IM NOT SURE ABOUT THE DESIGN I WANT, CAN YOU HELP?

Absolutely! I draw every design as a custom piece, meaning it’s my job to turn your ideas in to your perfect tattoo, even if you’re not sure to start with, I am here to advise and develop your idea for you.

I’VE EMAILED BUT HAVEN’T HAD A RESPONSE YET.

I aim to reply to all messages within 48 hours unless I’m away from work. If this is the case I will state delays on my Instagram page HERE. Please also note that my working days are Monday to Saturday and if you email on an evening or Sunday I may not respond immediately.

HOW CAN I SEND PHOTO REFERENCES TO YOU?

If you have reference images to help me understand your idea please email them to me at hello@hoperosemary.co.uk with your full name as the subject. Do this after you’ve completed a booking enquiry submission.

WHAT IS THE DEPOSIT FOR AND WHY IS IT NON-REFUNDABLE?

The deposit guarantees your appointment for both you and I. It is a compulsory element of booking and helps me stay in this job, and discourage clients from “no showing” or cancelling last minute. It is your responsibility when booking to budget ready for the day and commit to your appointment. It is non refundable because it covers the cost of prep work for your appointment and also time and earnings lost if you don’t show up. It is completely redeemable from the total cost on the day, so you won’t be paying anything extra!

You will lose your deposit if you either don’t show up to the appointment or cancel/rearrange within 72hours notice of the appointment.

You may also lose your deposit if you are late to your appointment. If you are running late you must let me know as soon as possible so I can make adjustments for you. Anything more than 15 minutes late will risk losing their appointment time and therefore forfeit their deposit. I try to accommodate on this as much as possible, but if We don’t have enough time for your booking due to your late arrival: it will be classed as a last minute cancellation.

Deposits are honoured when rescheduling before the 72hour notice period as long as a new date is booked at the time of rescheduling.

WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PROCESS?

The fun part starts now! When we’ve discussed your idea and locked a date in, I file away all the information and reference materials. A few days prior to your appointment I collate all the information and begin sketching! my design process varies from style to style, and some pieces take longer than others. In general I will draw for anywhere between 1-4 hours per tattoo design. I use both hand drawing materials and an iPad Pro to produce your designs, and amend and adapt until it’s perfect. Thank god i have a studio space to escape to and concentrate on your lovely ideas!

I’VE GOT PERMISSION TO USE A DESIGN OR REFERENCE, WHY ISN’T MY DESIGN EXACTLY THE SAME?

It is very rare that a design you have provided will not need changes or adjustments. This is because tattoos age very differently to pen and pencil. If I make changes it is purely to improve the tattoos timeline, or a design element to translate better once it becomes a tattoo.

IS MY DESIGN UNIQUE TO ME?

Hell Yeah! Every piece I do is custom, this means it’s drawn to your specifications! I never reuse designs or use other artist’s designs.

WILL I SEE THE DESIGN BEFORE MY TATTOO APPOINTMENT?

No. I allocated time on the day with you to amend the design if needed. I always want it to be perfect! If you have specific requirements for your tattoo, please be sure to communicate these clearly when booking.

I’D LIKE TO MAKE CHANGES TO MY IDEA

If it’s same concept/idea as you booked in. No problem! if you are changing before the design process has started just drop me an email at hello@hoperosemary.co.uk and put the date of your appointment as the subject. if you are looking to change the design within the final days prior to the appointment get in touch asap as I may have already started work on your design. In case of a last minute complete idea change, it may result in us needing to reschedule your appointment to allow me more time for a total redraw. This can mean losing your deposit so make sure you’re set on your concept before you book. Please never be afraid to criticise or dislike an idea I put across to you, just let me know what needs to be changed! It’s your tattoo and it needs to be perfect for YOU.

DO YOU REPEAT FLASH DESIGNS OR ARE THEY ONE OFFS?

Sometimes when I have time I will release pre drawn “flash” pieces for sale, check my instagram to keep an eye on available pieces!
My pre drawn flash is treated the same way as my custom designs, and only ever tattooed once.
If friends are looking to get matching tattoos that is of course an exception. We also repeat designs on studio dedicated “flash days”, usually once or twice a year. On flash days each artist draws pieces based on a collective theme, those designs are repeated on that day only.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME ON THE DAY OF MY APPOINTMENT?

