FAQ






At Rock City Tattoo, Lila is selective about the projects she takes on, focusing on work that aligns with her style, standards, and long-term vision for the piece.


ONLINE CONSULT:

All bookings start with the online consultation form. Please include your tattoo idea, style, placement, size and budget. Please be about 80% sure of your idea or concept when submitting. Providing complete and accurate information helps ensure your inquiry can be properly reviewed. Incomplete or unclear submissions may not receive a response. This allows time and attention to be reserved for projects that are a good fit.

All consultations are conducted virtually or by phone. In-person consultations are not offered at this time.


PRICING:

Every tattoo and every body is different, so pricing is based on the individual project, not exact time estimates. The ranges below are meant to give a general sense of investment, not a guaranteed quote.

NEW FOR 2026

All tattoo projects are priced as a flat rate. Factors such as size, placement, and level of detail are considered when determining pricing. Final pricing is discussed and agreed upon before any design work begins. A budget is required for all tattoo inquiries. This allows us to determine whether a project is feasible and how best to approach the design.

Custom tattoos projects are typically priced higher than designs from the “Available Design” gallery- due to the additional design time and planning involved. Hourly pricing may be offered at the artists discretion ($225hr)


Portraits start at $900

Smaller custom pieces: starting around $900–$1,500

Medium custom pieces: $1,800–$2,500+

Large-scale projects / sleeves: $3,000+

DEPOSITS:

A $200 deposit is required to book.

We accept Venmo/Card/ApplePay.

Deposits are nonrefundable and non-transferable.

Deposits are valid for 60 days. After that they are forfeited.

The deposit is applied at the final tattoo session (if multiple).
Deposits cover design time and holding your spot on the calendar.

Please do not submit a deposit until your design and appointment have been confirmed.

If you cancel, no-show, change your mind or do not get tattooed at your appointment, the deposit is forfeited.

Once a deposit has been fully redeemed, the project is considered complete. Any additional work requires a new deposit, approval and is treated as a new, standalone project.

RESCHEDULING:

7+ days notice: you can reschedule, deposit carries over.

4+ days notice for inclement weather: deposit carries over.

Less than four days notice deposit is forfeited.


SERVICES NOT OFFERED:

COVER UPS, FIX UPS, FINISHING/REWORKING OTHER ARTISTS WORK, LETTERING PROJECTS. Projects requiring tiny details (fingers, toes, etc.) or overly specific instructions aren’t accepted, as they limit creative freedom. Preferences are welcome, but exact list of flowers, elements, or placements are not. Names can be added with portraits. The artist reserves the right to decline any project at their discretion.


APPOINTMENT OVERVIEW

Rock City Tattoo is a private studio— each session is one-on-one, in a relaxed, focused setting. Lila will have everything prepped and ready when you arrive. Sessions typically include a short break every couple of hours to stretch and refuel, so please bring lunch or snacks. She’ll guide you on placement and sizing to ensure your tattoo looks it’s best for years to come.


ARTWORK PREVIEW POLICY:

We do not provide artwork prior to the appointment. We understand the desire to visualize the final product in advance, however the policy is set up in a way that reveals the design at the time of the appointment. This approach helps ensure that any final adjustments are made together, ensuring the best possible outcome. There is a blog post that covers this topic more in depth.


HELPFUL TIPS

Eat a solid meal two hours before your appointment and bring snacks— sugar, and caffeine help. Pack a simple lunch; sandwich and chips works great. Come alone. Avoid drinking the night before. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives access to the area being tattooed. Don’t tan or sunbathe 48 hours before, or take aspirin/ibuprofen or use numbing cream. Appointment start at 11 AM. For large sessions, rest and eat well the day before— treat it like prepping for an athletic event. There’s free parking in the lot behind and be beside the building, plus on street parking. Payment is cash only at your appointment. Most importantly— have fun!

PORTRAIT TIPS: SEE BELOW




Portraits



A high quality photo is essential. Low quality/ low contrast photographs are difficult to tattoo and as a result, may be turned down. Preferred body placement is a flat area (forearm, calf, etc), so the photo will not be distorted when the stencil is placed. I will request 3 photo references and let you know which one is ideal for a tattoo. We will factor in the lighting, pose, expression and detail. Portrait sessions are a minimum of 4+ hours ($900+)





YOU READ THE WHOLE THING? HELL YES, YOU’RE MY KIND OF PERSON!