Let's make something awesome together
If you like to wear your heart on your sleeve, make it a masterpiece at Mama Tried.
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Phone: 306-227-2873
Email: info@mamatried.ca
We believe in enjoying life’s little experiences, so we want to make it great. From a howdy-hello to the healing of your tattoo.
Our business hours
Monday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Start Your New Tattoo
TATTOO REQUEST FORM
Pricing, Policies and Information
Rates + Payment Info
Consultation: Free
Please bring any photos, images or ideas you have to this appointment. If your artist is interested in the project and you are interested in moving forward after the consultation, a $150 or $300 deposit is required to book an appointment. Please see deposit information below! Most consultations and design discussions are done in person except for small designs and out of town folk; we can plan over email in some cases!
Minimum rate: 1 hour (each artist has their own hourly rate!)
Multiple tattoo minimum: Apprentices/Junior artists have a $20 fee for each additional tattoo when they are small tattoos done in one session. Doing multiple tattoos adds on additional design and placement/stencil time for the artists!
Touch ups: Although many tattoos can benefit from a touch up, not all of them require it. Artists will do one free touch up within six months, providing the tattoo has been properly cared for! Finger tattoos, however, nearly always require a touch up due to the nature of the skin in this area. Because of this, there will be a $50 charge for finger touch ups.
Check Do you tattoo hands/fingers/faces/neck? under FAQs for more information on what areas we do and don’t tattoo!
Hourly rates
Kat: $200
Jen: $175
Sydney: $180
Murray: $180
Kristy: $180
Colleen: $160
Daljeet (Dee): $160
Kathleen: $150
All tattoos are +GST!
We accept debit, credit, e-transfer, and our preferred method of payment is cash. Payment for each session is due at each appointment. We do not take pre-payments.
Deposit/Appointment Policies
The tattoo industry is a different one! Because the artists we represent work independently as their own business, we’ve set some guidelines in place to respect their time and help ensure that scheduling gaps don’t affect their income!
$150 deposit if the tattoo will take 3 hours or less
$300 deposit if the tattoo will take more than 3 hours
This will be applied towards your final appointment and is non-refundable. Your deposit will be forfeited if you cancel/reschedule within 48 hours of your appointment and a new deposit is required to book another session.
Additional circumstances:
Design: Our artists don’t charge for drawing time, but if you change your idea after the artist has drawn for the original design, another deposit will be required to do a new design. (Keep in mind that the new idea may not be something the artist is comfortable/interested in doing!) See drawing guidelines for more information.
Late policy: If you are more than 15 minutes late, your artist may not have time to do the tattoo for you; if this is the case, the deposit will be applied and a new one will required to reschedule. We respect their time and definitely don’t want them to rush! If you are more than 15 minutes late it’s at the artist’s discretion on a case by case basis whether they will keep the appointment, and a $50 late fee may be applied.
Rescheduling: If you have rescheduled your appointment 3 times consecutively, we may apply the deposit, and a new one will be required if the artist is still interested in doing the project.
Long term deposits: In the event that you are unable to, or not interested in booking your tattoo within 6 months of paying the deposit, the artist may then choose to not do the tattoo. Art styles and techniques are constantly evolving in tattooing and they may no longer resonate with the original idea! If the artist has drawn for the project already the deposit will be applied, and if they have not, then the deposit may be transferable to another artist at the shop if they are interested.
Rescheduling a consultation or touch up:
If you have rescheduled a consultation or touch up with less than 48 hours notice, a $25-50 fee may be required to rebook. If you have rescheduled a consultation or touch up with more than 48 hours notice 3 times consecutively, the artist may not rebook you, or may charge a $25-50 fee.
Tattoo prices include a lot of variables. See more about pricing information and why we charge what we do at Why are tattoos so expensive? under FAQs!
Other Shop Policies
Please arrive without cologne/perfume/spray deodorant, as we have some staff members that are sensitive to scents!
Please don’t bring children to your appointment. See FAQ below on our guidelines for bringing a friend!
We cannot tattoo you if you are pregnant or nursing.
Please note we will not tattoo minors, even with parental consent. You must be 18+ to access our services! Thank you for your understanding.
Before/Day of your Appointment
Before your appointment:
- Try to avoid too much sun in the couple weeks prior to your appointment, as sometimes the skin may be too damaged to tattoo immediately (even if it’s not burnt) and for at least two weeks afterwards.
- Swimming/hot tubbing is a no-no in the first 2 weeks after getting tattooed (unless you use Saniderm or the like, ask us about it!)
- You should wait at least 4-6 weeks after any surgery, before getting tattooed and some medications may still need additional wait time. Let us know if you have something scheduled and usually a doctor’s note will be required if it is close to the date.
