Here’s almost everything you need to know about the tattoo experience with us.

  • After looking through many tattoo artists’ portfolios, you can make an informed decision on who to contact for your tattoo. When we are commissioned to design a custom tattoo, we hope you’re able to trust that we’ll take the greatest care to fulfil your vision. All the artists at Grey Lantern will have a consultation and exchange emails with you before your appointment to ensure this.

    Custom tattoo designs will be available to you at the time of your appointment, or the night before, depending on your artist. For small changes, we will always factor in enough time to the start of the process to accommodate those, which also allows our clients to be fully involved in their design process. For major changes to your design a discretionary drawing fee may be incurred.

  • Pricing varies from project to project, and we are always willing to work within your budget to make something beautiful. For hourly rate pieces, we do our best to give you a price range so there are no surprises.

    Flash pieces typically are offered at a flat rate.

    We charge an hourly rate of $180/hour (+taxes) for small-medium projects. Each artist has a 2-3 hour minimum which can be discussed and adjusted at the artists’ discretion.

    We offer a day rate of $950 (+taxes), which covers 5+ hours of tattooing.

    We accept cash, e-transfer and debit. We are also able to accept credit card payment however there will be a 2.7% charge added to the total. Please also note that if you pay in cash, we may not have change available.

    Grey Lantern also offers gift certificates. For more details, please inquire.

  • We typically require a $200 deposit to be paid upon booking. In the case of multiple session bookings, your deposit will carry forward until your final appointment.

    For smaller pieces and flash bookings, we may take a smaller deposit.

    Your deposit covers the initial drawing fee. If you request extensive changes to the original drawing, the artist reserves the right to keep 50% of your deposit as an additional drawing fee, and we may need to reschedule your appointment.

    Faye and Paul have their own policies around previewing artwork before your scheduled appointment - please contact them directly for details.

    We do not provide drawings without a booked appointment/paid deposit.

  • We greatly appreciate you being on time for your appointment. Please try not to arrive more than 5 minutes prior to your appointment. There is seating in the foyer downstairs if you arrive earlier.

    If you are running late and have not attempted to contact us via e-mail, you may forfeit your deposit after 20 minutes.

    At the discretion of Grey Lantern Tattoos, deposits are non-refundable for cancellations less than 72 hours in advance of your appointment. We recognize that real life situations come up, and are always willing to assess each occurrence individually. Under regular circumstances, one reschedule is allowed per booking before requiring a new deposit so please check your schedule before committing to a date and time.

    No-shows are taken seriously for a tattoo appointment, so please set reminders however necessary.

  • The studio is up one flight of stairs and is not wheelchair friendly. There is ample free parking and we are close to transit. The building is shared with health practitioners - massage therapists, acupuncturists, and a counselor. For this reason we keep our volume to a minimum :)

    Please do not bring pets or children to your appointment. Any plans you need to make to mind children or pets should be made in advance. With regards to guests, please check with your tattoo artist.

    Tattoo times can be variable and we are only able to give you an estimated timeline. Please do not commit to plans with others in a way that would make you feel rushed during your appointment.

    If you would like to schedule an appointment where you and a friend can get tattooed together, please e-mail us!

  • Please come to your appointment in good health, well rested, fed and hydrated. You are also more than welcome to bring snacks and drinks for during your appointment.

    It is also important to consider appropriate clothing - ideally loose and comfortable items for the area getting worked on. Your clothing should also allow your tattoo artist ease of access to the work area, for example for tattoos on legs, please bring shorts; for tattoos on a sternum please bring a button down or zip up top. Do not wear nice clothing or light colours.

    Prior to your appointment, we appreciate you using a trimmer rather than a razor as we prefer to manage the wet shaving ourselves.

    You are welcome to take Advil to help manage pain. If you are interested in using numbing cream, please get in touch with your artist - there may be multiple factors to consider based on your tattoo and we’d like to share our best advice.

    Please arrive SOBER. This includes THC. Please e-mail to discuss details :)

  • Artists have their own policies regarding touch-ups - please ask your artist about theirs.

    Tattoos that have been neglected/damaged by picking, soaking, sun damage, and general disregard of after care may be subject to hourly rates for touch-ups. Please take care of your tattoo, we both put a lot of energy into it!

  • We follow current provincial guidelines in regards to COVID-19. You are welcome to wear a mask - if you would prefer that your artist wear one too, please discuss before arrival.

    Please arrive on time, no earlier than 5 minutes to avoid crowding in the waiting area.

    Upon entering the studio you can either sanitize or wash your hands.

    If you have any cold/flu-like symptoms, and/or have been informed that you may have had a COVID-19 exposure, please let us know and we will endeavour to reschedule you for as soon as possible.