Questions people ask at the counter
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes, walk-ins are a normal part of how the shop runs and many people are tattooed the same day they arrive. Calling (262) 255-4884 first is still worth it if you want a specific artist, if the piece is large, or if you are coming on a busy evening or weekend.
How much does a tattoo cost?
Price follows the time a piece takes, which is driven by size, placement and how much detail it carries. Custom drawing adds nothing at Absolute. The only way to get an accurate figure is to describe the size, placement and idea to an artist, so call the shop or come in.
Do I need to be 18 to get tattooed?
Yes. Absolute does not tattoo or pierce anyone under 18, with or without a parent present. Bring photo identification with you every time, regardless of your age, because the shop checks as routine rather than as a judgement about how old you look.
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
It is uncomfortable rather than unbearable for most people, and it varies enormously by placement. Areas over bone with thin skin, such as ribs, feet, hands and the sternum, are reported as harder going. Fleshier areas such as the outer arm and thigh are generally easier.
How long will my tattoo take?
A small simple piece can be under an hour. A detailed forearm design often runs several hours. Large work such as a back piece or a full sleeve is built across multiple sessions over months. Your artist will give you a realistic schedule once size and placement are settled.
Can I bring a friend with me?
One person is usually fine, though a working shop floor has limited room and it is best to ask when you book. A large group is difficult to accommodate and tends to make the person in the chair more nervous rather than less, which is the opposite of what you want.
Can I get tattooed if I have had a drink?
No. Absolute will not tattoo anyone who has been drinking or is otherwise impaired. This is a safety matter, because alcohol thins the blood and affects healing, and a consent matter, because a permanent decision should be made clearly. Come back another day and you will be welcome.
Do you do cover-ups of tattoos from other shops?
Regularly, and it is one of the more interesting parts of the job. Bring the existing tattoo into the shop so an artist can see it in person, since photographs flatten out the saturation detail that decides whether a cover will work and at what size.
What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
Eat a real meal an hour or two beforehand, drink water, get a decent night of sleep, and wear something that gives the artist access to the placement. Avoid alcohol the night before. Bring photo identification and your reference images.
How do I take care of a new tattoo?
Follow the instructions your artist gives you at the shop, since they know exactly what was done to your skin. Our aftercare guide covers the general routine, what to avoid, and what the healing timeline actually looks like week by week.
Still have a question
Call (262) 255-4884 or come to N89 W16687 Church St. in Menomonee Falls. Nobody here minds questions, and asking them is how you end up with a tattoo you are happy with.