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before
appointments
All of our artists handle their own booking, not the shop. To book an appointment, you'll need to reach our to an artist directly. Their contact info can be found on the crew page. If you aren't sure which artist to book with or don't have a preference, see the following walk-in section.
deposits
Your artist may require you to make a deposit before booking an appointment. Deposits are non-refundable and can be paid via Venmo [@blackcatatl] or Zelle [hello@blackcatatl.com].
numbing
Ultimately, it is up to your artist, so please ask what their preference is on this matter. If they are fine with you using a pre-procedure numbing cream, the brand we've tested and love is NumbSkin. They have a 10.56% lidocaine cream that— when applied generously, wrapped air-tight in cling wrap, and left to cook for an hour—works like a charm. Pro tip, use a derma roller [of at least 1mm] on the skin before application of the cream.
Most of our artist use a 5% lidocaine spray that is applied after the outline is done. But, if you want to BYOS [bring your own spray] here's a really badass 10% lidocaine spray we've also tested and love.
walk-ins
We do take walk-ins when our artists have availability. Please fill out the form below to start the conversation.
prep
Make sure you come to your appointment well rested and sober. It is best if you have a meal beforehand, and for longer sessions, be sure to bring snacks to keep your blood sugar up and water to stay hydrated. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a jacket in case you get cold.
parking
There is street parking right in front of the shop and parking lots on the side, back, and across the street—all free. You won't have any problem Mon–Thurs, but the village can get pretty crowded on the weekends. There is also endless street parking in the surrounding neighborhood on Gresham Ave and its cross streets. Please don't leave anything valuable in your car.
during
privacy
We are an open concept studio, but we do have privacy partitions upon request. Just let your artist know beforehand. We also provide pasties as needed.
friends
It is not a problem if you'd like to bring a friend or two with you to your appointment. Just please no large groups.
after
payment
Cash or Zelle are the only forms of payment we can accept for your tattoo. We do have an atm on-site.
tipping
Tipping your artists is customary and very much appreciated, especially if you had a good experience. Tips can be left with cash or Venmo. If you use Venmo, please put something like "groceries" or "dinner" as the comment.
after care
How you take care of your tattoo while it heals is very important to the quality of your finished product and should be taken very seriously. The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is essentially a wound and should be treated as such. Everyone's body heals differently, so please use discretion and common sense. Your artist will give you the choice of either a Dynarex bandage or good ol' fashioned cling wrap before you leave. Below is our protocol for both. Always feel free to reach out to the shop with any questions during your healing process.
dynarex
Dynarex is a medical-grade, transparent, adhesive barrier that protects new tattoos while they are healing. It is waterproof, breathable, and can be left on for an extended amount of time.
After it is applied, plasma will begin to pool under your bandage, this is totally normal. You may either change the bandage after roughly 24 hours or leave it on for 3 days before changing.
The best way to remove the bandage is under luke warm water, pulling gently against the skin, not away [imagine removing a command strip from the wall, but like the correct way]. You can use castile soap [such as Dr. Bronner's] or anti-bacterial soap [such as Dial] to assist. Then, wash your tattoo after the bandage is fully removed. Dry with a paper towel, nothing fibrous, and let it air dry completely before applying a fresh piece of Dynarex.
The new bandage may be left on for an additional 3 days, or 5 if you changed it after the first 24 hours, but never more than 6 days total.
You may experience redness or slight irritation around the tattoo where the adhesive was on your non-tattooed skin, this is also totally normal. If at any point you do develop an adverse reaction on the tattoo itself, discontinue use and continue to heal your tattoo the old fashioned way.
After the Dynorex phase, your tattoo will be mostly healed and will only need a small amount of unscented lotion [such as Lubriderm] to keep it moisturized while it heals completely.
The total healing process is usually around 7–10 days.
Below is a link to purchase the same Dynorex roll we use in the shop.
cling wrap
If you are healing the old fashioned way, the most important thing to remember is to keep your tattoo clean, dry, and slightly moisturized.
For the first few days, 2–4 times a day:
Wash it under luke warm water with castile soap [such as Dr. Bronner's] or anti-bacterial soap [such as Dial].
Pat dry with a paper towel, nothing fibrous, and let it air dry completely. Then, apply either—but never both—a small amount of ointment* [such as Aquaphor] or a new piece of cling wrap to hold you over to your next cleaning.
* If you are using an ointment, it is important to use as small of an amount as possible.
For the remainder of the healing process, twice a day:
Wash under luke warm water with castile soap [such as Dr. Bronner's] or anti-bacterial soap [such as Dial]. Pat dry with a paper towel, nothing fibrous, and let it air dry completely. At this point your tattoo will start becoming dry & flakey and you'll need an unscented lotion [such as Lubriderm] to keep it slightly moisturized until your next cleaning.
* It is important to make sure not to over-moisturize your tattoo and to maintain an equal balance between letting it air dry and keeping it moisturized.
The total healing process is usually around 7–10 days.
things to avoid
Regardless of which method you are using to heal your tattoo, here are some things that you should avoid:
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over moisturizing
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sun exposure
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soaking in water
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excessive sweating
Consult a healthcare provider at the first sign of infection.
Black Cat
535 Gresham Ave SE, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30316
678.747.9909
Health Authority
445 Winn Way
Decatur, GA 30030
other
gift certificates
Gift certificates are available for purchase year-round, for any amount, never expire, and can be used with any artist. They are printed on card stock and sealed in a decorative envelop with a wax seal. If for some reason you cannot make it in to the shop to purchase one, we can accept payment over the phone via Zelle or Vemno and deliver it through the mail.
shop minimum
Our shop minimum for any tattoo is $100.
accessibility
We are ADA compliant for mobility impairments. Everyone is welcomed here with open arms and we are happy to take any extra steps necessary to ensure a successful experience. Feel free to give us a call to discuss further.
piercings
Sorry, no piercings here, only tattoos.
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