Frequently
asked
questions.
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Booking a tattoo appointment at Monarch Tattoo Studio is simple. Start by submitting an enquiry through our website or contacting our Sydney CBD or Liverpool studio with your tattoo idea, preferred placement, approximate size and any reference images you have. Our team will match you with the tattoo artist whose style best suits your vision.
Once we’ve discussed your idea, we’ll provide a quote, explain the design process and arrange a consultation if needed. A deposit is required to secure your appointment, with the remaining balance payable on the day of your tattoo session.
Whether you’re booking your first tattoo, a full sleeve, a cover-up or a custom design, our artists will guide you through every step of the process to ensure you’re comfortable, informed and excited for your appointment
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Every tattoo starts with an idea. Whether you have a detailed concept, a collection of reference images or only a rough idea, our tattoo artists will work with you to create a custom design that reflects your style and suits the placement on your body.
Before your appointment, we’ll discuss your ideas, size, placement and the overall look you’re hoping to achieve. Depending on the project, your artist may prepare your design before your appointment or create it with you on the day. We encourage feedback throughout the design process so you’re completely happy before any tattooing begins.
Our goal is to create a tattoo that’s unique to you, not simply copy an existing design. Every custom tattoo is carefully planned to complement your anatomy, flow naturally with your body and continue looking great for years to come.
If you’ve used AI tools like ChatGPT or created inspiration with reference images, Pinterest or other design apps, bring them to your consultation. These ideas help your tattoo artist understand your vision and create a custom tattoo that’s designed specifically for you.
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Preparing for your tattoo appointment can make a big difference to your overall experience. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep, eat a substantial meal before your appointment and stay well hydrated. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs for at least 24 hours beforehand, as they can affect bleeding and the tattooing process.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed, and bring water, snacks and entertainment if you’re booked in for a longer session. If you’re feeling unwell, please contact the studio as soon as possible to discuss rescheduling your appointment.
Following these simple steps will help you stay comfortable during your session and allow your tattoo artist to achieve the best possible result.
If you’re unsure how to prepare, our team is always happy to answer any questions before your appointment and provide advice specific to your tattoo.
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For the best tattoo experience, we recommend bringing a valid photo ID, water, snacks and anything that will help you stay comfortable during your appointment, especially for longer tattoo sessions. Headphones, a phone charger or a book can also help pass the time.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. If you’re booked in for a full-day session, it’s a good idea to bring extra snacks or lunch to keep your energy levels up.
If you have reference images, AI-generated tattoo concepts, Pinterest inspiration or ideas you’ve collected, bring them along. They can help your tattoo artist better understand your vision while creating a custom tattoo that’s unique to you.
If you’re unsure whether you need to bring anything specific for your appointment, contact our team before your booking and we’ll be happy to help.
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The cost of a tattoo depends on several factors, including the size, placement, level of detail, colour, and the experience of the tattoo artist. Small tattoos generally cost less than large custom pieces, while full sleeves, back pieces and highly detailed realism tattoos require more time and multiple sessions.
At Monarch Tattoo Studio, every tattoo is individually quoted to ensure you receive an accurate price based on your design and the artist best suited to your project. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your ideas, provide a transparent quote and explain the design process before you book.
If you’re unsure about your budget, our team is happy to recommend options that suit your design and price range.
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Choosing the right tattoo artist is about more than finding someone nearby. Every tattoo artist has their own style and area of expertise, so it’s important to choose an artist whose portfolio matches the type of tattoo you want.
Before booking, take time to review an artist’s previous work, paying attention to healed tattoos, consistency and experience in your chosen style. Whether you’re looking for black and grey realism, fine line, Japanese, colour or a custom tattoo, selecting an artist who specialises in that style will usually produce the best result.
If you’re not sure which artist is right for your idea, our team can recommend the most suitable artist based on your design, placement and style preferences.
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The best tattoo style depends on your personal taste, the subject of your tattoo and where it will be placed on your body. Some people prefer the clean, delicate look of fine line tattoos, while others choose black and grey realism, Japanese, traditional, colour or illustrative styles.
If you’re unsure which style suits your idea, our tattoo artists can guide you through the options during your consultation. We’ll discuss your inspiration, placement, long-term goals and the overall look you want to achieve before recommending a style that complements your vision.
Choosing the right style from the beginning helps create a tattoo you’ll enjoy for many years.
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Absolutely. You don’t need to have a finished design before booking your appointment. Many clients come to us with a rough idea, reference images, Pinterest inspiration or concepts they’ve created using AI tools like ChatGPT.
During your consultation, your tattoo artist will discuss your ideas, placement, size and preferred style before creating a custom tattoo designed specifically for you. Our goal is to turn your inspiration into a tattoo that works beautifully on your body while remaining unique to you.
Every custom tattoo is thoughtfully designed to suit your anatomy, personal style and long-term wear, ensuring your artwork is both meaningful and timeless.
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Healing varies with every individual. For best possible outcomes, follow the instructions provided by your Tattoo Artist.
After your session, leave the dressing applied by your artist for 1-2 hours, then remove and wash the area with a mild fragrance-free soap (avoid harsh scrubbing). Pat dry the area with a clean paper towel and allow to air dry for around 10 minutes.
Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream recommended by your artist, 2-3 times a day for around a week or until the skin has healed over.
During healing, the area will be sore, then can become flakey, dry and itchy. This is all a normal part of the healing process. Do not pick or scratch the area as this can hinder healing and will affect the final appearance of your tattoo.
Opt for loose or breathable clothing to prevent irritation and allow the area to breathe. Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will support overall skin health which contributes to healing as well.
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Yes. Many existing tattoos can be successfully covered with a new custom design, although the best approach depends on the size, colour, age and location of the original tattoo.
During your consultation, your tattoo artist will assess the existing tattoo and explain the options available. In some cases, a complete cover-up is possible, while other projects may benefit from lightening the old tattoo with laser treatments before beginning the new design.
Our goal is to create a cover-up that looks intentional and works as a complete piece of artwork rather than simply hiding the old tattoo.
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Most tattoos take around 2–4 weeks for the surface of the skin to heal, while the deeper layers of skin can continue healing for several months. Following the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist is essential for proper healing and achieving the best long-term result.
During the healing process, it’s normal to experience some redness, peeling and itching. Avoid picking at the tattoo, soaking it in water or exposing it to direct sunlight until it has fully healed.
If you have any concerns during the healing process, our team is always happy to answer your questions and provide aftercare advice.