Policies and Frequently Asked Questions

Cost: We charge between $180-200 per hour of tattooing, depending on the artist. The shop minimum is $100 for smaller work that takes less than one hour to complete, however, pricing for work completed in under one hour is at the artists’ discretion. Our $100 minimum does not apply to tattoos on the hands, fingers, neck, or feet.

​Acceptable Payment Options: We prefer cash, but we can accommodate cards as well. Please note that card charges of $250 dollars or more must add three percent to the total amount charged. We do not accept checks.

Drawing Deposits: We require a non-refundable deposit for any drawing the artist needs to create to make your tattoo. This deposit amount varies based on the size and complexity of the design you want. Note that if you want a small tattoo your deposit might be $40/$60, but if you want a full sleeve it’s going to be closer to $250/$500. In most cases the drawing deposit gets applied to your tattoo session when you come in for your appointment.

What if I don’t like the drawing? Can I change it?
Of course! We want you to be happy, it’s going on your body forever. Changes and revisions are part of the process. This next area should be pretty straightforward, but at times it doesn’t fit with everyone’s expectations. There is a limit to the amount of revisions an artist should be expected to make during this process. Allowing for a major change, a medium change, and some minor tweaks to the design is generally part of the process. Beyond that, you will forfeit your drawing deposit. We work really hard on this part of the design process and push our creative limits for you and we have to be compensated for that. We will not make various color studies or fully shaded illustrations to look at; the drawing deposit is for the line work template only. Unless you work individually with your artist, with the mutual understanding that they will go beyond that threshold which is generally reserved for very large and, or complex tattoos. Beyond that, PLEASE DO NOT contact the artist the night before your appointment with major changes to your design. Be considerate. We have families and lives outside of our jobs too.

I can’t make it to my appointment, what should I do?
If you give 48 hours notice your deposit may be used to reschedule on another date. However, please note that if your artist is booked out for 9 months you probably won’t be able to reschedule with them until 9 months later. We can put you on a short list for no-shows and try and fit you in earlier. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice or don’t show up at all, you forfeit your deposit. Of course in life things come up beyond any of our control, and we are pretty understanding in most cases. Please communicate and we can usually work something out.

What to expect when I come for my consultation and how to prepare?
Please come ready for your consultation and do your homework beforehand. We can create original artwork based on whatever you give us. If you have reference photos, tattoos you admire, tattoo-style images, or anything specific to your idea please bring it with you, along with a deposit for a drawing. It’s much easier for your artist to interpret terms like "peony flowers with jasmine, and anatomical heart" than "I want some flowers with a heart". Try your best to really communicate with us- think about placement and listen to what your tattoo artist tells you about your design considerations. We have a lot of experience tattooing and even though your friend is an illustrator, they are not a tattoo artist.

Parking: You are welcome to park in our parking lot. The entrance is on North Denver Avenue.

I emailed you yesterday and left a message at the shop. Why haven’t I heard back yet?
We appreciate your patience. We do our best to respond to emails within a week, though you are welcome to call the shop for a quicker response. Messages are responded to in the order we receive them.

Gift Certificates: They are great gifts! If you purchase one you need to know that this does not guarantee an appointment time slot with the artist. You have to contact the individual artist and set up the tattoo process. Some artists are booked out for extended periods of time. For instance, if you purchase a gift certificate and call to make an appointment with the artist and they are booked out for two months, that is how long you’ll have to wait to get an appointment and use the gift certificate.

​Do we take guest artists? Are we hiring?
We love guest artists! If you are planning a trip to Portland and would like to be considered, please email a link to your portfolio to thehivetattoo@gmail.com.

​If interested in a position with the Hive Tattoo, please inquire directly via thehivetattoo@gmail.com.