Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Aftercare

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How do I make an appointment for a tattoo?

Appointments are super easy to set up, just stop in to the shop and talk to one of our front counter people, and they will take care of you. We make almost all appointments in person at the shop to make sure we schedule enough time to have a great drawing, and do a top quality tattoo. There is a $50 deposit for all appointments that come off the final price of the tattoo. Appointments are made in person to give everyone the quality and custom tattoo they deserve.

What is a consultation and how do i set one up?

Occasionally, with large scale projects or other projects that may involve some extra drawing time, we set up a consultation to talk one on one with an artist and get the details ironed out so everything is ready and we book the proper amount of time for the appointment. You can call down to the shop 402-474-5151 and schedule a consultation over the phone or you can stop in and set up a consultation. Then the appointment is then made in person at the consultation time, once we get all of the details worked out.

I am from out of town, can I set up an appointment?

The one time we make appointments not in person, is with out of town clients who cannot stop in before the time they want to get tattooed. This requires a little more work and preparation, since we cannot meet with our client in person. We have you mail in an Out of Town form with exact tattoo size, and your deposit. We then set up the rest over the phone with the artist. Email tyson@ironbrush.com to get a form. All the instructions you need are on the form I will send you. We recommended allowing 2-4 weeks for a non-face to face appointment.

Do you guys accept walk-ins for tattooing?

Yes, we tattoo walk-ins. We tattoo as many walk-in clients as we can get in between our appointments, or when we have cancellations. Our schedule is as varied as the tattoo ideas we are working on, so we set up all walk-ins at the shop on a first come first serve basis. We recommend an appointment if you are: coming on a Friday or Saturday, getting a larger tattoo done, want to get tattooed on a certain day, or want to get in with a specific artist.

How much will my tattoo cost?

ALL PRICE QUOTES ARE DONE IN PERSON AT THE SHOP.  I can say, most one session tattoos at our shop are between $60-300 depending on size, time, placement, and detail. We price large scale work like sleeves and backs by the hour or by the session, whichever will work best for the piece. Most designs can be made larger, more complex, and some can be made simpler and smaller to fit your tattoo budget. Just let your artist know what you would like and how much you have to spend, and he will show you exactly what you can get. Whether it is a large custom piece or a small symbol, you are purchasing a hand crafted and unique piece of art that can never be lost or stolen.

Can I bring in my some pictures and reference material or my own design?

Of course, bring in whatever will help us get an idea of what you are looking for. If it is in digital format, I recommend bringing in a hard copy for your artist.

BODY PIERCING: Can I make an appointment or can I do a walk-in?

You can do either one. Making a piercing appointment is super easy. You can call down to the shop and set one up with one of our front desk crew, or you can stop in and set up an appointment. We do a lot walk-in body piercings at the shop, and you are welcome to stop in. We do walk-ins on a first come first serve basis between appointments. Matt, our piercer, works everyday but Thursday. Since only one guy does piercings, if you want you can call ahead and make sure he is there that day. Our number is 402-474-5151

BODY PIERCING: How much does it cost?

To do the piercing most range. between $20-60 dollars depending on the location, difficulty of the piercing, and other factors.
Jewelry for the piercing is generally from $15-60 depending on the jewelry used.

Is it true the artists at Iron Brush helped write the body art laws?

Yes! We are proud to say that we helped spearhead the implementation of safety standards for the tattoo and body piercing trade. We worked with the governing bodies to help them write a much needed body art code. We first worked with the Lincoln Lancaster Health Department to write the health code which is in place for Lancaster County. Then, we helped the State of Nebraska to write the state laws for body art and safety standards that are now in effect state wide!

Do you use new needles and pigments?

Absolutely. All needles are new. Always. All equipment is single service, which means that each needle and tube set is individually packaged, dated, sealed and sterilized. Ointments, pigments, needles, gloves, razors, plastic barriers, and ink caps used in applying your new tattoo are discarded after use. After the tattoo is finished, the artist disinfects the work area with a chemical that kills all viruses and bacteria.

How do you sterilize your equipment?

An autoclave. It is the only acceptable means of equipment sterilization in the tattoo shop. We have two autoclaves in our sterilizing area. They work by using a combination of heat, steam, and pressure to kill all pathogenic microorganisms known to man. We keep detailed logs of the autoclave use, and our autoclave’s efficiency is tested and monitored by an outside laboratory.
For more information, see our sterilization procedures page.

How do I chose a studio and artist?

Next to safe tattoo procedures, the artists reputation and portfolio is crucial. Our Reputation is Outstanding! Our portfolios are proudly displayed on the lobby walls to show our diversity, our originality, our experience, and quality of tattoos. This is very important. Find an artist whose style and technical aspects appeal to you, and look closely for crisp application of the tattoos. Tattooing is incredibly difficult. Without years of study, the correct knowledge, and application experience, a tattooer cannot apply a good tattoo. Always ask to see the artist's work — they should be proud to show you. There is no better way to see the art work than see the tattoos. Look closely at the line and color quality of the tattoos. Ask people where they got tattooed, especially if you really like the work you see. We are proud of our reputation!

