COMMON questions
Here are the questions we're asked most, grouped by topic. Still not sure? Text us, or send your idea through the booking form and your artist will take it from there.
BOOKING & deposits
How do I make a booking?
Fill out our booking form with your idea, size in centimetres, placement, a clear photo of the area (note any scars or existing tattoos), reference images, your preferred artist if you have one, and the days that suit you. You can also message your artist on Instagram, or text us.
Can I book directly with one of your artists?
Yes. Our artists manage their own bookings, so you can message them on Instagram: Melinda @melindarosetattoos, Autumn @autumn_moon_tattoos, Nakara @nakara_tattoo, Tegan @antares.ink and Kayla @black.antler.ink. Our artists are usually booked out at least a couple of months in advance, and we post last-minute cancellations on Instagram.
Can I call the studio, or drop in to speak with the artists?
We're strictly appointment-only, so there are no walk-ins, drop-in consultations or phone calls. When we're tattooing, our client has our full attention. Text us or use the booking form, and allow a couple of days for a reply. For a large piece, your artist can arrange a consultation around their sessions.
How do you determine the price of a tattoo?
Our studio minimum is $150. Each artist sets their own rates, and your quote depends on the size and detail of your design. Your artist will give you an estimated time and price; it's a guide only, as things like how well you sit can change how long it takes.
Am I required to pay a deposit to book?
Yes. A deposit, usually paid by bank transfer, locks in your date, and your date isn't confirmed until it's paid. The deposit amount depends on your artist and the size of your tattoo. Booking more than one session? Each session needs its own deposit. Deposits come off the cost of your tattoo and are non-refundable.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel, you forfeit your deposit. To reschedule we need at least 7 days' notice.
Can I reschedule my appointment without losing my deposit?
Yes, once, if you give your artist at least 7 days' notice. Your artist can then move your deposit to your new date. Reschedule a second time and you'll need to pay a new deposit. Change your appointment three times in a row and we won't be able to book you in again.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, direct deposit and Rose & Thorn gift vouchers.
Do you offer finance options?
Not at this stage.
Can you refuse to serve a client?
Yes. Our studio is built on mutual respect. If a client is abusive, intoxicated or offensive, we'll stop tattooing and refuse service. We don't tolerate harassment of our team.
GENERAL questions
How old do I need to be?
18. Queensland law doesn't allow us to tattoo anyone under 18, even with parent or guardian consent, and we may ask for proof of age. If you book while under 18, you'll lose your booking and deposit.
What are your opening hours?
We're strictly appointment-only, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Some artists also work evenings and weekends, so arrange a time that suits with your artist.
Where is the studio?
144 Campbell Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350, in the glass-front building.
Is the studio licensed?
Yes. We're fully licensed and insured (licence #4650307) with council approval. We follow strict QLD Government health regulations, and our artists hold the required licences and Infection Control Certificates.
How can I contact the studio?
Text us, fill out the booking form, or message us on Instagram @roseandthorntattoostudio.
Do you host guest artists?
Yes, we regularly host guest artists, including Jake, George, James and Gina. Tattoo artists who'd like a guest spot can email samples of their work and preferred dates to roseandthorntattoostudio@gmail.com.
Do tattoos hurt?
Yes, a little. How much depends on your pain tolerance, your general health, the area and how well you prepare, and longer sessions are harder. Your artist will check in with you and stop for breaks when you need them.
This is my first tattoo and I'm nervous. What should I do?
Tell your artist. We've all been nervous first-timers, and our bright, private studio is nothing like a dark, busy shop. We'll talk you through everything and take breaks as needed. Read our first tattoo guide and the preparing tips below.
Are tattoos safe?
Yes. We follow strict sanitation guidelines in a clean, sterile studio. Some health conditions need extra care, so always be honest about your medical history. For example, if you have epilepsy we can adjust the environment, and if you carry the herpes virus your GP can prescribe antivirals before your session.
Are there any health conditions that stop me getting tattooed?
Some can. Tell us when you book, and answer the consent form honestly on the day. Let us know if you're on blood pressure medication, blood thinners, chemotherapy, steroids, anti-rejection medication, or acne medication like Accutane, or if you have a heart condition, diabetes, haemophilia or a clotting disorder, HIV, hepatitis, allergies (including latex), epilepsy, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some of these need your doctor's OK first.
Will the artist refuse to tattoo me if I disclose my medical history?
Not automatically. We're trained to manage risks, and often it's a simple change, like latex-free gloves. In rare cases an artist may decline for your safety, and that's never a decision we make lightly.
Do you do piercings?
No. We're a tattoo studio only, with no piercings or body modification.
Is the studio wheelchair friendly?
Yes, our floor layout can accommodate a wheelchair. Please mention it when you book so we can have everything ready.
Can I bring an animal?
For hygiene reasons, pets and emotional support animals aren't allowed in the studio. Certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs are welcome, as the law requires. Please let us know when you book.
Can I bring my child to my session?
No. The studio is 18+ only, as sharps, trip hazards and hygiene rules make it unsafe for children.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, online or in-store. Vouchers are valid for 3 years from purchase, can be used with any of our artists, and are for tattoos only. They're non-refundable, can't be redeemed for cash and can't be used as your deposit. Mention your voucher when you book.
