Frequently Asked Questions

Booking

How do I book a tattoo?

Looking for a tattoo artist near me? To book your tattoo, please fill out our online booking form. Select your tattoo artist and fill out your information. Your chosen tattoo artist will get back to you, to discuss your idea and book you in. Alternatively, you can walk in and one of our available tattoo artists will help you.

Do you do walk in tattoos?

Yes, we accept both pre-booked and walk in tattoos in Bournemouth. Simply walk into our studio; Chimera Studios, 8 Poole Hill, Bournemouth, BH2 5PS, just up from the triangle and one of our available tattoo artists will help you. We offer both custom walk in tattoos and pre-drawn flash tattoos. Please note that walk in tattoos are subject to availability, if we’re unable to accommodate you on the day, we can book you in for the next available date.

What is a walk in tattoo consultation?

A walk in tattoo consultation is simply when you walk into our studio and speak to an available artist about:

  • A custom walk in tattoo idea.

  • A pre-drawn flash tattoo from one of our tattoo artists flash books.

  • Have an introductory conversation with one of our available artists, to help walk you through the tattoo process and answer any questions.

  • Or any combination of the above.

We offer free walk in tattoo consultations in Bournemouth.

How much do tattoos cost?

The cost of your tattoo depends on the size, location and style.

At Chimera Studios, we believe that everyone should be able to get a high-quality and affordable tattoo within their budget. Simply discuss your idea with your tattoo artist and they can advise you on how to make your design work within your budget.

Tala, James and Harry offer tattoos of all sizes:

  • Sticker size (very small)

  • Palm size (small)

  • Hand size (medium)

  • Above hand size (large)

  • Backpieces/sleeves (bigger project)

We aim to offer the best custom tattoos and the best walk in tattoos.

How do I pay for my tattoo?

When you submit your booking request and have discussed your tattoo with your selected tattoo artist, or when you walk in and book an appointment for a later date, your tattoo artist will request a booking deposit. Your deposit payment is to secure your appointment. Deposits are paid directly to your tattoo artist and are non-refundable.

On the day you are tattooed, your tattoo is paid as the full price, minus the deposit amount. Paid directly to your tattoo artist.

We accept Cash, PayPal and Bank Transfer.

How does getting a tattoo work?

Getting a tattoo starts with your idea and choosing a tattoo artist that you like. At Chimera Studios, simply:

  1. View our tattoo artist pages for Tala, James and Harry, then select one of them on our booking form and fill out your information.

  2. Then your chosen tattoo artist will; reach out to you to discuss your idea, take a deposit payment and book you in for your appointment.

  3. Before your appointment, your tattoo artist will show you your design and can accommodate alterations upon request.

  4. On the day, you meet your chosen tattoo artist at the studio for your appointment; they will apply a temporary stencil to your body for you to check and then tattoo you.

  5. Then you pay for your tattoo.

For walk in tattoos, this process is exactly the same, except you discuss your idea with an available tattoo artist at the studio or select a pre-drawn flash tattoo. And either get your tattoo on the day or book in for an appointment at a later date.

If you have any questions about the tattoo process, please leave them in the any other questions or comments section at the bottom of your booking form and your chosen tattoo artist will help answer them for you.

Alternatively, we offer free walk in tattoo consultations in Bournemouth for people new to tattooing or for those who prefer walk in tattoos, feel free to ask any additional questions then.

What tattoo styles do you do?

At Chimera Studios we have three tattoo artists, all offering unique styles.

  • Tala offers Traditional Japanese tattoos (ukiyo-e style), black & grey, illustrative and detailed fine line tattoos.

  • James offers 90s aesthetic inspired American Traditional tattoos.

  • Harry offers fine line tattoos, blackwork, brushwork and high contrast realism tattoos.

View their work and read more about our tattoo artists, on their tattoo artist pages.

Do you do cover up tattoos?

