Meet Our Tattoo Artists
At Valhalla Studio, our talented team of tattoo artists boasts 19 years of collective industry experience. We're proud to offer a diverse range of styles and expertise to bring your tattoo ideas to life. Each Valhalla artist brings a unique flair of creativity and style to their work, inspired by various styles such as neo-traditional, blackwork, dot work tattoos, and more.
Owner & Tattoo Artist: Iain Strannigan
Iain Strannigan is a qualified artist, graphic designer, and time-served illustrator. Having worked in local and international tattoo studios, Iain established Valhalla Tattoo Studio in 2013. He enjoys working in various tattoo styles, ensuring each piece is unique and tailored to the client's vision.
Resident Tattoo Artist: Steven McGinn
Steven McGinn has been tattooing for four years. He started as a junior artist at Valhalla in 2020 and is heavily influenced by comic book illustration and anime styles. Steven’s creative approach brings a dynamic and fresh perspective to our studio.
Junior Tattoo Artist: Heather McAllister
Heather McAllister has been working at Valhalla since the start of 2022. She enjoys all styles of tattooing and is currently focused on small to medium pieces while building up her skill set. Heather’s dedication and passion for tattooing shine through in every piece she creates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Do I Book an Appointment?Booking an appointment at our tattoo shop is easy. You can call us at 01563 539617, visit our studio in Kilmarnock, or use our online booking system on our website. We're here to make the process as convenient as possible for you.
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Do I Need to Make a Deposit for My Appointment?Yes, a 20% deposit is required to secure your appointment. Upon completion, this deposit will be deducted from the final price of your tattoo. This will ensure your spot is reserved and help us manage our schedule efficiently.
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How Do I Prepare for My Tattoo Appointment?To prepare for your tattoo appointment, ensure you are well-rested, hydrated, and have eaten beforehand, as these sessions can last a couple of hours. In addition, avoid alcohol and wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. This will help ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for your custom tattoo design in Kilmarnock.
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Can I Bring My Own Design?Absolutely! We encourage you to bring your own reference designs. Our talented tattoo artists will collaborate with you to create a custom tattoo design that meets your vision. Please note that our tattoo artists in Scotland don’t imitate other artists' work; they simply use it as a guideline for your custom-designed tattoo.
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How Much Will My Tattoo Cost?Tattoo pricing varies based on size, complexity, and placement. Our minimum charge is £50, and larger or more intricate designs will be priced accordingly. Consultations are available to provide more accurate estimates based on your specific design and requirements.
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Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt?Pain levels vary depending on individual tolerance and the location of the tattoo. Our experienced tattoo artists strive to make the process as comfortable as possible, using techniques to minimise discomfort.
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How Long Will My Tattoo Take to Heal?Healing times can vary, but generally, a tattoo takes about 2–4 weeks to heal on the surface. Complete healing, including beneath the skin, can take several months. Following our aftercare instructions will help ensure proper healing.
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What Aftercare is Required for My Tattoo?We provide detailed aftercare instructions post-session. These typically include keeping the tattoo clean, avoiding sun exposure, and applying recommended ointments. Proper aftercare is essential for the longevity and appearance of your tattoo.
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Can I Get a Tattoo If I’m Pregnant or Breastfeeding?It is generally advised to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding before getting a tattoo. This is to avoid any potential risks to you and your baby.
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What is Your Policy on Touch-Ups?We offer free touch-ups within the first few months after your tattoo if you are unsatisfied. After this period, a touch-up fee may apply. Please note that hand and foot tattoos are excluded due to the unique nature of the skin in these areas.
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Do You Offer Cover-Up Tattoos?Yes, we specialise in cover-up tattoos. Schedule a consultation so we can assess your existing tattoo and discuss design options that will effectively cover or enhance it. At Valhalla Studio, we also provide a comprehensive laser tattoo removal service, perfect for those seeking to remove unwanted tattoos.
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Can I Get Tattooed Over Scars?In many cases, yes. Tattooing over scars depends on the scar's age, type, and condition. Consult with one of our tattoo artists to determine the best approach for your situation.
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Are Your Needles and Equipment Sterile?Yes. Valhalla Studio adheres to strict sterilisation and hygiene protocols, using single-use needles and sterilised equipment for each client. Your health and safety are our biggest priorities.
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What Styles of Tattoos Do You Specialise In?Our tattoo artists specialise in various styles, including traditional, realism, black and grey, watercolour, and more. Check out our portfolio for examples of our work, and find the style that suits you best.
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Do You Offer Consultations?Yes, we offer consultations to discuss your ideas, design options, and any questions you may have about the tattoo process. Depending on your preference, we offer both in-person and online consultations. However, we charge a fee for in-person consultations.
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Can I get a Tattoo if I Have a Medical Condition?If you have a medical condition, it's important to consult with your doctor first. Inform us of any medical conditions or medications you're taking so we can ensure your safety during the tattoo process.
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Will The Laser Burn Me?No. This is a common misconception. It does not burn the tattoo out the skin. The Laser generates a photo-mechanical reaction to remove the tattoo, not a photo-thermal reaction. It is like a shock wave that shatters the ink into smaller particles.
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Can The Laser Scar Me?The laser only targets the ink particles of the tattoo, leaving the surrounding tissues undisturbed. Therefore, the risk of scarring is very low.
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Will It Hurt?It is not any worse than getting tattooed. The Laser operates at high speed which reduces overall time per treatment. Recently developed procedures are applied with each treatment reducing discomfort up to 50% and significantly less post-treatment swelling, less skin-surface damage, which means less potential for infection and faster healing times. The treatment area will feel hot after treatment, similar to getting tattooed.
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My Tattoo Has A Lot Of Different Colours, Can You Still Remove It?"My tattoo has a lot of different colours, can you still remove it? Certain colours respond very well to treatment e.g. black, dark blue and red. Green and pastel colours tend not to respond as quickly and may require further treatments.
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How Many Sessions To Completely Remove It?There are many factors which affect the amount of treatments required to completely remove a tattoo e.g. ink type, colours used, tattoo depth/age, skin colour and texture. Generally complete removal requires approximately 8 – 14 treatments. This will be fully discussed during your consultation.
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How Many Sessions If I Want A Cover Up Tattoo?The same factors as above also affect the amount of treatments required to lighten a tattoo in preparation for a cover up. Generally, lightening requires approximately 3 – 8 treatments. This will be fully discussed during your consultation. If your cover up is being done at Valhalla, the tattoo artist working with you will continually check on the progress of your removal. Ensuring you have the necessary laser treatment required.
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How Much Will My Treatment Cost?Prices vary per treatment depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo being removed. These factors will be discussed in full during your consultation and price per treatment will also be agreed upon. Prices start at £20 per session.
Get in Touch
For more information or to book an appointment with some of the best tattoo artists in Scotland, please contact Valhalla Studio today. Our friendly and private studio is open five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday.
Tel: 01563539617 Email: info@valhallastudio.co.uk