From Canvas to Skin: How Fine Art Techniques Elevate Tattoo Design

Published on August 2, 2025 | by Julia & Matthew Galea

Your First Tattoo: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you do walk-ins or are you appointment-only?
Our artists are by appointment only, but we always recommend making an appointment. The shop is generally closed when there are no scheduled tattoos. However, if an artist has time, walk-ins are welcome. You never know unless you try!

Can I bring in my own design?
When making an appointment, it’s important to contact an artist who works with the style you like. If you’re not sure, please fill out our online form, which you can find here. Please be mindful that we won’t copy another artist’s work, but inspiration can be taken from it to create something that suits your request and needs.

Do you have flash?
Yes, our artists have designs they’d like to do. These designs usually come with a very good deal, so don’t hesitate to ask. You may be in for a bargain! Flash designs usually don’t require a deposit, but deposits are only required if the design needs to be considerably reworked or adapted to your body due to placement, etc.

What if I want a tattoo on my hands, neck, face, or head?
It’s definitely a decision you should not take lightly. There are many pros and cons, but a big con is that it can affect your career or job prospects in the long run. By law, face and hand tattoos are not legal in Malta, and the shop will not do them. However, we will be happy to sit down and have a chat with you about the matter. We can even produce renderings and try stencils so you can get a good idea of what it would look like. Neck and head tattoos, while legal, necessitate equally sensitive considerations. Your artist will usually advise you to take some time to think about it and talk it over with someone. Each artist reserves the right to refuse a tattoo for any reason, and they may decide against it when illegal or ethically questionable placements are proposed.

How much will my tattoo cost?
The best way to get advice on how long a tattoo will take and how much it may cost is to fill out our online form, which you can find here.

Healing Time:
Each skin type can affect how long it takes for a tattoo to heal. On the surface, it should heal within 7-10 days, and it should be completely healed within a month. After your tattoo, your artist will provide you with clear and written aftercare instructions.

Can I book an appointment via WhatsApp or over the phone?
We can certainly book you a consultation over the phone or offer advice, but please visit our Contact Us page for more information.

Payment:
We accept all forms of payment, including cash, card, Revolut, BOV Pay, and more.

Can I get tattooed with my parents' signed permission even though I’m underage?
I’m afraid not, the law is 18 and over, and we won’t risk our licenses. Tattoos are permanent, so it’s worth waiting for.

Deposits:
Deposits are non-refundable, but you can reschedule your appointment up to twice (without losing your deposit) as long as you give us at least 5 days’ notice.

At The Lucky Cat Tattoo, we want to make sure everyone’s experience is the best it can be.

Before Your Appointment:

• What to Wear: During your consultation, your artist may discuss what clothes might be best for your appointment, depending on the area you want to be tattooed. This is primarily for your comfort and to ensure the artist can tattoo the area safely and comfortably. If you have any concerns about what to wear or bring, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your artist.
• Privacy: Please be aware of our privacy policy and ensure that you are comfortable with our practices. The shop has only one station, which is fully enclosed to ensure complete privacy while you’re getting tattooed. You can change in the station with the door closed. You’ll always have the option to use our tiny bathroom, but be aware that you’ll have to climb two steps to get there.

I’m a bit lost and don’t know anything about getting tattooed.
Your artist will always explain exactly what they’re going to do before, during, and after your tattoo.

What happens if I feel dizzy or nauseous?
If you feel unwell at any time during your appointment, please don’t hesitate to tell us. We’re here for your comfort and wellbeing. We provide water, sugary drinks, and sweets at the shop if you need or want them.

As tattooers, we’ll always try to design the best tattoo for you. We’ll suggest what we think would look best in terms of design and placement, and we’ll explain why.

We can also give you suggestions on clothes to wear or bring for your appointment, keeping in mind comfort, practicality, hygiene, and privacy.

We’ll always respect and perform to the strictest hygiene standards set by the Maltese Health Standards Directorate Office. We’ll always treat you with respect and always endeavour to ensure your comfort and happiness while you’re at the studio.

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone if we feel our service won’t be up to standard. We also reserve the right to remove anyone we deem to be jeopardising our service or the safety of themselves or others around them from the premises immediately.

There will be no judgement at the studio from any member of staff or artist. We welcome all people regardless of age, gender, body type, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. We’ll always try to accommodate you as much as we can.

We will not tolerate any form of misconduct, judgement, bullying, abuse, harassment, or racism from any artist, member of staff, or customer.

Shop Policies: Tattoo Studio Policies

Minimum Charge: Any tattoo costs €50.

Custom Drawings: Deposits are required for custom drawings, but not for small tattoos.

• Deposit Refund: All deposits are non-refundable but will be deducted from the final session price.
• Appointment Rescheduling: You can reschedule your appointment a maximum of two times without losing the deposit, as long as you give at least 5 days’ notice. Please email with the subject “RESCHEDULE” or “CANCELLATION” to avoid missing it.
• Cancellation: If you cancel, you will forfeit your deposit, regardless of the notice given.
• No-Show: If you don’t show up, you will lose your deposit, and the artist’s decision is final regarding re-booking.
• Punctuality: If you are more than 30 minutes late, the artist may not be able to tattoo you, and you will lose your deposit.
• Rescheduling After 6 Months: If you need to reschedule but don’t pick a new date within 6 months, you may need to pay a new deposit.

Studio Guidelines:

• Group Size: Please refrain from bringing multiple friends and family who are not getting tattooed. They won’t be able to stay throughout the session unless you require a carer for health or mobility reasons.
• First-Time Visitors: It’s important to feel comfortable with your artist. One person accompanying you is okay, especially if it’s your first time in the studio.

Additional Questions:

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@theluckycat.net.

Ready to start your next tattoo journey? Contact us at TheLuckyCat Studio to schedule a consultation. Follow us on social media to see our latest work and upcoming flash events.