The following paragraphs will answer basic questions about the studios process, and how we conduct our normal client business. Please read through everything. If you have more questions please email or call us.
Every tattoo we do (with a few exceptions) is a custom, one-of-a-kind design created specifically for that client, based on an exchange of ideas and a general discussion of all the logistics, such as artwork, money, time, traveling, and scheduling.
We like to thoroughly discuss the artwork, ideas and expectations of the client before making any appointments or agreeing to do the tattoo and taking money. This ensures the quality of all the work we do, and that it will be inspired and an enjoyable process for both the client and the artist. For long distance clients this discussion usually takes place over email or the phone, but whenever possible this discussion is always best in person at the tattoo studio. The artist currently tattooing at the studio is fully capable any style you might be interested in. Of course the more artistic and conceptual freedom provided by the customer, the better each piece of artwork will turn out.
I charge $125 per hour for tattooing (cash or credit card) and I take a $100 deposit up front when starting new work. This deposit is taken one of 3 ways: by cash here at the shop, money order made out to Manakin Tattoo, or by credit card over the phone. The deposit always goes towards the cost of the first sitting
Prices for single-sitting tattoos are determined upon completion of the piece, unless the client tells me a spending limit in advance. Prices for large pieces are determined on a sitting-by-sitting basis only. Since we charge hourly, however long a project takes to be considered as perfect as I can get it is the only criteria we go by. This ensures the quality of the work, and that neither the client nor artist gets locked into a predetermined price that is no longer accurate by the end.
Most of the tattoo artwork we end up doing is larger, multi-sitting pieces—although we still enjoy doing smaller, single sitting tattoos as well. Most full sleeves end up taking anywhere from 20 to 60 hours, divided up into sittings that can span about 3-12 months, depending on how frequently a client comes in or how long they can sit for at one time (among other things). A full back piece could be even longer than this. Regardless, it all depends on the particular client and their individual project.
Ideally, appointments will be scheduled 3-5 weeks apart until the project is completed. Generally speaking, the more time that goes by between sittings or until we get to finish an involved tattoo project, the harder it is for us to maintain the artistic continuity and inspiration needed to produce the best possible large-scale work. So please keep this in mind if you're thinking about starting a larger tattoo project with us. If you think that factors such as money reliability, job, distance, etc may drastically interfere with your ability to schedule tattoo sittings at regular intervals, then you may want to consider getting a smaller, 1 or 2 session piece, or waiting until you're surer of your logistics. Getting large work done is a commitment!
The artists here are usually booked from a week to month in advance. Please keep this in mind when planning your next tattoo.
Manakin Tattoo is 3 blocks from the beach in Pismo Beach, Ca. There are several hotels and vacation rentals within the same block as the studio. Interstate 101 is 2 blocks from the studio and Pacific Coast hwy 1 is one block from the studio. Complete driving directions to the studio can be found in the in the contact section of this website.
Once again, every tattoo we do is a one of a kind custom piece for the individual client. Because of this we do not have the time nor energy to draw things for people who are not already booked with an upcoming appointment.
Because of the unique and custom, fine art aspirations of our tattoos, they are not meant as designs to be copied or plagiarized. They are posted on this website as a way to advertise and promote our work, and as examples of what we can do or have done artistically. Using them as inspiration only, rather than copying them, is sincerely appreciated, especially by the clients who wear them.