Frequently Asked Questions

  • WHERE IS SACRED KNOT LOCATED?

    Our studio is in North Wales, in the town of Llandudno, UK.

    We are closed to the public and access is permitted by appointment only. This is to protect the time and privacy of our clients, as well as the artists.

    You will be provided with our address upon booking.

    WHAT ARE OUR OPENING TIMES?

    We currently tattoo within the window of 10am – 7pm, Monday to Friday, but this is always subject to the needs of the artists and clients.

    Most appointments will begin at 11:30AM and continue until 6:30PM. However, this can be adjusted to meet travel and accommodation needs.

    Your appointment start time will always be detailed in your digital consent form, which you will have signed before your appointment.

    TRAVELLING TO LLANDUDNO

    Most of our clients are out of town travellers; we are honoured to welcome you to our beautiful corner of Wales.

    Manchester Airport is closest to us. There is a direct train from the airport to Llandudno that takes around an hour and a half. (When booking tickets, make sure to choose Llandudno as a destination, not Llandudno Junction! However, Llandudno Junction is just a 20 minute cab/taxi ride to Llandudno itself.)

    Our studio is a 3 minute walk from the train station, and most affordable hotels and accommodation are very close by. If you need to store your luggage before checking into your accommodation, please let us know and we will make sure to have the studio open for you.

    Restaurants, natural sights, shops and entertainment are all within walking distance of the studio. Clients that bring their families never run out of things to do; Llandudno is a massive tourist destination in the UK for a reason and is reasonably priced. (One of the many reasons we love it so much!)

  • WILL YOU SEND ME A DESIGN IN ADVANCE?

    No, but this is not because we want to keep you in the dark.

    The best tattoos come from a collaboration between the artist and their client. This happens best in person, because when the artist is able to draw directly on your skin your feedback can be received with each pen stroke. We attribute the quality of our pieces to the fact that we design in this manner, with constant, direct, in person discussion.

    Because of this, we consider each design a collaboration between the client and the artist. We also believe your tattoo is your intellectual property as well as the artists’. Without your ideas, feedback, and style preference, it would not exist. That being said, we will never duplicate a design and will never sell images or blueprints of your piece to another client.

    Not only does designing in person encourage open communication regarding small (or large) tweaks to the artwork, it allows the piece to flow with the body, which is an enormous part of why our tattoos seem to be a part of the individual who wears them, instead of looking like a print draped over someone. This is how tattooing has been done in history, and it still works best to this day.

    We understand there is a massive level of trust that goes into knowing your artist will create something during your appointment that encompasses all your ideas. Beforehand we will discuss your ideas over email, and build a file for your artist based on your reference photos and concepts. We will never tattoo something we wouldn’t be proud to wear on our own skin, and will never pressure you into a design you don’t feel expresses your story.

    WHAT WILL THE DESIGN PROCESS BE LIKE?

    When you arrive in the studio, your artist will speak to you about all of the ideas you have sent over regarding your piece. (They will have a strong idea in their head of what they will be drawing on your skin based on your file, and they will have more questions for you about your preferences). They may even have several books laid out with some historic art where you can choose central design elements.

    While scheduling your appointment, our managers will have asked you for at least 3 images of tattoos you love the style of, as well as 3 you don’t like. We’ll add these to your file, which includes your ideas, images, and descriptions of what you want included in your piece as well as these images. You can send over as many images as you want (up to the day of your appointment) as long as there are at least 6! We’ll ask you to share any symbols, stories, characters, etc. you want to include as well.

    Sometimes people even send us images with areas highlighted that they like, and sections crossed out that they don’t like. We encourage you to be as specific as you like, and don’t worry, you’re not hurting our feelings by telling us what you dislike. Part of establishing trust with your artist is feeling comfortable to say when you don’t like something. Saying “no” to certain design elements is how you find the ones that really work for you.

    We will draw and re-design your piece as many times as it takes to get it right. Pressuring someone into a tattoo they don’t like is unethical and we will never force someone to have something permanently placed on their skin that they are not happy with. That being said, because you’re alongside us for the design process, it’s rare we have to redraft anything too severely, because you are part of the design process.

    CAN I BRING MY OWN DESIGN?

    Yes! We’re happy to see your art and are always challenging ourselves to create in new ways. Usually if people have drawn something, they’ve sent it to us prior to the appointment and we can incorporate it on the day as part of your design process. Or, you can show us an overall sketch of where you want to cover the skin or want specific details

    However, we do not tattoo designs from other studios. Many people commission designs from an artist that lives far away (or is not a tattooist) and they go to a tattooist locally to place it in their skin. We unfortunately don’t offer this service.

