Frequently Asked Questions

First, you’ll require at least a basic idea of what you’re wanting to get tattooed. Consider aspects such as where you’d like to put it and what sort of budget you’re working with. In some instances, you may be required to have an in-person consultation with an artist before booking. If you do not request a specific artist, we will help direct you to the artist who’s style best fits what you are looking for.

Once the design is finalized, there are 2 methods of booking. You can either come into the studio or call us on 403-763-2003, to find a time/date that best suits you. You may be required to present your images one final time at the time of booking, even if you have previously spoken directly to an artist. In order to secure the booking you will need to leave a $50+tax deposit per hour you book. Deposits are non-refundable, however come off the final cost of your tattoo. The remainder is payable as CASH ONLY on the day of the appointment. We have an ATM in store for your convenience.

You must bring one piece of government issued photo ID as proof that you are 18+. We also recommend you get a good nights sleep, have a hearty meal beforehand and bring a sugary drink or snack to your appointment. It is expected of you to shower prior to your session, particularly after snowboarding or hiking. We also highly advise you do not drink heavily the night prior to getting tattooed. We will not tattoo anyone suspected to be under the influence at any time.

On arrival, you will be required to fill out your consent forms and present your ID at reception. Your artist will greet you and show you what they have drawn for your appointment – It is at this stage you can discuss any alterations you’d like to make to the final design. They will shave and clean the region, then transfer the stencil onto your desired spot. This is your final opportunity to adjust its positioning should you feel the need to do so. Your artist will direct you on how you need to be positioned for session and then the tattooing process will begin. Once completed, your tattoo will be cleaned and bandaged. You will be given aftercare instructions and the opportunity to purchase aftercare lotion at reception while paying for your session.

We encourage you to bring in visual references of what you like, so that your tattoo artist can get a better sense of what you are hoping to achieve. Your reference does not have to be exactly what you had in mind - it can simply be ideas or examples of styles and things you like. Keep in mind that some things that look great on paper (or on a screen) do not always translate well as a tattoo. Your artist will advise you what will need to be done to an existing design in order for it to translate well into a tattoo design. We also have hundreds of designs on the walls of the shop, in each artist’s personal flash book and in our gumball machine for you to choose from.

Yes, but only when we have the availability to do so as appointments will always be prioritized. All walk-in slots are first come, first serve. To claim a walk-in spot, you must physically walk in to the studio. If no immediate spots are available, you will be added to our walk in list in the order of arrival. As spots crop up throughout the day, we will call you. If the call is missed, we will move onto the next person on the waitlist.

To avoid disappointment we always recommend booking in advance, especially when it comes to large pieces and groups of 3 or more. Weekends generally book. Before heading down, you can call our reception desk for the availability on 403-763-2003. Alternatively, follow the details in our “How do I set up an appointment?” tab to lock in a scheduled visit.

Our artists charge $200 hourly and have a $150 minimum. Most tattoos are priced individually based on size, body placement, and the level of detail. We gladly offer quotes based on reference images and following consultations.

All quotes are just estimates and are to be considered an approximate pricing guide. We strongly suggest talking to your artist about getting an estimate, as well as being fully transparent about the budget you are working with, before booking any services.

Tipping is not required, but is always greatly appreciated by your artist. We recommend tipping like you would any other service professional.

It is possible to cover scars with tattoos, but each scar is different. This is definitely a case-by-case situation. The age, size and type of scarring all make a difference on whether or not covering it with a tattoo is possible. We recommend you speak to one of our tattoo artists in person and let them take a look at the scar to see that what the best options are.

You may bring a friend who is 18+ with you to your appointment, however they will be required to wait in reception during your session. Only the person being tattooed is allowed back into the walled off artists area.

Unfortunately, children are not welcome in the studio at any time. We work hard to be a warm and inclusive adult only environment, but as such there may be certain situations present that are not appropriate for kids to be around. Please organize childcare prior to your appointment.

Yes, we do! Physical gift certificates are available in store or e-certificates can be purchased via phone or email. They are valid for 1 year from purchase date. Gift certificates can be used with any artist for tattoos or for merchandise.

