GOOD QUESTIONS. GREAT TATTOOS.

EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING INKED.

First tattoo? Planning your next masterpiece? Wondering how booking works or what to expect at your appointment? We’ve got you.

At Venom & Bloom, we believe getting tattooed should feel exciting, not intimidating. Here you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions about booking, pricing, deposits, custom tattoo designs, preparation, and aftercare at our private Asheville tattoo studio.

Still have questions? We’re always happy to help.

BOOKING & APPOINTMENTS

  • Easy! Click any Request a Tattoo button throughout our website and complete the form with your contact information, tattoo idea, preferred placement, approximate size, reference images, and artist preference.

    Once submitted, the appropriate artist will review your request and contact you directly via email or text to discuss your project, pricing, availability, and scheduling.

    Your artist will guide you through the process from there.

  • Absolutely! You can select Shana or Raven directly on the Request a Tattoo form.

    Not sure who’s the best fit? No problem. Select No Preference, and we’ll match you with the artist whose style and expertise best suit your project.

  • All new tattoo appointments begin with our Request a Tattoo form rather than instant online booking.

    This allows our artists to review your idea, evaluate the size and complexity, and help schedule the appropriate amount of time for your tattoo.

  • Venom & Bloom is a private, appointment-only tattoo studio in Asheville, NC.

    We do not offer traditional walk-in tattooing. Occasionally, artists may announce last-minute openings on social media, but all appointments must be confirmed in advance.

  • Availability varies by artist, project size, and time of year.

    We recommend submitting your tattoo request as early as possible, especially for larger custom pieces or specific dates.

  • Absolutely! Include all your tattoo ideas in your request form so your artist can determine the appropriate appointment length and provide pricing.

  • Absolutely. Custom tattooing is at the heart of Venom & Bloom.

    Our artists specialize in creating original artwork based on your ideas, inspiration, personal symbolism, and preferred aesthetic.

    Whether you’re drawn to fine line florals, microrealism, black and gray realism, illustrative designs, or something a little unusual, we’ll work with you to create something uniquely yours.

  • Custom tattoo designs are generally presented at your scheduled appointment rather than sent in advance.

    This protects the artist’s original work and allows you to review the design together, discuss adjustments, and make sure the composition works beautifully with your placement and anatomy.

  • Reference images are always welcome, but we do not directly copy another tattoo artist’s original work.

    We can use your inspiration to create something that captures the elements you love while making the final design uniquely yours.

  • Custom tattoo designs are generally presented at your scheduled appointment rather than sent in advance.

    This protects the artist’s original work and allows you to review the design together, discuss adjustments, and make sure the composition works beautifully with your placement and anatomy.

    Your artist will discuss any project-specific exceptions with you.

  • Our available tattoo flash will be displayed right here on the Venom & Bloom website.

    Each design is created by one of our artists and may have specific sizing, placement, pricing, or availability requirements.

  • Found a design you love? Click Request a Tattoo and complete the form.

    Select the artist who created the flash, if known, and include the name, number, or screenshot of the design you’re interested in.

    Your artist will confirm availability, pricing, and scheduling.

    Submitting a request does not automatically reserve a flash design. Your artist will confirm when the design has officially been claimed.

  • That depends on the design and artist.

    Some flash pieces are intended to be tattooed exactly as shown, while others may allow adjustments to size, color, or minor details. Your artist will let you know what’s possible.

  • Cover-ups and reworks are evaluated individually. Keep in mind that fine line techniques CANNOT be used to cover an existing tattoo.

    Please include clear photos of your existing tattoo, along with your ideas for the new design, when submitting your request.

    Not every tattoo is suitable for a cover-up, and some projects may require additional preparation or a different approach.

  • Tattoo pricing depends on the artist, size, placement, complexity, level of detail, and estimated time required.

    Because we specialize in custom tattooing, most projects are priced individually.

    Your artist will discuss pricing with you after reviewing your Request a Tattoo form.

  • Yes. A deposit is required to secure your tattoo appointment.

    Shana Irish: $150 deposit

    Raven Poston: $100 deposit

    Your artist will provide payment instructions once your project and appointment details have been discussed.

  • Your artist will typically send you a secure payment link. In some cases, they may also accept deposits through Zelle or Venmo.

    Please only send deposits using payment information provided directly by your artist.

  • Yes! Your deposit is applied toward the total cost of your tattoo.

  • We do not currently offer payment plans at this time.

    For larger projects, your artist can discuss dividing the tattoo into multiple sessions, allowing you to pay for the work completed at each appointment.

  • Tips are always appreciated but never required.

    The best compliment you can give your artist is loving your tattoo, sharing their work, leaving a review, or recommending them to someone who would love their style.

PRICING, DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

CUSTOM DESIGNS & FLASH TATTOOS

YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT

  • You must be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo at Venom & Bloom.

    A valid government-issued photo ID is required.

  • A little preparation makes a big difference!

    ● Get a good night’s sleep.

    ● Eat a substantial meal before your appointment.

    ● Stay well hydrated.

    ● Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand.

    ● Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area.

    ● Arrive with clean skin, free of heavy lotions, oils, or self-tanner.

    ● Bring snacks and water for longer sessions.

    Please let your artist know about any relevant skin concerns, allergies, medications, or healing considerations before your appointment. Never stop prescribed medication without guidance from your healthcare professional.

  • Please discuss numbing products with your artist before using them.

    Certain topical anesthetics can affect the skin during tattooing, and not all products are appropriate or safe for every situation.

    Do not apply numbing cream without your artist’s approval. Your artist will provide instructions for use BEFORE your tattoo session begins. If you choose to numb at your appointment, please note that you will be charged your artist’s hourly rate during numbing time.

  • We understand that having a support person can make your appointment more comfortable.

    Because Venom & Bloom is a private studio, guest accommodations are limited and must be approved by your artist in advance.

  • We understand that life happens.

    Please notify your artist as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment. Rescheduling, cancellation, and deposit policies apply.

    For complete details, please review our Studio Policies page.

  • That depends on the size, placement, style, and complexity of your design.

    Small tattoos may take less than an hour of tattooing, while detailed realism, botanical compositions, and larger custom pieces can require several hours or multiple sessions.

    Your artist will provide an estimated appointment length during scheduling.

HEALING & AFTERCARE

  • Most tattoos take approximately 2–4 weeks for the surface of the skin to heal, although deeper healing continues beyond that.

    Healing times vary based on placement, size, skin condition, aftercare, and individual factors.

  • Your artist will provide detailed aftercare instructions based on your tattoo and the type of bandage used.

    For tattoos protected with Saniderm or a similar second-skin bandage, our usual recommendation is approximately three days, provided the bandage remains properly sealed and your skin tolerates the adhesive.

    After removal, gently cleanse the tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and apply a light layer of fragrance-free moisturizer as needed.

    Avoid picking, scratching, soaking, direct sun exposure, and exfoliating products while healing.

    Always follow the specific instructions provided by your artist.

  • Light activity may be fine depending on your tattoo’s placement and size, but avoid activities that cause excessive friction, stretching, sweating, or irritation during early healing.

    Keep your fresh tattoo away from shared gym surfaces and equipment.

  • No swimming, hot tubs, or soaking your tattoo until the skin has fully healed.

    This includes pools, lakes, rivers, and the ocean.