Though the artists at Octopus predominantly do bespoke tattoos a selection of quality flash designs are available with all styles of work catered for. The artists also offer free consultations to discuss your ideas and ensure you have the best possible artist for the job.
On this site you will find examples of each artist’s work, booking information, aftercare and much more. Please use the top menus to navigate round this site. If there is any other information you need please contact us using the form below.
Rates and Booking
Rates
Hourly rate = £70
Minimum charge = £ Artist Dependant
Day rate = £ Artist Dependant
Consultation and artwork
Consultations are a small but very important part of the tattoo process. Consultations are either a simple email exchange with your chosen artist (especially for those who are travelling) or a face-to face discussion. An in person approach is always preferred as it will give you and the artist quality time to define details and content along with size and positioning. Consultations are usually required when dealing with cover ups and re-works of old tattoos.
You are welcome to bring any reference material you may have to aid in explaining your ideas. However, please be aware that artists will not directly copy any other tattoos or artwork. All consultations are free of charge with no obligation to book in.
Once the consultation is complete and you would like to go ahead with the tattoo a deposit must be paid to secure the appointment (see our policies for more information). Once a time and date has been mutually agreed your chosen artist will start the initial artwork; A pencil sketch / thumbnail is standard as preparation, but the degree of refinement and any additional steps (colour compositions, thumbnail sketches, etc) is entirely down to the artists preference. Any preparatory artwork is, and remains, the property of the artist. If it is agreed during the consultation process, it may be viewed (either in person or via photograph) ahead of your appointment.
To book a consultation, contact any of the artists directly via the information on the artist gallery pages or call the studio on 01332 204240.
FAQ
Can I get a tattoo if I am under 18?
No. Legally if you are under the age of 18 you are not allowed to get a tattoo (Tattooing of Minors Act 1969). There is a common misconception that if you are over 16 and accompanied by an adult then you can proceed with a tattoo, this however is not true. Octopus Tattoo operates a strict no under 18’s policy and you will be asked to produce photographic ID if you are under the age of 25.
How much will it cost?
The cost of a tattoo is determined by how long the tattoo will take to complete. Size, level of detail and if the tattoo is a cover up will all contribute to session duration. During your consultation your chosen artist will give you a quote for your design based these criteria. All prices are at the artists discretion (please see rates for more information).
Does it hurt?
Sadly yes tattoos do hurt but the real question should be is “how much do they hurt?”. All pain is relative to the individual as different people deal with pain in different ways. There are areas of the body that pinch more then others, for example, feet, wrists, ribs and inner legs and arms but again the level of pain is down to the individual. It has been known that some individuals become nauseous or faint during tattoos but this is an unlikely event. Fainting is a uncommon body response to pain caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, this is usually harmless and easily treated. If at any point your are struggling with the pain or feel any of these symptoms please tell your tattooist and they will assist you / give you a break.
The process of having a tattoo can be quite physically demanding so it is important to prepare yourself before the tattoo can begin. Being well hydrated will maintain your electrolyte levels allowing you to be more focused. Being well nourished this will maintain your blood sugar levels and help prevent any dizziness (avoid overly greasy / rich food that may cause discomfort or heartburn). Have a good nights sleep being tired will actually make your body less tolerant to pain and will make you more irritable.
What happens during a tattoo?
When you arrive for your appointment you will be asked to fill in a consent form. This is a basic medical questionnaire and to make sure you are of sound body and mind to be receiving a tattoo. You will then be taken into the work area where the artist will prepare the area to be tattooed and apply the stencil. When you are happy with the placement and the design the tattoo will begin. Once the tattoo session is complete a temporary dressing of cling film will be applied and the artist will go through the after care process with you. Please be aware that although your tattoo is quoted in time the duration of your stay in the studio will be longer. This is to allow for preparation, breaks etc. Octopus Tattoo has a strict no under 18’s policy so please arrange appropriate childcare if necessary.
How do I take care of my tattoo?
Please refer to our after care on this website for full details on the best way to take care of your tattoo, however your tattooist will make sure you fully understand the process and you will be provided with an after care sheet when you leave the studio. Some light scabbing is perfectly normal it will look similar to fish flakes and will be quite dry, if you have thick or heavy scabbing this may indicate you may need to slightly change your after care routine. Once the tattoo is fully healed ensure that you apply moisturiser regularly as this will ensure the skin is supple and the colours will stay bright. If you have any questions or worries please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Can I use numbing cream?