- If you have problems with blood clotting or are on medication that results in the same effect, have diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, hemophilia or an immune suppressing condition we would be happy to tattoo you with a letter from your doctor indicating it is safe to do so!
- Depending on the location of your tattoo and the job you have, you may want to allow a weekend or a few days off to prevent uncomfortable and potentially irritating rubbing or excessive sweating. Usually the foot for example, in tight shoes, or the shoulder if you carry a backpack etc.
- We cannot tattoo you if you are pregnant or nursing
- Please note we will not tattoo minors, even with parental consent. You must be 18+ to access our services! Thank you for your understanding.
The day of your appointment:
- Please bring government issued ID with you! A driver’s license is an all encompassing piece of ID but if you do not have one we require 2 pieces of ID and one of which needs to have a photo of you on it! Examples of picture IDs are a passport, firearms license, permanent resident card, citizenship card, etc.
- Remember we are a scent free shop! Deodorant, preferably scent free, is fine as long as it’s non aerosol.
- Please make sure you are fed and watered! This makes a big difference in your comfort and pain tolerance. Bring snacks – they are ok to nom on during the tattoo! On longer sessions you will be thankful you did, but candy is usually available.
- Feel free to bring something to distract yourself (book, tablet etc.) as long as you are not moving, the distraction helps a lot. We have YouTube and Netflix available as well.
- It is a good idea to avoid any blood thinning medication (including some pain killers such as aspirin, if you take it long term see your doctor) and drugs or alcohol within 24 hours of the tattoo.
- If the area you are having tattooed is covered with hair, please do not shave the area. It’s helpful to trim the area if you’d like to, but the tattoo artist will shave as needed at your appointment. If you nick yourself while shaving it could affect tattooing.
- It’s a good idea to bring loose comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed (and that you won’t mind if it gets dirty from ink).
- Although we love kids, please do not bring minors/children to your appointment!
Consent Form
Click here to fill out the consent form.
Aftercare
AFTERCARE USING SECOND SKIN
Second skin locks in the body’s natural moisture and healing enzymes, allowing the body to heal itself in the most efficient manner possible. After skin has been injured, healing elements are produced to help break down dead tissue and rebuild new tissue. Second skin is breathable and is used successfully for burn victims.
- After 8-24 hours, remove the bandage gently in direction of hair growth. If needed, use the warm water in a shower, or some olive/coconut oil to soften the adhesive and roll off.
- Wash tattoo with clean hands, warm water and unscented soap.
- Allow it to air dry or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not apply ointment if applying a new piece. If not applying a new piece, follow instructions on reverse.
How Long Should it Stay on?
The first piece can be left on for around 24 hours. If you notice excessive weeping or fluid, replace it sooner. Wear a new piece for up to 6 days.
Can I Shower While Wearing It?
You can shower, however excessive exposure to water such as baths, swimming, hot tubs and sweating should be avoided because it could weaken the adhesion. If it doesn’t have the proper seal, healing could be affected.
Can I Sunbathe with It On?
Second skin does not contain any kind of sun protection, so you should avoid sun or UV ray exposure, for two weeks. Even after your tattoo is fully healed, continue to use sun protection to maintain the integrity of your tattoo colors.
What If it Comes Off Early?
If it comes off within the first few days, follow the instructions on the back of this sheet. If you’d like to re-wrap it with second skin come see us for another piece, or you can find some in the bandage section of most pharmacies, as prewrapped squares.
Could I Have an Allergic Reaction?
Allergic reactions are rare, however some folks are sensitive to bandage adhesives. If you experience a rash or abnormal skin irritation, discontinue use and follows steps #2-4 on the back of this page. Second skin should never be used on infected skin. Consult a physician if any signs or symptoms develop such as the following: redness at site, hot feeling skin, pain while not being touched, green/yellow discharge (foul smelling) and/or fever.
AFTERCARE WITHOUT SECOND SKIN
DAY 1
- After 3-4 hours, remove the bandage gently.
- Wash with clean hands, warm water and unscented soap.
- Allow it to air dry or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not re-bandage.
- If it seems excessively dry, or if you prefer, apply a very thin film of A&D Ointment, Aquaphor, Bio-Oil or your favorite tattoo healing salve.
DAY 2-14
- Wash your new tattoo approximately 5 times per day for the first 3 days. Washing alone, for these 3 days will help your tattoo heal tremendously. Letting body fluids build up can cause scabbing. Wash 1-3 times as necessary for days 4-7.
- An ointment is not required, but if using one, apply approx. 3 times a day for the first 3 days and afterwards as necessary. Do not over apply in a thick layer or too often.
- Keep away from dusty/dirty and outdoor areas for the first few days. If it’s unavoidable, cover with loose, clean cotton clothing.
