FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can you draw a tattoo design for me?
There should never be a fee for a tattoo that is done in house. However, if you can’t make it to us- we’d be happy to for a small fee.

2. Is there a design fee for a tattoo to be done at Dream Jungle?
Never. We draw/design and tattoo all included in one price.

3. Is there a design fee for a tattoo to be done by another tattoo artist outside of Dream Jungle Tattoo?
We are happy to accommodate those who can not make it to our studio with a design for a small fee that is typically the cost of the tattoo.

4. What is the availability of a tattoo artist?
Depends on the studio, city, season, year. We have been booked anywhere from 2-4 months to 12-24 months during any calendar year.

5. What are the studio operating hours?
Monday to Sunday 11:11 AM - 8:11 PM

6. I live out of the area and I cannot travel to the studio, what are my options?
Please inquire within for tattoo travel tour dates- we may come to a city near you for us to connect or we can discuss design options.

7. I do not live in any of the cities on the travel dates page, what are my options?
We used to have a travel date page but we’ve left it off this site for now until further notice. Please inquire within for more info.

8. How old do you have to be to get a tattoo at the studio?
The national average age is 18.

9. How long do tattoos take?
Longer than what you see on the tattoo shows. A tattoo may take 15 minutes or 15 hours or longer. Variables play into time such as detail, size and placement.

10. How much does a tattoo cost?
Variables make tattoos on average cost about $100 upward into the thousands.

11. Do you charge by the hour or by the piece?
Yes. It’s the same thing. Tomato- tomatoe.

12. How much is a deposit?
$100 for a small tattoo, $300 for tattoos that take more than one day. Large deposits get broken up over sessions.

13. Are there refunds on deposits?
No, all sales are final.

14. Can I set an appointment without a deposit?
Typically, no, unless you have history with us.

15. Where can I submit a deposit for my tattoo/appointment?
Please inquire within. Since this new website that option is no longer available directly on the site.

WORK PROCESS AND PROCEDURE

The following process will help you prepare for your tattoo at Dream Jungle Tattoo.

1. Determine what body part you would like to have tattooed.

2. Prepare your idea by researching and bringing in your concept by way of reference materials i.e. photos, drawings, text etc.

3. Your tattoo consultation is an important session to get to know the artist whom you will work with and our introduction to who you are.

4. After determining what you are interested in, we can determine a cost and if necessary set up an appointment with you for your session.

5. All sessions require deposit fees to solidify your date and time.

6. Out-of-studio (out of southern California) consultations or appointments can be made via e-mail. If you reside, in neighboring counties to Los Angeles, we highly encourage you to visit us at our studio during our operating hours otherwise you are welcome to drop an e-mail or give us a call.

7. Required personal information (name, telephone number and e-mail), deposit amount and tattoo description details will be recorded to provide us contact information when we set up your appointment.

8. You will be given an appointment slip with your deposit amount as your receipt which is required upon the day of your appointment otherwise you may be subject to lose your full deposit.

9. We accept cash and credit/debit cards for your convenience. Please be prepared to pay for your tattoo session in advance. Please do not inconvenience the studio by having to leave your significant other for collateral while you run to the nearest ATM.

Preparation for the day of your tattoo appointment

1. Get sufficient rest. Your physical condition is of most important to us- before, during and after your tattoo.

2. Do not stress or have anxiety of receiving your tattoo. There is no need. You are about to receive a beautiful gift for yourself and you should be excited and happy about your transformation.

3. Do not drink alcohol or take drugs (to include marijuana) 48 hours before your appointment. These substances dilute the bloodstream and make it harder for tattoo artists to work when blood comes spewing out like a Kill Bill movie.

4. Eat two hours before your appointment. The digestion process is helpful for your body to focus on rather than just pain.

5. Feel free to bring snacks, and beverages or venture the street to one of the yummy restaurants or convenient stores in the hood. Please dispose all garbage appropriately; we ain’t your mama to clean up after your funky butt.

6. Keep your entourage to a minimum. Excessive noise and chatter is disturbing to the artists and clients.

7. Children are welcomed but Dream Jungle is not a nursery. It is not advisable to bring small children to a tattoo studio, as there are many substances not suitable for their snot nose little faces. We love children, we have dozens of them but we opt to bring photos of them instead.

