FAQ
How do I contact Arran?
You can contact Arran using the contact form on the website, email him or pop him a DM on Instagram.
What should i include in my message to arran?
Write a brief but detailed description of your ideas (no more than a few lines preferably), include the size you would like the design in inches or cm (please no more sizes in fruit), including reference images and if relevant, please include a picture of the current space on your body you would like the tattoo.
Does Arran have experience tattooing darker skin tones?
Yes! Arran absolutely works with darker skin tones and offer a tattoo ink colour test prior to your appointment to ensure we choose the best colours for you. Arran’s Instagram feed showcases a variety of work on darker skin tones, including a permanently featured story highlights reel, and Arran does not desaturate photos like other artists may do.
is arran an inclusive artist?
Arran stands with the LGBTQ+ community. Black lives matter. He believes women. He does not draw culturally appropriative tattoos. Free healthcare is a human right. Arran always welcomes education and discussion.
Can I get the same tattoo as someone I found on the internet?
Arran only draws custom designs unique to every client and does not copy tattoo designs. Copying tattoo art is not only disrespectful to the original tattoo artist but also to the original client.
How long is arrans waitlist?
Arran is currently able to book people within 2-4 weeks. Sometimes this can be shorter depending on cancellations and quieter months. Occasionally he takes walk-ins and will post any short notice free time he has on Facebook and Instagram stories, so watch out for those :)
What should I bring with me to my appointment?
First of all, make sure you have had a big meal prior to getting tattooed. Remember to dress comfortably and bring snacks, an energy/sugary drink, a book/magazine and a portable phone charger if you have one.
How should I heal my tattoo?
Leave your tattoo wrapped in saran wrap for 2 - 3 hours after getting tattooed, when you take it off just give the tattoo a light wash over with lukewarm water. Don’t be too rough with it and avoid any fragranced or dyed soaps or bar soaps. You can just use water to clean your tattoo, there will be a build up of ink, plasma and gunk sitting on the surface and that’s what you’re looking to wash off.
Once you’ve cleaned your tattoo gently pat it dry with either a clean towel or a paper towel.
Next step, moisturise! You only need a thin layer of moisturiser, I recommend Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter or Elbow Grease from Lush. All three are Vegan, will melt at your body temperature and smell nice. With Coconut Oil it can be good to switch to Cocoa Butter after the first 3 - 4 days.
Repeat this process 2 - 3 times a day for the first two weeks.
While your tattoo is healing do not pick or scratch at it! Any scabs that form need to come off in their own time otherwise they can pull the ink out. Try to avoid clothing that will irritate your fresh tattoo. If you are wearing anything that is rubbing on it or aggravating it, or if you’re going anywhere you’re worried anything might get in it, just put a thin layer of moisturiser over the tattoo and then cover with saran wrap. Try to switch this out every few hours as the plastic can cause a sweat rash.
Avoid submerging your fresh tattoo in water, it’ll be fine in the shower but will be sensitive to heat for the first few days. No hot tubs, swimming pools or deep puddles for the first two weeks of healing.
Also avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds etc. while your tattoo is healing and use sunscreen once your tattoo has healed to keep it looking bright for years to come.
Tattoos are for life and if anything doesn’t heal correctly I touch up my own work for free within the first six months.