City Hall says: The Department of Public Health and Wellness regulates, certifies and inspects all body art studios, including tattoo, permanent make-up, body and ear piercing. We also register all body art artists in Louisville Metro. Recently tattoos and body piercing have become mainstream and are viewed by enthusiasts as expressive forms of body art. Louisville Metro has observed a gradual increase in certified studios over the past ten years. We certify approximately 51 studios annually including over 302 registered artists.

Before you think about becoming studio no. 52, consider the state regulations, which are nine pages long.

At Prophecy Ink, 907 Baxter Ave., consultations are free, the hourly rate is $100-$120, with a $60 minimum. Their motto: “Good tattoos aren’t cheap. Cheap tattoos aren’t good.”

Related: Yelp reviews of Louisville tattoo studios. Lots more about tattoos in Louisville.