Frequently Asked Questions

A tattoo artist wearing a beanie and gloves tattooing a person's back, who has a tattoo and is draped in a blue checkered shirt, in a tattoo studio.

Tattoo

  • Your artist will see you in person on the day of your appointment. We allocate sufficient time during your appointment to make any necessary changes.

  • Deposits secure your appointment time and artwork and show us you're serious about your tattoo. They are non-refundable and non-transferable. We prefer a week but require at least 48 hours notice for canceling or rescheduling an appointment. Failure to give less than 48 hours notice results in forfeiture of the deposit and requires a new deposit for another appointment. Your deposit does not purchase the artwork and won't be released if your appointment is canceled.

  • We have a system that values the client's time and allows the artist to spend the time needed for a custom piece. Each client starts the process with a consultation inquiry, followed by a consult with your artist. You will book your tattoo date and pay a deposit for your time slot during the consult. Depending on the artist, there might be a 2-6 month wait to begin your project.

    If you're looking for a smaller tattoo and want to skip the wait, follow us on social media, follow your favorite Brass & Briar artists, and join our email list. We will advertise any open spaces on the day.

A woman receiving a tattoo on her neck from a tattoo artist in a tattoo studio.

Piercing

  • No, we currently only take appointments, but we can often accommodate same-day appointments by calling the shop for availability.

  • We offer different piercings for different ages. The minimum age is 8 years old for ear lobes and ranges from 13 to 18 years old for other piercings depending on the type.

  • No, we only pierce with jewelry that we supply, which includes surgical steel, titanium, solid gold, and glass body jewelry for initial piercing.

Tattoo artist working on a client's arm in a tattoo studio.

Guest Artists

  • A guest artist is a professional tattoo artist invited to work at Brass & Briar Studios for a limited time. Guest artists are established professionals who have built up a following and are respected in the tattoo community.

    I you are a professional tattoo artist and would like a guest spot at Brass & Briar, apply via the submission form on our contact page.

  • To book an appointment with a guest artist, you should follow the same process as booking an appointment with a resident artist. Check the website or social media for updates on guest artist availability, and submit a consultation inquiry with your desired artist. If approved for the project, you will be given instructions on scheduling your consultation and appointment.

  • Guest artists bring their own unique style and approach to tattooing. They often have a different perspective and technique than resident artists, which can be refreshing for clients looking for a fresh take on their tattoo design. However, guest artists are only available for a limited time, so be sure to book your appointment as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Marina with several boats docked along wooden piers beside weathered wooden buildings on the waterfront.

Portland, Maine

  • Though we prefer in-person consults, all our artists do offer phone option. as well For new clients who are unable to make the trip just for a brief chat and size-up, you can easily make arrangement with your preferred artist by reaching out directly.

    Be sure to include your trip details, if needed, so your artist can let you know if a tattoo during your trips date range is possible.

  • Please visit our piercers page and check for availability. If you have questions or wish to inquire about pricing, book a consult first.

    Our piercer currently only books appointments 2-weeks in advance, so check back for openings as your planned trip gets closer.