What is one of the most spontaneous things you have ever done?
If it’s not body art, why not?
Did we just inspire you and now you need to do something spontaneous? Come in and try The Machine! It’s a Get What You Get extravaganza of fun! Dispensing smallish tattoo designs, also known as bangers, gap fillers, and flash. You know, the kind that are perfect to scratch that itch for ink. Turn the knob, a prize egg descends just like when you were a kid (OMG, are you excited yet? I am! The suspense!), and you guessed it, you get what you get! $100* gets you one tattoo. What a steal!
- What is a Get What You Get Tattoo?
- But Why? Aren’t Tattoos Forever?
- Where did “Get What You Get” start?
- What designs are available?
- How much do GWYG tattoos cost?
- TL;DR – How Get What You Get Works
What is a Get What You Get Tattoo?
A Get What You Get (GWYG) tattoo is exactly what it says. You get a randomly selected tattoo design from a game or a machine. We offer an egg prize machine and a fishing game! Each option has its own designs. Our fishing game gets seasonal designs while our prize machine only gets new designs added as older designs are used.
But Why? Aren’t Tattoos Forever?
They sure are. Mostly. We know laser removal is a thing, as are cover-ups, but generally speaking, tattoos are forever. GWYG is all about taking chances, embracing surprises, and thriving in spontaneity.
Sometimes you just need a little excitement, a little rush of uncertainty for that dopamine boost. Sometimes a random bit of art is exactly what your life needs in one specific moment. You may want to mark an important birthday or life-event. You may want a souvenir while traveling. The act of getting the tattoo itself may be what’s needed more than the specific art itself. Not every tattoo has a deep meaning behind it, sometimes they are fun art for the sake of art.
Where did “Get What You Get” start?
Faith Tattoo in Santa Rosa, CA, was the first shop credited with offering the GWYG method around 2004. Since then the idea has blown up and shops across the world offer their own versions of GWYG. #GetWhatYouGetTattoo has been applied to countless photos and videos of customers unfolding pieces of paper and revealing the tattoo they just picked.
What designs are available?
While we can’t speak for other shops, our GWYG machine holds a variety of tattoos that includes everything from punny designs like a butterfly knife (a knife with butterfly wings) to whimsical designs such as a dancing frog in a vest. Our Gone Fishink’ fishing game gets a seasonal reboot. We’ve got books you can peek through to preview potential designs before you cast your line or deposit your token. Seasonal themes can include romantic designs for Valentines Day, creepy designs for Halloween, or an extra-special present for X-Mess. These designs are meant to be roughly 3-4 inches across (think palm-sized) and available in black & grey or color.
How much do GWYG tattoos cost?
Many shops offer GWYG tattoos at a reduced rate compared to bespoke tattoos of the same size. This makes them fiscally attractive while being fantastically fun.
Each token for The Machine is $100*. If you really aren’t feeling your design you can go again for an additional $10.
Each fishing excursion (no actual travel necessary) to The Bog is $150*. The Fishink’ Bog is always full of seasonal designs.
Tattoo placement is generally restricted to arms or legs for GWYG tattoos. You can discuss other placement with your artist for an increased price. LLTC will not do GWYG tattoos on public skin like the neck or hands.
We always have zero hidden fees. Your GWYG covers your entire tattoo from beginning to end. If you decide you want alternate placement the increased rate will be decided and agreed upon before you even start.
What isn’t included in this price? Your personal aftercare is not included. A tip for your artist is not included.
Your artist will go over aftercare with you at the end of your tattoo and let you know what product you can use. While we have aftercare available for purchase, you can also get it at CVS/Walgreens. You can also use a product you already own if it meets the requirements your artist specifies.
Just remember, tips are greatly appreciated but not required. We never add them to the final cost of your tattoo. If you feel your artist has gone above and beyond, feel free to show your gratitude with the best warm fuzzy of all, a tip.
TL;DR – How Get What You Get Works
GWYG is exactly what it sounds like. Whether it’s from The Fishink’ Bog or from The Machine it can’t get any easier.
- You pay one pre-set amount. It can be for either a token for The Machine or for the magnetic fishing pole for The Bog.
- You put your token into The Machine and give it a spin. Just like when you were a kid! What’s going to come out? Something amazing.
- Have the urge to pick one special prize egg in particular? Sounds like you’re more of a Bog-type person, and we love it! The Bog does cost a little more, but each design is made with a little more love. You’ll be handed the fishing pole instead of a token. Which egg you get is entirely up to you!
- After you decide if you are down for black & grey or color, you’ll head back with your artist.
- That’s it! The rest is the usual for a new tattoo. You can read about our suggested tattoo aftercare right here.
*$100 gets you one token for The Machine. $150 gets you one fishing trip in The Bog (water & bog muck not included). $10 gets you one more token if you absolutely cannot stand what came out of your first prize egg. GWYG is non-refundable in the event you decide against the tattoo entirely. GWYG is non-transferable (you can’t give your design to your emotional support friend you brought with you). GWYG is trade-able if you and your emotional support friend each want the others’ design.
