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Your health and safety, as well as that of all of our customers, is of utmost importance to us. Please inform us of any special instructions or information about your medical or skin conditions that may be relevant to your procedure. We require a written physician's note if you are taking any drugs or dietary supplements, or have any medical condition that may induce bleeding or reduce clotting. If you show signs of intravenous drug use, have a sunburn, skin disease, skin infection or a lesion such as a mole at the procedure site, your procedure may be postponed. This is both for client and artist safety as well as the integrity of the finished product.

Do you currently, or have you ever had any communicable diseases or infections? Please answer each with a 'yes' or 'no'.

Please answer each of the following. We encourage careful reading.

Are you currently...

Do you suffer from...

You shouldn't get tattooed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is not much risk from the process itself, however if you do get an infection after the fact, as rare as that is, it definitely COULD get back to the baby and no one wants that.

That Said.....

As tattoo shops go, we are among a few who use all disposable equipment. As far as the tattooing process goes we are completely safe to tattoo you while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, when you get tattooed you are opening your body up and have a higher possibility for infections which will affect the fetus as well. If you are comfortable with these risks then we are happy to help you with your new artwork.

Tattooing is a matter that is highly personal between the artist and customer. An amount of personal research is recommended as to the risks. This is where we tell you about the dangers of tattooing. Please read all and sign at the bottom of the page.

1. I acknowledge that it is not reasonably possible for my artist to determine whether I may have an allergic reaction to the pigments, materials, or processes used in my tattoo and I agree to accept the risk that such a reaction is possible. The links to the pigment MSDS will be made available on request.

2. I acknowledge that infection, or any other complications are possible, particularly in the event that I do not take proper care of my tattoo. If signs of infection occur, (including but not limited to: prolonged soreness, pain, fever, swelling, redness, drainage or other complications) I agree that I will contact a physician to discuss my best options.

3. I acknowledge receipt of written and verbal instructions advising me of the proper care of my tattoo, and I recognize the necessity of following those instructions.

4. I acknowledge the possibility of complications and side effects of obtaining a tattoo including but not limited to: abscesses, allergies, excessive bleeding, heavy metal poisoning, infection, muscle paralysis, nerve paralysis, scarring, keloid formation, swelling, or other complications, even including personal injury, death, disability, or disfigurement.

5. I acknowledge that variations in color and design may exist between any tattoo represented on paper or digital media and what is ultimately applied to my body.

6. I acknowledge that the procedure that I am to undergo is considered permanent; that it can only be removed by surgical procedure; that any removal may result in permanent scarring and disfigurement; that any removal may be expensive; and that any removal may not be covered by health insurance.

7. I acknowledge that I have truthfully represented myself as being of or above the age of consent. No procedures will be completed on minors.

I understand that undergoing a tattoo is by my choice alone; and I knowingly and voluntarily consent to the application of the tattoo.

8. I am not under the influence of any intoxicating substance at the time of the procedure or at the time this form was completed.

9. I hereby give my artist permission to copyright and/or use and/or publish photographs of my design and/or finished product, in print or on the web, which I may be included in whole or in part. These may be used for the artist's portfolio, website, or general advertising. If there is an issue with this please advise the artist to ensure anonymity. I waive any right I may have to inspect and/or approve the finished product or the use to which it may be applied.

10. I agree to release, forever discharge, hold harmless, and indemnify Montana Tattoo Company, their subsidiaries, employers, or employees, commissioned workers, independent contractors, agents, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, legal representatives and any other individuals having any ownership, stock or shared interests of the artist or establishment from the processing of any of said pictures as well as from and against all actions, causes of action, liabilities, claims, suits, judgments, liens, awards and damages, expenses, costs of litigation and counsel fees of any kind and nature whatsoever for personal injury, including but not limited to death, disability, or disfigurement which may arise from my decision to have any tattoo, piercing or any other body modification related work.

I understand that I am purchasing a service and will be working closely with an artist, so my safety is also the safety of the artist. If I feel a level of discomfort that is unbearable, I will let the artist know so they can take the necessary steps to make sure both you and the artist are safe.

