Frequently Asked questions

appointments & Pricing

  • We recommend booking a consultation online for first timers or those that are looking for intricate design work. If you already know what exact design you are after and the size of your piece, we have an online booking system available. If you have any queries concerning your booking we ask that you kindly send us an email bookings@thegreyareastudios.com or alternatively direct message our instagram handle @thegreyareastudios

  • Yes, standard consultations (15 minutes with no design) are complimentary.

    Specialist consultation appointments (40-60 minutes with design included) are $300 and are redeemable against your tattoo booking. These are perfect for clients seeking storytelling, symbolism or larger custom projects

  • Our minimum is $300. Each artist charges individually. Pricing is based on time, detail and placement. Each piece is a custom work. Please note, our artists only sell curated flash designs and do not perform rushed tattoos.

  • Recommendations before an appointment:

    • Eat a healthy meal at least 3 hours in advance

    • Get a good night’s sleep

    • Avoid prolonged sun exposure: dry or burnt/peeling skin can seriously interfere with the tattooing process

    • Moisturize your skin a few days in advance

    • Do not take blood thinners, antibiotics, or steroids

    • Do not consume alcohol or drugs

    • Limit your caffeine intake (no more than one cup of coffee on the day of tattooing)

    • Shower before the appointment: dirty/dry skin can affect the tattooing process

    You cannot be tattooed if:

    • You are currently taking antibiotics or cortisone

    • You are pregnant or have been recently

    • You’ve received a vaccination in the past 48 hours

    • You will be going on a vacation that involves prolonged exposure to direct sunlight/water

    • You have atopic dermatitis at the location of the tattoo

    • You are under the age of 18

    • You are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs

    • You do not provide government issued identification

  • In New South Wales the minimum legal age to get tattooed is 18 years old, No exceptions even with parental consent. This is enforced under the Children and Young Persons ( Care and Protection) Act 1998.

    At The Grey Area Studios we require a valid government-issued photo ID e.g Drivers License, passport or photo ID card. Clients who arrive without valid ID or who cannot verify their age will forfeit their appointment and deposit.

  • To preserve the calm, focused atmosphere of our studio we kindly ask that you attend your appointment independently. We are conveniently located nearby some incredible shopping and food/cafe precincts.

  • We are an appointment only studio. This allows our artists to dedicate their full attention to each client without interruption. Every piece we do is custom and intentional. Art is not a rushed process.

CREATIVE DIRECTION & VISUAL PLANNING

  • Our team will guide you through a tailored consultation process, where we explore your story, style preferences and desired symbolism. Based on your vision, we will pair you with an artist whose strengths align most closely with your concept.

  • At the start of your session the artist will show you a preview of your design. Artists will not provide designs prior to appointment dates due to copyright infringement and an inability to explain the art design in person. Artists will allocate time in their quote to allow for any alterations.

TECHNIQUE & PLACEMENT

  • Your experience at The Grey Area Studios is designed to be intentional from the very beginning. It starts with a consultation, a conversation where we listen to your vision, explore and help shape it into something meaningful.

    From there, you’ll be paired with an artist whose style and sensitivity best suit your concept. Together, you will finalise the design before the session begins.

    During the session, your artist will guide you every step of the way. We use the highest quality inks, equipment and aftercare protocols to ensure your safety, comfort and healing.

    Expect an experience that is slow, deliberate and deeply personal. Where you are not just getting a tattoo, you’re being seen, heard, and permanently marked with intention

  • Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of human expression. A ritual that transcends culture, language and time.

    Archeological discoveries have traced tattoos back over 5000 years, with mummified skin revealing intricate markings used for protection, healing identity and honour. From the sacred Polynesian tatau to Japanese Irezumi, from Egyptian priestesses to Norse warriors. Tattooing has always been more than body art. It has been medicine. Memory. Myth.

    In every era, tattoos have carried what words could not: grief, love, strength.

    At The Grey Area Studios we honour that legacy, transforming personal stories into permanent, living art. This is more than ink. It’s ancestry, intuition and intention.

