To make an appointment, please contact 50 Cal Tattoo at our main number or our website form. We will be in contact to set up your appointment at one of our two locations.

The more information you can give about the tattoo you want, subject matter, reference pictures, placement, size, and your availability, the easier it will be for our staff to help you. Always send reference pictures and ideas so the artist gets an idea of the “style” you are interested in and what you like. We will set up a consultation appointment if needed as well as a tattoo appointment.

We do get a lot of emails and we try our best to be prompt about responding to emails. We do our best to make sure all emails are responded to in as timely a manner as possible. Please be patient with us… we are artists.

We are an appointment-based business that focuses on one-of-a-kind custom pieces. Immediate appointments are available, however, it’s best to call or email ahead to set up an appointment and consultation.

While we are tattooing, we can’t always answer the phone or the door so, if you are looking to book a custom piece, please leave a message and someone will return your call as soon as possible. In tattooing, sometimes people must cancel last minute for various reasons, so we are open for WALK-IN days.

Sometimes we do have artists with walk-in availability but in general, appointments are best! We cannot always answer the phone or the door when all the artists are working so we prefer that you have an appointment (even for a consultation) so that we can dedicate our time to you when you are in the shop. If you do stop by and all artists are busy, you are welcome to look at portfolios and contact an artist to set up an official consultation.

Depending on your tattoo idea, it is usually best to have a consultation before your actual tattoo date. This will help ensure that you and the artist you are working with are on the same page before a drawing is done and the date of your tattoo approaches. Please be prepared for your consultation. Being prepared means bringing any reference material you may have (printed out) of your ideas, and images you like that have a similar “style” that you are looking to get. Anything that will help you get your idea across to the artist.

In most cases, the answer is NO. Since we do primarily custom tattoos, our artists generally prefer for you to pick an artist whose style appeals to you and who you can trust will do something you love based on your idea. There is always time for tweaks and changes before you start tattooing, but we have run into some problems giving out drawings ahead of time and find that it is better to go over the drawing in person at the time of the tattoo so the artist is there to explain and interpret the “sketch” and how it will translate to a tattoo.

We require 48 hours' notice for canceling or rescheduling appointments. Less than 48 hours' notice can result in the forfeiture of your deposit. We understand that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances, and we will do our best to accommodate any changes that need to be made as far as scheduling. The more notice you can give, the easier it will be for all involved parties. We truly appreciate your cooperation on this. Please respect our time, and we will do our best to respect yours as well.

We will provide a nice, comfortable, relaxing, and clean atmosphere for your tattoo experience. You should come, well-fed, well-rested, relaxed, clean, sober, and on time. We run a tight schedule, and everyone’s time is valuable so, if you are running late, please call the shop and let us know so we don’t assume you are a no-show. (559) 701-3551. If you cannot make your appointment at all, please let the artist know as soon as possible. The more notice, the more likely they can fill your space. Your cooperation on this is appreciated.

No, sorry, we do not replicate other artists’ work. We would be happy to take the concept of the tattoo you like and do something customized for you, but we cannot copy it.

Yes. We accept Cash, Visa, Discover, MasterCard & American Express.

Cleanliness is very important to us. All our tattoo supplies are single-use and 100% disposable. We practice universal precautions, and everyone is required to be current on all Blood Borne Pathogen Precautions training.

Since we are a custom shop, unfortunately, we cannot give you a price quote over the phone or via email. Your artist can give you a ballpark cost estimate at the time of your consultation, but the actual cost will depend on how much time it takes to finish the tattoo.

We do not claim to be the cheapest place in town, and we do not haggle our prices. In tattooing, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Our artists are fair and honest in their pricing, and we feel that in the end, you will agree.

Tipping is a nice gesture and is always welcome and appreciated. But there are no hard and fast rules for tipping so use your discretion and do what makes you comfortable. If you had a great experience and you are happy with a job well done, it never hurts to show it. Also please write a review on Google, Yelp, and social media.

Yes please! Eat plenty of protein and come well hydrated. Getting tattooed releases endorphins. On an empty stomach, these endorphins can lead to nausea. Light-headedness also can occur, so it is good to have your blood sugar up prior to getting tattooed.

Often, YES. In most cases, you will need an in-person consultation so the artist can see what needs to be covered up or reworked and can advise you on your options. Be prepared though, some tattoos are not easily covered up, and we may suggest laser removal before the cover-up process can begin. Your artist will let you know if what you have is workable.

Yes, it hurts. Some places hurt more than others (sides and top of feet…ouch), especially in areas of “thin skin”. The pain can vary even within the same tattoo and over different sessions. The best way to manage the pain is to relax, take deep breaths, and not fight it. The more relaxed you are the more manageable the pain. You signed up for this right? You can handle it.

All you need to do is keep it clean and hydrated. We suggest (and carry) Tattoo After Care Products including INK-EEZE, Hustle Butter Deluxe, Recovery Derm Shield, and Aquaphor Healing Ointment. We will walk you through the best aftercare process.

It’s important to keep your tattoo covered if you are going to any public place soon after you are tattooed. Remember, it is an open wound. It will peel and flake like a sunburn and will look ugly before looking nice again. Click here for our full Aftercare Instructions.

Your tattoo will start looking healed in 7-10 days. It can take up to 4 weeks to be completely healed and should not be exposed to sun or soaked in water until after this time. Do not go swimming, especially in ocean lakes & rivers, and avoid harsh sweating, saunas, and swimming pools.

No, tattooing only.