.jpeg)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find what you’re looking for below please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Where are you based? I tattoo at Seven Magpies Tattoos. The studio is situated in the heart of Bedford Town centre so there’s multiple carparks only a short walk from us. Bedford train station is also only approximately a 15 minute walk away.
How do I book an appointment? To begin the booking process I ask that clients initially get in touch with me via email at laurenapriltattoo@outlook.com. This gives the chance to discuss ideas and I require some information about sizing, placement and reference images to be sent through. (Exact details for booking can be found on the bookings page) Once I know a bit more about the design, I can quote the tattoo or advise if a face-to-face consultation at the studio will be necessary. To book an appointment I will either arrange the date via email or advise you to contact the studio by phone on 01234589601, so we can go through the availability in my diary.
Do you take deposits for appointments? Yes, all appointments need to be guaranteed with a deposit, if booking multiple sessions I only require one deposit that we then move to each subsequent appointment. Deposit amounts start from £50 but may be higher depending on the length of your booking. The deposit will come off the final price of the tattoo/off your last session.
What information do you need when enquiring about a tattoo? If you would like to discuss a design, please could you let me know the following information about your idea: 1. What you’d like to get tattooed. 2. Rough size you’d like the design in cm 3. If you’d like colour, black and grey, or just outlines 4. Placement you’d like to go with on the body If you could also send over: 1. Reference images if you have them 2. A photo of the specific gap you’d like tattooed (only if the area around what you are hoping to get has tattoos surrounding it and you’d like a specific space to be drawn for)
How much do you charge? I usually charge per design but as a rough guide the shop hourly rate is £70 per hour with a minimum charge of £70. Full day rate is £450-£500. A full day booking typically runs from 10am-6pm including breaks. Overall the price depends on the individual tattoo as things like placement, detail and complexity can end up factoring into the price. I usually give a price quote per design so that you know what to expect. If this isn’t possible due to the idea being something really large scale or to be done across multiple sessions I’ll always make you aware of this and that I’d just be charging you for the time used according to the hourly rate at the end of the session(s)
Do you have a waiting list? No, I typically don’t close my books so you’re welcome to enquire any time. I typically book for a month or 2 ahead but sometimes have availability for sooner than this so enquiries are always welcome. I sometimes cap my bookings to about 6 months ahead but if you’re interested in really booking in advance feel free to get in touch and I can discuss my availability with you.
Will I get my drawing beforehand? I don’t send out designs before appointments, largely due to my workload I typically design each tattoo a few days before or the evening before your appointment. I do build in time to each appointment however to allow plenty of space for you to see your design at the beginning of the session. We can then have a good chat through any changes to be made and to make sure you are happy before we go ahead into tattooing. This is so much easier in person and avoids anything being lost in translation though messages.
How should I prepare for my appointment? 1. Try to moisturise the area to be tattooed daily starting a few weeks before your appointment. Gentle exfoliation a few days before can help remove dead skin cells allowing for better ink absorption. 2. Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before 3. Avoid drinking alcohol on the day of, and the night before your tattoo 4. Make sure to have a substantial meal before your appointment 5. It’s important to stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar up so you’re more than welcome to bring sweets and drinks in with you 6. It’s best to wear warm and comfortable clothing and bear in mind we’ll need access to the area being tattooed, there are privacy screens if necessary. 7. Make sure to set aside enough time for your appointment, tattoos can sometimes go over the estimated time so it can be best to pay for an extra hour or two of parking and not plan anything for immediately after your booking. 8. Please let me know how I can accommodate to your needs, if you’d prefer not to talk please let me know 9. You’re welcome to bring things with you to make you feel more comfortable during your appointment. This could be headphones to listen to your own music or a podcast, a book, a blanket or pillow, fidget toys, a plushie or even a pair of cosy socks.
Can I bring someone with me when I get tattooed? Ideally it’s best if you came alone, due to the limited space in the studio we normally don’t have room available for someone to sit with you during your appointment. If you suffer from anxiety or require someone to be with you please let me know when you book your appointment so we can work out how best to accommodate your needs.
I’m feeling nervous about getting tattooed, can you run me a little through what to expect? Feeling apprehensive around getting tattooed is totally okay and something I’m used to helping clients through. I’ll always do my best to create a comfortable and relaxed environment for you and to accommodate any needs you may have. When you arrive at the studio I’ll greet you and give you a form to fill out. We’ll then start the session by going through your design and making sure you are happy to proceed with tattooing. I’ll then apply the stencil and make sure that you are completely happy with the placement before we begin. During the tattoo if you need a break at all even just for a short breather please feel free to ask me. I’ll typically always check in with you and present the chance for a break also at some point during the session. We can chat whilst I work and I often love a good conversation with clients, but equally if you’d rather stay silent or pop headphones in to help you through the session that’s more than okay! If required or if you prefer I will put a privacy screen up.
Can I get tattooed if I am on medication or have a medical condition? Please speak to me before your appointment if you have any enquiries about being on any medication, medical conditions, or if you have any allergies as I may need to take these into account when tattooing you. I will often advise you to speak to your GP or consultant if you are unsure if your medication or medical conditions would affect either getting the tattoo or the healing process.
What is your cancellation policy? Appointments can be cancelled or rearranged up to 14 days before the booking date, if you cannot make your appointment and give me less than 14 days notice you may lose your deposit and a new one may be required to reschedule.
What are your aftercare instructions? 1. Always wash & dry your hands before and after touching your new tattoo. 2. Leave your tattoo covered for 1-2 hours, then remove the covering and gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild unscented liquid soap (e.g. Carex). 3. Pat dry with kitchen towel or leave to air dry naturally. 4. When fully dry, apply a thin layer of an aftercare product suited to freshly completed tattoos such as Tattoo Goo tattoo care lotion. 5. You will be advised whether or not to re-cover your tattoo. 6. Repeat the cleaning process 3-4 times a day for the first 3 days then 2-3 times a day for around two weeks. 7. Shower rather than bathe while the tattoo is healing and don’t soak the skin, also avoid saunas and steam rooms 8. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo as this will delay the healing and possibly damage the final piece 9. When healed avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, make sure to use a high SPF. 10. Always keep a new tattoo covered and protected if working in a dirty/dusty/oily environment, or when out in the sun. 11. Make sure the tattoo is kept well moisturised and clean for a few months after it is finally healed.