Frequently Asked Questions
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and UnionPay), Venmo, Paypal, and Cashapp.
How much do you charge?
The shop minimum is $150, and the hourly rate is $150. Guest artists’ rates may vary.
When is your next opening?
Currently we are only booking on scheduled Booking Days; We don’t schedule appointments more than 90 days in advance. Our updated schedule/openings are posted at littlefishstudios.org/booking
your website shows no availability
Our booking site only shows available appointments for the next 90 days. If it shows no available appointments it means all openings for that timeframe have been fully booked. However, new appointment openings are made available every Open Booking Day, so please keep checking back!
Do you accept walk-ins?
No, we are an appointment-only shop and are unable to accommodate walk-ins.
Do you do piercings?
No, currently we do not offer any piercings or body modifications other than tattoos.
Can I get a tattoo before I’m 18?
No, New York State law does not allow for tattooing of minors, even if you have parental permission. You must be 18+ to get a tattoo, and government-issued photo ID is required at the time of your appointment.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, you can! We do ask that you bring only one additional person to your appointment. All guests must be 18+ to enter the shop.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
The week before your appointment:
Hydrate! Drink plenty of water every day
Avoid getting sunburnt or injured in the area you plan to get tattooed
Exfoliate (gently)
Moisturize daily with a gentle lotion
The day of your appointment:
Eat before your appointment - bring snacks and water for longer tattoos
Dress comfortably - wear loose dark-colored clothing (ink stains are possible) Make sure the area you want tattooed will be accessible (loose shorts for thigh pieces, button up flannels can be reversed for back pieces, etc) Feel free to bring layers or a blanket in case you get cold!
Don’t apply lotion or sunscreen before your appointment
Don’t forget your photo ID!
Do tattoos hurt?
Everyone has a different pain tolerance, and different areas of the body vary in sensitivity. Usually the sensation of getting a tattoo is described similarly to scratching a fresh sunburn. Long sessions can intensify the feeling, as can placement on the body.
What areas are the most painful?
Genitals, ribs, tops of feet, collarbones, inner elbows/back of the knees, and armpits are generally the most sensitive areas to be tattooed.
Can I use numbing cream?
We do not recommend using numbing cream, as many of the products available negatively affect ink retention, and some contain unsafe ingredients. Some products can even cause dangerous health problems; Not all numbing products are safe for unbroken skin! We ask that you do not apply any numbing creams/ointments before your appointment. If necessary our artist(s) have low percentage lidocaine sprays that are made specifically for the tattoo process.