I offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your tattoo idea, placement, and style. You can schedule online, use the contact page, or send me a DM on social media to start the conversation. All consultations are confirmed by me, and I’ll send you a calendar invite with details for a video call where we can go through everything together.
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Yes, a $200 deposit is required to secure your tattoo appointment. This amount goes toward the final cost of your tattoo. Deposits are non-refundable if the appointment is cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice.
Tattoo pricing depends on size, detail, placement, and time required, but tattoos at SueReal Tattoo Studio start from $150. Larger or more detailed pieces are priced based on the time and complexity involved. During your consultation we’ll discuss your idea and I’ll provide a clear estimate before booking.
You’ll arrive at a calm, private studio overlooking the ocean. We’ll review your forms, discuss your design, placement, and aftercare while you enjoy a coffee or tea. I’ll then prepare the area by shaving, cleaning, and applying the stencil before we begin tattooing.
Yes — tattoos do hurt. Some areas are easier than others, but it’s completely normal for people to feel discomfort, and even grown men sometimes shake a little during tougher spots. The good news is most clients find the sensation manageable, especially in a calm environment with breaks when needed.
Numbing cream is only permitted if purchased through the studio. Many creams can affect how skin reacts during tattooing, especially for realism or high-detail tattoos that require multiple passes. I generally advise against it for complex work, but it can be suitable for smaller, simpler tattoos.
Yes — please moisturise the tattoo area for 24–48 hours before your appointment. Dry or flaky skin can affect how well the stencil transfers and may interfere with the tattooing process. Healthy, hydrated skin helps achieve the best tattoo result.
Leave the cling film applied at the studio on for up to 24 hours, unless irritation occurs earlier. Wash your hands before touching your tattoo, gently clean it with mild soap and water, pat dry with paper towel, and apply a thin layer of the supplied ointment or Bepanthen. Keeping the tattoo clean and lightly moisturised over the next 14 days helps prevent heavy scabbing that can pull ink from the skin.
No — your tattoo is an open wound. Swimming or soaking the tattoo can cause the skin cells to swell and affect how the ink settles in the dermis. You should also avoid sun and UV exposure, as sunburn creates a second wound on top of the tattoo and can trigger inflammation that pushes ink out. Ignoring this advice can lead to patchy tattoos that require additional time and cost to repair.
Yes. We rarely tattoo more than two hours without a short break for food, drinks, or the bathroom. Most sessions run up to seven hours including breaks, as both the body and the artist’s concentration need time to reset.
The skin usually seals within about two weeks, but tattoos are only fully healed after around eight weeks. I generally prefer to wait longer if possible, but touch-ups can be done after the two-week mark at minimum. Keep in mind the skin may still be pink, fresh, and sensitive at that stage.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring a friend. However, I ask that they remain in the seating area of the studio rather than the tattooing space. While this is a private studio, the work area is considered a clinical environment, and for safety reasons guests should stay in the designated chill zone.
Absolutely. I use professional medical and dental-grade chemicals for sanitation and follow strict hygiene protocols. Being a private studio also means there’s no pressure to rush clients, allowing careful attention to cleanliness and safety at all times.
Generally, I recommend avoiding alcohol before your tattoo because it can increase bleeding and affect the tattooing process. In some cases, if we have an established relationship and you’re someone who behaves well after a drink and doesn’t bleed heavily, I may allow a couple of beers during a longer session. However, I reserve the right to stop or cancel the session if alcohol becomes an issue, and of course no drink driving.
Yes, I do cover-ups and reworks. That said, most tattoo artists naturally prefer creating fresh tattoos from scratch, as it allows more creative freedom in the design. Cover-ups can sometimes be limited by the existing tattoo, but I’m happy to review the piece and see what’s possible.
I use professional tattoo inks purchased directly from trusted international suppliers to ensure authenticity and quality. Brands include Intenze, Dynamic, and Solid Ink, chosen depending on the style of tattoo being created.
I accept cash and EFT payments. I also offer Laybuy, which allows you to pay off your tattoo over time. Tattoo work will only begin once the design is fully paid.
