Costs may vary according to the artist you work with, but the shop minimums are as follows:

All tattoos require an $80 non-refundable deposit. The shop hourly rate is $130 per hour. (This rate does not apply to tattoo apprentices, please contact the shop email for apprentice pricing.)

Cover-up tattoos run $140 an hour. Cover up designs must be approved before sending a deposit in, or your deposit may be returned.

Extra fees for specialized tattoos may apply (Cover-ups, drawn on tattoo designs, armbands, etc).

*Draw-on time: $50 an hour (This is generally for larger pieces like Polynesian tribal or custom-fit designs. Smaller draw-on designs under 15 minutes, and drawn edits to stenciled tattoos will not be charged any additional fees.

*Across the chest/back piece: $20 fee added to total cost. Spine and sternum tattoos are included in this fee list. Symmetrical large stencils may take extended periods of time to align and apply.

*Armbands and legbands: $50 fee added to total cost. Any stencil wrapping all the way around requiring a specific alignment and connection falls under this fee list. Again, an extended period required for the stencil application may be required.

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Groups of two (2) or more getting tattoos at the same time will be charged the $130 per hour rate (unless a specific quote is given for each tattoo) - with the time starting from when the designs are approved and the stenciling and tattoo process is started, until each person is bandaged and given aftercare instructions.

All other tattoos are given a 15 minute window for tattoo setup and stenciling before the hourly rate is in progress. If you arrive after the 15 minute window from your appointment time, you will be charged a $40 late start fee if there is still enough time to complete your tattoo.

*Lastly, any changes in size during the setup and stenciling of the tattoo may change the cost of the tattoo and vary from your original quote if one was given. This may seem like common sense, a larger design will likely take longer and cost more.

Only one (1) guest per client is allowed back with the client in the tattooing area. Any additional guests can remain in the lobby until the tattoo is finished. Guests may be asked to relocate around the shop if privacy screens are needed or if the area is congested.

Clients that are both getting tattooed during the same time slot can sit together during their tattoos (i.e. for matching tattoos). No groups larger than two people total for matching tattoos are allowed back in the tattooing area.

Only adults who are 18+ and are able to provide photo ID at the time of service can be tattooed. No one under 18 is allowed in the building.

We do not tattoo anyone over the age of 60, due to the inherent risks of blowouts (ink spreading under the skin) and healing issues resulting from aged, thinner skin.

All tattoos received at Contender Tattoo are guaranteed for one year after completion, provided the proper healing measures have taken place. One touch-up can be requested ($20 fee) for any ink fallout due to inconsistency during application. This guarantee does not cover wear and tear, sunburned tattoos, mistreated tattoos, or tattoos that were damaged during the healing process. Each client is provided with a form to follow for proper tattoo healing procedure.

Tattoos done on the hands or feet do not fall under this guarantee.

Yes, the shop is licensed for tattooing in the state of Kansas. License #404-1207

All tattooers working at Contender Tattoo have valid and current Kansas Tattoo Artist or Tattoo Apprentice Licenses.

Unfortunately, this business is plagued with no-show clients who don't respect our time or effort. Once your deposit is placed for an appointment, it cannot be refunded. We require 48 hours' notice to reschedule an appointment, or you lose your deposit and you must submit another to book again.

Any last-minute rescheduling requests due to medical issues will require a doctor's note to reschedule.

Deposits will be retained for a maximum of one month after rescheduling your original appointment. After that time if a new appointment is not pursued by the client, the deposit is lost and another must be made to set up another appointment.

You will only be rescheduled twice before your deposit is lost.

All of these rules are to guarantee that you show up; we would much rather tattoo you than keep your deposit.

Paul Carlson:

I won't tattoo hands or fingers unless- you have a full sleeve, or there is previous work already done in those areas. I also don't tattoo: necks, faces, genitals, on the ears, armpits, or bottoms of the feet. Everything else is generally good to go. Certain areas may be more prone to difficult healing or blowouts, and I'll advise you accordingly.

Design preferences: I generally do not tattoo large-scale underwater scenes, outdoor scenic landscapes, American flags, or outer space scenes. Any artwork provided that is AI-generated will not be considered a valid reference.

*I may decline to tattoo certain types of content, and I'll politely decline in person or over email.

Paul Carlson:

I really enjoy putting my own spin on American Traditional and Neo-Traditional tattoos. I enjoy bold imagery and long-lasting designs. I complete a wide range of different styles, including Semi-Realism, Fine Line, Dotwork (Pointillism), Blackwork, and others. Check out my portfolio for some pieces that I enjoyed tattooing.

Be aware that styles of tattoos that I prefer will be prioritized in the booking process!

No, you can't get tattooed if you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding. Any risk of illness or disease transmission could potentially be passed to your baby. It is currently illegal to get tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding in the state of Kansas.