Tattoo FAQ Berlin: Answers Before and After Your Appointment

Use the contact form and send the subject, placement, approximate size, preferred direction and references. You may also enquire by email at studio@buggkat.de or through Instagram @buggkat.studio.

Include the subject, placement, approximate size, preferred style, artist preference and possible dates. Upload clear references and explain what you like about them. Cover-up enquiries also need photographs of the existing tattoo.

No. Select that you are not sure in the form. BUGGKAT matches the project with an active artist according to style, scope and real portfolio work.

No. A subject, placement, approximate size and a few references are enough to begin. The Styles page can also help you compare visual directions.

During opening hours, BUGGKAT usually replies within 30 minutes. Complete enquiries are easier to assess than messages without size, placement or references.

It depends on the artist, project scope and current schedule — we can't give fixed lead times per artist here. An early enquiry is useful for larger projects or a specific artist. During opening hours, BUGGKAT usually replies within 30 minutes and lets you know the available dates.

No. Existing custom designs are not copied. You may send a screenshot of the piece and explain which mood, line work, contrast or composition you like.

Every tattoo is priced individually. The estimate depends on scale, placement, detail, colour, complexity, session time and the design work required. In the free initial consultation, your artist discusses the project with you and you get a clear estimate before making a binding decision. When you reserve the appointment, you pay a deposit — we deduct that from the final price.

No. Style alone does not determine the price. Two pieces in the same style may differ significantly in scale, detail, placement and session time.

The deposit is €50. It reserves the appointment and is deducted from the final price.

We deduct this deposit from the final price at your appointment. If you reschedule with at least 24 hours' notice, it carries over to the new date at no extra cost. If you cancel at short notice or do not show up, the deposit is forfeited and cannot be refunded.

You can pay by card or in cash.

Sleep well, eat a normal meal beforehand and drink enough water. Arrive sober in clean, comfortable clothing and allow enough time for the appointment. Follow any additional instructions from your artist.

Wear loose, clean clothing that gives easy access to the placement and can tolerate possible ink marks. A change of clothing may be useful for larger projects.

Shave only when your artist specifically asks you to. Small cuts or irritated skin may affect the appointment.

No. BUGGKAT does not tattoo anyone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Arrive completely sober.

Yes. Tell the studio before the appointment about relevant medication, allergies, skin problems or health limitations. The studio does not replace medical advice; discuss individual health questions with a healthcare professional.

Yes. References, sketches and descriptions help explain the subject and visual direction. The final custom design is developed independently for your placement and project.

The design grows from your subject, your references and the artist's visual language — it is discussed with you and adapted to your ideas and your placement. We can't promise a fixed number of days in advance; how and when the design is discussed in detail is best clarified directly with your artist.

BUGGKAT tattoos clients aged 18 and over only. Bring valid photo identification. This is the studio policy and is not presented as general legal advice.

Yes. Walk-ins are available without an appointment Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 AM, for small and medium motifs and depending on capacity — a slot is not guaranteed. A prior enquiry is recommended for custom tattoos, larger projects or a particular artist.

A prior enquiry is required for a cover-up because the existing tattoo, photographs, feasibility and artist assignment need to be reviewed.

As a rough guide, medium-sized motifs usually take 2–4 hours including breaks. The exact duration depends on scale, placement, detail, technique and necessary breaks. Larger work may require several sessions. You receive an individual estimate before booking.

It depends on placement, your individual pain tolerance and the size of the motif. Areas with little fat and thinner skin — such as ribs, shin or elbow — tend to feel more intense than, for example, the upper arm or calf. Most clients get through the session well, and short breaks are always possible — just let your artist know when you need one.

BUGGKAT is located at Lübbener Str. 23, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg. The studio is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Consultations are available in German and English.

Follow your artist's individual instructions and the guidance for the dressing used. Wash your hands, keep the tattoo clean, avoid friction and do not scratch or pick at it. Use only recommended care products and do not apply them excessively.

A brief careful shower is different from prolonged soaking. Follow the instructions for the dressing, avoid strong rubbing and dry the area carefully. Avoid baths, pools, the sea and saunas until the tattoo has healed sufficiently.

It depends on placement, scale, friction, sweat and the activity. Adjust training and clothing so the fresh tattoo is not heavily stretched, rubbed or contaminated. Follow your artist's recommendation.

Wait until the tattoo has healed sufficiently and your artist has no concerns. Pools, the sea, baths and saunas add water, heat and possible contamination during healing.

Avoid intense direct sun during healing. After complete healing, protect the tattoo long term with appropriate sunscreen and clothing.

As a rough guide, the surface usually heals within 2–3 weeks, while full healing of the deeper skin layers can take a few months — this is a typical range, not a promise. Healing varies with scale, placement, skin, care and activity. The surface may look calm while deeper layers are still healing. Do not use one fixed number of days as the only clearance for exercise, water or sun.

Seek medical assessment when the tattoo is not progressing normally, symptoms are becoming significantly worse, a rash develops, or fever or other serious symptoms occur. Also inform the studio, but do not rely only on an online answer for a health problem.

Minor touch-ups are free within three months when covered by the studio policy. Send current photographs so the artist and studio can assess whether it is a regular touch-up.

No. New elements, changes in scale, later design requests or damage caused by unsuitable care are not automatically a free touch-up. The tattoo must be reviewed first.

Yes. Cover-ups, tattoo corrections and integrations are assessed individually. Send clear photographs of the existing tattoo, measurements and the new idea.

No. Colour, density, size, placement, skin condition and the new idea determine whether full coverage, correction or integration is realistic.