Frequently Asked Questions

At Electric Hand Tattoo, we prioritise great art, hygiene, self-expression, and customer service. Our artists use high-quality equipment and follow strict sterilisation procedures to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for our clients. We pair this with an abundance of real talent and effort. Our artists are always happy to work with clients to create custom designs that suit their individual preferences—while guiding them to understand what makes a great tattoo that stands the test of time.  We also offer a wide range of designs and styles to choose from.

What sets us apart from many is our experience and understanding. On the following page, we’ve provided a ton of information for those genuinely curious.
It might be a bit much for some, so we’ve also created a quick list for people who prefer things short and sweet.

A great tattoo shop is founded on the personalities within!

Booking an Appointment:
 

• Appointments can be scheduled via the website's contact form, phone calls, text messages, social media direct messages, or by visiting the studio in person.​
   
• Walk-ins are welcome, subject to artist availability.​
   
• Consultations can occur in person or via phone or video call.​
   
• A deposit is required to confirm appointments.​
   
• Tattoo Pricing:
   
• Pricing depends on size, complexity, placement, and artist.
   
• Minimum session prices:​
   
  • Matt and Shelldon: $150
     
  • Simon: (discounted) $100
     
• Smaller tattoos may have upfront quotes; larger pieces might be charged per session or hour.​
   
• Pricing and payment options should be discussed in advance with the artist.

Meet Our Team:

• Shelldon Bowers:
   
  • Over 31 years of tattooing experience in Australia and abroad.​
     
  • Specializes in illustrative designs, both in color and black & grey.​
     
  • Passionate about customer service and creating tattoos that resonate personally with clients.​
     
  • Enjoys classic tattoos, realism, and Japanese-influenced large-scale work.​
    
     
• Matt Falconer:
   
  • 7 years of tattooing experience.​
     
  • Focuses on colourful and dynamic styles inspired by modern gaming, animation, and pop culture.​
     
  • Skilled in contemporary tattoo styles with a fun flair.​
    
     
• Simon Lau (Goth Sausage Tattoo):
   
  • 3 years of tattooing experience.​
     
  • Specializes in smaller, everyday tattoos and is often available for walk-ins.​
     
  • Offers a variety of personal designs and flash art.​
     
  • Currently expanding into realism and black & grey tattoos, focusing on smaller to medium-sized pieces at discounted rates.​
     
  • Passionate about quirky, edgy designs and traditional bold styles.​
     

Contact Information:

• Address: 114 Bay Terrace, Wynnum, QLD 4178​
   
• Phone: 0414 451 441​
   
• Email: tattoo.me@electrichandtattoo.com.au​
   
• Business Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. If the gate is open outside these hours, visitors are welcome to pop in.

• We often stay late or go home early depending on demand. If you visit and we are closed please call if you need us we're not far away.

A great tattoo shop is founded on the personalities within!

 Booking an appointment is easy.  

You can book an appointment at Electric Hand Tattoo from this website by filling out our contact form.  One of our artists will then respond as we begin your journey to discussing and making your tattoo..... also Walk ins are always welcome, with no appointment needed, depending on our availability that day. 

  We like to meet you and chat in person if possible which can save delays in discussions and to aid in a more richer expressive understanding of what you want to have. 

Walk-in chats are welcome as well as phone calls, text messages and dm's on socials. 

If you call please leave a message if not answered and we will get back to you asap. 

Next, we will discuss your needs and talk about size, style and price etc. Some jobs are straight-forward and easy to estimate a quote and book without meeting, but generally we need to meet up to work out any custom tattoos. that may not be easy via text or emails. we can also offer video consultations if required and distance is an issue. 

sometimes a seperate appointment just for the consultation is required to see if we fit your expectations and to put you and the artist on the same page. However same day discussions and tattoo procedure the same day is very normal for us for the the more adventurous clients or for smaller/easier ideas.

 All the consultation and initial referencing and design time is always free of charge and then we can get to the work part, if were making an appointment there's a deposit once we know we're ready to go ahead and book in. 

All appointments and deposits are confirmed via text and we see you then ready to rock and roll.

The cost of a tattoo at Electric Hand Tattoo depends on the size, complexity, placement of the design and Also the artist you're working with. We offer competitive pricing and all our artists will work with you to create a design that fits your budget. Our minimum session price is set at $150 for Matt And Shelldon.  Where Simon has a minimum price of $100. making simple tattoos more acessable and affordable for our clients. He is also open to negotiations on his pricing for tattoos that help support his learning as he expands his skillset. 