- Stay out of sunlight and tanning booths until tattoo is healed, at minimum 8-10 days and 2 weeks is better.
- Do not soak your tattoo in a tub, sauna, Jacuzzi or go swimming while it is healing. Short showers are fine, but avoid prolonged direct exposure to water. Swimming/soaking should be safe after 10 days or when the top layer of skin is healed, if you heal quickly – if in doubt wait 2 weeks.
- Do not rub or pick the treated area while it is healing. Loss of pigment and/or infection could occur. Lightly tapping the area can help to alleviate any itching.
Your skin should heal completely in approximately 2-3 weeks. Consult a physician if any signs or symptoms develop such as the following: redness at site, hot feeling skin, pain while not being touched, green/yellow discharge (foul smelling) and/or fever.
Tip to keep your tattoo bright and rich looking: avoid sun, exfoliate and moisturize! Extreme exposure over the years can fade your tattoo. This can be minimized by using sun protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you use single use needles?
We use brand new, one use, sterile and disposable needles and tubes, and adhere to the highest standards of cleanliness and disinfection dictated by the Saskatoon Health Region. All of our artists and front desk staff have their Bloodborne Pathogens training certificate.
Do you give quotes for a tattoo?
We try to give general estimates of how many hours it may take in a consult, but it can vary with design and size changes on the day of your tattoo. Most of our artists can give an hourly range if requested, and occasionally will quote a flat rate for pre-designed flash pieces.
Why are tattoos so expensive?
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes! There are the overhead costs of a storefront, insurance and specialized furniture, and all of our wonderful support staff. We use a LOT of single use disposable materials for each station setup, and ink and needles can be pricy. Artists also have the extremely high cost of their tattoo machines, power supplies, lighting equipment, drawing equipment and programs etc. and they can require replacing or upgrading often. There is a large amount of time spent doing consultations, messaging and emailing with clients, and then there is drawing time; for small tattoos it can take anywhere from half an hour to 5 hours, and for large tattoos can take anywhere from 5 to 15 hours! After that is setup and cleanup time, and also a free touch up requiring another set of supplies. Tattooing is an incredibly challenging craft to master and requires a lot of natural and learned skill, furthering education, and years of practice and experience! All of this combined results in our pricing structure, though for us it’s always difficult to put a price on custom art that will last forever!
How do I book an appointment? What is the process?
The best way is to fill out our tattoo request form here! This provides us with most of the information we need to quickly move forward and see if it would be something one of our artists would be excited about! We either book an in person or email consult with the artist for you to chat about ideas, and find out how long we need to book for. We like to book the number of hours or days estimated to complete the project (since we book 3 months at a time, to make sure you have another spot booked – if necessary!), and we require a $100-$200 non-refundable deposit to hold the appointment. (Which is applied at the last appointment. Please see deposit information/policies for more details!) If we’re unable to recommend a good fit in our shop for the project, we would be happy to recommend another artist in the city!
How do artist's books work?
For most of our artists, we book about 3 months ahead, and then close the books to new projects. When their books open again they will be accepting new requests for a certain period of time (hours or days) and they will then go through these requests to select projects that align with their style preference and unique skillset. The artist will then have an email chat or book a consult with you, and then you can book your appointment(s)! When books are open they will be announced on our, and the artist’s instagram page. We’re currently working on getting an email list set up so you can be notified!
Do you take walk ins? Can I get in on a cancellation?
Though most of our artists are fairly booked, it doesn’t hurt to give us a call to see if we have an opening! We generally post all of our last minute openings on instagram, so that’s the best place to watch for spots! Some artists have pre-designed flash that you can choose from on our instagram page, and more on their own.
What can I do to prepare for my tattoo appointment?
How should I decide on placement?
We can provide some tips on where your design would look best flow wise, but ultimately it’s your personal preference. Things to consider:
Areas covered in a layer of hair will need to be shaved to tattoo, but when the hair grows back it will obscure the view of the tattoo some. Areas such as ribs, inside of the arm, hands and feet generally hurt more but may also be split up into multiple sessions. Arms twist and turn so elongated designs in this area may look straight in one position and curved in another.
Do you tattoo hands/fingers/faces/neck?
These are on a case-by-case basis and up to each artist. Generally, if it is your first, or one of few tattoos, we are not comfortable with that placement. For hands/feet/fingers (fingers especially), we always advise doing a google search for healed tattoos in those areas to get an idea of how it will look before deciding. Fingers have different pricing (please see Tattoo Rates!) and we do not tattoo the sides of fingers.
Is there anywhere you won't do a tattoo?
We do not tattoo the sides of fingers, eyes, inner lip, palms of hands, soles of feet or private parts.
Can I bring in any photo or design to get tattooed?