  • THE MORNING OF YOUR APPOINTMENT

    Please eat a big breakfast before your appointment begins. While the artists usually take a half hour lunch break midday (at this time they will also encourage you to eat!) it is often whether or not someone has eaten breakfast that they tap out from pain during the tattoo procedure.

    We will encourage food breaks throughout the session, but nothing makes up for a good breakfast.

    WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

    We always suggest comfort over anything else. A pair of pants/trousers you can sit for a long time in and a loose-fitting shirt is usually best. Natural fibers (100% cotton, wool, bamboo, etc.) usually feel much better on the skin than polyester because it allows more airflow, and for the body to adjust its temperature. Your body will be grateful that it can regulate its heat easier and focus on managing the pain.

    If you’re getting an arm sleeve done, a tank top/vest is best so we can access the tattoo. If it’s a leg sleeve, some loose and comfortable shorts that can be raised to where the tattoo will be is best.

    Wales is notorious for wind and rain, though we have an equal (if not higher amount) of beautiful days. We recommend dressing in layers to protect your skin, as sun damage is a killer of new tattoos.

    Lastly, we always recommend wearing dark colours (or something you don’t mind getting stained) in case there is ink transfer.

    WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

    1) We ask our clients to bring a towel or blanket with them to the appointment. The tattoo bed will be covered with a plastic sheet for sterility, which can get uncomfortable and sticky if you’re sitting for a long time. We can cover the part of your body that’s not near the tattooed area with one of our blankets for warmth, but we can’t place anything underneath you where the tattoo is taking place unless it’s your personal item.

    2) Snacks and drinks are a must. There are plenty of grocery and corner shops local to us, just a minute's walk away. Please stock up on snacks and drinks you enjoy; the more you eat the better you’ll manage your pain! We recommend full-sugar drinks and candy instead of artificial sweetener alternatives as it helps the body under stress. We have drinks and snacks on site as well if you don’t have time to pick up your favourites before your appointment, and you are more than welcome to unlimited coffee, teas, sodas, and tap water on site.

    3) Lunch, if you want to eat on site during your meal break. We encourage clients to get out for a walk during lunch break, because it’s good for blood flow and pain relief. But you’re welcome to stay in the studio and eat there if you bring your own food. We can provide recommendations for lunch if you don’t bring it with you in the morning, there are a bunch of great cafes and shops nearby.

    WARNING: Eating food outside is hazardous in Llandudno as we are a seaside town and seagulls will attack and eat your food. Visitors don’t always take it seriously until it happens to them and they lose their lunch… PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS WHEN EATING OUTSIDE!

    CAN I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME?

    While we love meeting family members, pets, and children, we ask that you attend your appointment alone. We enjoy saying hello to partners at the beginning of the session, but we do ask that they leave during the tattooing process in the interest of maintaining a sterile and calm work environment, which is best for achieving a clean result.

    Please read below if you have more questions on why this policy is in place (and for exceptions):

    • Partners & Friends : We love meeting your significant other at the start of your appointment, and we understand that they can be a comforting presence during a painful procedure. However, we need to maintain clarity and sterility in our studio and we have found that having partners or friends stay during the tattoo procedure can be distracting to your artist as well as the others in the room. If your tattoo is themed around your partner or your story with them, we absolutely can make accommodations for this during the design portion of the tattoo. However, it is recommended they don’t stay for the entirety of the tattoo. Luckily, Llandundo has a ton to do, and all the partners we’ve spoken to have said they’ve enjoyed exploring the town and nature (all within walking distance) much more than sitting in a studio all day!

    • Children : According to law, anyone under 18 is not allowed in the studio, and as much as we adore kids, we can’t afford to lose our license.

    • Pets/Animals : The studio is a sterile environment and we cannot legally have animals in an area where tattooing takes place, for our safety and theirs. We love animals and many of us have our own fur-children at home, but sadly we can't have them in the studio. (If you have pets, please know they can be a serious cause of complications while healing! Don’t let them near your newly tattooed skin; dogs will want to lick open wounds but if they do it’s a one-way ticket to an infection.)

  • WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

    You will have already signed your digital consent form prior to your appointment day, which means we can get started when your appointment begins without any paperwork or delay.

    The form will include the start time and address for your appointment. We ask that you try to arrive on time and not early if possible, and we prefer that you’re late because you’re having a big breakfast rather than early for your appointment!

    We will offer you a coffee or tea, and seat you in our waiting area if your artist is still preparing. More often than not your appointment will begin exactly when you arrive, as the artists are always excited to meet you and talk to you about your design. If it starts later for any reason we will not charge you until your artist begins to work with you.

