Tattoo Services Agreement Template

Tattoo Services Agreement

1. 1. 1. Parties, Artist, and Studio

   This Tattoo Services Agreement and Consent (the "Agreement") is entered into on [DATE OF SERVICE] between [STUDIO NAME], located at [STUDIO ADDRESS], operating under health department permit number [PERMIT NUMBER] (the "Studio"), the tattoo artist [ARTIST NAME] holding license or registration number [ARTIST LICENSE NUMBER] (the "Artist"), and [CLIENT NAME], residing at [CLIENT ADDRESS] (the "Client"). Contact details for the Client are [CLIENT PHONE AND EMAIL]. The Studio and the Artist will perform the tattoo services described in Section 3 subject to the terms of this Agreement, and the Client acknowledges reading the entire document before signing.

2. 2. 2. Age and Identity Verification

   The Client represents that the Client is at least 18 years of age and has presented a valid government-issued photo identification, recorded here: [ID TYPE AND NUMBER], issued by [ISSUING AUTHORITY], with a date of birth of [DATE OF BIRTH]. The Studio will retain a copy or record of the identification with this Agreement as required by applicable law. The Studio does not tattoo minors, and where state law permits tattooing of a minor with parental consent, the Studio will follow the additional verification and in-person consent requirements of that law before proceeding: [MINOR POLICY, e.g., not offered]. Providing false identification or misrepresenting age voids this Agreement, and the Client assumes full responsibility for any consequence of that misrepresentation. The Client also represents that the Client is not currently under the influence of alcohol or any substance that impairs judgment, and the Artist may decline service where impairment is suspected.

3. 3. 3. Design, Placement, and Final Approval

   The tattoo to be performed is described as follows: [DESIGN DESCRIPTION], with approximate dimensions of [SIZE], in [COLOR OR BLACK AND GREY], to be placed on [BODY PLACEMENT]. The Client has reviewed the final artwork or stencil, has confirmed the spelling, dates, names, numbers, language, and symbols in it, and has approved the size, orientation, and exact placement of the stencil on the skin before work begins. The Client is solely responsible for the accuracy of any text, translation, or reference provided, and the Studio is not responsible for errors in content the Client approved. Changes requested after the stencil is approved and work has begun may not be possible, and any additional work required will be charged at the rate in Section 6. The Client understands that a tattoo is a handmade work that will not be an exact reproduction of a reference image, and that skin tone, texture, scarring, and body area affect the final appearance.

4. 4. 4. Health Screening and Disclosure

   The Client will disclose all relevant health information before the procedure, including: allergies to latex, nickel, pigments, or topical products; skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or keloid scarring; diabetes; hemophilia or any bleeding or clotting disorder; heart conditions; epilepsy or seizure history; autoimmune conditions; hepatitis or other bloodborne infection; immunosuppression; pregnancy or breastfeeding; and current medications, including blood thinners, isotretinoin, and steroids. Disclosures are recorded here: [HEALTH DISCLOSURE]. The Client confirms having eaten within a reasonable time before the appointment and being adequately hydrated. The Artist may require written clearance from a physician, may modify the plan, or may decline to perform the tattoo based on the information disclosed. The Client accepts responsibility for any complication arising from information that was withheld or inaccurately reported.

5. 5. 5. Informed Consent and Acknowledged Risks

   The Client voluntarily consents to the tattoo procedure and understands that it involves repeated puncture of the skin with needles and the deposit of pigment, that it is intended to be permanent, and that removal is expensive, painful, and rarely complete. The Client acknowledges the following risks: pain and discomfort; bleeding, swelling, and bruising; infection, including bacterial infection requiring medical treatment; allergic reaction to pigment or aftercare products, which can occur years later; keloid or hypertrophic scarring; blowouts, fading, blurring, and migration of lines over time; color variation, uneven healing, and loss of pigment during healing; and interference with future medical imaging in rare cases. The Client understands that consent may be withdrawn and the session stopped at any time, and that work already performed will be charged and may be left incomplete until a further session is scheduled. The Client is not relying on any promise about the final result other than what appears in this Agreement.

