Darkside Tattoo

Booking with us starts with a simple tattoo request through our website, over the phone, or in person at our studio. Share your idea and we'll take it from there. • Set up a Consultation — Schedule a time to discuss your concept, finalize design direction, and lock in your appointment.  Include your design idea, preferred placement, approximate size, and any reference images.  You can set it up right on our website. • Secure your spot — A deposit of $50 - $100 confirms your booking.  We will handle all that at your consultation. The more detail you include upfront, the more efficiently we can bring your vision to life. We look forward to hearing from you.

We love walk-ins when time allows! Here's how it works: • Same-day availability — Call us to check if an artist has an opening. Walk-in slots go fast, especially on weekends. • Flash-friendly — Walk-ins are perfect for smaller pieces or flash designs that don't require custom drawing time. • Larger pieces — For bigger or more detailed work, we recommend booking in advance to ensure your artist has the time needed. Can't make it in? Book a consultation online and we'll get you scheduled.

Tattoo pricing depends on size, complexity, placement, and session time. We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. • Shop minimum — $90 (cash discounted price, regularly $95) • Hourly rate — generally $175 / hour (cash discounted price, regularly $180)  Some artists rates may vary. • Small, simple designs — Typically fall near the shop minimum. • Larger or detailed pieces — Quoted based on estimated session time during your consultation. Your artist will provide a clear cost estimate before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect. Quality tattooing is an investment in your skin — and our pricing reflects the craftsmanship you'll receive.

Honestly? Yes, there's discomfort involved. But the vast majority of our clients say it was much more manageable than they expected. • The sensation — Most describe it as a persistent scratching or burning, similar to a cat scratch or sunburn being drawn on. • Pain is subjective — It depends on placement, your personal tolerance, and session length. • Endorphins kick in — Your body releases natural painkillers within the first 15–20 minutes, which dulls the sensation significantly. • It's temporary — The discomfort lasts hours. The artwork lasts a lifetime. We'll keep you comfortable throughout the process — breaks, conversation, and a relaxed environment all help.

Your artist may suggest one of the following two methods to care for your new tattoo, depending on what the two decide would be best for your individual situation. We may suggest using a Saniderm bandage, or just going with the tradtional method. Saniderm: A Saniderm style bandage is applied directly after your tattoo session, and designed to stay attached for 5 days. This bandage will completely seal and protect the area, allowing your body to heal itself underneath. Seeing quite a bit of discharge under the bandage is completely normal and will aid in the healing process. Your artist may suggest that you return the following day to change the bandage, if he/she feels it best in your case. Saniderm bandages don't require any regular maintenance on your part while your tattoo is healing, but there are some things to look out for. It's best to avoid excess sun exposure or sweating while healing, so use your best judgement in your day to day activites. Also, be mindful that some clients have been known to develop a reaction to the adhesive in these bandages, and should remove it immediately if any redness occurs, and switch to the traditional method. After 5 days, the bandage should be removed, which is best done in a shower, and peeled off slowly. Continued moisturizing with a tattoo friendly product, like Redemption Aftercare, is suggested for the next few weeks. Traditional Method: 1. After two or more hours, remove bandage and wash antibacterial soap. Bandage can stay on for up to 8 hours, so wait until you are able to properly care for your tattoo before removing bandage. 2. Once it thoroughly cleaned and rinsed, pat dry with a paper towel, and let air dry for 10 to 15 minutes. House towels can harbor bacteria, so we suggest using paper towels. 3. With clean hands, apply a very small amount of ointment, and work into the skin.  We suggest using Redemption Tattoo Aftercare, or non-petroleum based products that are designed to tattoo healing. 4. Re-wrap with saran wrap. We suggest keeping your tattoo wrapped day and night for the first 5 days, until your tattoo peels. 5. Change the wrap a few times a day, as your schedule allows. Be sure to properly clean, dry, and re-apply ointment when doing so. 6. Around the 5th day, your tattoo will start to peel like sunburn, usually in the shower. Allow your tattoo to peel on its own, don't rush it. 7. Once your tattoo has fully peeled, you need not wrap it anymore, and can switch to a moisturizer for dry skin. Be sure to use high quality moisturizers, ie. Redemption, Aveeno, Lubriderm, Eucerin, Curel, etc. Should you have any problems along the way, call your tattoo artist immediately for advice. Don't take the advice of friends and family, and don't wait. The future of your tattoo, how it will look for the rest of your life, is entirely dependent on how it heels during the first week, so give it the attention it deserves.

You must be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo at our studio, and a valid government-issued photo ID is required at every appointment. We do tattoo minors, ages 16 & 17, with proper parental consent and paperwork.  This is both our policy and a legal requirement. • ID required — We verify identification before any tattooing begins, every time. • No exceptions — Age requirements are strictly enforced, and minors will need to have appropriate paperwork as well as parental consent. • Under age? — We tattoo minors ages 16 & 17, with proper consent and paperwork.  We tattoo minors, 16 and 17 years old, with both parents or legal guardian's consent.  In the case that only one parent has full custody, or a guardian is appointed, we need proof of it in the form of a legal court order.  All parties need to have photo id with them.  We also need identification for the minor, a birth certificate, and some form of photo id, such as a school id. When you're ready, we'll be here to give you an incredible first tattoo experience.

Here's how to find us: Address 190 Main Street Suite 1A East Haven, CT 06512 Parking Ample parking available in our parking lot. Need directions? Call us at (203) 469 - 9208 and we'll help guide you in. We look forward to seeing you!

Cover-ups are absolutely possible and are some of the most rewarding work our artists do. A skilled cover-up artist can transform an old, unwanted, or poorly executed tattoo into a piece you'll be proud to show off. • Design planning — The new tattoo typically needs to be larger, darker, or more detailed to effectively conceal the original. • Consultation — Your artist will assess the existing tattoo's size, color density, and placement to develop a strategy. • Laser lightening — In some cases, a session or two of laser treatment beforehand can expand your design options significantly. • Realistic expectations — A consultation lets us show you what's achievable so there are no surprises. Book a cover-up consultation with us and we'll walk you through exactly what's possible for your specific situation.