  • When you’re tattooed, the ink is deposited into the dermis ( the deeper layer of your skin that doesn’t shed like the outer surface) this is what makes tattoos permanent. Though tattoos may soften slightly with age, high-quality ink, precise technique and proper aftercare, all of which we pride ourselves on, help your piece remain vibrant for years to come. If it is required in the first six months we offer a complimentary touch up

  • Tattoo ink is made from two key components, pigment and carrier.

    • The pigment is what gives the ink its colour traditionally made from minerals, plants, or synthetic compounds.

    • The carrier is a liquid that keeps the pigment evenly suspended and helps it flow smoothly into the skin. This is usually made from distilled water, glycerin, witch hazel or alcohol.

    At The Grey Area Studios, we use only premium, ethically sourced inks that are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from heavy metals ensuring not just the integrity of your tattoo, but the safety of your body.

    Each formula is chosen for vibrancy, longevity, and compatibility with all skin types.

  • Yes, not every ideas suited for lifelong wear, and part of our role is to guide you with honesty and care.

    We may gently advise against tattoos that :

    • Lack Longevity, ( designs that may not age well or blur over time)

    • Don’t align with your story or intention

    • Carry impulsive or emotionally charged decisions

    • Are offensive to certain cultures or groups

COVER UPS

  • Yes, in many cases, a thoughtful cover-up can transform something you’ve outgrown into a piece that feels aligned, elevated, and entirely your own.

    Our approach is not to just hide the old, but to reinterpret it with intention. We would advise booking a consultation to assess the existing tattoo, your vision and your skins needs. From there we can create a custom design that works with the past, not against it, layering a new meaning over old ink.

    That being said, not all tattoos are ideal for cover-ups. Some may require laser removal first. We will always be honest about what’s possible and guide you toward the desired outcome.

  • Yes, it’s possible to tattoo over scars, but it depends on the age, depth, texture and location of the scar tissue.

    Healed scars that are at least 12-18 months old and no longer raised or inflamed are generally safe to tattoo, though they may hold ink differently and require more care during the process. Each case is unique as scar tissue is more delicate, and the healing process may vary.

    We approach scar cover-ups with empathy, precision and care. Whether the goal is to reclaim your skin or soften the visual presence of a scar, we’ll guide you through a personalised consultation to assess your options and ensure the result is both meaningful and respectful of your bodies healing.

AFTERCARE

  • As with any procedure that involves the skin, there are some potential risks, though rare, they are minimised through our strict hygiene protocols and professional care.

    These may include:

    • Mild redness, swelling or sensitivity during healing

    • Allergic reactions to pigment (uncommon but it is possible)

    • Infection, if aftercare instructions are not properly followed.

    • Ink spreading or blurring over time, especially in areas of high movement or thin skin

    At The Grey Area Studios, your safety is our priority. We use single-use needles, medical-grade equipment, and only the highest quality, vegan friendly inks. Each artist is trained not just in technique, but in skin health and sterile practice.

    We also provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, because your tattoo experience doesn’t end when you leave the studio. Healing is part of the art.

  • Yes, some areas of the body are naturally more sensitive than others. Pain levels vary depending on your body, your mindset, and where the tattoo is placed.

    Generally areas with less flesh and more nerve endings, like the ribs, spine, ankles, hands and sternum tend to feel more intense. Softer, fleshier areas like the outer arm or thigh are usually gentler.

    That being said, pain is personal. Many clients find the experience deeply meditative and empowering. Especially when there is meaning behind the piece. Our artists work with intention and care, creating an environment where you feel supported and in control throughout.

  • Yes, but with guidance and care. We offer the option of topical anaesthetic creams, which can help reduce surface sensitivity, especially for longer sessions or high-sensitivity areas. If you’re interested let us know in advance so we can advise on safe and effective options that won’t compromise your skin or the ink.

    As for pain medication, we recommend avoiding blood thinners ( like aspirin or ibuprofen) before your appointment, as they can increase bleeding. If you’re considering over-the-counter pain relief, speak with your artist or a healthcare provider beforehand.

  • Yes, aftercare is a vital part of the tattoo process, and how you heal is just as important as how we tattoo. Our Artists will provide a detailed description for their individual aftercare process

    Click here for additional information about our aftercare processes.