Tattoo FAQ — Minneapolis Pricing, Pain, Prep & More

At Studio AZ, we charge by the project — not by the hour. Fine line tattoos start at $100, small tattoos with detail from $200, medium pieces $400–$800, and large or multi-session work is quoted after consultation. See our tattoo services for full pricing. Your artist will confirm exact pricing during your consultation so there are no surprises.

Deposits secure your appointment and are required before scheduling a consultation. Small and fine line tattoos require a $50 deposit, medium to large tattoos require a $100 deposit. Deposits are 100% refundable with 24-hour notice and are applied toward your final tattoo cost — they're not an extra fee.

We prefer Zelle, Cash, and Venmo. Credit cards are also accepted, and we offer payment plans for larger pieces. Discuss payment options with your artist during your consultation.

No. Studio AZ is appointment-only and all work is 100% custom. Every tattoo starts with a consultation with our tattoo artists to ensure the design is exactly what you want. This process takes time, and we don't rush it. Explore our portfolio and submit a booking request to get started.

Fill out our online booking form with your idea, placement, and size. Our front desk will confirm details and collect your deposit. Then you'll have a consultation with your artist (in-person or via text) to finalize the design. Your artist creates a custom concept for your approval before your appointment day. Typical timeline from first contact to tattoo day is 7–15 days.

Absolutely. Your artist will send you the custom design for approval before your appointment. You can request changes or adjustments — revisions are included in the process. We don't start tattooing until you're 100% happy with the design.

Yes! Bring any references, sketches, or ideas you have. Your artist will work with what you bring and refine it for tattooing. We also offer cover-up tattoos if you're looking to transform existing ink. If you don't have a specific design yet, bring references and your artist will help you create something from scratch.

Small tattoos typically take 2–3 hours. Medium pieces run 3–7 hours depending on detail and coverage. Large pieces over 7 hours are split into multiple sessions. Your artist will confirm the expected duration after your consultation.

Cancel with at least 24 hours notice for a full deposit refund. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice forfeit the deposit. Rescheduling also requires 24-hour notice, or a reschedule fee of $50–$100 (matching your deposit amount) may apply.

You must be 18 years old to get tattooed at Studio AZ. We require valid government-issued ID. No exceptions with parental consent — this is Minnesota state law.

Yes, you can bring one guest. Space in the studio is limited, so your guest may need to wait in the barbershop area above during the actual tattoo session. We want you to be comfortable — just keep it to one person.

Yes, tattoos involve needles and you will feel it — but it's manageable for most people. Pain varies by placement (ribs and feet tend to be more sensitive) and individual tolerance. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends eating well, staying hydrated, and getting good sleep before your appointment. Do NOT take pain killers beforehand as they thin the blood.

Eat a full meal before arriving. Stay hydrated the day before and day of. Get a good night's sleep. Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area. Consider bringing a pillow if you'll be lying on your stomach or side for an extended session. Avoid alcohol and pain killers before your appointment.

We provide complete aftercare instructions at your appointment. Your artist will apply either plastic wrap or a Saniderm bandage — plastic wrap is removed at 2-4 hours, while Saniderm can stay on up to 3-5 days if sealed well. After bandage removal, follow our 4-step routine: cleanse with a gentle foam cleanser, protect with A&D ointment for the first 48 hours, then hydrate with fragrance-free lotion until fully healed. Full healing takes 6-8 weeks. Visit our detailed aftercare guide for the complete day-by-day timeline.

Yes. About 40 days after your session, your artist will assess how the tattoo healed. If a touch-up is needed and you followed the aftercare instructions, it's typically free of charge. Contact us to schedule your assessment.

Yes! Both of our tattoo artists — Joan Martinez and Andrew Fernandez — speak Spanish primarily. We also offer translators and interpreters during the consultation process, proudly serving the Minneapolis community. At the end of the day, their work speaks for itself.

We're in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis at 333 Washington Ave N, STE 100. The tattoo studio is in the basement level of the barbershop, inside the Union Plaza Building (between Deja Vu and Dario Restaurant). See our parking and directions page for detailed instructions.