• Cost considerations: Smaller tattoos are often quoted upfront, whereas larger pieces may be charged per session or per hour. Your artist can estimate the total cost, but keep in mind that predicting an exact price can sometimes be challenging. It's always best to plan with flexibility in mind.

Your artist will help create a schedule and payment arrangement that works best for you while ensuring the highest quality results.

Lastly, be sure to have discussed pricing and payment options in advance. Have your preferred payment method ready to compensate your artist accordingly.

Small tattoos can be a fun and meaningful way to express yourself, satisfy a whim, or add a little art to your life. While fine lines are a stunning and popular choice, not all designs translate well at a small scale. Trust your artist’s guidance on size, but never let anyone push you into a design that doesn’t resonate with you.

It’s also important to consider where the tattoo will be placed. Some areas of the body hold ink better than others, and what looks perfect in one spot may not heal the same way in another. Your artist may advise against certain placements based on experience with how ink settles and ages over time. Having an open conversation about your options will help ensure the best results.

Above all, remember that your artist is there to listen to your preferences while offering their expertise. Together, you can create a small tattoo that reflects your style and stands the test of time.

Getting your first tattoo

Getting your first tattoo is an exciting experience—but we know it can also feel overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve put together a few simple tips to help you relax and prepare for the best experience possible.

First, research your tattoo artist. Take time to browse portfolios and find an artist whose work resonates with you. Each artist has their own specialties—some excel at fine-line tattoos, others at realism, freehand, or cultural designs. Finding the right match for your style is essential to getting a tattoo you'll love.

Once you’ve chosen an artist, schedule a consultation. This is your chance to discuss your ideas, expectations, and any questions you may have. Open communication ensures you and your artist are on the same page before the tattooing process begins.

On the day of your appointment, come prepared. Get a good night’s sleep, stay hydrated, and eat beforehand to keep your energy levels up. Wearing comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area will also help. If your session is long, consider bringing snacks, a book, or headphones to keep yourself relaxed.

Finally, trust the process and enjoy the experience. Your tattoo journey should be exciting, memorable, and ultimately rewarding. With the right artist and preparation, your first tattoo will be a piece of art you’ll cherish for years to come.

consultation

Everyone has more or less a clear idea of what they want when they arrive for a tattoo consultation. However, its both ok to have no idea as well as having well planned thoughts about it. Being open to input and suggestions from your artist is just as crucial. Tattoo artists are skilled in visual thinking and image creation, and a collaborative approach can lead to an even better design than you imagined.

If you're unsure about what you want, don’t worry. Many artists can work with fragmented ideas or vague concepts, helping to shape them into something clear and cohesive. Keep in mind that while some artists excel at guiding clients through this process, others may not, so patience and understanding are key.

At our studio, we follow a consultation process inspired by the

 Japanese tea ceremony—the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu or chado) fosters a space for mindfulness, harmony, and respect, which can indirectly contribute to resolution and understanding. In this case undersatnding your tattoo.

 one person speaks while the other listens and absorbs. The listener then clarifies and shares oppinions, suggests ideas, and provides further input. This back-and-forth exchange continues, refining and shaping the concept until both parties reach an agreement. about what we will be doing, were more likly to do this over cofee than tea.

 Ultimately, you are never obligated to proceed if we don’t arrive at a design or approach that feels right for you.

Above all, the consultation is about you—your preferences, your vision, and making informed decisions. Your artist will ensure all necessary permissions are gathered to bring your idea to life. Embrace the collaborative process and enjoy the journey toward a tattoo that truly reflects your unique style and personality.

On the day of your tattoo

To make your tattoo session as comfortable as possible, consider a few key factors:

• Plan ahead – Be mindful of the duration of your appointment and schedule accordingly. Arrive relaxed or take a moment to center yourself when you get here. Let go of outside distractions and be present in the experience.
• Take care of yourself – Stay hydrated, eat a proper meal beforehand, and get a good night’s rest. These simple steps can significantly impact your comfort during the session.
• Bring entertainment – Depending on your preference, you might enjoy listening to music, reading a book, or even watching something on your phone (as long as it doesn’t interfere with the process). Studios vary in atmosphere—some are social, while others are quieter—so bringing options for entertainment can help.
• Dress appropriately – Consider your tattoo placement and wear clothing that allows easy access to the area. If you're unsure, ask your artist in advance about any recommendations. If you have personal comfort items like a small pillow, check if you can bring them along.