Touch ups for tattoos done at our store are complimentary. For tattoos done elsewhere, the cost is dependent on how much work needs to be done on the tattoo. Reworking/Touching up other artists work is per artists discretion based on the request and individual situation. You will be required to have a face-to-face consultation prior to any services.

All of our tattoo supplies are individually wrapped, single-use instruments. They are opened immediately before each tattoo and disposed of after. Your tattoo artist has been thoroughly trained to take all necessary precautions to protect you as well as themselves. Sterile single-use gloves are worn by the tattoo artist. Each session uses fresh ink poured into disposable containers which are discarded after each client. Also, all areas which may be touched with contaminated gloves will be wrapped in clear plastic to prevent cross-contamination. The entire tattoo area, including counter tops and furniture, is sanitized with medical grade sanitation products before and after each tattoo. Before any tattooing begins, we ensure that the area on your body where the tattoo will be applied is shaved (if necessary) using a disposable one-time-use razor and then disinfected. Strike First is equipped with bio hazard containers for objects that have come into contact with blood or bodily fluids and sharps containers for used needles. All tattoo artists are compliant with Alberta Health Blood-borne Pathogens Standards.

There are some risks associated with existing heath conditions that may cause allergic reactions or infection. These can be minimized by taking proper care of your tattoo exactly as directed in the aftercare package or by your artist. In rare cases, allergic reaction to certain pigments can occur. Persons who are sensitive or allergic to certain types of metal may experience swelling, redness, or itching. Metal allergies may cause reactions to certain colors of inks, primarily red, yellow, and occasionally white. Please inform your artist of any metal allergies or allergies to certain healing agents that could be found in aftercare. Some may experience bruising around the tattoo. This is normal and usually heals within a week.

We do not tattoo women who are pregnant or nursing. Pregnancy is a crucial time for your body to focus the attention it requires for the demanding and complex task it is already performing.

It is recommended that persons with diabetes, hemophilia, any auto-immune disorder, persons taking blood thinning medications or persons with other medical or skin conditions that may hinder the healing process should consult a doctor before getting tattooed. Recipients of organ or bone marrow transplants should also consult a doctor to ensure a proper prescribed regimen of antibiotics is administered prior to getting tattooed.

The successful heal of a tattoo depends mostly on how you take care of it. We will provide you with both oral advice and a physical print out of our aftercare after each service. Different aftercare advice will be offered based on which form of bandage your artist has wrapped your tattoo with. We also have tattoo lotion available for purchase at our reception desk.

SANIDERM/SECOND SKIN

If your tattoo was wrapped with Saniderm, keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove it and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below.) After 3-4 days, remove the bandage gently under warm running water. To remove the bandage, you must stretch from each side rather than peel it off like a band-aid. When you stretch the bandage, it allows the adhesive to come off the skin without disrupting the tattoo.

STANDARD BANDAGE

Leave the bandage on 3-6 hours. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before touching your new tattoo. After removing the bandage, wash your tattoo gently with warm water and mild fragrance-free soap. Remove all existing Vaseline, plasma and excess ink with your fingertips. Do not use anything abrasive to clean your new tattoo. Rinse clean and pat dry with disposable paper towel. Let air dry. Leave as dry as possible for the next 2-3 days while showering as normal. Be sure to pat the tattoo dry after showering. Do not rub it. After the 3rd day, apply a thin layer or fragrance-free, non-greasy lotion to the tattoo 1-2 times a day sparingly. Rub the lotion until it is fully absorbed into the skin. Do not over moisturize. If a scab forms, it will be the color of the ink used - This does not mean the ink is going to fall out. Leave the scabs alone and let them fall out naturally. Do not pick or scratch the area. The tattoo may appear dull until it is completely healed - this is normal and will go away in a few weeks. Wear loose fitting clothing over the area when possible.

SOAPS TO USE

Mild, fragrance-free soap such as: Dove, Dial, Aveeno.

LOTIONS TO USE

Non-greasy, Fragrance-free, Dye-free moisturizing lotion such as: AfterInk, Hustle Butter, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Aveeno, Tattoo Goo.

DO NOT SOAK IN WATER (BATHS, SWIMMING POOLS, LAKES, OCEANS)