FAQs

It's good to have a hearty meal before arriving at the shop, as tattooing takes a lot out of your body, and you'll need the fuel. Our American traditional tattoo shop in San Diego, CA also provides free snacks for your convenience. You can bring a friend for support, but please don’t bring your entire family or a large group, as space is limited, a crowd can be disruptive, and it’s a health code violation. Our workspace needs to remain clear and calm, especially since multiple customers may be sharing the tattoo shop on the same day. We are a team of tattoo artists who work together to ensure the best experience for everyone. Pets are not allowed, and you must be 18 to get a tattoo, as tattoo shops are not a place for minors. Walk-ins are always welcome, depending on availability that day and time, though there may sometimes be a wait. For larger projects, we prefer appointments, so we have more time to draw and carefully consider your tattoo. At Family Business Tattoo San Diego, our shop minimum is $100, and hourly rates vary depending on the tattoo artist, so call for a consultation to discuss pricing and availability.

A keloid happens due to the excessive growth of scar tissue—collagen, the protein that contributes to skin healing. It can increase in size over weeks or months and is often identified by its thick, raised appearance, red color, and hardening. You may also experience pain and itching. Keloids can occur after burns, piercings, injuries, or tattoos, which is something to keep in mind when getting work done at any American traditional tattoo shop in San Diego, CA. For treatment, we cannot recommend ointments, procedures, or other remedies at home. We always advise seeing a doctor, who can determine the most appropriate treatment, which in some cases may involve a surgical procedure. An important warning: never attempt any procedure at home. Always seek guidance from a professional and avoid relying on friends or information found online.

Granulomas are small nodules that become inflamed and can cause pain, as they isolate bacteria and foreign bodies that the body is unable to expel. Commonly, they appear as small red balls in piercings that may have a liquid, which looks like pus but is actually lymph, a clear fluid filled with healing cells. Granulomas can form due to several factors, including poor-quality jewelry, improper cleaning, or friction. No need to worry—granulomas are treatable, and you can often manage treatment at home. However, it’s important to talk to one of our piercers before starting any treatment on your own. When getting piercings at an American traditional tattoo shop in San Diego, CA, having professional guidance ensures proper care. One last important note: do not confuse granulomas with keloids or hypertrophic scarring, which are completely different.

Piercing pistols are not sterilized because they cannot withstand high temperatures or pass through an autoclave, which creates a significant risk of contamination and possible infection. Any procedure involving blood or body fluids requires extreme care. Even if the earring itself is sterile, it does not eliminate the risk if the pistol is contaminated. Additionally, using a piercing pistol can traumatize the tissue, causing uneven skin, poor symmetry, and incorrect angles. For a safe and professional piercing, always come to a trained piercer, such as at our American traditional tattoo shop in San Diego, CA, where we ensure proper technique, hygiene, and care for every client.

Snake Eyes is a highly sought-after piercing, but also very risky. The tongue is made up of several muscles, which roughly boil down to two main sections, so piercing in the middle affects their separate movements. Drilling horizontally can lock both muscles, making some movements difficult, and the larger veins run along the sides, creating a high risk of puncturing them. In addition, the jewelry constantly touches the teeth, which can wear down enamel, and while chewing or talking, there’s a risk of biting the jewelry and breaking your teeth. For a safer piercing experience, it’s essential to come to a professional piercer, such as at our American traditional tattoo shop in San Diego, CA, where we carefully assess anatomy, technique, and placement to minimize risks.

Getting your first piercing starts with deciding exactly where you want it and choosing the right professional. Research is key—look at how the piercer works, the materials they use, and what past clients say about their work; a high follower count doesn’t always mean quality. Once you’ve picked the spot and the piercer, make sure they follow strict aseptic procedures, with everything properly sterilized, including the jewelry—titanium is always recommended for piercings. Follow all the cleaning instructions your piercer provides, and never rely on friends or internet advice. Pay close attention to any signs of inflammation and seek professional help if needed. Returning for follow-up visits is essential to monitor healing and ensure everything is progressing correctly. For a safe and well-executed first piercing, reach out to one of our experienced piercers at our American traditional tattoo shop in San Diego, CA, who will guide you every step of the way from your first piercing to your next.

The cost of a tattoo at our shop starts with a $100 minimum. Prices vary depending on the size, detail, placement, and use of color. For a personalized quote and to discuss your design, schedule a free consultation with the best Japanese tattoo shop in San Diego, CA, where our artists ensure high-quality work and professional guidance every step of the way.

Yes, a deposit is required to make an appointment. Every appointment requires a $100 deposit, which will be applied toward the total cost of your session. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Secure your spot with a realism tattoo artist in San Diego, CA, and secure your session with one of our skilled professionals.