YOUR design
Can you help design my tattoo?
Yes. Every design is custom. Be open to your artist's advice on size and placement: detailed designs need space, and a full portrait won't fit on a kneecap. Your design is ready for review on the morning of your appointment (we don't send designs out beforehand), and we'll fine-tune it together on the day.
Will you copy another artist's tattoo?
No. Send references you love and your artist will create something original for you, but we won't copy another artist's work.
Is there anything you won't tattoo?
We'll refuse anything promoting hate, racism, discrimination or gang affiliation. Hands, face and genitals are up to the artist, and we usually won't tattoo hands or face unless you're already heavily tattooed. Fingers and palms are up to the artist; ink often falls out there, so those tattoos don't get a free touch-up.
Do I have to pay for a touch-up?
Touch-ups booked within 3 months of your tattoo are free if you followed our aftercare. After 3 months your artist will charge a fee. Touch-ups aren't free if you used numbing cream, didn't follow aftercare (swimming, picking, infection), or for fingers and palms.
Is it safe to be tattooed by an apprentice?
Yes. Our apprentices, Tegan and Kayla, are trained in strict hygiene and safety protocols and work in our studio alongside our senior artists.
Why are apprentice rates lower?
Apprentice tattoos are discounted while our apprentices train. Your quote depends on the size and detail of your design.
TATTOO removal
Do you offer tattoo removal?
Yes. We offer laser tattoo removal for body tattoos and cosmetic tattoos, in our private room. We don't remove eyeliner or eyelid tattoos. See Tattoo Removal to enquire.
Can you cover up an old tattoo?
If we can, we will. The cover-up usually needs to be bigger and darker than the original, and if your old tattoo is very dark or large, a few laser sessions first can give a much better result. See cover up tattoos.
PREPARING & aftercare
How do I prepare for my tattoo?
In the week before, skip alcohol and drugs, sleep well and stay hydrated. On the day, eat a big breakfast with carbs and protein, drink plenty of water and go easy on caffeine. If you're unwell, don't come in; let your artist know as early as you can.
What should I bring?
Your ID, sugary snacks and drinks, lunch or money for lunch (we usually break for about 30 minutes midway through a long session), headphones, a book, a jumper, and your own pillow and blanket if you like. An aftercare balm too, or buy one in the studio.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable and loose that gives your artist easy access to the area. We have privacy screens and nipple covers if your tattoo is somewhere more personal.
Can I bring someone with me for support?
Yes, though we'd prefer you come alone if you're comfortable, as chatting can make it harder to sit still. No children or anyone under 18.
Can I use numbing cream?
Chat with your artist first. We'd prefer it isn't used, as it can affect the skin and healing, and some people get less depth of colour, but we respect your choice. We stock Tattoo Numbing Cream Co. at reception and in our online shop; do a patch test first, then apply it 90 minutes before your appointment and wrap it. Tell your artist and bring the product with you. Using numbing cream voids our free touch-up policy.
How do I look after my new tattoo?
Your artist will apply balm and wrap your tattoo, and you'll go home with our aftercare sheet. Remove the wrap within 2 hours, wash gently with fragrance-free soap and warm water, pat dry with clean paper towel and let it air dry. Then apply a thin layer of a tattoo balm like After Art a few times a day. Don't pick, don't swim or soak (beach, pool, bath, spa), and avoid the gym, saunas and pets licking it until it's healed.
How long will my tattoo take to heal?
The surface usually heals in 3 to 4 weeks, and the deeper layers take a couple of months. It's an open wound for about the first week, so aftercare matters most then. Peeling and some leaking are normal.
My new tattoo is peeling. Is that normal?
Yes. It will itch and peel, and the flakes may be the colour of your ink. That's your skin shedding, not your tattoo falling out. Don't pick or pull it.
My tattoo is leaking fluid. Is that normal?
Yes. For the first few days it's normal to see clear plasma, a little blood or ink. It helps seal and heal the wound. Keep using your aftercare, change your bedding if it sticks, and don't let pets near it.
How do I know my tattoo is healing properly?
Mild redness, warmth, swelling and oozing in the first days are normal, followed by itching, flaking and light scabbing that fade in the second week. If after day three it's very hot, swollen, very painful or has green or yellow discharge, see your doctor and let your artist know.
What are the signs of an infection?
Redness that spreads or gets worse, swelling that worsens or won't settle, severe or throbbing pain, heat that lasts, thick green or yellow discharge or a bad smell, or a fever. If you notice these, see a doctor and contact your artist.
MEDICAL tattooing
Melinda's medical tattooing is booked through Body Toowoomba. Visit Body Toowoomba for full details, questions and bookings.
Do you offer medical tattooing?
Yes. Melinda does medical tattooing, including 3D areola tattoos and scar camouflage, through Body Toowoomba.
How do I book medical tattooing?
Book through Body Toowoomba. They can answer your questions and help you work out the right timing.
Can a tattoo go over a scar?
There are two options. Scar camouflage, through Body Toowoomba, uses skin-tone pigments to help blend a scar. Or a custom tattoo can be designed over the area: see cover up tattoos.
Where can I find more about medical tattooing?
All the details are on Body Toowoomba.