Question 1

How do I book a tattoo with Desire Ink?

Accepted Answer

Send an enquiry via the booking form with a rough idea, reference images and your preferred placement. Emma reads every enquiry herself and will usually reply within two working days. A free consultation at the Rotherham studio comes before the tattoo session itself.

Question 2

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

Two to six weeks is typical. Larger botanical or spine pieces sometimes need longer to design. If you have a specific date in mind (a birthday, an anniversary, a trip), enquire a little earlier and Emma will do her best to hold it.

Question 3

What's your age policy?

Accepted Answer

18+ with valid photo ID at both the consultation and the tattoo appointment. No exceptions, and no signed consent from a parent will change this. It's UK law, not a studio preference.

Question 4

Can I bring a friend to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

One quiet companion is welcome. The studio is a small, considered space — larger groups make it harder for Emma to focus and for other clients to settle. If you're anxious about the appointment, bringing one person you trust is often exactly the right call.

Question 5

Do I need a consultation before my tattoo?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every bespoke piece starts with a free in-studio consultation. Emma will talk through the idea, sketch options, discuss placement and size, and set an honest expectation on cost and time. Nothing is booked in until you're happy with the direction.

Question 6

Can I bring reference images?

Accepted Answer

Please do. References help Emma understand your taste, not to copy them. She won't tattoo another artist's original design — but she will absolutely draw you something in a similar spirit that's made for your body.

Question 7

What styles does Emma specialise in?

Accepted Answer

Fine line, botanical, celestial and script — all worked with a single needle. Blackwork and small cover-ups are also offered. Emma does not do colour realism, portraits or large-scale traditional sleeves — she'd rather refer you to a specialist than compromise the result.

Question 8

Can Emma design my tattoo from just an idea?

Accepted Answer

That's most of what she does. Come to the consultation with the feeling you want the piece to hold — a memory, a plant, a word — and Emma will translate it into a drawing before the machine turns on.

Question 9

How is pricing worked out?

Accepted Answer

Every tattoo is quoted individually at the free consultation, based on the design, size, placement and expected session time. You'll always know the number before you commit.

Question 10

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Card and cash both work on the day. Emma will confirm the final total with you before the session so there are no surprises at the end.

Question 11

Are touch-ups included?

Accepted Answer

Yes — touch-ups within three months of the original session are complimentary, provided the piece has been properly cared for and hasn't been exposed to sun or open water in the healing window.

Question 12

How should I care for my new tattoo?

Accepted Answer

You'll leave the studio wrapped in second-skin film — keep it on overnight. From the next day, wash gently with fragrance-free soap twice a day and moisturise sparingly. Written aftercare comes with you, and Emma checks in after a week. See our full aftercare journal for a day-by-day.

Question 13

Does a fine line tattoo hurt?

Accepted Answer

Fine line work is on the gentler end of the tattoo spectrum — a single needle deposits less ink and creates less trauma. Sensation still depends on placement. Ribs and spine sit higher than forearms. Emma sets an honest pace on the day and will pause whenever you need.

Question 14

How long does a fine line tattoo take to heal?

Accepted Answer

The surface is usually healed within 10–14 days. The deeper skin continues settling for another two to three weeks. Keep it out of direct sun, chlorine and open water until day 21.

Question 15

How long will my fine line tattoo last?

Accepted Answer

Well-cared-for fine line on protected placements (inner arm, ribs, thigh, shoulder blade, spine) holds beautifully for a decade or more. Higher-friction placements (hands, feet, inner fingers) will fade sooner. Daily SPF is the single biggest thing you can do to keep the linework crisp long term.

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