Tattoos at Smiley Dogg

Whether you know exactly what tattoo you want to get or just have a general idea, we can help!

Consultation Process

Step One

At Smiley Dogg Tattoo, the client's journey begins with a personalised consultation. Clients can expect an in-depth discussion about their tattoo ideas, preferences, and design concepts. During this initial consultation, clients discuss their ideas, preferences, and design concepts with their tattoo professional at Smiley Dogg to refine and finalise the design. This stage ensures that the artwork aligns seamlessly with the client's vision and expectations.

Tattoo Session Experience

Step Two

The actual tattooing process at Smiley Dogg is a meticulous and artistically driven experience. Clients can anticipate the artists using top-of-the-line equipment to bring the design to life with precision and detail. The studio maintains a commitment to cleanliness and follows strict safety standards to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for clients. Whether it's a small, intricate design or a larger, more elaborate piece, the skilled professionals at Smiley Dogg Tattoo dedicate themselves to crafting high-quality, custom artwork that reflects the client's unique style and personality.

Aftercare Guidance

Step Three

Post-tattoo, Smiley Dogg Tattoo provides comprehensive aftercare guidance. Clients receive instructions on how to care for their new ink to ensure proper healing and long-lasting vibrancy. This includes information on cleaning, moisturising, and avoiding activities that may impact the healing process. The studio emphasises the importance of following these guidelines to preserve the integrity of the tattoo, contributing to the overall satisfaction of the client and the longevity of the artwork.

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Guest Artists

Smiley Dogg Tattoo sets itself apart in the vibrant world of tattoo artistry by not only boasting a talented team of resident artists but also by consistently welcoming renowned guest artists from around the globe.

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Tattoo FAQs

Tattoo Process
Do you have an hourly rate / minimum price in the shop?

At Smiley Dogg, the pricing for our large-scale or multiple-session tattoos is determined by the individual rates of our artists. For smaller pieces, we employ a per-piece pricing structure, with a base cost of €100 for tattoos. It's important to note that providing a cost estimate over the phone is not feasible. To get a rough estimate, we encourage you to share pictures of your tattoo idea and provide a rough size through direct message, email, Facebook, or Instagram. However, for a more accurate quote, we strongly recommend visiting our studio in person to discuss your ideas. This personalised approach ensures that we understand your vision thoroughly and can provide you with the most precise and tailored cost estimate for your unique tattoo.

How do I book a consultation?

The most efficient method for booking is to call our shop directly. This allows us to gather comprehensive details and engage in a thorough discussion to provide precise information. However, if calling in is inconvenient, there are several alternative ways to schedule your consultation. Reach out to us through any of our social media platforms or email, ensuring you include the following:

  • Reference pictures from online sources that align with your tattoo idea.
  • Images of any additional elements you want incorporated into your design.
  • If you've created your own design, include your sketch for reference.
  • Specify the approximate size, preferred location, and whether you prefer black and grey or colour.
  • Provide a brief written description of your tattoo. We look forward to hearing from you and bringing your tattoo vision to life.

Feel free to reach out to us via phone as well. We'll engage in a discussion to explore and determine the optimal arrangements, ensuring a seamless confirmation for your consultation.

How do I book my appointment?

Booking your appointment is convenient with various options:

  • Reach out to us through our social media platforms or email.
  • Visit the shop in person for a face-to-face discussion.
  • Connect with us via phone.
  • Our availability spans Monday to Saturday, from 11am to 6pm. Upon contacting us, we'll provide personalised guidance to facilitate the booking process
Can I see the design for my tattoo before my appointment?

While we would love to fulfil this request in an ideal scenario, presenting drawings to every client weeks or even days prior is not feasible in our practice. At Smiley Dogg Tattoo, all drawings are revealed on the day of the scheduled appointment. We allocate sufficient time during each session to address any queries or incorporate changes. Be it significant adjustments or minor tweaks, we prioritise your satisfaction, and no tattooing begins until you are completely content with the finalised design.

