Whether you’re a first-timer walking in with sweaty hands and a Pinterest board full of ideas…
Or a seasoned collector adding your next piece of armor…
This is your no-BS, judgment-free guide to getting tattooed at Curly’s Tattoo Parlor.
We’re not here to gatekeep. We’re not here to flex ego. We’re here to give you clarity, confidence, and a look behind the curtain of how real tattooing works, without the pretentious shop talk.
That’s part of our rebellion: tattoo knowledge should be shared, not guarded.
Let’s break it all down, raw and honest, Curly’s style.
A lot of people walk into a tattoo shop feeling like they’re supposed to know everything already.
Spoiler: you’re not.
Nobody expects you to walk in with industry vocabulary or perfectly structured ideas.
At Curly’s, communication is everything; it’s one of the biggest values customers love about us.
And it’s one of the biggest things that sets us apart from more pretentious studios.
Bring references.
Not to copy, but to show vibe, style, symbolism, and mood.
Tell us the story behind it (if you want).
Meaning helps with design choices, placement, and small details.
Be honest about size + placement fears.
We’re big dudes with soft hearts; we don’t bite.
If you don’t know what style you want, just say so.
We’ll guide you without making you feel dumb.
Ask questions.
That doesn’t make you annoying. It makes you informed.
Tattoo pain is real.
Some people like it. Some people hate it. Most people survive it just fine.
Matt’s philosophy?
“Tattooing f***ing hurts, but talking, laughing, and being comfortable gets people through it.”
Here’s the real-world pain scale, not the sugar-coated one:
Feels like: annoying cat scratches with some spice.
Feels like: hot scratching + someone poking you with intention.
Feels like: your soul reconsidering your decisions.
But here’s the thing:
We take breaks, we check in, and we talk you through it.
You’re not here to prove your toughness. We’ve tattooed bikers and first-timers; pain tolerance is different for everyone.
Some shops hide behind booking portals and automated forms.
Not Curly’s.
Matt prefers real conversations, either by phone call or DM, because it builds trust and connection.
Perfect if you want:
Come in, talk to us, we’ll sketch it, and we’ll get to work.
Best for:
A deposit is required, we prep your design, and you show up ready to roll.
Either way, you’re dealing with humans, not forms.
That’s the Curly’s advantage.
There are a million tattoo styles out there, but these are the ones we specialize in at Curly’s, and the ones most clients ask about.
Matt’s specialty. Thick lines, strong colors, timeless imagery.
Perfect if you want something bold that ages like whiskey, strong and steady.
Matt also specializes in this. Think portraits, skulls, roses, animals, angels, and memorial pieces.
Emotional, detailed, and dramatic.
Bryan’s playground.
Not tribal, but that gritty ’90s art style you’d find on flash walls, band merch, or biker patches.
We do them too, no judgment.
Tiny hearts, dainty florals, subtle symbols, perfect for first-timers.
Short answer: Yes.
We take anything that walks through the door.
Just bring the idea, we’ll bring the craftsmanship.
Placement matters for:
Here’s a simple breakdown:
We’ll always make sure you know the social + career implications, not to talk you out of it, but to respect your long-term future.
We’ll mark a few options and show you how each one changes the look.
You’ll know what feels right when you see it.
We keep pricing fair. Working-class pride is part of our identity.
Pricing depends on:
We’ll always give you a roundabout price upfront.
No surprises. No awkward “uhhhh how much is this going to be?” moments.
The tattoo isn’t done when you leave the shop.
You’ve got homework.
We’ll walk you through everything before you leave, no confusion, no second-guessing.
Curly’s Tattoo Parlor isn’t just a shop.
It’s Athens’ rebel headquarters, a place where people come to express themselves, heal, celebrate, or simply look badass.
Whether you’re Emily getting your first tiny tattoo…
Or Jake adding another skull to the collection…
Or someone who just wants a tattoo that feels like you…
We’re here to help you feel comfortable in your own skin, without softening the outlaw spirit that defines us.
Come talk to us.
Ask questions.
Bring ideas.
Let’s make something unforgettable.