If it’s your own design or a photo you took, or one designed specifically for you then yes! Some changes may need to be made to improve its tattoo-ability. If it’s a tattoo someone else has then we will design a unique version for you, and if you would like to get someone else’s piece of art, we request that you bring permission from that artist. Tattooing art that’s in the public domain is up to each artist’s discretion!
Can you cover up an old tattoo I have?
Sometimes! There are some design limits, and you will usually have to go larger and often in colour. Cooler colours like blue/green/purple usually cover the best! Your tattoo may need to be lightened using laser or saline removal; we can advise you if you send us a photo or book a consultation!
Do you do free touch ups?
Yes, one touch up within six months. The exception to this is if there was an obvious disregard to the aftercare instructions.
Can I bring a friend?
Please bring only one. Although friends can be supportive, they can be distracting, and the more you talk, the more you move and the more you move the longer it takes! Some artists aren’t comfortable having someone else watch, and depending on the day, we may ask your friend to hang out in the waiting area to keep the tattoo area less congested!
Do you like melons?
Kat hates them. And cucumbers, they are especially terrible. But we don’t mind if you bring them for a snack, in fact we encourage you to bring you some food and drink as sometimes sessions can get lengthy and some sustenance will go a long way in extending your comfort!
Does it hurt?
Yes, it does. Pain varies with each person so how much will depend. Your body will adjust after about 15 minutes though, so for most people they become quite tolerable for a few hours!
Where is the most painful area to get tattooed?
We’ve found that the most painful areas for most people are generally the hands, feet, ribs and stomach. Also inner arm, elbow, ditch, inner thigh.. Also knees, shins, sternum, back.. Who are we kidding it all hurts! But that top of the foot… 😮
Can I take pain killers before/during a tattoo?
As far as we know, Tylenol may be ok and Ibuprofen and Aspirin can thin the blood and are not recommended before or during a tattoo. As we are not medical professionals, we cannot advise further than this; if you take any medications it’s best to consult with your doctor prior to receiving a tattoo!
Can I use numbing cream?
-Our shop is currently not supporting the use of numbing creams due to a FDA announcement about the potential for dangerous health effects.
-Please be advised that if you arrive at your tattoo appointment with a numbing agent applied, your appointment will be cancelled and deposit forfeited.
-The shop will continue to keep an eye on this situation and will update and re-evaluate as more is known.
Find the article here:
The key points of this announcement are:
–not to use OTC pain relief products with more than 4% lidocaine on their skin
-not to apply OTC pain relief products heavily over large areas of skin or to irritated or broken skin.
-not to wrap skin treated with OTC pain relief products with plastic wrap or other dressings. Wrapping or covering treated skin with any type of material can increase the chance of serious side effects.
Can I get tattooed while pregnant or nursing?
No.
Can I get tattooed if I'm under 18?
Sorry, no. Thou shalt not pass until thine eighteenth birthday!
How do I heal a tattoo?
Please see our aftercare instructions here!
Can I see the drawing before the appointment?
This is dependent on each artist, and can be discussed during the consultation. Most of our artists will email you the design the evening before the appointment, and some have the design ready for the day of the appointment. Since they draw for each appointment in chronological order (and they need some time off too!) they generally don’t have time to draw earlier than that. All of our artists are happy to make some changes and work with you in making a piece you are excited about.
What if I change my mind about the design/tattoo?
If you would like a different design than originally submitted after the tattoo has been drawn, the original deposit will be applied and a new deposit is required to do another drawing. If the artist has not prepared for/drawn the design, the deposit may be transferred to another artist in the shop if any of them are interested in the piece. Please keep in mind that if you change your mind, your artist may not be interested in the new idea and deposits are non-refundable.
Why are none of your artists interested in doing my tattoo?
There could be many reasons, and it doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea! When deciding on projects, artists generally won’t take on a project if they don’t resonate with the subject matter, are not comfortable in a certain style, don’t feel experienced enough for the piece or location, or don’t feel inspired in general towards the idea! We can always recommend you to another artist or shop that we feel may be better suited when this is the case as we want both you and the artist to be excited about the collaboration.
Is there anything I should know before deciding on a sleeve/leg/backpiece?
Yes, it’s a big commitment. It usually takes anywhere from 40 – 100 hours depending on the style and detail, so please be prepared for this cost-wise and time-wise. Payment is per appointment, and it’s best if you can do sessions of at least 3 or more hours as the artist usually sets up a lot of colours (if it’s colour) and likes to get in the mindset of it. It’s also best if you can schedule appointments every month, or few months. Any more than 6 months to a year apart can make it more difficult to finish the piece in the style it was originally designed for.
What's better CAT or Cummins?
We were hoping someone would ask that! If you would have asked Kat when she first tried them she would have said Cummins, but now she’s equally partial to both! Make? Now that’s a different story. Early International all the way.