We know it seems like a lot, but everything below really is important and can keep your email from being discarded without being read.
If you are an existing or previously tattooed Black Hive client, it can’t hurt to touch base directly with your artist if you’re looking for smaller tattoos between your big projects, but NO PROMISES…it just can’t hurt to check to see if they have a cancellation.
That being said, contrary to popular belief, it is NOT impossible to get a tattoo at Black Hive. It just takes a bit of patience. Especially if it’s your first time.
Wait times to get work from an artist vary greatly, from a few weeks to a year depending on each artist’s work load and how they schedule appointments for themselves, but generally speaking each of our artists are putting out a call for new projects anywhere from 3-6 months.
The second myth we’d like to dispel is that we just do large projects. They are just what we seem to get the most of since the wait times seem too long for clients that want smaller pieces.
On the subject of long wait times, keep in mind that we will not throw over an existing client to make room for an impatient new client. So, when it’s YOUR turn in the queue, you can be sure that we won’t push you aside for the next group of clients that can’t seem to wait to get work.
We do consultations before starting any new project to get a better feel of where you want the tattoo, what you are getting tattooed, and why you are getting your tattoo. Some things can be worked out online for out of town clients, but the more personal attention we can give your idea beforehand, the better we can execute the design.
All consultations and tattoos are done by appointment only, but each of our artists has their own life rhythm/schedule, they take new clients in a different way.
Once you’ve decided on the artist you want work from, please check out that individual’s appointment method by clicking the “appointments” tab above and scrolling down to their name to see their individual consultation protocol.
That being said, MOST of our artists put out posts for new projects almost exclusively through our newsletter, so be sure to sign up for it by clicking the “newsletter” tab above.
Please keep in mind that our artists do NOT do call a for project requests at the same time! When each one does, READ THEIR POST CAREFULLY and follow their instructions to get tattooed.
We almost always send out newsletters on Saturday evening, so the best days to check your email inbox so you don’t miss out on a special offer or call for projects is Sundays and Mondays. That way they can go through all the emails when they get back to work on the following Tuesday.
Also remember that putting in a request doesn’t always mean that our artists will be able to do your tattoo. If your selection suggests that you get tattooed by another Black Hive artist, or an artist at another Jacksonville shop, it is not to say they think your tattoo is a bad idea, it just means they either think another artist is a better fit for your project, or it’s just not their cup of tea.
In the end, it’s better to have the artist that is the best fit and is excited to tackle your project, rather than forcing them to do something that they are not comfortable with.
*One last VERY important point:
Because of difficulties we’ve had in the past, our artists will no longer give estimates over email. Once an artist has made contact, you must come to the shop for a consultation to get a rough estimate of a tattoo design’s cost.
Consultations are free of charge, but none of our artists will begin a drawing or set an appointment without a non-refundable deposit.