8. If you have certain medical conditions, please notify your tattoo artist in advance for us to prepare and advise you.

9. During your tattoo- do not tense. Release your butt cheeks and whoosah. To tense is to strain. You exert more energy tensing your muscles than relaxing and breathing. If you don't believe us, try it.

10. Let your tattoo artist know if you are feeling any of the following:

    • Dizziness or nausea

    • Anxiety or hypertension

    • You have to pee or poo.
      

Our tattoo artists are highly trained to stop, listen and appropriately handle your situation on an as needed basis. Also, see #9.

TATTOO CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Please note that the healing period is two weeks (14 days) minimum but can last up to 60 days depending on your adherence to this prescribed care method. Any deviation from this formula will affect your tattoo.

THE SCIENCE OF TATTOO HEALING

The logic is simple. You wouldn't put lotion on a wound. Do not put lotion on your tattoo until healing process is over.

After a tattoo is created, the body will secret sebum (your natural oil) and blood. When those two liquids sit on the surface of the skin and are in contact with air, it will turn into a scab. Scabbing is the body's natural way of healing however; one can prevent scabbing by washing off those two layers of sebum and blood leaving a flat tattooed surface. We want this.

Around the 4th -5th day mark, a person can experience itching. This is when the hot water treatment is extremely helpful. Hot water exercises the skin allowing air to heal a tattoo from the bottom-up. Just like a wound, what's the best way for it to heal? Answer: Air dry.

PROCEDURE

WASH

2-3x day with hot water (as hot as you can stand it), if available (but not necessary as long as you wash with clean hands) you may use anti-bacterial soap (Dial or Ivory) by lapping, massaging and washing your new tattoo. If you use soap, be sure to wash the soap out thoroughly.

• Do not use direct shower spray.

• Do not scrub.

• Air dry or wipe dry with paper towel only. Terry cloth towel can leave lint on your tattoo. Don’t pat dry as that may pack your oils and blood on the surface of your skin and cause unnecessary scabbing.

ANTI-BACTERIAL OINTMENT

This is not a necessary step if you keep your tattoo completely clean by washing it twice a day. However, one can apply a very thin film of organic virgin coconut oil (VCO). I prefer this method because it is organic.

• I don't subscribe to western concoctions too much like tattoo ointments that include ingredients that are not helpful for tattoo healing.

If you have to use over the counter ointments- use A&D or Bacitracin ointment after every wash then discontinue usage after 2 days. Except for VCO, you may use everyday if you wish. Do not use Neosporin- it is too strong.

While your tattoo heals, potential slight discomfort is part of the tattoo healing process. Clean hot water is your friend. You don't need anything else.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Blood may trickle for the first couple of hours. If you’re a bleeder, just follow above procedure. You’ll be fine.

• Wear loose cotton clothing. Softer material is nicer to your traumatized skin than abrasive material.

• Scabbing.

• Itching. Your tattoo is drying. Translation: Your tattoo is healing. Don't panic.

• Drying. Do not use any lotion (even Lubriderm) during healing period. Your tattoo is supposed to dry out- that’s what wounds do. It’s natural. Again, don't panic.

• If yellowing occurs on the outside of your tattoo, it is infected in which case; you should go to the doctor. You most likely will be prescribed antibiotics and something to help kick out the impurities. If this happens, call us afterwards and we will backtrack as to how your tattoo got infected.

TATTOO DON’TS

1. Don't deter from the above tattoo care instructions. If you have any questions or concerns call your tattoo artist immediately.

2. Don't listen to other people’s advice. Everyone has a different method. If you choose to stray from our method, we have no way of gauging what’s going on with your healing process.

3. Don't re-bandage.

4. Don't pick, scratch or hit.

5. Don't expose to direct sunlight.

6. Don't allow direct spray or shampoo from shower hit your new tattoo.

7. Don't swim or hot tub.

8. Don't sweat profusely.

9. Don't use any lotion until after the healing period.

10. Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions, except during dinner.