
Frequently asked questions
We firstly do a selection of projects by email, checking that your idea suits our styles and assigning you to the right artist.
You can fill the contact form here or send an email at avantarttattoo@yahoo.com including:
.DESCRIPTION of your idea
.Approximate SIZE and PLACEMENT
.PICTURE of the AREA to tattoo
(so we can check your skin type and see if you have moles or other tattoos surrounding the area)
.REFERENCE IMAGES to give us a visual idea of what you like. They can be from a painting, a drawing, a photography, everything that you think could help.
As a private studio, we operate strictly by appointments to ensure that each session is uniquely tailored and undisturbed.
To discuss your tattoo idea and book an appointment, please use the online booking system or contact us directly via email avantarttattoo@yahoo.com
Each artist sells personalised gift cards after evaluating the design and providing a quote for a specific tattoo.
They can be picked up at the studio or sent by post.
Vouchers are non-refundable and have an expiry date.
They are nominal and cannot be used by anyone else.
At Avant Art Tattoo, we offer consultations via email, video-call, or in person on the same day as your tattoo session.
Each artist has their preferred method that will specify to you when scheduling. We aim to make the process convenient and informative whichever method we use.
Most of our clients are not local, so don't worry, there are many ways to organise your meetings with us.
Depending on the project requirements, you may be able to have your first chat by email or videocall. If it is strictly necessary to meet in person, consultations can be done on the same day as the tattoo session.
If you live many hours away, it is advisable to travel by train, as driving may be too tiring after a long tattoo session.
Chippenham train station is only a few minutes from us and it has good connections with London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Southampton etc.
If someone drives you to the appointment, they can explore the shops on the main street, as we are right in the centre of town, or take a walk along the River Avon (just at the back of the studio).
We are only a short distance from Bath, Castle Combe, Avebury, Bradford on Avon, Bristol and many other picturesque towns, where you might as well spend the night before heading home.
If you’re not local, you might want to read our blog post Why Traveling for a Tattoo: Find the Perfect Studio.
It covers why many people choose to travel for their tattoos, what the experience is like and how to maximise your visit to our studio in Chippenham.
Appointments can't be held until a 50% deposit is paid.
A lot of work is involved in preparing your tattoo session, this includes email correspondence, a free consultation and hours spent creating a design. This and the loss of a day's pay in the event of cancellation are the reasons why deposits are not refundable.
Avant Art Tattoo is not responsible for payments sent to artists, since they are self-employed.
We don't sell tattoo designs or show them before the appointment, unless otherwise agreed with the artist.
Final designs will be ready for your appointment and any changes needed can be made before starting. Adjusting a design in person is easier and more practical, as it has to perfectly fit the body area.
We ask that you do not bring anyone with you if it isn't necessary. Strictly no children.
For safety and insurance reasons, we only allow one customer at a time into the tattooing area.
The best things to do while having a tattoo, are watching a movie on your tablet or phone, reading a book, or chatting with the artist. You can also have a nap if you can ;)
If you’re running late, please contact your artist as soon as possible to let them know.
We understand that delays can happen, but if you are more than 30 minutes late without notice, your appointment will be cancelled, and your deposit will be lost.
The day before and after having a tattoo is highly advisable not to drink alcohol, as it thins your blood damaging ink appearance and healing result.
Before coming to your appointment, have a good night's sleep, a healthy breakfast and plenty of water.
Make sure you're wearing appropriate and comfortable clothes and bring your ID.
You will have breaks throughout the tattoo session to refresh yourself, drink and eat something.
For more info read our blog post "How to Prepare for a Tattoo at Avant Art Studio"
If you have a medical condition or are on any kind of prescribed medication, it is important that you disclose it to your artist before the tattoo procedure.
Affected conditions include, but are not limited to:
. heart condition
. diabetes
. Haemophilia
. HIV
. Hepatitis
. severe allergies
. Epilepsy
. pregnant or nursing
Acne medications:
If you're taking Accutane, Minomycin (or any other Tetracycline related medication) or other prescribed drug for acne, you do not want to get tattooed.
Prescription drugs for acne cause skin to be hyper-sensitive, and getting a tattoo can lead to severe pain and scarring.
It can take six months to a year for the medication to be out of your system once you stop taking it. After this period, it's safe to be tattooed.
Antibiotics:
Some antibiotics make the skin hypersensitive and may cause skin reactions.
It's suggested to wait at least a week before getting tattooed.
Blood thinners:
If you're taking any kind of medication to thin blood, you'll want to inform your artist beforehand and also consult your doctor.
Depending on the reason you're taking the medication, it might not be wise to get tattooed, or it might require shorter sessions.
If you have not informed us of your medications in advance and we cannot do your tattoo for medical reasons, you will lose your deposit.
The sum will partially cover the artist's loss of income for the day.
Read our blog post : Can Medications Affect Your Tattoo?
We strongly advise against applying numbing cream before arrival.
Numbing creams can compromise the tattooing procedure and healing.
If you are concerned about pain, please ask your artist for advice or read our blog post "Tattoo pain: what to expect and how to manage it with ease".
Your artist will go through aftercare advice at the end of the tattoo session, providing a sheet with all the information.
We sell tattoo aftercare cream, second skin and washing products at the studio.
For more information you may want to read our blog post "Tattoo aftercare: read this to avoid freaking out".
If you have any further questions don't hesitate to contact your artist.
We accept bank transfers and cash.
There is plenty of parking space at Emery Gate Car Park, which is one minute's walk from us.
Keep driving along St Mary Street, and you'll find it at the end of the road. Payment is possible in cash or via the MiPermit app. As fees and durations differ, the app requires you to choose the correct surface/subsurface option.
For a long stay, you can park at Wood Lane Car Park, a five-minute walk from us.
Our building is listed and the tattooing area is situated on the first floor, through a narrow set of stairs.
We're really sorry, but unfortunately we can't provide accessibility at the moment.