Snacks! tons of snacks, and a sugary drink. By snacks I don’t mean hot dinners (seriously, no smelly hot food it’s gross)! You’ll want some sugary pick-me-ups to distract you and keep your energy and bloody sugar levels up during the appointment. You may wish to bring other things like headphones, a book etc. I won’t be offended if you don’t fancy talking while getting tattooed!

Please also bring a photo ID with you, if you are asked to produce one and don’t have it you will be turned away and lose your deposit.

CAN I BRING A FRIEND?

USUALLY, Yes. Bring a friend or relative with you if you’d prefer, theres space in the studio to do so, but please only one. More than one can be as distracting for you as it is for me, and can hinder the quality of your tattoo. If your guest is distracting to yourself or other artists in the studio they will be asked to wait away from you.

WHAT TO DO ON THE DAY OF MY APPOINTMENT?

Really it starts the night before! Refrain from alcohol the night before, trust me you don’t need a hangover for this. It also thins your blood and may result in me not being able to continue with your tattoo. Get a good night’s sleep. In the morning jump in the shower and exfoliate the area you’re getting your tattoo on. If you have access to shave any body hair around the area please also do that, but don’t worry if not. Avoid strong perfumes. Get a decent breakfast. Whatever time your appointment is, make sure to eat roughly an hour prior. Stay hydrated. Arrive at the studio 15 minutes before your appointment begins so we can hit the ground running.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY APPOINTMENT?

Whatever you like as long as it’s comfy for you to sit or lie in for the duration of your tattoo appointment. Make sure whatever it is, I can access the area you are getting tattooed. I advise against tight fitting clothing over the tattooed area as it can be painful afterwards when you swell or feel tender. There is space in the studio to change clothes if you prefer.

IT’S MY FIRST TATTOO AND IM NERVOUS.

That’s totally normal! We’ve all been there. I have tons of clients who had their first tattoos with me and I am here to make the process a breeze for you. Our studio prides itself on being a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for all. It’s ok to be nervous, and we will allow more time for your appointment if you let me know it’s your first tattoo when booking, to allow for more breaks or breathers if needed. If you have any questions prior to or on the day you can ask me via instagram HERE or email; hello@hoperosemary.co.uk

TRANSPORT LINKS AND PARKING AROUND THE STUDIO

Bloom Street Tattoo Studio is within walking distance of Piccadilly, ford Road & Victoria Train Stations! Manchester bus station is a couple of streets away, and there are several car parks within the surrounding streets.

The full address is

Bloom Street Tattoo Studio, First Floor, 61 Bloom Street. Manchester M1 3LY

Please note there is a flight of stairs to reach the studio.

If your appointment is at one of my guest spot locations please contact directly for advise.

I NEED TO RESCHEDULE

No problem! Email me at hello@hoperosemary.co.uk
If you are rescheduling prior to the 72 hour period before you appointment you will not lose your deposit, so long as a new date is set. You can reschedule a tattoo appointment once before forfeiting your deposit.
If you are rescheduling within the 72 hour period you will lose your deposit and be required to pay a new one to secure a new date.

Please note: All bookings in December & January require 1 week notice to reschedule if you want to avoid losing your deposit.

I CAN’T AFFORD MY TATTOO NOW, CAN I HAVE MY DEPOSIT BACK?

Nope.
The deposit is there for my protection, and made clear from the start that it’s non-refundable. It pays for prep work, and the time slot you booked that will likely not be filled if it’s short notice.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE CAN I BOOK OR RESCHEDULE?

I try to book up to 2 months in advance, but this is variable depending on personal life events. Feel free to ask! I will gladly send full lists of available dates.

I cannot reschedule for any further than 6 months from the present date, under any circumstances.

I CAN’T MAKE IT TO MY APPOINTMENT.

That sucks! Unfortunately deposits are non-refundable and this is made clear at the time of booking. Consider rescheduling rather than cancelling if you don’t wish to lose your deposit. If you “no-show” the appointment without any communication you will be blacklisted from booking again, so no matter what please always try to let me know and don’t leave me waiting for you.

MY QUESTION HASN’T BEEN ANSWERED HERE.

Well heck! Must be pretty specific, drop me an email at hello@hoperosemary.co.uk and I’ll get it answered for you asap!

WHATS THE BEST PRODUCT TO USE FOR AFTERCARE?

