What is Thornwood House?

Thornwood House is the private tattoo and art studio of artists maddmoll and AJ Richardson. You can find more info on our artists by clicking here. We offer tattooing services as well as prints, stickers, and other art pieces.

Accessibility Notes: Our studio is currently located on the second floor, and is only accessible by a set of stairs. Our plan for the future of our studio includes an additional ground floor, wheelchair accessible space, but unfortunately we are not currently able to offer that. If you have any questions or any specific accessibility needs (including sensory needs), please mention them to your artist and we will do everything in our power to accommodate you. Our tattoo chairs have a maximum weight limit of 550lbs. Both of our artists are English speakers.
COVID-19 Notes: We do not ask for proof of COVID-19 vaccination, but your artist may ask you to wear a mask during your appointment. This is for the safety of both or artists and our clients - even an illness like a common cold can put us back weeks in work, which is not ideal for anyone! If you are feeling sick or showing cold or flu symptoms before your appointment, please contact your artist and they will happily reschedule you.

Where is Thornwood House located?  

We are located in L’stikuk, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people - also known as Bear River, Nova Scotia, Canada. If you have an upcoming appointment and are looking for exact directions to the studio, please contact your artist.
PLEASE NOTE: Bear River has minimal cell service - make sure you have directions ready before you get to town.

How do I book an appointment for a tattoo?

You can fill out our booking form HERE and one of our artists will get in touch with you!

Do you take walk-in appointments?

As we are a private studio, we do not take any walk-ins. All appointments must be booked in advance through our booking form.

Do you have a shop minimum?

Yes, the minimum cost for a tattoo is $100 plus tax.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Our artists set their own rates, and rates differ for pre-drawn flash work vs. custom work. Our hourly rate for custom work is $150/hr plus tax. Your artist will provide you with more exact pricing details during the booking process.

Do I need to leave a deposit?

Yes, all appointments require a $100 deposit, which can be e-transfered during the booking process. All deposits are non-refundable.

For a first time reschedule, your deposit will be rolled over to the new date of your appointment as long as you give your artist at least 24 hours notice. For any subsequent reschedules (for the same appointment) you will forfeit your original deposit and need to leave a new one. You also lose your deposit if you “no show” for your appointment - that is, you don’t show up and don’t contact your artists ahead of time to let them know. Our artists reserve the right not to rebook you if you are a no show.

How can I pay for my appointment?

We can accept cash, e-transfer, debit or credit (Visa and Mastercard) for tattoo payments. Please note that tax is added to all costs, and that Credit transactions have an added $0.30 fee.

We also sell gift certificates that can be used towards tattoo payments. Gift certificates can be used for deposits or appointment balance, but must be presented in person at the studio in order to be accepted as payment. Gift certificates are available in set amounts from our online shop, or in custom amounts if purchased in person at the studio.
Gift certificates are also valid for any other in-studio purchases such as clothing, prints, stickers etc. but cannot be used for online shop purchases. Gift certificates are non-refundable. Please sign your gift certificate upon receiving it.
If you have more questions about gift certificates, please feel free to email us.

Will you tattoo another artists work?

Generally - no. Our artists are happy to look at reference pictures of tattoos or artwork done by other artists, but ultimately will draw up a new and original design that is unique to you. Some exceptions can be made, so please talk to your artist about this if necessary.

Can I bring a friend to my appointment?

You are welcome to bring one person with you to your appointment - we have a small space so cannot allow large groups to accompany clients. Please ask your guest to wear a mask. At this time we ask that you not bring small children with you to the shop - tattoo shops are full of needles and chemicals that are not safe for unsupervised children. Children can be accommodated on a case by case basis so please talk to your artist if you need more information.

Can I get tattooed if I am under the age of 18?

No, we only tattoo people above 18 years old, and proof of age is required at your appointment. No exceptions!

Can I book a tattoo for my partner/for a friend?

No, we cannot take third party bookings, as we need the consent of the person being tattooed in order to book the appointment. This means we must speak directly with the person who will be getting tattooed. If you’re trying to plan a surprise for a person in your life who loves tattoos, consider buying them a gift certificate.

How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Make sure to get a good rest the night before your appointment - don’t show up to your tattoo appointment hungover or under the influence. Eating a good meal before an appointment is also a good idea, and you are welcome to bring small snacks and a water bottle with you to your appointment. Moisturizing your skin is always a good idea before an appointment as well, but don’t worry about shaving - your artist will take care of that for you. Make sure to bring a mask as we are requiring all clients and artists to wear them!

How do I take care of my healing tattoo?

Your artist will provide you will aftercare instructions on the day of your appointment. You can also find our aftercare instructions online by clicking HERE. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to email your artist.

Do you do cosmetic tattooing (eyebrows, permanent makeup, etc)?

No, we do not offer any cosmetic tattooing services.

Do you do piercings?

No, we do not do any piercings.

Have a question that wasn’t answered here? Send us an email!