6. 6. 6. Pricing, Deposit, and Payment

   The Studio charges [RATE STRUCTURE, e.g., an hourly rate of a stated amount with a shop minimum, or a flat fee for the piece] with an estimated total of [ESTIMATED TOTAL] for [ESTIMATED SESSIONS] session(s). A non-refundable deposit of [DEPOSIT AMOUNT] is required to book and is applied to the final session, not to the first. The deposit compensates the Artist for design and drawing time and for reserving the appointment. Payment is due at the end of each session by [PAYMENT METHODS]. Estimates are estimates: sessions that run longer because of the size, detail, placement, skin response, or breaks requested by the Client will be billed at the same rate. Gratuity is appreciated and never required. Prices for touch-ups are set in Section 10, and any redesign requested before the appointment beyond [INCLUDED DRAWING REVISIONS, e.g., two] revisions is billed at [DESIGN RATE].

7. 7. 7. Appointments, Cancellations, and No-Shows

   The Client will arrive on time, having eaten, wearing clothing that gives access to the placement area. Rescheduling requires at least [RESCHEDULE NOTICE, e.g., 72 hours] notice, and the deposit transfers to the new date once per booking. Cancellation or rescheduling with less notice, arriving more than [LATE THRESHOLD, e.g., 20 minutes] late, or failing to appear forfeits the deposit, and a new deposit is required to rebook. If the Artist cancels or reschedules, the deposit carries forward or is refunded at the choice of the Client. Only [GUEST POLICY, e.g., one] guest may accompany the Client, no children are permitted in the procedure area, and pets other than service animals are not allowed in the Studio. The Artist may end a session at any point where the Client is unable to continue safely, and time worked remains payable.

8. 8. 8. Sterilization, Single-Use Items, and Studio Standards

   The Studio operates under the sanitation requirements of [STATE OR LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITY] and maintains a current establishment permit. All needles, tubes, cartridges, razors, gloves, ink caps, and pigment portions are single-use and are opened in front of the Client, and are disposed of in approved sharps containers after each client. Reusable equipment is cleaned and sterilized in an autoclave, with spore testing performed at least [SPORE TEST FREQUENCY, e.g., monthly] and records retained. Work surfaces, chairs, lamps, and machines are barrier-protected and disinfected between clients. The Artist has completed bloodborne pathogen training, holds current certification [BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN CERT DATE], and follows universal precautions. The Client may ask to see permits, spore test results, and pigment lot information at any time before the procedure.

9. 9. 9. Aftercare Instructions and Client Responsibility

   The Studio will provide written aftercare instructions, and the Client agrees to follow them. Standard instructions include: leave the initial covering in place for [INITIAL BANDAGE PERIOD]; wash gently with clean hands and unscented antibacterial soap [WASH FREQUENCY]; pat dry and apply a thin layer of [RECOMMENDED AFTERCARE PRODUCT]; do not pick, scratch, or peel scabs; avoid submerging in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or baths for [WATER AVOIDANCE PERIOD]; avoid direct sun and use sunscreen on the healed tattoo; avoid heavy sweating and gym use for [ACTIVITY RESTRICTION PERIOD]; and wear loose clothing over the area. The Client understands that healing outcomes depend heavily on aftercare and that the Studio is not responsible for fading, infection, or scarring caused by failure to follow instructions, by sun exposure, by picking, or by use of unsuitable products. The Client will contact a physician promptly for signs of infection, including spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus, or fever, and will notify the Studio.

10. 10. 10. Touch-Ups, Revisions, and Refunds

    The Studio offers one complimentary touch-up per tattoo within [TOUCH-UP WINDOW, e.g., 90 days] of the final session, scheduled subject to availability, to correct areas that healed unevenly through no fault of the Client. The complimentary touch-up does not apply to: tattoos on hands, fingers, feet, elbows, knees, or other high-friction or high-movement areas; work damaged by sun exposure, picking, swimming, or failure to follow aftercare; white ink or light pastel work; or requests to change the design. Touch-ups outside the window or outside those conditions are charged at [TOUCH-UP RATE]. Because tattooing is a permanent service performed on the person of the Client, all payments are non-refundable once work has begun. Dissatisfaction with a healed result is addressed through touch-up or rework at the discretion of the Artist rather than by refund, and the Client is encouraged to raise concerns within the touch-up window.

