General Questions

Where are you located?

Our studio is located in the northern Melbourne suburb of Preston. We work by appointment only, so you do need to make a booking. By working this way we ensure the privacy of our clients, and we feel we're able to provide a more focused, personalised service to you! We're super close to Bell train station, the number 86 tram, and there is plenty of 2 hour and all-day parking available in surrounding streets.



Do you take walk-ins?

We work by appointment only, bookings are essential.



How can I book an appointment?

You can email our artists directly regarding custom pieces, or you can send general enquiries to hotcopperstudio@gmail.com



Can you design a custom tattoo for me?

Absolutely! Our artists specialise in custom work and are more than happy to work with you on a personalised design. Get in touch with your preferred artist by emailing them directly, or you can email the shop and we can recommend which artist would be best suited to your needs.



Do you sell gift certificates?

We sure do! Gift certificates are available in our online shop, with an option to pick up in store, or we can mail them out to you. If you'd like your certificate for an amount not listed in the shop, please call or email us to arrange a custom amount.



Can I pay by credit card or EFTPOS?

Unfortunately we do not have eftpos facilities, so please visit an ATM prior to your appointment. There are no ATM's within close walking distance to the studio.



Do I need to leave a deposit?

A minimum deposit of $100 is required for all tattoo appointments. Deposits are non-refundable. You can reschedule your appointment with 48 hours notice, and your deposit will be transferred to the new appointment date. Your deposit will be deducted from the final price of your tattoo. If you have multiple sittings booked, your deposit will be deducted from your last sitting.



Can I get tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. We will not tattoo you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.



Before Your Appointment

How can I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Avoid the sun prior to your appointment. If you’re sunburnt or peeling, we can’t tattoo you.

Get a good nights sleep the night before your appointment. Do not drink or take drugs.It’s best to be well-rested and healthy before you get tattooed.

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment. Something that will make it easy to access the area being tattooed, and won’t be too tight over the area afterwards. It’s also not a good idea to wear white!

Eat a good solid meal prior to, and after your appointment.

Bring a bottle of water or juice to drink during your appointment, and some light snack food. During the tattoo process your blood sugar level will drop, so you’ll feel better after some sugar.



During Your Appointment

Can I bring a friend/family member/child with me to my appointment?

With respect for the privacy of our clients, COVID restrictions and limited space, please do not bring anyone else with you to your appointment. We do not allow any children under the age of 18 into the studio.



What should I bring to my appointment?

You must bring current photo ID. Bring a bottle of water or juice to drink during your appointment, and some light snack food. During the tattoo process your blood sugar level will drop, so you’ll feel better after some sugar.



After Your Appointment

How do I look after my new tattoo?

We recommend Opsite Flexifix and Inky Tattoo Salve for your tattoo aftercare. We sell both of these at the studio. INKY INSTRUCTIONS: - Leave tattoo wrapped for 1-2 hours. - Remove cover & wash tattoo thoroughly with warm soapy water (no not scrub); pat dry with a clean towel. - Apply a small amount of Inky Tattoo Salve, wrap your tattoo with cling wrap before bed for the first two nights. Wash thoroughly in the morning. -Apply a small amount of Inky 2-3 times daily. -Keep your tattoo clean, wash 2-3 times daily. -Avoid sun, salt & chlorine water, take short showers and do not soak in a bath. -After a few days your tattoo will begin to peel and become itchy. Do not pick or scratch. -Your tattoo will be healed within 1-2 weeks. OPSITE INSTRUCTIONS: - Leave tattoo wrapped for 1-2 hours. - Remove cover & wash tattoo thoroughly with warm soapy water (no not scrub); pat dry with a clean towel. - Apply Opsite to tattoo, ensuring entire tattoo is covered plus 1-2 cms around edges to prevent any leaks. - Leave on overnight, remove Opsite in the morning (easiest to do this in the shower). Wash thoroughly. - Apply a fresh layer of Opsite. - Leave this layer on for 3-4 days. Remove and wash thoroughly. Do not reapply. - Tattoo will be dry for 1-2 weeks afterwards. Apply Inky Tattoo Salve to moisturise until no longer dry and flaky. Once healed, always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your tattoo from fading.



I'm not sure if my tattoo is healing properly, what should I do!?

If you have any questions or there is anything you're not sure about, please send us an email! hotcopperstudio@gmail.com



© 2021 Hot Copper Studio.