I absolutely love Palmers Cocoa Butter, available in most pharmacies and beauty retail stores. It smells good, it’s vegan and kind to your skin & tattoo. I sometimes use Yayo Guard on larger or awkwardly placed tattoos, in which case I will talk you through your aftercare routine on the day of your appointment. You can research both of these products online and decide which you prefer prior to your appointment. If using Palmers I recommend buying some before your appointment, to save trying to find it after.

CAN YOU TATTOO OVER SCARS?

Such as skin conditions, scarring is so variable theres no one answer to this. Please discuss this with me directly and I can advise. If you are comfortable to pop in and see me or send clear photos I can usually let you know what the options are!

MY TATTOO IS FLAKY, IS THAT OK?

Yes that’s exactly what you want! It looks weird I know, but that’s a sign of a healthy heal.

I’VE GOT A SKIN CONDITION - CAN I GET TATTOOED?

Every person is absolutely unique so there is no exact answer to this, skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis for example are so variable. Please feel free to email me at hello@hoperosemary.co.uk to discuss further, or pop into the studio at any time to chat in person.

WHAT SHOULD I DO/NOT DO WHEN HEALING A TATTOO?

1. Keep the wrap on your new tattoo for at least two hours. Wash with warm but not hot water and liquid antibacterial, non-perfumed soap.

2. Pat dry with a clean towel. Apply a thin layer of cocoa butter. It is your personal preference as to wether you rewrap it overnight to keep it safe while you sleep. I prefer to, some don’t!

3. Do not rewrap your tattoo as of the morning after your appointment. Wash and cream your tattoo morning and night. Apply further thin layers whenever it feels dry or itchy. Repeat that process for 2 weeks or until it’s fully healed.

4. No submerging it in water, sun exposure, saunas, fake tan, glitter spray or exfoliants during the 2 week period. Shower as normal. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo!

5. Don’t do what your mate says, they’re normally wrong. Follow the above instructions and discuss aftercare with me on the day of your appointment if you have any questions. Deviation from this process will result in badly healed tattoos

6. I offer one free touch up session within 6 weeks of your appointment. Any further touch ups are at your expense.

MY TATTOO SEEMS TO BE HEALING BADLY, WHAT DO I DO?

Sometimes tattoos stay a little angry and swollen for longer than expected, or take longer to heal. Everyone is different and size/placement/after care all affect it.

Check your process and ensure it’s clean, away from pet hair, sun exposure or long exposures of water etc. Make sure you’re creaming it the right amount as advised on the day of your appointment. Too little will dry and crack it, too much will suffocate it. Email me at hello@hoperosemary.co.uk with clear photos and a breakdown of your aftercare routine so I can advise!

WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY FADE OR AGE BADLY?

Some “high traffic” areas fade much quicker than others. Such as fingers, hands, face, feet. If you are unsure I can advise. I won’t tattoo you in an area that will fade too much, such as the inside of fingers.

IS THERE ANYONE YOU WILL NOT TATTOO?

Anyone under 18, or anyone who wants a tattoo that inspires hate such as racist, gang related, transphobic, sexist or homophobic pieces. I will not tattoo anyone that celebrate things like that. If you are rude or aggressive towards me or my fellow artists within the studio you will be barred from entering.

IM 17 BUT HAVE MY MUMS PERMISSION, CAN YOU TATTOO ME?

NOOOOOPPPPEEEEE.

this is an urban myth (that was probably started by a 17 year old). In England you have to be over 18 and have photo ID to be tattooed. You mum’s permission means nothing.

IS THERE ANYWHERE ON THE BODY YOU WILL NOT TATTOO?

I will not tattoo genitals.
I will also not tattoo anyone on their face or hands unless they already have plenty of tattoo coverage on their body. If this is you’re first tattoo please reconsider your placement as I won’t be tattooing you anywhere above the collar or wrist.

IS THERE A MINIMUM SIZE FOR TATTOOS?

Yes and I will advise you on this if needed. The reason we recommend a minimum size for your design is due to healing and lifetime of your tattoo. When tattoos heal the ink spreads over time, and if your tattoo is too small or compact it can become illegible. I want to give you a tattoo that lasts a lifetime.

DO YOU DO PIERCINGS?

I don’t offer piercings but can point you in the direction of awesome people that do.