Availability:
Waiting times vary by artist and design, please ask your artist directly for more information using the contact form. In most cases smaller pieces can be scheduled much sooner, sometimes as soon as one weeks time, as they require quicker appointments and so they can be slotted in much more easily.
How do I make an appointment:
Use the contact form or contact your artist via Instagram directly @realleeavantgarde @dirtnap
Location:
You can find Avant Garde at 1 St Margaret’s Terrace, St Margaret’s road, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 4DT. We are based in an end of terrace Regency building, diagonally opposite Churchill Retirement Home.
Parking:
North Place Car Park (GL50 4DW) is the closest and most convenient, with it being located directly behind the building.
Nearby train station:
Cheltenham Spa train station is roughly 1.5 miles away and so it will take around 10 minutes to get to us by taxi and 30 mins by foot.
Can scars or stretch marks be covered with tattoos?
Raised or protruding stretch marks cannot be tattooed over as they create inconsistencies within the design. However, non-raised stretch marks can be tattooed over and may be masked, bearing in mind that these areas might not hold the colour, intensity or design as well as surrounding areas over time; and that you will be able to see differences in the skin texture.
Can moles be tattooed over?
We do not tattoo over or too closely to moles, as you will need to see your moles throughout your lifetime in order to monitor any changes. One of the key warning signs of skin cancer are any differences in size, shape, border, colour, texture or symmetry of your moles, so you will be better off avoiding tattooing over them.
Age restrictions and Our Policy for under 18’s at the Studio:
You must be 18+ to be tattooed at Avant Garde with no exceptions, if you look younger than 25 you will need to bring your ID with you. For safety reasons, no children are allowed to accompany you to your appointment. Clients who bring children will be required to reschedule their appointment and forfeit their deposit for the lost session.
Forms of payment accepted:
Cash or mobile bank transfer before you leave the studio, details will be provided on the day
Touch up policy:
These are provided upon request and are free within the first 6 months, after which there may be a charge
Can clients bring guests:
Due to limited space in the studio, only one accompanying guest is permitted per client. If you are coming in for a joint session, for example matching tattoos with friends or family, you are all welcome to attend together
Eating and drinking in the studio:
No eating or drinking is allowed in the studio however you are welcome to bring a water bottle and snacks for a longer appointment, as the staff room is available for eating and drinking. We recommend you eat a substantial meal beforehand to help with stamina, and sugary snacks are recommended throughout as this will help to stabilise your blood sugar levels. We provide still bottled water, Pepsi and Pepsi max at the studio.
Aftercare:
Take the clingfilm off after 2 or more hours (or if travelling times are not permitting, remove at your earliest convenience). Please note that the area will be bloody, hence why the clingfilm is applied after the tattoo, acting as a bandage. Gently wash with unscented soap to remove excess blood / ink from the tattooed area. Then dab dry with a clean towel and let the tattoo dry out for 36 hours (please do not apply cream during this time). After 36 hours you can then start to moisturise the area. Please continue to apply your chosen moisturiser 3 times a day until the tattoo has healed and the scabs have come away. You can then continue this process for longer if you desire, as the tattooed area will be drier than usual for a few days after the scabbing, until your natural oil replenish the healed skin.
How long does my tattoo take to heal fully:
Line work, shading and dot work tattoos can heal as quickly as 4 days to one weeks time, whereas solid areas of black or colour can take anywhere from 2 to 2 1/2 weeks depending on the area.
What if my tattoo becomes infected?:
In the unlikely event that you experience any concerning developments, please contact your doctor immediately for further advice. Common symptoms of an infected area include but are not limited to deep, persistent redness and weeping. Discontinue moisturising the area to let it dry out and breathe whilst seeking medical attention.
Tips for your appointment:
Wear looser clothing with easy access for the artist to be able to get to the are freely. Please only arrive around 5 minutes ahead of your allocated start time, as the artist is most likely to be finishing their appointment before yours. Please allow enough time for your tattoo as rushing an artist is not advised. If you are unsure as to how long your tattoo is likely to take, please contact your artist ahead of the day. This will also allow you to allocate the correct amount of time for parking.
Deposits:
Clients are required to put down a deposit of £50 for regular appointments; and 50% of the quote for full day bookings. This is to cover your artist against loss of earnings if you do not provide 48 hours notice of any rescheduling or cancelling, so the deposit is therefore non-refundable.
Rescheduling and cancelling appointments:
48-hours notice or more is required if you cannot make the arranged appointment date. You must let us know via email ahead of time. If this is not adhered to, we regret that you will therefore forfeit your deposit.
Consultation process:
You can ask to book a free personal consultation with your chosen artist by contacting them using the contact form (link). On the day, they will set aside 15 minutes to discuss your ideas with you in more depth. Your artist will sometimes take measurements of the area during your consultation, or may ask to see an existing tattoo if you would like to have a cover-up. Please bring along any reference pictures you have, you do not need to print these as you can use your phone to show the tattooist any inspiration.
When can I see my drawing:
In most cases the design will be ready on the day of your appointment. If the tattooist feels that your design is more specific than usual, they can show you the design a few days beforehand to go over any potential changes. This is because your artist usually draws the designs the night before, so it would be unfeasible to draw designs in advance.
Hygiene and sanitation:
All of our equipment is wrapped in disposable materials for single use only. This is set up freshly for every client; and we would hope it goes without saying that single-use needles are used for every client to ensure that we are maintaining the safest environment possible whilst you are with us. We are licensed and approved by the local council.
Student Discount:
Lee offers 15% student discount with Student ID. We regret that this doesn’t apply to minimum charge tattoos. Student Discount doesn’t apply to the purchaser of the voucher, however it will apply to the recipient should they qualify.