FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions – if something less frequently asked is on your mind and subsequently is not listed here, contact us.
Where is The Aviary?You can find us in Leeds, UK. We’re nestled in a little private space on Headingley highstreet, about 10 minutes outside of the city centre. Our address is:
43b Otley Road
Headingley
LS6 3AB
Is there parking near by?
Yeah, loads. There’s lots of free street parking nearby if you can be bothered to look, or The Headingley Taps (right behind us) is 50p an hour.
How old do I need to be to get tattooed?
18 or over.
Do I need ID?
You do. Please remember to bring ID that shows your full name and date of birth. It must be something official…like, a passport or driving license. We scan these for our records, so we can’t accept your mum as proof of age.
How much does a tattoo cost?
Each of our artists charge their own rates, have their own minimums and manage their own bookings. This article is great as a rough guide, but our artists don’t bite, so if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out!
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, bank transfers and card payments – whatever is easiest.
I've got that shweet melanated skin, can I have a colour tattoo?
YES. The tattoo ink will use your own tone as its foundation. Tattoos look different on everyone, and that’s why they’re lovely. We offer colour swatch tests for POC, if you’d like to see how a colour will settle on your complexion. This would be discreet, and easily covered by your future tattoo if you wish!
I'm vegan, can I get a tattoo here?
Of course! Everything we use in our studio is vegan. From our inks, to our stencil paper, right through to the malk we’ll put in your tea. Our studio is home to some taxidermy – but it’s all certified & completely ethical. Lovely.
You like dogs, can I bring mine?
Oh boyyyyy, we’d love you to, but you cannot. It’s impossible to know how your dog would react to being in the studio. Dreamy idea, stressful in reality.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes, please bring a buddy with you if you want to. But our studio is small, so please no entourages. One pal max.
How should I prepare for my tattoo?
It’s easy. Don’t get drunk beforehand, have a good nights sleep. Eat a nice breakfast and get excited. Remember to wear something that makes accessing your chosen area super simple, and bring something to nibble on and/or keep you entertained. A book and an orange.
Can I use numbing cream before my appointment?
No, please don’t. Numbing creams rarely last longer than a few minutes and often change the texture of your skin. Our artists do have numbing sprays that they can use during your tattoo, if you wish. These won’t affect the process and are all designed for tattooing – so no nasty side-effects. We know it’s painful, but it’s worth it – and it’s once its done, it’s done forever!
Can I have an apprenticeship?
We hate how closed down the tattoo industry is, and would teach you all if we could! We’re all working artists, and teaching a skill takes an awful lot of energy, so the time really has to be right. It often isn’t – but feel free to reach out. We will always look at your work and give you any guidance we can, even if we can’t teach you.