No. ‘Numbing creams’ can detrimentally affect the skin’s ability to withstand the tattoo process and our artist can not take any responsibility for any reactions that you may have or any issues that you may have during the healing process. There are numbing sprays available that can be applied during the tattoo session once the skin has been broken but these are usually reserved for long tattoo sessions. Please do not apply ointments marketed as ‘numbing creams’ prior to your tattoo appointment unless specifically advised by your artist.
Pre-appointment Preparation
Payment for tattoos can be cash or card depending on the artist (card fees apply).
Card payments through Octopus Tattoo for deposits are £70 and £100 only.
All deposits are non-refundable.
Ensure you are well rested and well fed before your appointment.
Please wear loose comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting ink on.
If you are under the age of 25 please bring photographic ID with you.
Please ensure area to be tattooed is free from injury, scab, open wound or skin complaint.
Please do not prepare the area to be tattooed prior to your session, the artist will prepare it for you. If you wax regularly please ensure a day or two before tattooing to allow skin to recover.
Avoid fake tan, sunbathing, saunas and steam rooms before your appointment.
Octopus Tattoo operates a strict no under 18’s policy so please arrange appropriate childcare if necessary.
Although tattoo work is quoted per hour, please expect your visit to be longer to allow for necessary preparations, breaks, etc.
A minimum of 48hrs notice is required for all cancellations and re-bookings. Anything less than 48hrs will result in loss of deposit.
Please do not attend your appointment under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Failure to comply will result in refusal and your deposit will be forfeit.
Aftercare
Leave the dressing on for four hours / overnight
Remove the dressing and wash the tattoo with hot water (as hot as you can stand) and non-perfumed, non antibacterial soap. Use your hand only to massage the soap and water in and do this until the tattoo stops feeling slimy.
Rinse off the soapy water and PAT dry the tattoo with a clean towel or kitchen towel. When the tattoo is fully dry pat over a thin layer of recommended after care ointment if required. Excessive rubbing can cause irritation and trauma to the tattoo.
Wash, rinse, dry and apply after care to your tattoo as described above, 2-3 times a day, NO MORE, for 3-4 days.
After the fourth day start using a non perfumed moisturiser instead of your after care ointment.
Keep washing and applying moisturiser to the tattoo for at least another week or so until the tattoo is completely smooth.
DURING HEALING
Please wear loose and comfortable clothing that your body can breathe in (preferably made of cotton).
Do not pick at or scratch your tattoo and DO NOT let any other person or any animals/ pets touch the tattoo.
Do not take recreational drugs as it will slow down your healing process.
Do not soak the area that has been tattooed in a bath. It is best to take showers only until the tattoo is healed. Do not use perfumed shower / bath gels.
Don’t go swimming, in a pool or otherwise, until your tattoo is fully healed.
Keep your tattoo covered from sunlight and do not expose it to sunbeds or saunas during healing
Try not to listen to self-proclaimed ‘experts’. They are not the professionals.
AFTER YOUR TATTOO HAS HEALED
Moisturise as often as you like and preferably every day at least once to keep the colours of your tattoo vivid.
Always apply factor 50 + sun block when exposing your tattoo to the sunlight, this prevents the colours from fading.
If you are in any doubt at all about anything related to the after care of your tattoo or the healing process itself, please get in touch as we are always happy to help!
Visitor Information
Parking
Unfortunately we do not have parking facilities at the studio, however there is a car park at the top of Babbington Lane that is £3.70 all day, or in the Intu centre which is charged hourly. During the weekend there is a small car park just round the corner from the studio on Back Sitwell Street which provides cheaper parking.
Policies
Shop policies are as stated:
- All bookings require a £70 deposit (£100 for day sessions with certain artists). All tattoos under £70 require a 50% deposit.
- All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable but will be deducted from your final total upon completion of the tattoo. Octopus Tattoo will issue a tattoo gift voucher for all over payments (if appropriate).
- All cancellations or re-bookings must be made within a 48 hour period, failure to do so will result in loss of deposit. Cancellations / re-bookings may only be made a maximum of three times by one person, anything over will also result in loss of deposit.
- All floating deposits will be held for a maximum period of 6 months except in exceptional medically substantiated circumstances and during pregnancy.
- Touch- ups (if required) are to be performed within a 6 months of the tattoo being completed and are to be done once only.
- Copyright on designs and photographs belongs to the artist and each artist retains the right to use images else where.
- Artists will give quotes for small tattoos based on the hourly rate.
- Artists will estimate large scale ongoing pieces are estimated using day rates or hourly rates if the piece is multiple sessions.