I acknowledge that this is going to hurt, and there are no two ways about it. However my artist will do their best to make that pain manageable. Also, that I may need to be in uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time. It is in the best interest of both the artist AND client for the client to be as comfortable as possible, allowing them to better tolerate the procedure and sit still longer, leading to a smoother, faster and therefore less painful tattoo.

My artist will work in the most efficient manner possible, taking into account client comfort and the overall finished look and longevity of the tattoo. At any time, I may ask to move, adjust or take a break.

I understand that I am able to watch my artist setting up, and at any time I am able to ask questions regarding the artwork, tools or the process. However, this is a time of concentration for the artist to prepare for the task ahead so I will stay seated and relaxed until the time of the tattoo. I may also have visitors during my tattoo, and I have instructed my visitors that the password is "IT'S ME!".

I understand that this is a very expensive and delicate procedure. One that is designed to last a lifetime. By hour it is in the same range as master mechanics or doctors, except that it lasts a lifetime. Everyone in the establishment is either paying for or working on that same level. My visitors will be respectful and quiet and not crowd or distract any artist. This is for the safety and comfort of all involved.

I acknowledge that by signing this form that I have been given the full opportunity to ask any and all questions that I may have about obtaining a tattoo from my artist; and that all of my questions have been answered to my full and total satisfaction.

I am voluntarily proceeding forward with the full knowledge of the potential risks and harms set forth in this form and that the signature below is mine.

Get In Touch

If you are in Missoula, We are located in a Business Park behind Old Chicago off of North Reserve. We are basically across from Costco on the other side of Broadway and the Train Tracks

If you are coming from out of town, the best bet is taking the 90 to the Reserve exit.

From all points on Reserve, head EAST on Stockyard Rd (just north of the bridge over the train tracks) and take the driveway into the Business Park across from Norco. We are in Unit D3, It will be to the left but not the final row. Sometimes the map shows the wrong suite. We do not have an overhead sign.

2825 Stockyard Rd ste d3, Missoula, MT 59808, USA

FAQS

What are your Hours?

Normally, artists are here from 11AM-6PM but most of our artists are custom only and all make their own hours, preferring to start at their own pace and stay until the work is done rather than push you out at a specific time. Unfortunately this means our doors are often locked during those hours for the privacy of our clients and the focus of our artists. We recommend having an appointment.

Why can't I get you on the phone?

All of our artist are independent businesses. It is imperative we have a written record of all messaging. We have a robust phone system that can handle everything from sending a walk-in form which gets to any available artists fast AF. All the way to giving aftercare instructions as well as tell people we don't do piercings and screen the robo-calls. You should try it out. Just speak like normal and I will check the messages as soon as I finish what I am doing. As a tattooer, I will get confused speaking to more clients than my own. As a manager it is my job to get the message to the right person on the team, and it is likely they have their own system. Walk-in forms get to the artists wherever they are in under 5 minutes. The system is technically faster than a person, just more informative and consistent. In any event, I have put a ton of work into it anticipating client needs. TRY IT OUT!!

What is the best way to set up an appointment?

You’ll want to start by either filling out a consultation form with a specific artist online . You may also fill out the general (walk-in/first-available) consultation form online. If you call, you will have the ability to connect directly to your artist or receive this form. It will ask you all the questions that your artist will need to know regardless of what you’re getting. Once the artist can take a look at that, they will wither accept it and send you a link to set up your appointment or they will decline. We do our best not to leave people waiting indefinitely.

I've submitted a consultation form, what now?

Once you’ve filled out a consultation form, your artist specifically will let you know that your project has been accepted or not. They will then send you a link to either set up a consultation or an appointment depending on what your situation calls for. James tends to try to get on the phone, hopefully under 72 hours but it depends on the season. Mickey really likes to do a Zoom call any time from a few hours from now to this time next week, anytime. This way he can collect images and sometimes even sketch on screen if that's what is called for. From there you book, and the booking link will collect the deposit.