Yes, for a cover up tattoo please include photos of the tattoo you want covered up in your booking request or walk in and show the available tattoo artist who is helping you. Not all tattoo styles work for effective cover ups, however your artist will be able to advise on the design to get the best results for your cover up.

Do you do piercings?

No, we do not offer piercings. We only offer pre-booked and walk in tattoos.

Getting a tattoo

Does getting a tattoo hurt?

Getting a tattoo will always involve some amount of pain, but how much depends on the location and size of your tattoo. Generally, areas with more fat, such as the arm or leg tend to be less painful. Boney areas like the ribs tend to be more painful. Bigger tattoos that take longer to complete will always be more painful.

How do I stop my tattoo being painful?

The best way to minimise how painful your tattoo is, is to; sleep well the night before your tattoo, eat well before your tattoo, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and ask your tattoo artist about numbing options. It’s important to bear in mind, that even with all of these, you will still experience some pain during the process.

What will stop me from getting a tattoo?

Most people can get a tattoo, however, there are a few things to consider when getting one:

  • You must be over 18. Please bring your ID with you on the day.

  • You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • You must not be sunburnt.

  • If you arrive late, you may lose your deposit and appointment slot. Contact your artist with reasonable notice if you are going to be late or need to re-organise your appointment.

  • If you do not show up to your appointment, you will lose your deposit.

What should I wear when I get a tattoo?

You will be sitting or lying down for a long time during your appointment. Wear clothes that are comfortable and that you are willing to get ink on. You can also bring a change of clothes and get changed at the studio.

If you have booked a tattoo which may require you to remove clothing, wear comfortable clothing that allows this. We also offer privacy screens.

Please shower before getting your tattoo. You will sweat during the tattoo session.

Can I get a tattoo with sensitive skin?

Yes, you can get a tattoo with sensitive skin. Please share information about your skin condition with your tattoo artist in the any other questions or comments section at the bottom of your booking form, or in person if you prefer to walk in, and your tattoo artist will help you.

Can I get a tattoo over scars?

Yes, you can get a tattoo over scars. We recommend that you wait until scars are at least 3 years old until you get a tattoo over them. To get a tattoo over scars, please share a photo of the area that you wish to get tattooed and your artist will advise you on next steps.

Tattoo aftercare

How do I heal my tattoo?

Healing your tattoo requires effective aftercare. Please follow these steps:

  1. If your tattoo artist used clingfilm, remove this after 2-3 hours or when you are home. If your tattoo artist used Dermalize/Second skin remove this after 2-3 days. Clingfilm and Dermalize/Second skin are applied to act as a barrier to keep your tattoo sterile.

  2. Gently remove your clingfilm (when you are home) or Dermalize/Second skin in the shower. If glue residue is left on the skin, from Dermalize/Second skin, baby oil can aid in removal.

  3. Gently wash your tattoo daily with warm water and fragrance free antibacterial soap, such as Carex.

  4. Let your tattoo air-dry.

  5. Apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment to your tattoo with clean hands, 2-3 times a day. We recommend Palmers Cocoa Butter. We do not recommend Bepanthen.

  6. Repeat steps 3-5 for 2 weeks, until your tattoo is fully healed and no longer flaking.

Do not scratch or pick your tattoo, leave it to heal naturally.

Your tattoo artist will share more details about tattoo aftercare with you on the day.

Can I shower with a new tattoo?

Yes, you can shower with a new tattoo. However, you should gently clean you tattoo in the sink with warm water to start with. While your tattoo is healing try to avoid getting shampoo or showergel in your tattoo. Allow the tattoo to air-dry.

If your tattoo artist used Dermalize/Second skin, you can shower with this on, just try to avoid getting it wet until it is ready to take off.

Can I have a bath with a new tattoo?

Yes, but keep your tattoo out of the water. Do not submerge your tattoo.

Can I Exercise with a new tattoo?

We generally recommend that you do not exercise for two weeks after you get your new tattoo to ensure that your tattoo has the best chance of healing correctly.

However, if you still want to exercise, avoid any materials clinging or rubbing against your tattoo and avoid training the specific area that you got tattooed.

