Question 1

What is your shop minimum?

Accepted Answer

Our shop minimum is $80. It covers setup, sterile single-use supplies, and smaller tattoo work, and applies regardless of design size.

Question 2

How much does a tattoo cost at Arcane Ink?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on size, detail, placement, and artist. The shop minimum is $80 and most small-to-medium pieces run $80 to $400. Sleeves and multi-session work are quoted individually at your free consultation.

Question 3

Do you require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A deposit secures your tattoo appointment and is applied to your final total. Deposits are non-refundable; the amount depends on the size and complexity of the piece.

Question 4

Do you accept walk-ins?

Accepted Answer

Yes, walk-in tattoos and piercings are welcome whenever an artist is available. For larger custom pieces or a specific artist, book ahead.

Question 5

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Call or text (951) 224-9177, email arcaneink00@gmail.com, DM @arcaneinktattoo on Instagram, or use the form on our contact page. Include your idea, placement, size, and reference images for the fastest reply.

Question 6

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Cash, credit, and debit cards. Cash is preferred for tips.

Question 7

What tattoo styles do your artists specialize in?

Accepted Answer

Realism, fine line, anime, traditional, neo-traditional, color, black and grey, portrait, Chicano, horror, floral, script, and cover-ups. Each artist has a defined specialty; see the Artists page to match your style.

Question 8

How do I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Accepted Answer

Hydrate in the days before, eat a full meal before your session, avoid alcohol and blood thinners for 24 hours, sleep well, wear clothing that gives easy access to the area, and arrive 10 minutes early.

Question 9

Do tattoos hurt?

Accepted Answer

Pain varies by placement and tolerance. Fleshy areas like the outer arm, thigh, and calf are easier; ribs, spine, ankles, and hands are more sensitive. Most clients describe it as tolerable.

Question 10

How should I care for a new tattoo?

Accepted Answer

Keep it clean, apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment 2–3 times a day, keep it out of direct sun, and don't soak it in pools, hot tubs, or baths for 2–3 weeks. Your artist gives full written instructions after your session.

Question 11

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

Accepted Answer

The surface heals in 2–3 weeks; the deeper skin layers take 2–3 months.

Question 12

Can I bring my own design?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bring your design or reference images and the artist will adapt it to your body and placement so it reads cleanly and ages well.

Question 13

Can my old tattoo be covered?

Accepted Answer

Usually, but not always. Cover-ups need to be larger and darker than the original, and heavily saturated black may need laser lightening first. Bring a clear photo to a free consultation for an honest answer.

Question 14

How much do piercings cost?

Accepted Answer

Piercings start at $40, with jewelry priced separately. Pricing varies by placement and jewelry; complex placements like industrial or surface piercings are quoted at your free consultation.

Question 15

Do you use needles or piercing guns?

Accepted Answer

Needles only, never guns. Single-use needles are sterile, cause less tissue trauma, and heal cleaner.

Question 16

What jewelry do you use?

Accepted Answer

Body-safe jewelry only: implant-grade titanium as the standard, with surgical steel and gold options. Jewelry upgrades and specialty pieces are available at your consultation.

Question 17

How long do piercings take to heal?

Accepted Answer

Lobes heal in about 6–8 weeks; cartilage placements like helix, conch, and daith take 6–12 months; navel and nipple take 6–12 months. Each piercing page lists its own timeline.

Question 18

Can I change my jewelry right away?

Accepted Answer

No. Changing jewelry before the piercing is fully healed can cause infection, irritation, or rejection. Come back to Arcane Ink for a professional jewelry change once it's healed.

Question 19

What is the minimum age for a tattoo or piercing?

Accepted Answer

Tattoos are 18+ with valid government-issued photo ID, no exceptions under California law. Minors can get certain piercings with a parent or legal guardian present; both must bring matching photo ID and complete consent forms. Call first to confirm the placement.

Question 20

Where is Arcane Ink located?

Accepted Answer

4505 Allstate Dr #110, Riverside, CA 92501, easily reached from the 91, 60, and 215 freeways, with parking on site.

Question 21

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Tuesday–Saturday 11am–7pm, Sunday 11am–3pm, closed Monday.

Question 22

Is the studio wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Arcane Ink has an ADA-compliant entrance and accessible parking near the studio. Tell us about any accommodations you need when booking.

Question 23

Do you offer free consultations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every tattoo and piercing consultation is free, in person or by phone, and covers design, placement, jewelry, pricing, and healing.

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