Frequently Asked Questions

The studio is open from 10 AM till 4:30 PM, Tuesdays to Saturdays. Half-hour consultations can be booked for 10 or 10:30 AM.

No we do not offer piercing.

To book an appointment you will need to start of with a consult. Consults are free and you will need to click on the ‘Book Consult’ link and you can book your consult in with Michael Lauen on a time that will work for yourself. Consults are anywhere from 10-30 minutes long. Ensure that you have your idea down and the placement you will want. Bring along reference pictures that you like.

No I will not. I highly recommend having reference pictures and I can design something with a similar feel but we are a custom shop and will not steal somebody else’s design.

Yes. If you would like to book your tattoo we will need a deposit. The amount is dependant on how big your tattoo session is. Small tattoo’s will require the minimum charge ($100) and medium – larger deposit’s will be $140 – $420. Deposits are non-refundable. If you have a multi session tattoo booked your deposit will come off of your final tattoo session.

If requested 4 days before your appointment you may see your tattoo 1-2 days before your appointment. If there are any adjustments we can then make them before the day of your appointment.

Minimum of $120 if under 30 min. Everything else is $180/hr.

Yes, you may bring a friend for support. It is expected that all supports will be mindful of the procedure going on and that the individual getting tattooed needs to remain still. Also, no minors.

No, we do not tattoo minors with or without parental consent. Tattoo’s are life long and having to wait another year or two may be a good thing to ensure you are getting something you will not regret. Only under very special circumstances regarding memorial tattoo’s would we consider a minor that is 17, but even then waiting one year would be best.

Wear comfortable clothing but be mindful of where the tattoo is being placed.

You can move your appointment one time only but we require 72 hours notice. If you do not give 72 hours notice your deposit will be forfeited. We do take into account special circumstances regarding medical emergencies and out of town clients travelling in our blustery winter weather.

No, deposits are non-refundable.

It is very important to eat directly before your tattoo appointment as you need your blood sugar levels up. You should also prepare with drinks and a snack so you can feel comfortable while you are being tattooed. You may want to bring music and headphones, a book, tablet or anything to keep your mind off of getting tattooed. To prepare the skin for your tattoo you can lotion the area of your tattoo two weeks prior to your appointment. Cleanliness is very important. We appreciate those who shower and come in fresh for their appointment.

Unfortunately no. There is not enough research done that I would feel comfortable tattooing an individual while pregnant or breastfeeding. The risk is not worth the reward. Waiting would be a better choice to air on the side of caution.

Level Up Tattoo Studio is a health board approved studio. The health board visits throughout the year and Level Up Tattoo Studio is strict with keeping a clean and safe environment. All of our equipment and surfaces are cleaned with Cavicide (surface disinfectant that is effective against TB, HBV, HCV, viruses (hydrophilic and lipophilic), bacteria (including MRSA and VRE) and fungi). This is why you will see tattoo artists spray their stations down before and after every client and leave it for at least 6 minutes before wiping up the spray. We use single-use covers for all the tattoo machines, wash bottles & clip cords. Single-use bed drapes, ink caps, never re-use ink, and single-use needles and tube are individually packaged and sealed. Once used, needles are disposed in Biomed sharps containers and sent off securely for proper disposable. All tattooing equipment is stored in a clean area and handled with gloves. Floors are swept and mopped with disinfectant every day. Ink spills or other potentially contaminated areas are immediately cleaned with Cavicide.