Do you have to be licensed to be a tattooer in Lincoln?

Yes. We worked with the health department to develop health regulations for practitioners and studios. Getting a tattoo by an amateur in their home can be very dangerous, especially if they have no knowledge of sterilization or safe operating procedures. Bacterial infections, hepatitis, and syphilis are prevalent in a dirty work environment. The money spent on a professional tattoo studio is well worth the assurance that the only thing you will get is a tattoo.

Should I shop around for the best price?

Well, you may not ask the tattoo shop this, but you may be thinking about it. The best thing I can tell you is it is a buyer beware market with shops popping up everywhere and very few people willing to undertake a true apprenticeship. Sterilization and protecting your health is extremely important and one of the primary things you need to look for. The artist's portfolio is also very important — this would be a fundamental place to look before getting a tattoo. You will want to find an artist you feel comfortable with, and my advice is to take the time to research your artist, you will be glad you did. All of these questions will help you on your journey.

Is there anything I should I do before I get tattooed or pierced?

Yes, be well rested and eat well. Drink plenty of fluids. Bring your ID and wear appropriate clothing. Mostly though, just relax and have a good time.

Is there anything I shouldn't do before I get tattooed or pierced?

Do not drink alcohol, or take drugs other than prescribed by you doctor. Do not be sunburned.

How do I take care of my Tattoo or Body Piercing?

Tattoo Aftercare
Body Piercing Aftercare

Does it hurt?

This is a very popular question. In a professional environment it is annoying, and it does sting a bit. The more relaxed you are the easier the process, and within a few minutes your body will release endorphins (which are natural pain killers) that ease your discomfort. The experience is different for everyone and everyone’s definition of the discomfort will be different. It is impossible to say exactly how it will feel for you. Generally, everyone does just fine. Some spots do hurt worse than others. A few general rules do apply. The more muscular areas (upper arm or calf) will hurt less than the bonier areas (elbow or ribs). Sensitive parts of your body will sting a bit more to get tattooed: “If you are ticklish there, it’s probably going to hurt a bit.” It really is best to get tattooed where you want it, based on your aesthetics. The placement of the tattoo is solely up to you, because the tattoo will be there long after the pain fades. If it were that painful, people wouldn't keep coming back for a second, and third, and fourth, and, on and on

Can you make this tattoo smaller?

Yes, we are skilled enough to make a tattoo really small and detailed, but that will not make a good tattoo. No matter who applies the tattoo, or how a tattoo is applied, the ink will migrate a bit over time. A tattoo is inside of skin cells and not on top of paper. Lines applied too close to one another will blur together, and in some cases alter lettering or destroy a design a few years or even months down the road. Your tattooer is a professional and we want your tattoo to look good. Of course we are skilled enough to make a very small tattoo, but not at the expense of doing a bad tattoo. A large part of the art of tattooing is to make a tattoo that looks good for a lifetime. Listen to your tattooer's advice and make your tattoo a size that will last and be enjoyed for years.

Do people just pick designs off the wall?

Sure. That is a great way to pick a good design that will make a great tattoo. All of the designs we have here are hand painted by tattooers. It used to be that you could tell how good a tattooer was by looking at the designs on his walls, because there were no color copy machines, he had to draw all of them himself. Most shops no longer take the time to learn the skills needed and invest the time into drawing their own designs. Thus, they all carry the same commercially bought designs and leave the clients to question the skills of the tattooer and the originality of the design. Read on.

What is flash?

This is the term for the designs on the wall. All of the flash at Iron Brush is hand painted by tattooers. Almost all of our flash is drawn, inked, and watercolored by the tattooers at Iron Brush, the ones who will be doing your tattoo. Which means your tattooer has taken the time to develop his skills, efficiency, designing ability, and artistic prowess in tattooing. This is the sign of true craftsmanship. Our walls and books are filled with quality hand painted flash we proudly use daily in the tradition of all the good tattooers before us.

How do you become a tattooer?

Years of study under an accomplished artist. There are no shortcuts.

Will you tattoo or pierce under 18?

Sorry, no. Not even with parental consent. You must be 18 with a valid state issued ID to be tattooed or pierced. No exceptions.

What are your hours?

Professional hours, no late nights, no drunks.
Monday-Thursday 2pm-10pm.
Friday-Saturday noon-10pm.

Where are you located?

We are conveniently located in downtown Lincoln, NE at 1024 ‘O’ Street. See our contact page for more info.

How can I get in touch with you?

Lots of ways: stop by the shop, give us a call, or drop us an email. Check out our contact page for the specifics.