    We have coat racks and luggage storage areas if you need them, and a refrigerator that you can keep any snacks or lunch in for later in the day. Some folks like to change into more comfortable “tattooing” clothes when they arrive as well, which is absolutely fine.

    We have coffee, tea, fruit juice, Coca-cola, and Fanta available for you to have whenever you like.

    COMFORT DURING YOUR TATTOO

    There’s no doubt that we will get to know each other during your session. We will be talking a lot (especially during the design process). However, there are some folks that handle pain better when reading, watching videos, or listening to their own music/podcasts. We encourage you to do whatever is most comfortable for you during your tattoo, so please feel free to bring books or laptops/tablets and headphones. We don’t consider this rude at all! This is your session, and your comfort is absolute priority. If you choose not to listen to your headphones or read, we will cater music to your liking and oftentimes listen to an audiobook or podcast that everyone in the studio that day finds interesting.

    EATING & DRINKING IN THE STUDIO

    Throughout the day, we will offer you beverages and snacks to make sure you’re comfortable and that your blood sugar is at a good level. We will ask if you have special dietary restrictions we need to accommodate and are happy to pick up snacks or drinks for you from the local shops to keep you hydrated and fed.

    PHYSICAL ACCOMMODATION

    If you have any needs for physical accommodation, we are more than happy to oblige, and you’ll be able to enter any needs you may have in your digital contract. We will do our best to accommodate you upon your appointment and can use either the downstairs or upstairs of the studio for your needs.

    NUMBING CREAM

    We cannot say if numbing cream is right or wrong for you.

    Most people receiving large pieces don’t use it, but everybody is different. If you have tattoos from before, you know how your body reacts to tattooing.

    There are so many factors that affect how the tattoo feels: Whether you’ve eaten enough, hydrated enough, how much alcohol you’ve had the night before, the amount of sleep you’ve had, the area of the body. There are also a ton of numbing creams on the market, and they are not all made equally!

    All we can say is that if you choose to use one, do your research, and be prepared for it to not cloak all of your pain, especially in long sessions. In most cases it does slow down the tattoo process a little bit, so that’s something to keep in mind as well.

    Again, in general, most people do fine without it, even when they’re really concerned about the pain. The best thing to survive a tattoo is to eat a big breakfast, drink lots of water, and sleep. We will do our best to keep you comfortable during the procedure and will take breaks as needed.

  • You will receive a pot of aftercare cream from us on the first day of your appointment. Your artist will describe how and when to apply this to your new tattoo.

    They will often, but not always, wrap your tattoo at the end of the session, and may use second skin if needed. Sometimes they will recommend letting the skin breathe and tell you to shower directly afterwards, and sometimes they will advise not to shower until the next day but to keep the skin from touching anything but clean fabric. Please take note of the tattooist’s advice at the end of the appointment; it often pertains to how your skin is reacting to the tattooing or their plan for your appointment the next day (or travel plans).

    Every person’s skin (and tattoo) is different. You may have your own method that has worked with previous tattoos, please communicate this to the artists so you can discuss what is best for maintaining your piece.

    • Avoid touching your new tattoo. When applying aftercare cream, wash your hands for a minimum of 30 seconds using unscented antibacterial soap.

    • As the tattoo begins to heal, it will often become itchy and may look patchy. This will usually end after two weeks as a new skin layer forms over the ink. It is very important to avoid scratching the tattoo, as this leads to ink fallout. As difficult as it can be, letting the skin flake off naturally is the key to ink retention and prevention of ink loss.

    • In the event that scabs form or skin begins to lift, avoid picking or peeling. If you are noticing heavy scabbing with large amounts of redness surrounding the site, weeping lesions, or fluid-filled welts, seek medical advice immediately.

    • The best way to alleviate itchy healing is to use the aftercare cream provided by your artist (unless your artist advises a different aftercare plan). Apply in a very thin layer on the tattooed area 3 times a day. This is simply to minimise the tightness in your skin as it heals over a tattoo and forms scabs. The aftercare cream is not meant to be used as a heavy moisturiser.

    Think about a scab from a scrape, or how your skin peels after a bad sunburn - you don’t want it to be saturated and wet, you want it to be just flexible enough so it does not crack, but is able to breathe.

    • We advise washing your tattoo regularly in lukewarm water to remove dead skin or old cream that may build up. DO NOT scrub the tattoo when washing, and avoid using a washcloth or loofa. If you are showering, avoid having the water directly hit the tattoo. Allow it to run over the tattoo but not pelt it. Avoid high heat if possible.

    • After showering, air dry if you can. If necessary, dry the tattoo with a clean, fresh towel. Do not rub the tattoo to dry.

