FAQ

  • Yep — Birdie’s Tattoo accepts walk-ins when artist availability allows. Walk-ins are usually best for smaller tattoos, flash designs, and spontaneous “let’s do this today” decisions. For larger custom work or more detailed pieces, booking a consultation ahead of time is the best move.

  • Tattoo pricing at Birdie’s Tattoo starts at $80. Final pricing depends on the size, placement, level of detail, and how long the tattoo will take. During consultations, we’ll talk through the design and give clear pricing before anything starts — no weird surprises.

  • Booking is easy. Fill out the consultation form on here, call the shop, or stop by Birdie’s Tattoo in East Nashville. For custom work, we’ll usually start with a free consultation so we can dial in the design, placement, sizing, and timing.

  • Not always. Smaller tattoos and flash designs can often be booked directly. Custom tattoos, larger pieces, cover-ups, or anything that needs design planning usually start with a consultation so everyone’s on the same page before ink hits skin. As always, consultations are FREE.

  • If it’s your first tattoo, no stress — we’ll walk you through everything. Your artist will confirm the design, placement, and size before starting. Once everything looks right, the tattoo begins. We’ll also go over aftercare before you leave so you know exactly how to keep it healing clean.

  • Get a solid night of sleep, eat a good meal beforehand, and stay hydrated. Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area. Avoid showing up sunburned, hungover, or running solely on cold brew and bad decisions.

  • Absolutely. Please do. Getting tattooed on an empty stomach can make you feel lightheaded or uncomfortable, especially during longer sessions. Eat something substantial beforehand and bring a snack if your appointment is expected to run a while.

  • Appointment length depends on the tattoo size and complexity. Small tattoos may take under an hour, while larger custom pieces can take several hours or multiple sessions. Your artist will give you a realistic time estimate during the consultation process.

  • Birdie’s Tattoo specializes in custom work across a range of styles, including fine line, blackwork, traditional, illustrative work, and artist-specific styles like cybersigilism. Each artist brings their own strengths and style, and we’ll help match your idea with the right person.

  • The right tattoo artist depends on your design and style goals. Check out each artist’s portfolio to get a feel for their strengths and aesthetic. If you’re not sure who’s the best fit, Birdie’s can point you in the right direction.

  • Yep. Birdie’s Tattoo is fully licensed and follows strict health, sterilization, and safety standards. All equipment is properly sterilized or single-use where required, and cleanliness is taken very seriously around here. Good tattoos deserve good hygiene.

  • Most tattoos heal on the surface within 2–3 weeks, but full healing beneath the skin can take 4–6 weeks. Healing time depends on tattoo size, placement, your skin, and how well aftercare instructions are followed.

  • Proper aftercare helps your tattoo heal clean and look sharp.

    Basic tattoo aftercare:

    • Leave the bandage on for the amount of time your artist recommends

    • Wash gently with fragrance-free soap

    • Pat dry (don’t rub)

    • Apply a thin layer of recommended moisturizer

    • Keep it clean and dry

    • Avoid scratching, picking, or over-moisturizing

    We’ll send you home with full aftercare instructions.

  • While your tattoo heals, avoid:

    • Swimming

    • Hot tubs

    • Direct sun exposure

    • Heavy sweating when possible

    • Picking or scratching

    • Tight clothing rubbing the area

    Basically: treat it like the fresh artwork it is.

  • Light activity is usually fine after 24–48 hours, depending on tattoo placement. Avoid intense workouts, excessive sweating, and friction on the tattooed area for at least several days. Your artist can give specific guidance based on your tattoo.

  • Not right away. Avoid pools, lakes, hot tubs, and soaking the tattoo until it’s fully healed — usually around 2–3 weeks minimum. Submerging a fresh tattoo can increase irritation and healing complications.

  • Life happens. If plans change, please give at least 24 hours notice whenever possible. Lastminute cancellations make scheduling harder for artists and other clients. Ghosting is less cute than it sounds.

  • Birdie’s Tattoo is located in East Nashville, Tennessee at:

    604 Gallatin Ave

    Suite 212

    Nashville, TN 37206

    Stop by for consultations, walk-ins (when available), or to talk through your next tattoo idea in person.

  • Parking is easy. There’s plenty of parking both directly in front of the building on Gallatin and across the street at Eastland Apartments. Parking is free for up to two hours, and Birdie’s Tattoo can validate your parking at the shop.

    If parking at Eastland Apartments: head west on West Eastland Avenue, turn right into the Eastland Apartments entrance, then take another right into the covered parking area.

    Once parked, cross the street and look for the Birdie’s sign. The shop is located on the second floor, Suite 212, on the backside of the building.

    There’s also free parking on many of the side streets off Gallatin and Eastland.

    No parking scavenger hunt required — we’d rather save the adventure for the tattoo itself