Can I swim or go in the sea with a new tattoo?

No, swimming pools and the sea have lots of bacteria that will infect your tattoo and prevent it from healing correctly.

Can I use sunbeds, tanning or go out in the sun with a new tattoo?

No, do not use sunbeds or apply any fake tan for at least 1 month until your tattoo is fully healed. You should aim to keep your tattoo out of exposure to direct sunlight and avoid getting sunburnt during this time.

My tattoo is flaky and itchy, is that normal?

Yes, this is normal, your tattoo will go through a period of flaking and peeling during the healing process. It is likely that your tattoo will be itchy during this healing stage. Do not scratch, rub or itch your tattoo. This ensures that pigment stays in the skin and that your tattoo heals fully.

My tattoo is scabby, is that normal?

Yes, light scabbing on your tattoo is a normal part of the healing process. Be gentle when cleaning and moisturising on your tattoo. Do not pick scabs and try to let them fall of naturally, as this prevents parts of the design falling out before the tattoo has healed under the scab.

My tattoo is red and swollen, is that normal?

Some tattoos can appear red and swollen during the healing process, which is normal, especially for black & grey styles. However, if your tattoo is severely painful, red, swollen, warm to the touch and still weeping after the first few days of initial healing, this is not normal and means that your tattoo could be infected or you could be having an allergic reaction. Don’t panic, if your tattoo presents these symptoms, after the first few days of initial healing, contact your tattoo artist directly and they will be able to advise you on next steps. Including recommending you to contact your GP for antibiotics.

Travel & Accessibility

Where is Chimera Studios?

We are located at: Chimera Studios, 8 Poole Hill, Bournemouth, BH2 5PS.

Getting to us is easy thanks to excellent driving and public transport links.

How do I get to Chimera Studios by Car?

We’re located off the A31, onto the A338 after Ringwood. Or A350, onto the A35 if you’re coming from further south. We’re a 50 minute drive from Southampton, a 2 hour 30 minute drive from London and a 3 hour drive from Birmingham.

Do you have free parking?

Yes, we have 2 all-day free parking slots available to clients. There are also several car parks available very close nearby if our parking is full.

How do I get to Chimera Studios by public transport?

Travelling from London? The Weymouth line from London Waterloo runs direct to Bournemouth in under 2 hours. Getting you to Chimera Studios in 2 hours 30 mins.

From other areas across the south and further north, direct connections run from larger stations such as Birmingham New Street, Reading and Southampton Central.

Once you arrive at Bournemouth train station, exit and turn right to take the M1 bus from the single bus stop near the underpass. Get off at Poole Hill, we are across the road.

How late does Public transport run?

Buses in Bournemouth run day and night, with the M1 becoming the N1. The last direct train to from Bournemouth back to London is at 9pm, for Reading, Birmingham and stations further north this is earlier. However, your tattoo appointment will be finished before we close at 6pm.

Can I bring someone with me for my tattoo appointment?

Yes! We have a reception area in our studio that has magazines, refreshments and merch. You’re welcome to bring a guest with you for your appointment or walk in.

We do not allow under 18s or pets in our studio.

Do you have disabled access?

We have parking and an entry at the back of the studio that allows for disabled access (flat with no steps). However, our toilet is located downstairs, which might make bookings for larger tattoos difficult. When you make your booking, please let your chosen tattoo artist know that you require disabled access in the any other questions or comments section at the bottom of your booking form, they will do their best to accommodate you and answer any questions.

I have unseen disabilities can you accommodate me?

Chimera Studios is a welcoming and inclusive space for anyone who wants to get a tattoo in Bournemouth. All of our artists are accepting and willing to accommodate client needs, seen or unseen. If you have any specific requests or accommodations that you need, please let your chosen tattoo artist know in the any other questions or comments section at the bottom of your booking form. They will do their best to accommodate you and answer any questions.

Looking for something else?

You can learn more about Chimera Studios or view Tala, James or Harry’s work.