Info – Ruby Black

Booking Inquiries

I am a custom tattoo artist, which means everything I tattoo is custom-drawn based on your ideas, and I don’t copy other artist’s designs. It’s really important to have a clear idea of what you want me to create for you and provide as much info as possible to avoid any confusion or time-wasting. To make a tattoo inquiry, you can send me an email at : HELLO@RUBY.BLACK

In your tattoo inquiry email please include:

– Reference images (No more than 5 please)
– Rough size in centimeters
– Placement on your body
– Budget if applicable
– General availability or preferred dates (eg. you work full time so require a weekend appointment)

Please note I work at the shop MONDAY/TUESDAY/FRIDAY/SATURDAY only, 11am-7pm.

My minimum is $100. If you book me for a full days work I charge $1200 inclusive – for everything else please ask me and I will quote you a rough price range per piece, which is dependent on complexity/detail/size/placement/time taken etc.

To make a booking a deposit is required – usually between $50 to $200 – and is deductible from the final price of the tattoo on the day. Deposits are non-refundable.

If you need to reschedule your appointment, you must give me at least 48hrs notice or your deposit is forfeit and you’ll have to pay another one. Same goes if you don’t turn up for your appointment. As long as you are within the 48hrs, I am totally happy to reschedule you with your deposit intact. If you are running more than 10 mins late to your appointment or can no longer attend please email me ASAP and let me know as a professional courtesy.

All tattoos include free lifetime touch ups if necessary after your initial appointment. If you think you need a touch up, please send me a photo of the area and I will find a time for you.

FAQ

Do tattoos hurt and can I do anything to make them hurt less?

Yes, and yes! Tattoos do hurt. BUT – usually nowhere near as much as you think. It depends on each individual person and also the design and placement, but I find most clients are pleasantly surprised. It’s a very bearable pain and is similar to microneedling, laser hair removal, a cat scratch, or a bad sunburn.
If you’re concerned about the pain you can minimise it by getting a good nights sleep, eating a decent meal before you come in, staying well hydrated, and bringing sugary snacks or drinks with you.
Tattoo numbing cream is also an option if you’re getting a tattoo in a particularly painful placement, but avoid it if you can because it does make my job a little bit harder as it changes the texture of the skin.

How long does it take?

It depends on the design complexity, size, placement, and how well you sit for the tattoo. If you ask me I can let you know 🙂 The minimum appointment time is one hour to account for stencilling, setting up, packing down, disinfecting, etc. and the maximum appointment time is… until your tattoo is done! But my day is usually 11am-7pm.

Do you do cover ups or retouch someone else’s work?

Short answer yes, long answer it depends. I will happily do either of these things on a case by case basis, just ask me.

Will you tattoo over my scars/moles/freckles/etc?

For scars, yes, depending on their age and severity. Usually if scars are a whitish colour they are safe to tattoo over, but dark pink/red/purple they are not. Rule of thumb is 1-2 years healed, but please ask me if you are unsure.
For moles, I will point them out to you and ask you what you would like to do. Usually I will try and incorporate them into the design or just simply tattoo around them. This is because if the mole develops skin cancer it is so much harder to detect when there is a tattoo covering it, so it can be risky. I will always inform you if there is a mole in the area you want to be tattooed and ask you how you want to proceed.
For freckles, absolutely. They will not affect your tattoo and are safe to tattoo over but please be aware that they will change the appearance of the design as they will show through the ink.

What should I wear to my tattoo appointment?

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, with easy access to the area being tattooed.

Is getting tattooed safe?

Overwhelmingly yes! Obviously I am stabbing millions of tiny needles into your skin so there are risks associated with this. When you arrive I will ask you to sign a waiver acknowledging these risks. However if you practice proper tattoo aftercare these risks are no more than going to the doctor or dentist.
I use genuine and reputable ink and needle brands, and everything is single use/disposable, or wrapped in barrier film. Everything you or your tattoo touches is disinfected thoroughly before and after your session with hospital grade disinfectant.

How do I look after my tattoo?

When you’re finished getting tattooed, I will go through the aftercare process with you and explain how to take care of your fresh tattoo. You can always contact me anytime with any questions or concerns about the healing process.
I also have a page describing the aftercare process here.

Can I get tattooed if I have a skin condition/medical condition/am taking medication?

Maybe. Please ask your doctor/specialist before inquiring and get the all-clear.

Will you do a colour test for me?

Yes! I do 100% free colour tests for people who are concerned about how colours will show up on their skin when healed. Usually these are several dots or small lines of various rainbow colours placed in an inconspicuous area to be covered later (or not). Please email me and I will arrange a time for you 🙂

Shop Information

I work out of HELLRAISER TATTOO in Collingwood Melbourne. If taking public transport you can catch a train to Victoria Park station on either the Hurstbridge or Mernda lines, and the station is approx a 5 min walk to the studio.

Hellraiser strives for an INCLUSIVE space. If you want to get tattooed, you are welcome in our shop – that’s it. However unfortunately we are not wheelchair accessible. If you would like to request special accommodations please just ask and we will do our best.

Please note that it is Victorian LAW that you can only get tattooed if you are 18 years of age or above, and we will check your ID when you arrive. It doesn’t matter if you have parental permission. This isn’t a rule that we personally make, it’s government regulation. You can still make a booking with me if you are under 18, but the booking date must be set after your 18th birthday. Thank you for understanding!

I am happy to answer any questions you might have – please email me 🙂