11. 11. 11. Photography, Portfolio, and Publicity

    The Client grants or withholds permission for the Studio and the Artist to photograph or video the tattoo, the process, and the healed result and to use those images in a portfolio, website, social media, print, and awards submissions here: [MEDIA PERMISSION: GRANTED / WITHHELD]. Where permission is granted, images may show the tattoo and the surrounding body area but will not include the face of the Client unless separately agreed at [FACE IMAGE PERMISSION]. The Client will not be identified by full name without written consent. The Artist retains copyright in original artwork created for the tattoo and may reproduce that artwork as flash or in a portfolio; the Client owns no rights in the design beyond wearing the tattoo, and will not commission a reproduction of a custom design by another artist without permission. Permission granted here may be withdrawn in writing going forward, though images already published may remain in circulation.

12. 12. 12. Liability, Release, and Indemnification

    The Client releases the Studio, the Artist, and their personnel from claims arising from the ordinary risks disclosed in Section 5, from the permanence of the tattoo, from dissatisfaction with a design or spelling the Client approved, and from complications caused by undisclosed health conditions or by failure to follow aftercare. This release does not apply to injury caused by gross negligence, willful misconduct, or failure to follow required sterilization procedures, and nothing here waives a right that cannot be waived under applicable law. Except for those excluded matters, total liability under this Agreement will not exceed the amount paid by the Client for the tattoo. The Studio maintains professional and general liability insurance of at least [INSURANCE AMOUNT] and will provide evidence on request. The Client will indemnify the Studio for any claim arising from false statements about age, identity, health, or the content of the approved design.

13. 13. 13. Records, Confidentiality, and Reporting

    The Studio will retain this Agreement, the health disclosure, the identity verification record, pigment lot information, and session notes for at least [RECORD RETENTION PERIOD, e.g., three years] or the period required by the health authority, whichever is longer, in a secure location. Records may be disclosed to the health authority on request, in response to a lawful order, or as necessary to investigate a reported infection or adverse reaction. The Studio will not otherwise disclose the identity of the Client, the design, or the health information provided. The Client consents to being contacted about the healing of the tattoo and about follow-up appointments through [CONTACT METHOD]. The Studio will report communicable disease exposures and adverse events as required by law.

14. 14. 14. Governing Law, General Provisions, and Signatures

    This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of [GOVERNING STATE], and any dispute will be brought in the courts located in [VENUE COUNTY AND STATE] after the Parties attempt informal resolution. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the tattoo and replaces any prior conversation, message, or quote; it may be amended only in writing signed by both Parties. If any provision is unenforceable, the remainder stays in effect. By signing below, the Client confirms being at least 18 years old, of sound mind, not impaired, that the design and placement have been reviewed and approved, that the risks and aftercare have been explained, that all health questions were answered truthfully, and that the Client consents to the procedure. CLIENT: [CLIENT NAME]. Signature: ______________________. Date: [DATE]. ARTIST: [ARTIST NAME]. Signature: ______________________. Date: [DATE]. STUDIO REPRESENTATIVE: [STUDIO SIGNER NAME]. Signature: ______________________. Date: [DATE].

15. 15. Disclaimer

    This template is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Tattoo practice is regulated at the state, county, and city level, and requirements for artist registration, establishment permits, consent form content, record retention, minimum age, minor consent, sterilization procedures, and pigment restrictions differ significantly by jurisdiction. Liability releases are also narrowed by consumer and personal injury law in many states. Review and adapt this document with your local health authority requirements in hand, and consult a licensed attorney and your insurer before relying on it. Use of this template does not create an attorney-client relationship with ScanContract.