    • Avoid soaking the tattoo in water or a bath for 14 days, especially do not use bath salts or soaking soaps and fragrances.

    • Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, the ocean, or rivers for one month. Bodies of water introduce a large amount of bacteria into open skin, and chemicals and bi-products from natural water reservoirs can infect or permanently harm your new tattoo. Additionally, the chemicals in treated pools can affect the ink.

    • Try to wear soft and loose fitting clothing whilst the tattoo heals. Abrasive fabric that rubs against a healing tattoo may damage the artwork or cause lesions at worst, and at best is incredibly uncomfortable.

    • Keep your new tattoo out of the sun. UV rays damage the skin and cause the tattoo to heal unevenly or cause the ink to lighten. After 4 weeks, apply sunscreen to your tattoo if going outside

  • HOW DO I REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT?

    Please fill out our appointment request form on our website, under the “Contact” section.

    Our time slots fill up incredibly fast, and our waitlist is often full. However, we are in the process of training new artists that can collaborate and assist with shading and linework after the designs are created.

    HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN APPOINTMENT?

    Waiting time will depend on the availability of the artist, the length of their waiting list and the time of year you have requested for your appointment.

    If you don’t have a preference for an artist, or are willing to have an assistant help with the project, the wait time will be much less.

    We recommend this option if you want to be tattooed within 6 months to a year of your inquiry for an appointment.

  • WHAT WILL IT COST?

    The total cost of the tattoo will depend on how long it takes to complete. More intricate and larger projects take more time, and may involve multiple sessions. We will be as transparent as possible during your booking about your hourly rate and what it may be estimated to cost in total.

    Design time will be charged the hourly rate, as well as the tattooing. This is because designing will usually take up a portion of each day, and will be done simultaneously with the tattooing.

    We charge an hourly rate for several reasons, all of which are in the interest of fairness to you. If you have issues with pain, a schedule change, or your skin is not accepting the ink very well, we can cut a day short and adjust your appointment time. We avoid charging day rates because it can mean charging folks for when they need extra breaks, have something come up midday (phone calls, etc.), or need to stop early for whatever reason.

    We will start and stop the clock so that we never charge you for bathroom breaks, late starts, early finishes, or time you need to eat, refresh, or rest throughout your session. We feel this is most fair to you, and is what we prefer when we get tattooed ourselves.

    Each artist has a different hourly rate, which will depend on the type of tattoo, because different styles take different levels of skill.

    CAN YOU GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE?

    Yes. Once you complete our contact form (and we have images of tattoos you like/dislike as well as an idea of size and imagery for your piece) we can give you a rough estimate of how long the piece will take based on the style you seem to like.

    Our artists work very fast. Full sleeves (including the hand and part of the chest) are usually finished within 3-5 days, and sleeves with a lot of negative space (La Tene or Neolithic for example) can be completed in 1-2 days.

    That being said, there are always unknown factors when tattooing. Pain tolerance and how well your skin holds the ink will affect how long the session will go. We will never rush a piece if it affects the quality of the design and we will encourage you to speak openly about your concerns for time if you have them.

    If you have a budget, let us know. Some days run for 5 hours, some for 8. We’re aware that this can create a massive cost differential, so always make your artist aware if you are feeling uncomfortable about the time they are taking. That being said, if you have a small budget, you may have to compromise on design elements so the artist can make your piece within an amount of time that is fair to them for the work they’ll be putting in. Each artist places their heart and soul into their designs, no matter how small or simple they may seem.

    DO YOU OFFER DAY RATES?

    No. We charge an hourly rate for several reasons, all of which we feel are in your interest.

    If you have issues with pain, schedule change, or your skin is not accepting the ink very well, we can cut a day short and adjust your appointment time. Charging a day rate can sometimes mean charging folks that need extra breaks, have something come up midday (phone calls, etc.), or need to stop early for whatever reason.

    We start and stop the clock so that you’re never paying for bathroom breaks, late starts, early finishes, or time you need to eat, refresh, or rest throughout your session. We will always be transparent about the hours we are recording and clients are encouraged to ask if they need to know where they are up to during the session if they have a daily budget.

    HOW DO I PAY?

    We can accept payment via Cash, PayPal or Bank Transfer. Please be aware that international bank transactions and PayPal transfers may also incur fees, for which you will be responsible. For this reason, we recommend payment by Cash and we reserve the right to check you are able to pay for the tattoo before we begin. There are several ATMs within a minutes walk of the studio if you need to withdraw Cash.

    Payment must be made before leaving the studio so please make sure you have planned your payment in advance (for example, by adding us to your banking app prior to your visit, or letting your bank know about an international withdrawal). If you are here for several days, payment must be made at the end of each day's session.