Is there an option to get a cover up?

Certainly, we excel in cover-up tattoos, and most existing tattoos can be effectively concealed or corrected. To assess the feasibility of covering your old tattoo, we recommend visiting our shop. By examining the current tattoo in person, we can provide informed advice on the possibility of achieving the desired cover-up.

Is there an age limit?

Certainly, the minimum age for getting a tattoo at our shop is 18 years. However, if you're between 16 and 18 years old, you can still get a tattoo with the consent of your parents or legal guardian. To proceed, your parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the shop, where they can make the appointment and sign our consent form. Once the consent form is signed, their presence is no longer necessary for your subsequent visits after the appointment is confirmed.

Have you any tips to help me prepare for my tattoo?
  • In the weeks leading up to your appointment, make sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water to maintain the health of your skin.
  • Begin moisturising your skin daily at least two weeks before your scheduled tattoo session. Remember, the better the condition of your skin, the more optimal the result of your tattoo.
  • Plan to have a full day off from work for your tattoo appointment, as the duration may vary based on the artist's requirements to ensure a flawless final result.
  • Opt for loose and comfortable clothing on the day of your tattoo to enhance both your comfort during potentially extended periods of sitting and the artist's ease of work.
  • Don't forget to bring your appointment card with you on the scheduled day.
  • If your appointment is for a full session, come prepared for short breaks to grab a bite to eat.
  • Arrive at your tattoo session well-rested and avoid attending while under the influence of alcohol or hungover. It's essential to be in a suitable condition for the session.
  • Prioritise personal hygiene before your tattoo session for a more comfortable and positive experience.
Do you operate a walk-in service?

Certainly. Walk-ins are subject to artist availability and may vary daily. To confirm the availability of walk-ins, we recommend contacting us through phone, email, or social media platforms. Please note that arriving directly at the shop does not guarantee walk-in availability, as it depends on the daily schedule and artist availability.

Does it hurt getting a tattoo?

Our honest opinion would be - Yes! There are areas where the sensation may be more intense, but the level of pain also varies based on an individual's pain threshold. Pain perception is highly subjective, and it differs from person to person, making it challenging to provide an accurate measurement.

Is it possible to get a tattoo when pregnant?

While we do not recommend getting a tattoo if you are pregnant due to potential risks to your baby, if you still choose to proceed with this decision, we will not refuse your request. However, it's important to understand that this goes against our professional recommendation.

Where is Smiley Dogg Tattoo located?

Smiley Dogg Tattoo has two city centre locations in Cork. Our North Main Street studio is located in the heart of the Old Quarter and our second studio is located on the bustling Oliver Plunkett Street.

Links to our location found here:

Smiley Dogg Tattoo - North Main Street 

Smiley Dogg Tattoo - Oliver Plunkett Street

How much will this tattoo cost?

Regrettably, providing an exact cost is not feasible due to various factors influencing our pricing structure. Only after assessing your specific tattoo requirements and engaging in the consultation process can we begin to determine a rough estimated price. While our rates align with industry standards and reflect the quality of our work, it's crucial to note that we are not a budget-friendly shop. While we may not promise the lowest price, we do commit to delivering the highest quality and exceptional customer care.

Can I be an apprentice?

This question comes up frequently, and the path to securing a tattoo apprenticeship is far from a simple email inquiry. In fact, adopting this approach from the start may not be the most effective strategy. Initiating the journey toward an apprenticeship extends well before any formal request. The first crucial step involves becoming a client of the shop. Invest in getting tattooed, demonstrating your willingness to spend and showcasing how you handle discomfort or stress during the process. Cultivate a relationship with the studio over time. Once you've reached this point, you can gradually showcase your artistic prowess. It's important to note that even these efforts may not guarantee a position, so be prepared for potential rejection. Understand that tattoo artists have invested years of hard work, dedication, and sweat to reach their current level. Proving your worth is essential to gaining access to decades of their hard-earned knowledge and skill in the tattoo world.