A note on privacy: Some tattoos may require partial nudity for proper placement. If this is a concern, wear suitable coverings and communicate any comfort needs beforehand. Your comfort and trust are important, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Follow up appointments.

Larger tattoos often require multiple sessions to complete. If your tattoo falls into this category, it's helpful to create a schedule that accommodates both healing time and consistency in the process.

• Session length: Clients often sit for long sessions—sometimes up to six hours of actual tattooing within an eight-hour appointment. While multi-day sessions are possible, they’re not always recommended due to the strain on your body. More frequent but shorter sessions might be a better option for some people.

A note for the more creative souls

Let’s take a moment to talk about freehand tattooing—a technique where the artist draws directly on the skin using markers instead of a stencil. This method is used for entire tattoos or to seamlessly connect existing pieces, fill awkward gaps, or integrate background elements into more elaborate designs.

Freehand tattooing is favored by many artists with strong drawing skills and a confident, fluid approach to design. If you choose this method, it's best to relax and trust the process, as many artists create their best work this way.

Unlike a pre-made stencil, freehand drawings are typically looser and more adaptable. Your artist will explain their vision and ensure they have your final approval before starting. Some artists may specifically recommend freehand for a particular tattoo, believing it to be the most natural and effective approach.

Ultimately, freehand tattooing is about trust, creative freedom, and spontaneity, allowing for a truly unique and organic final piece.

Yes, we require a deposit to secure your appointment time. The amount of the deposit will depend on the size and complexity of your tattoo or piercing, and will be applied towards the cost of the service.

Electric Hand Tattoo is a professional tattoo studio. Our artists are hard working and dedicated to providing a unique experience and custom designs to our clients. we endevour our greatest care with each tattoo process and design which can take many hours of unpaid personal time and effort.

We require and secure deposits for all future bookings with all clients at the time of booking.

All appointments and deposits are confirmed via text and we see you then ready to rock and roll.

Deposits are 100 dollars for smaller tattoos and 250 for longer sessions over 4 hours. Deposits are non-refundable in basic cases, However we do make considerations where possible. 

We are happy to move appointments with reasonable notice before the 24 hours prior and hope to work together on getting the job done as we don't want to take deposits for no good reason. "Same day" rescheduling of an appointment either before or shortly after the appointment will require a second deposit or full payment of tattoo to not forfeit the original deposit while securing a new time slot.

Deposits will be lost in the case of a no-show no call situation only. we are also very considerate of other reasons you may not want to go ahead after leaving a deposit. we endeavour to believe very few excuses but all good reasons, so please talk with us openly and honestly and we can consider a partial or full refund depending on what work has been done in good faith towards your tattoo. 

please note: its common for deposits to be given directly to artists in our industry. 

In cases where you have paid an artist directly a deposit please be aware that the agreement is between you and that artist as they are contractors. deposits paid directly to artists are not the studios responsibility or the owners obligation in any way. in situations where an artist moved we will assist in contacting them with you if you have not already been informed of any changes of that artists situation. 

if for any reason you are tattooed by a different artist here, that's ok we will honour the deposit and sort it out. 

It's also normal in our industry to "carry over" and re use the initial deposit with multiple bookings. Your artist and yourself are in agreement to responsibly keep track of this deposit when you pay the full session price and carry over deposits to new appointments. 

Our artists keep "no show" deposits in full with no commission to the studio and also any deposits you deem as "tip" at the finalisation and full payment of any tattoo if the deposit remains with no more bookings required. 

We accept joint deposits for group bookings. 

Golden rule A new deposit is required for all tattoo appointments.

in the near future we aim to automate bookings and deposits.

At our studio, We have 3 artists. Each brings their own unique style, techniques and expertise to every tattoo they create. While we all share a passion for crafting fun, beautiful, and personalized art, we each have different approaches and areas of specialization. Whether you’re looking for bold, intricate designs, minimalistic fine-line work, or vivid, detailed realism, we’re confident that one of our talented artists will align with your vision. Below, you’ll find a brief description of each artist’s approach and character to help you make an informed decision about who will be the best fit for your tattoo. And remember, it’s always okay to request your favorite artist from our studio to help bring your vision to life. If you're unsure or open to suggestions, we may also match you with the artist best suited to your design, based on their expertise and your preferences.

Learn more about our artists on the team page.

Meet Matt

Fun-loving, colorful, and into all things cool, Matt is the newest addition to the Electric Hand Tattoo team. However, he’s no stranger to us or the craft—Matt has been steadily honing his skills as a tattoo artist for the past seven years. A bayside local, he brings his passion for bold and dynamic designs inspired by modern gaming, animation, and pop culture. If you’re looking for vibrant, high-energy artwork that captures the essence of your favorite characters and themes, Matt is your artist.

