but there Is so much work that happens outside of the actual tattooing. Which is all factored into the final cost of a design.

Before needles ever touch the skin, your artist may spend:

• Time consulting and drawing your custom design

• Preparing and sterilizing the station

• Setting up machines and supplies

• Using single-use needles, ink, stencil paper, gloves, barriers, and disinfectants (all cost for the artist)

After your session, the station must be completely broken down and cleaned.

So what looks like a “one-hour tattoo” can involve a few hours of total work when you include drawing, setup, tattooing, and cleanup — along with studio costs like needles, ink, other materials, rent, utilities, insurance, and licensing.

Tips are optional but always appreciated, I believe tipping tattoo artists to be the social norm or general expectation in our region. Not saying this to pressure you at all just sharing information about this industry from my experience and what I found online.

When you book a tattoo appointment, time is set aside specifically for you — and custom artwork often begins before you arrive.

A deposit:

• Secures your appointment

• Covers design time

• Is applied toward the final price of your tattoo

Because design work is real working time, deposits are non-refundable.

If you need to reschedule and give at least 24 hours’ notice, your deposit can be transferred to a new date.

This policy helps protect artists’ time and ensures we can continue offering thoughtful, custom tattoos to every client.

Before your tattoo session, a little preparation goes a long way toward making the day smooth and comfortable.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before

• Eat a solid meal before you arrive

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid alcohol and drugs for at least 24 hours beforehand

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed

• Shower beforehand and come with clean skin

• Avoid sunburn or irritated skin in the area

• Moisturize your skin regularly in the weeks leading up to your appointment (but don’t apply lotion the day of)

• Try not to consume excess stimulants on tattoo day, this includes coffee, nicotine, energy drinks, cannabis. These products act as stimulants, which activate your nervous system and could make you more sensitive to sensation of the tattoo. Little bit is fine if that is your normal but try to consume little as possible.

If you’re feeling sick, please let us know and we can reschedule.

You’re always welcome to bring water or a snack for longer sessions.

If you have any medical conditions, allergies, or medications that might affect healing or bleeding, be sure to mention them when booking.

Our goal is to make your experience comfortable, safe, and positive from start to finish.

Everyone experiences tattoo pain a little differently — but yes, tattoos do involve some discomfort.

Most people describe the sensation as:

• A scratching or buzzing feeling

• Like a constant light burn or vibration

The level of discomfort depends on:

• Placement on the body

• Your pain tolerance

• Whether it’s your first tattoo

• Session length

• Your stress level and energy that day

Areas with more muscle or padding tend to be easier, while boney or very sensitive areas can feel more intense.

That said — most clients are surprised by how manageable it is, especially when they’re relaxed, well-rested, and prepared.

We take breaks when needed, walk you through the process, and make sure you’re comfortable before starting.

If you’re nervous, let us know — first-time clients are always welcome, and we’ll talk you through everything.

In New Brunswick, there technically is no defined minimum legal age, however I would prefer you to be legal age of 19 and provide valid government-issued photo ID before getting tattooed without parental consent.

If you are under the legal age, a parent or legal guardian will be required to be present for tattoo session and provide written consent — please contact us directly before booking so we can explain what’s needed. And not awkwardly refuse you after you show up because you are too young.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, just reach out — we’re happy to clarify before you book.

I typically don’t recommend getting large tattoo collections when 19 or under as as your body is still growing and changing until you are in your 30’s when your body type starts to plateau and not change as rapidly. Some tattoo styles, especially script, geometric designs can be warped or faded as your body changes over time. Dont worry though I’ll try it recommend you best options to help tattoo age well no matter how old you are. (Older than minimum… )

Yes — you’re welcome to bring one/two supportive friends with you.

That said, space in the studio is limited, and we ask that guests:

• Remain respectful and calm

• Stay seated during the tattoo

• Follow any instructions from the artist

• Avoid crowding the workstation

• Don’t make the person getting tattooed laugh and shake cause the artist is working.

For larger groups or special situations, check with us ahead of time.

Our priority is keeping the studio clean, focused, and safe for everyone.

Tell your guest that they may be asked to help out during the tattoo, get us drinks, snacks, etc. If you are just sitting there and we need stuff you better be ready to help us out.

To help your session go smoothly and heal well afterward, here are some simple guidelines:

✔ DO:

• Eat a good meal beforehand

• Wear clothes that allow access to tattoo area, and that you don’t mind getting ink on…

• Stay hydrated

• Get plenty of sleep

• Wear comfortable clothing

• Shower and come with clean skin

• Bring a snack or water for long sessions

• Let us know about any medical conditions or medications

• Arrive on time not super early, or late

❌ DON’T:

• Drink alcohol or use drugs beforehand

• Arrive sunburned on the tattoo area

• Come sick — please reschedule if you’re unwell

• Apply numbing creams unless discussed beforehand

• Bring large groups

• Show up late without notice

• Drink too much coffee or smoke a ton

These simple steps help keep your experience safe, comfortable, and stress-free.