Question 1

How to have a QUOTE and BOOK an appointment?

Accepted Answer

I firstly do a selection of projects by email, checking that your idea suits my style.
 
You can fill the form on my BOOKING page, with all the information I need from you at this stage, or you can send me an email at lavaletattoo@yahoo.com
 
Small designs can be discussed via email and finalised during the tattoo session.
Bigger projects will require a video consultation.

Consultations are done via Zoom, it will be a moment to make a sketch together and discuss the design in details. I’ll also be able to give you an accurate quote.
Consultations last 30 minutes and cost £20, which will be deducted from your final tattoo payment, if you go ahead with the booking.

Question 2

Can I walk in the studio without appointment?

Accepted Answer

AvantArt Tattoo is a private studio, running only by appointments.
We want to guarantee the maximum privacy to our clients, please book an appointment before visiting.
 
You can get in contact by email:
lavaletattoo@yahoo.com 
avantarttattoo@yahoo.com

Question 3

How do I purchase a tattoo GIFT VOUCHER?

Accepted Answer

Visit my Tattoo Gift Voucher page for more info about a personalised gift.
You can purchase a digital or paper version, delivered by email, post or collection from the studio Avant Art Tattoo.

Fill the form or send me a direct email lavaletattoo@yahoo.com to buy your perfect gift!

Question 4

Do you COVER or REWORK old tattoos?

Accepted Answer

I work on cover-up tattoo projects when possible, but each case needs to be assessed individually. Feel free to email photos at lavaletattoo@yahoo.com

For more information about watercolour cover-ups, you can check out my blog Covering old tattoos: is watercolour the right choice

Please note that I don’t rework or add to tattoos created by other artists. Even with similar styles, every artist has a distinct technique, which can make it challenging to create a cohesive result when merging different works.

Question 5

How do I prepare for a CONSULTATION?

Accepted Answer

Consultations are done via Zoom,  last 30 minutes and cost £20, which will be deducted from your final tattoo payment, if you go ahead with the booking. 
 
This is a scheduled moment to talk about your design idea and create a sketch together.

Send via email any reference image that can help explain what you like.
They can be from a painting, drawing, photo or my portfolio tattoos.
Please keep an open mind and understand that not everything will be possible or look good as a tattoo.

If you're happy with the project and quote, you can book a tattoo appointment by paying a 50% deposit.

Question 6

Why do I have to pay a DEPOSIT?

Accepted Answer

Deposits are a confirmation of the appointment, this sum goes towards the final payment and is not refundable.
 
A lot of work and time is involved in preparing your tattoo session, this includes email correspondence, a free consultaion and hours spent making a design. This and the loss of a day's pay in the event of a cancellation are the reasons why I do not refund deposits.
 
If you need to move the appointment and give me two weeks notice, I'll be able to book in someone else, so I won't lose the day of work and you won't lose the deposit.

Question 7

What if I LIVE far from the studio?

Accepted Answer

Most of my clients are not local, so don't worry, there are many ways to organize the meetings.
 
Depending on the project requirements, we can have a consultation via videocall. 
 
If you live hours away, it is advisable to travel by train, as a long drive may be too tiring after a long tattoo session.
Chippenham train station is only a few minutes from the studio and it has good connections with London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Southampton etc.
You might want to read our blog post  Why Traveling for a Tattoo: Find the Perfect Studio. 
It covers why many people choose to travel for their tattoos, what the experience is like and how to maximise your visit to my studio in Chippenham.

If someone drives you to the appointment, they can explore the shops on the main street, as we are right in the centre of town, or take a walk along the River Avon (just at the back of the studio).
 
Avant Art studio is only a short distance from Bath, Castle Combe, Avebury, Bradford on Avon, Bristol and many other picturesque towns, where you might as well spend the night before heading home.

Question 8

Can I see my tattoo DESIGN?

Accepted Answer

The final design will be ready for your tattoo appointment and any changes needed can be done before starting.
Adjusting a design in person is easier and more practicle, as it has to perfectly fit the body area. 
I won't start tattooing until we are both happy with the design.

Question 9

Can I BRING SOMEONE with me to the appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please do not feel the need to bring someone with you to the appointment, I will look after you and make sure you feel at ease throughout the whole session.
At AvantArt we do not allow any additional person to be in the tattoo area for insurance and safety reasons.
We are an over 18 venue, children are not permitted in the studio.
 
The best things to do while having a tattoo are watching a movie on your tablet or phone, reading a book, or chatting with me.
You can also have a nap if you can ;)
 
If someone drives you to the appointment, they can explore the local shops on the main street as we are right in the center of town or take a walk along River Avon (just at the back of the studio).

Question 10

How do I PREPARE myself for a tattoo session?

Accepted Answer

The day before and after having a tattoo is highly advisible not to drink alcohol, because it thins blood damaging ink appearence and healing result.
 
Before your appointment have a good night sleep, a healthy breakfast and plenty of water to hydrate the skin. Moisturising the area everyday before the appointment is beneficial.

Make sure you're wearing appropriate and comfortable clothes.
 
You will have breaks through out the session to refresh yourself, drink and eat.

Question 11

Can my MEDICATION affect the tattoo process?

Accepted Answer

If you have a medical condition or on any kind of prescribed medication, it is important that you disclose it to me before the tattoo procedure.
 
Affected conditions include, but are not limited to:
.heart condition
.diabetes
.hemophilia
.HIV
.hepatitis
.severe allergies
.epilepsy
.pregnant or nursing
 
Acne medications:
If you're taking Accutane, Minomycin (or any other Tetracycline related medication) or other prescribed drugs for acne, you do not want to get tattooed.
Prescription drugs for acne cause skin to be hypersensitive, getting a tattoo can lead to severe pain and scarring.
It can take six months to a year for the medication to be out of your system once you stop taking it. After this period, it's safe to be tattooed.
 
Antibiotics:
Some antibiotics make skin hypersensitive and may cause skin reactions.
It's suggested to wait at least a week before getting tattooed.
 
Blood thinners:
If you're taking any kind of medication to thin blood, you'll want to inform me beforehand and also consult your doctor.
Depending on the reason you're taking the medication, it might not be advisable to get tattooed, or it might require shorter sessions.

Question 12

Can I have AFTERCARE advice?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the tattoo session I will go through aftercare advice with you, providing a sheet with all information.
 
Aftercare cream, second skin and washing products are available to be purchased at the studio. 
 
If you want to know more about the aftercare I recommend , read my blog post 
Tattoo Second Skin: Faster Healing & Better Aftercare

If you have any further question, please don't hesitate to contact me at lavaletattoo@yahoo.com