With patience, precision, and an undeniable talent for bringing bright, colorful designs to life, Matt is a perfect fit for the Electric Hand family. Having worked alongside him during his apprenticeship, we can confidently say that his ability to draw from scratch and translate ideas into tattoos is truly exceptional. From contemporary styles to custom pop-culture pieces, Matt approaches every tattoo with a meticulous eye and a fun, energetic flair. We’re absolutely thrilled to have him on board.

More about our artists on the team page.

Meet Simon (Goth Sausage) Simon is our emerging dragon in his 3rd year of tattooing.

"The sweetest man in Australian tattooing." -Anonymous

With remarkable kindness and patience, he takes care of many of the smaller, everyday requests in the studio. Simon’s motto is “I respect your expression” bringing the same level of care and consideration to every client and their ideas, without judgement or harsh opinions. 

More about our artists on the team page.

Meet the Owner and Operator of Electric Hand Tattoo

Shelldon is surely a rare kind of artist—uniquely gifted, deeply passionate, and fully devoted to his craft. For him, tattooing goes far beyond technique; it’s a language of self-expression, built through years of focused dedication. With a thoughtful approach and a steady hand, he’s earned the respect of both peers and clients, always bringing care, intention, and clarity to each session.

His creativity, in its abundance, moves like breath between disciplines. From oil painting to photography, from music to martial arts, each pursuit feeds the next. Whether he’s restoring a vintage machine or studying the finer aspects of nature, Shelldon carries insights across them all. The lessons he uncovers in one practice often bear fruit in another—shaping not only how he tattoos, but how he connects. It’s all connected, and that connection is where he finds his energy, as your ideas come alive in the art you can feel.

More about our artists on the team page.

Look, for some reason, joking about this always works better than telling the actual, detailed truth. So let’s start there:

“Harden up, cupcake. You’ll be fine.”
“What, do your folks own a marshmallow factory?”

Okay, okay—we won’t actually say that (unless you ask us to), but if you really want, we could lie a little and say it’s “nothing.”

But let’s be real—it’s not nothing. It’s just different for everyone. The best thing is to 

experience rather than anticipate it, and hey, pain tolerance makes for great bragging rights later.

Come on, it’s not that bad. No, seriously, it’s really not that bad.

Tattoo studios aren’t going out of business over this, so clearly, it's manageable. And even if you’re a bit nervous, we’ll be kind, thoughtful, and make sure you feel looked after and respected—as the valued client you are.

We always say it’s kinda like sitting in a car on a long drive. If you can handle six hours on a road trip, you’ll probably manage a tattoo session of the same duration just fine.

Now, if you spot someone whingeing during a 15-minute tattoo… they’re probably just dramatic. Nope, they’re definitely a big-blouse drama queen singing to their fans.

It’s rare, but in some cases, we do work with people who have genuine pain issues, deeper fears, or real challenges. We see that, and we take care of those people in the way they need. But if that’s not you, please respect this process and let us focus so we can do our very best for you. And besides—it’s genuinely not that bad. Did we mention that? It’s not that bad. Really.

It’s true: if you want the tattoo, you gotta get the tattoo. Think of all those sexy people out there with ink—it mustn’t hurt if you’re sexy, right? It can’t be that bad, right?

It’s not.

Reality check: It’s only the really long sessions that can truly reveal who you are—in both euphoric and woeful ways. But your mum’s butterfly behind her ear? That’ll be done before you can even spell “I’m a big crybaby.” And let’s face it—Mums are tough. We do try when a mate slips us a quick fifty but we have only, almost made a few Dads cry.

Righto, cupcake, c’mon—be brave. It’s your turn!

What you think during the tattoo experience shapes how you feel it. Your inner monologue can either calm you or make it worse. If you start thinking negative thoughts, try to replace them with kinder, more relaxed ones. It really makes a difference.

Use whatever calming tricks you know. We’re happy to chat with you or even put on a movie to help. Just know we don’t allow much scrolling or fidgeting with phones during the session—it causes movement and stress for us. You’re welcome to set your phone up on a stand, and we’ll always take breaks when you need one. No worries.

Its true that our body understands the meaning of those words we think.

A question for the group; 

“Who here has been bitten by a horse?”
Shocked faces and laughs.

Don’t worry—it’s not as bad as that.

We’ll be gentle. Now, where are those rubber needles?