Tattooing FAQs

All inquiries are made through an artist when their books are open. You'll see if their books are open on their Artist Page or Guest Artist Page. From there, your artist will decide if Brass & Briar is the right fit for your project.

We cannot accept every inquiry we receive and must base our decisions on the information you send us, so please be as thorough as possible! Include reference images and be as descriptive as possible (within reason).

Once your project has been reviewed, you will be emailed with instructions on scheduling your consultation. If their books are closed, please follow and check back regularly on social media for an announcement that they have opened.

If you are an existing client needing to finish a project, email or call during our studio hours, and we will schedule your next appointment.

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We value your time, so we have created a system that gives the client ample opportunity to describe and convey their ideas while also allowing the artist to spend the time you deserve on a custom piece.

Each client begins the tattoo process by submitting a consultation inquiry, followed by a consult with your artist. During the consult, you will book your tattoo date and make a deposit for your time slot.

Depending on your artist, you might have a 2-6 month wait to start your project. If you are looking for a smaller tattoo from us and are hell-bent on skipping the wait, follow us on social media, follow your favorite Brass & Briar artists, and join our email list. We will be advertising any open spaces on the day.

At Brass & Briar Studios, we value the time of our artists and our clients. To ensure smooth operations and fair scheduling, we have established our official Booking Deposit Policy as detailed below.

Please note that while this policy serves as our general guideline, individual artists may have slightly revised policies for specific appointments, based on unique circumstances or the nature of the work involved.

We strongly encourage you to discuss these details with your artist and carefully read any additional information provided to you at the time of booking.

Our Booking Deposit Policy

1. A deposit is required to secure your appointment. This deposit will be applied to the total cost of your tattoo.

2. Your deposit allows for ONE rescheduling of your appointment, provided that you give us at least 48 hours’ notice.

3. If you need to reschedule your appointment for a second time, you will forfeit half of your initial deposit. This means that only 50% of your deposit will be applied to the total cost of your tattoo.

4. Should you need to reschedule more than twice, you will need to make a new full deposit to secure another appointment

5. Failure to show up for your appointment or cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will result in a total loss of your deposit.

This policy is in place to respect the time and efforts of our artists, who may turn away other clients to accommodate your booking.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter, and we can't wait to create a piece of art with you that you'll treasure forever.

Our artists have a heavy workload, and their time is scheduled accordingly to accommodate each client and focus on their experience. Each artist books in cycles that they announce on social media and this website, so drop-in consults would interrupt our response to online inquiries. We would feel bad for those in line who are waiting so patiently.

Want to check for walk-in availability? Please call but there are no guarantees to talk to an artist.

Also, visit our Events page for flash opportunities and other goings-on.

Our artists have a heavy workload and all tattoos will be seen in person on the day of your appointment.

We allot enough time during your appointment to make changes if necessary.

Welcome to Portland! If your tattoo is on the small-ish side and your budget is flexible, we *may* be able to accommodate you. This type of appointment requires a non-refundable sitting fee, and you must also pay a deposit. The sitting fee does not come from the cost of your tattoo.

Please email the shop for more information and questions.

THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT WE CAN MAKE YOU AN APPOINTMENT.

The cost of a tattoo has several factors, including size, placement, amount of detail, etc. For these reasons, we do not quote the price of a design over the internet.

If you have a strict budget that you'd like to adhere to, please mention it in your inquiry.

You and your artist will discuss your tattoo in great detail. Prepare any reference photos, and know the location of your tattoo, the size, style, budget, etc.

You may show us images of other tattoos for inspiration, but please know that we will not replicate tattoos done by other artists. We also have a lot of books for you to check out if you’ve exhausted online options.

A consultation will not guarantee that the chosen artist will take on your project. Each of our artists focuses on pieces that revolve around the subject matter and styles they feel most comfortable with. If what you’re looking to do isn’t their cup of tea, they may refer you to another artist.

When you and your artist agree to proceed with your project, a deposit is made, and your appointment(s) are scheduled.

Though we prefer in-person consultations, some of our artists do offer phone consultations. For new clients who cannot make the trip just for a brief chat and size-up, the option of Skype or FaceTime is available if your artist thinks it is an option.

Please apply for a consultation just the same from your artists’ page, and we will handle it from there.

Currently, gift certificates are not available for tattoos.

The level of pain caused by a tattoo depends on many factors - placement, size, sitting time, and individual pain tolerance. While you can expect discomfort during your appointment, our artists are professionally trained to minimize trauma in the area while constantly paying attention to your comfort level.

We work hard to ensure our clients are as comfortable as possible during their appointment.

Thanks for the inquiry. You can visit us for a tattoo when you are 18+ with a valid state ID or passport.

Cash is preferred, but we also accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Venmo, and PayPal.

Absolutely, we love guests who are respectful of our space. We allow a maximum of two guests with you at a time in the room. All other guests may wait in our lounge, switch out with other guests, or explore the beautiful city of Portland. We are always full of local knowledge, so feel free to ask for recommendations!

Please keep in mind that this is our workspace, and though hanging out in the studio can be fun and exciting, we are here doing our jobs. Please be mindful of volume as well as in and out traffic.

Metered street parking is available on India Street and nearby streets. Be sure to check posted signs for any restrictions or time limits.

There is a public parking garage located at 45 Pearl Street, a few blocks from 95 India Street.

There are several private parking lots in the area that may have availability, such as the Casco Bay Parking Lot at 54 Commercial Street or the Fore Street Parking Garage at 439 Fore Street.

Note that parking availability and pricing can vary depending on the time of day and season. It's always a good idea to check for updated information and availability before heading to your destination.

If you have a shorter appointment there is ample metered parking in the area. You have to pay every two hours M-Sa between 9 am and 6 pm. Sundays are free!

There are a variety of options if you're looking to stay nearby while you're here for your appointment. Airbnb offers customers a variety of spaces to stay in, from budget options to luxury apartments and suites. Other nearby options include AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront, Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront, and Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port.

We apologize, but state law prohibits anyone under 18 from entering our tattoo spaces.