An in person consultation may not always be necessary depending on how straightforward your design is and how much creative liberty you’ve given to the artist. If you have an in person consultation setup, you’ll come in to discuss your ideas & plans with your artist and then set up an appointment, pay your deposit (if necessary) and you’ll be good to go for your next scheduled time. If you don’t have an in person consultation set up, just arrive at your appointment on time & the artist will have your design ready so you’ll be able to sit down to collaborate and make any necessary changes to the design before getting tattooed.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Each artist has their own deposit policy and they are generally non-refundable. Some will ask for a deposit to cover the final session of a larger tattoo and some will require a deposit on the appointment time due at the time the appointment is made. You can ask for your artists personal policy on this either through email or text. Once you are assigned to an artists your calls and texts to us should go directly to them. Please be certain that your artist has approved your design. Your artist will also collect the deposit within specific timeframe, otherwise you risk forfeiting that appointment time to a person ready to make the commitment. - we take cards but not checks.

Tattoo is done, how do I take care of it?

-Your new tattoo is an open pathway for pathogens into your body. Once you remove your bandage, allow it to breathe but protect it from bacteria and also the elements. Do not allow your tattoo to be in direct sunlight as this will be the cause of any deterioration of the tattoo over time. Keeping the tattoo out of the sun during the healing process and later using sunscreen is vital. After you are done healing, continuing this will help the longevity of your tattoo. -Do not swim or soak your tattoo, however the running water of a shower faucet is fine. Use unscented liquid soap, preferably with antibacterial properties. We like Dr. Bronners castile soap.-Dry your tattoo with a clean towel in a patting motion.-Any ointment, oil or lotion should be applied in very thin layers and allow them to dry completely. Remember that this is not a barrier, if your clothes can stick to it, so can bacteria. Keeping the tattoo moisturized will minimize the itching and peeling effects of the healing process.-Always  wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Use liquid soap and war water. Use a soapy hand to rub the tattoo and break up any material that may have dried on top.

How will my tattoo look & heal over time?

Days 1-2: The tattoo will be new and fresh at this time. Leave the bandage for the time set by your artist. After removal of the bandage, it is essential that the tattoo remain clean and protected from the elements. Wash your tattoo 3-5 times a day at this point. We recommend coconut oil a couple times a day in very light layers. Days 3-7: This is the first healing stage. The new skin will be growing in and as the dead skin dries out, it will start itching. Do not itch your new tattoo! Some alternatives to help with itching are slapping the tattoo or using a cool compress. The itching should subside within 1-2 weeks. It is now ok to start using a light, unscented lotion or continue with coconut oil. Days 7-14: This is the second stage of the healing process. Your tattoo may continue to itch and flake. You will still need plenty of cleaning and lotion, but the risk of infection has greatly decreased. After two weeks, the tattoo should have its finished appearance. You will be free to return to a normal routine such as soaking and swimming, but it is recommended that you continue to lotion it and keep sunscreen on while in the sun. 

I don't live in Missoula/Montana, what is the best way to talk to an artist about a tattoo?

Go ahead and start with the consultation form and just include somewhere in there that you will need to do a consultation via Zoom, Google Meet, or Facetime We are pretty flexible and can work around most out of state situations for planning tattoos. Additionally you may request an area guide if you are travelling to get your work done or looking for accommodations.

Will I be able able to see my art before my appointment?

Sort of…. Each artist works in a different way. The very first thing they have to do is transfer a design so they usually come ready for that with a line drawing that will guide the remainder of their work but sometimes they will have a pretty good idea worked up and sometimes they will draw it on you. It will depend on the artist you're scheduled with as far as how that process goes. Most of our artists have a work schedule that is constant enough to have them working on their work pieces as they are due (appointment time) and not as they are requested. So, day of you should be able to get a pretty good idea of where you’re headed. Some of our artists offer VIP consultations and will draw with you present for their regular hourly rate. This may or may not go towards the cost of the tattoo depending on how close it is to the appointment date. Preferring to collaborate about the design in person to mitigate any miscommunication, we set aside time out to talk when you come in for your appointment.

Do I need to come early to do paperwork?

No, definintely not. Our artists are set to discuss your project at the appointment start time. Once the artwork is agreed upon, you can do the paperwork while they set up their station. Our new system allows us to send the paperwork directly to your phone so even if you are late, no worries. As we have been going appointment only we have been locking the doors and request that most communications come through text or email channels for tracking and that you make the appointment generally on time or let us know the change of plans. Most of our artists only work on one client a day so we have some flexibility here.