The purpose of this Studio Policy is provide information regarding our requirements and procedures as they relate to your visit to marked up and Body Piercing for tattooing or piercing. We also want to make you aware of the potential health risks associated with the tattooing and/or piercing process and the procedures we use to minimize risk. We want you to feel comfortable getting your new tattoo or piercing from us and to ensure that your health and safety concerns are addressed. Our policies are intended to help provide our clients the safest, most enjoyable experience possible and a safe, healthy working environment for our staff. Safe Guarding Your Health - Our Policy.

Age

Marked Up Tattoo studio requires that you be eighteen (18) years of age or older to obtain services at our studio. You will be asked to present a valid, legal ID before we will start work. We do not advocate the tattooing or piercing of anyone under the age of eighteen.

Consent Form

All clients are required to read and sign a "Consent to Application of Tattoo/Piercing and Release and Waive of All Claims" form prior to receiving services Marked Up Tattoo and Body Piercing. Please read it carefully and make sure that you understand what you are signing. If you do not understand something in the consent form, do not sign it without asking for clarification first.

Communicable Diseases

To minimize the risk of infection, our artists do not work when they are ill. We also ask that you postpone your visit to our studio until your are free from any disease that could put other clients or our staff at risk. We want to provide the cleanest, safest environment possible and need your cooperation to do so. Additionally, tattooing and/or piercing can tax your immune system. If you are ill, it may increase your recovery time and also put you more at risk for possible infection or other health-related complications.

Drinking and Drugs

We do not tattoo or pierce anyone known to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and/or drugs will thin your blood which can lead to excessive bleeding. If you are taking prescribed medications, please tell your artist ahead of time.

Medical Conditions

If you under the care of a physician for a medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, please tell your artist ahead of time. If a medical emergency arises while you are at our studio, we will be better prepared to handle it.

Pregnant Women

We do not tattoo or pierce pregnant women. Everything that goes into your body can affect your unborn baby. Potential allergic reactions or infections could also put you and your baby at risk. The process may also affect your immune system and its ability to help you fight off infection. You should also delay that new tattoo or piercing if your are nursing. We want you and your baby to be as healthy as possible. Safe Guarding Your Health - Our Procedures Listed below are some of the procedures we use to provide the safest, most sterile conditions possible for your new tattoo or piercing. If you have any questions regarding the tattooing or piercing process, don't be afraid to ask!

Disposable Gloves

All our artists wear standard medical latex gloves during the tattooing and piercing process. Inks and Pigments All inks and pigments used for your tattoo are poured from its universal container into brand new, sterile ink caps. Once the artist has finished your tattoo, the ink caps are discarded in your presence. We DO NOT pour the remaining ink back into the universal container.

Needles

We use brand new, hospital-sterilized, disposable needles for each and every client. The artist will show you the sterile packaging and will open it only in your presence. Once the artist is finished with your tattoo or piercing, he/she will ask you to watch while the needle is broken and disposed of in a sharps container. (We do not use piercing guns!) Non-disposable Equipment All non-disposable equipment, such as forceps and other metal equipment, is sterilized following strict health and safety guidelines in our in-studio, working autoclave. Autoclaving is the only form of sterilizing accepted in the United States for medical instruments. Autoclave bags are opened only in your presence. If you have questions or concerns regarding the sterilization process we use, just ask. We will be happy to step you through it.

Razors

The artist will usually prepare the area to receive a tattoo by shaving it. We use brand new, disposable, safety razors for each client and dispose of them immediately. Making You Aware - The Risks While tattooing and piercing is considered generally safe and we take all possible precautions to safeguard your health, there are known risks associated with the process. The Web is an excellent way to research all the risks associated with tattoos and piercings and to learn about the things you should look for when selecting a studio. We advise you to consider all risks prior to obtaining a new tattoo or piercing from any studio. Allergic Reactions You may experience an allergic reaction to the dyes, pigments, jewelry, and processes used in tattooing and body piercing. We cannot determine or guarantee that you will not have an allergic reaction. If you are unsure or are concerned, start with a small tattoo first. However, this still will not guarantee that you will not experience an allergic reaction to larger tattoos.

Bacterial Infection

Tattoos and piercings can lead to bacterial infections, particularly if they are not properly cared for. Following our aftercare instructions can help reduce the risk of infection. However, if your immune system is depressed because of illness or you have an allergy to any part of the process, your risk for infection is greater. If you have any questions regarding the care of your tattoo or piercing, call us!

Hepatitis

This viral disease is becoming more prevalent every day. Obtaining a tattoo or piercing from a "dirty" studio or from an untrained friend or relative can often be the culprit. We follow all safety guidelines required to help prevent cross-contamination.

HIV

Because of the method of transmission of HIV, your risk for contracting HIV from a tattoo or piercing is minimal. You are only at risk if you come in contact with infected blood. The only one at greater risk is your artist. We take every precaution possible to prevent the spread of HIV. Other Things You Should Know

• Skin color will affect the brightness of colors used in a tattoo.
• Variations in color and design may exist between any tattoo you select and as ultimately applied to your body.
• Obtaining a tattoo or piercing is by your choice alone.
• A tattoo is a permanent change to your appearance and no representations can be made to you regarding the ability to change, alter, or remove any tattoo.
• Health Department Warning: Tattooing may cause scarring, bleeding and nerve damage.