You book directly with the studio · no TatSeek feeⓘOpens the studio’s own booking channel — website form, WhatsApp, Instagram or email. You book directly with the studio; TatSeek takes no fee and doesn’t see what you send. How we know →
What to include in your first message
What the artist needs from you
Your idea in one line + 2–3 reference images more →
Known for Loose Screw Tattoo: Deposit: About 25% of the tattoo cost · Touch-up: not listed · Design: not listed · Wait: not listed. Policies differ between studios — call +1 804-342-1981 to confirm.
ⓘCopies a ready message with what artists ask first — idea, size, placement, budget, dates. Paste it into the studio’s DM or email and fill in the gaps.Copied — paste it into your message
★★★★★5.0(1864)ⓘFrom the studio’s Google Business Profile, verified Oct 2026. It reflects service and experience; judge the art itself by the portfolio. How we know →
Loose Screw Tattoo is a custom tattoo studio in Carytown, Richmond, at 3313A W. Cary Street. It opened in May 2011 under owner Jesse Smith and has been open for more than a decade. The shop does custom tattooing only; for piercing and laser removal it points clients to nearby studios.
Eleven artists work here, covering new school, colour caricature, black and grey realism and portraits, neo-traditional and traditional, dotwork and illustrative work, and the shop also hosts visiting guest artists. Each artist has a private room or a dedicated station, and the shop describes a 16-step sterilisation routine before every session.
Consultations are free. Artists charge by the hour of actual tattooing, with a one-hour minimum and rates from $200 an hour. A deposit of roughly 25% secures the appointment and comes off the final session. Walk-ins are accommodated when possible; the shop asks you to call that day to check availability.
Speaks:🇬🇧 English
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ friendly🎖️ Veteran-ownedⓘAs stated by the studio on Google or its own website — TatSeek doesn’t certify these. How we know →
Estimated hourly rate: $200/hourⓘThe hourly rate, as published by the studio or estimated from its price list. Most pieces take 1–8 hours; small ones often have a shop minimum instead. How we know →
Estimated Price Range
✅ Verified Oct 2026 — from loosescrewtattoo.comⓘPublished or confirmed by the studio (Oct 2026). Still a range, not a quote — the final price depends on your design, size and placement. How we know →
Small & SimpleSmall symbols, lettering, or simple line work — roughly 2–10 cm, about 1 hour
$200–250
Medium (Typical tattoo)More detailed custom design with shading — roughly 10–20 cm, about 2–3 hours
$300–550
Large & ComplexLarger, highly detailed piece — roughly 20–30 cm, about 4–8 hours, 1–2 sessions
$700–1500
Very Large / SleeveHalf sleeve, back piece, large-scale work — 30+ cm, roughly 10–25+ hours, 3+ sessions
Before you bookⓘDeposit, rescheduling and touch-up rules as the studio publishes them — the source and date are shown below. If something isn’t listed, ask before you pay a deposit. How we know →
Consultation
Free
Deposit
About 25% of the tattoo cost
Deposit off final price
Yes
Rescheduling
No penalty if you call more than 7 days ahead; within 7 days half the deposit is forfeited, within 3 days all of it
If you cancel
Deposit is forfeited when cancelling inside the reschedule window
Shop minimum
One hour of tattooing; rates from $200 an hour
Not listed — ask the studio
Late arrival · Design preview · Touch-ups · Typical wait · ID & age
Safety & hygieneⓘStated by the studio — TatSeek doesn’t inspect studios. In person, look for the health licence on the wall and needles opened in front of you. How we know →
Loose Screw Tattoo has a 5.0★ rating from 1864 reviews.
What happens to my deposit if I reschedule, cancel or I’m late?
Loose Screw Tattoo lists: deposit: About 25% of the tattoo cost; deposit comes off the final price; rescheduling: No penalty if you call more than 7 days ahead; within 7 days half the deposit is forfeited, within 3 days all of it; cancellation: Deposit is forfeited when cancelling inside the reschedule window. Policies can change — call +1 804-342-1981 or message them to confirm before you pay. How deposits usually work →
It varies: some artists send the design a few days before, many show it on the day and adjust it with you before the stencil goes on. You can always ask for changes before anything touches your skin. Design, flash and revisions →
Is a touch-up included?
Many studios touch up small healing gaps for free within a few months; after that, or for sun-faded work, touch-ups are usually paid. Ask before booking. Touch-ups explained →
Is the studio licensed, and how do they keep things sterile?
Expect to show a photo ID proving you are 18 or older. In the US some states allow 16–17-year-olds with a parent’s consent, others don’t allow it at all, and many studios only tattoo adults either way. Age and ID →
How do I pay, and should I tip?
Ask whether they take cards or cash only. Where tipping is customary (as in the US), 15–20% is typical; elsewhere it’s optional. Tipping and etiquette →
