About Us
Black Dahlia is a husband and wife-owned private tattoo and oddities shop based in Albany, New York. The shop offers a truly unique experience, blending the art of tattooing with a deep love for all things strange, unusual, and macabre. Owners Suz and Jay Pittenger bring over a decade of experience in the tattoo industry, infusing each tattoo they create with a wealth of skill, knowledge, and passion. Their shared connection to both tattoo artistry and the world of oddities makes Black Dahlia a distinctive destination for those seeking something out of the ordinary.
In addition to offering exceptional tattoos, Black Dahlia prides itself on providing an eclectic mix of curiosities. The shop features a curated selection of peculiar antique items, macabre home décor, and religious, occult, and witchy artifacts. Each item in the shop holds its own story, adding to the overall atmosphere of intrigue and wonder. Black Dahlia has a particular passion for rescuing and repurposing vintage treasures, alongside creating original art pieces. This commitment ensures that the shop’s inventory is always fresh and evolving, with new and unique finds regularly added. Whether you’re in search of a one-of-a-kind tattoo or a rare oddity to add to your collection, Black Dahlia promises a special experience, where the weird and wonderful are always celebrated.
Tattoo Facts & Information at Black Dahlia
Design & Placement
The first step in getting your tattoo is to think about what you want. If you’ve already had a consultation or are getting a flash tattoo, you may have a clear idea of what you want. Consider the main element of your design, whether it’s a symbol, image, or something else. While platforms like Instagram and Pinterest can provide great inspiration, it’s important think about what you do and don’t want in your tattoo design. It’s important to gather reference images for your artist. Once you have an idea of the subject, think about where you want the tattoo on your body and how large you want it to be. Measuring the space in inches can be helpful when discussing size with your artist. This will help your artist bring your vision to life. If any fine-tuning is needed, we’ll work with you to perfect the design.
Budgeting for Your Tattoo
Tattoo prices vary depending on the artist, design complexity, and time required. Our artists may charge by the hour or per piece. Flash tattoos (pre-drawn designs) are generally priced per piece and may come at a discounted rate.
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Suz’s standard rate: $200 per hour
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Jay’s rate: $125 per hour
Ensure you confirm pricing with your artist before booking to avoid surprises.
Our Booking Process
To book an appointment, complete our inquiry form. You’ll be able to upload a couple reference photos through the form, but may also email additional references to your artist directly.
Response times may take up to a week as we dedicate time to each inquiry. We will also book appointments through text message at our shop phone 518-769-0368.
Consultations
We offer free consultations for all clients. While smaller or flash tattoos may not require one, consultations are available to ensure you're confident about the design and placement. Most consultations are scheduled in evenings via Google Meet, but in-person meetings can be arranged.
Deposits
A deposit is required to secure your tattoo appointment. The amount varies based on tattoo size and type. Your artist will discuss the specifics with you. Deposits are non-refundable, but transferable with 24-hour notice. Deposit amounts will be deducted from the final cost of your tattoo.
Arriving for Your Appointment
Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. If you’re running late please let us know. You can call or text the shop phone at 518-769-0368. Arriving late may affect our schedule and delay your tattoo session.
Parking: Street parking is available on Sheridan Ave, right in front of The Knick. Alternatively, there’s a parking garage near Empire Live at 111 N Pearl St, just a short walk away. Use the Park Albany app for easy street parking.
Accessibility: Our shop is located on the second floor. If you have any accessibility needs, please let your artist know ahead of time.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
We are an appointment only private studio, so please ring our doorbell, and we'll let you in. Once you step into the shop, we’ll ask you to complete a consent form while you wait. This is standard for all tattoo appointments, and it ensures that we have all the necessary details to proceed safely with your tattoo. Don’t forget to bring photo ID with you! Albany County requires two forms of identification: a primary ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) and a secondary ID (like an insurance card, bank card, or credit card). You must be over the age of 18 in the State of New York, at the time of your tattoo appointment.
What to Bring
We understand that getting a tattoo can be a bit nerve-racking, especially if it’s your first one. If you’re feeling anxious, we encourage you to bring along a friend or loved one for support. We have plenty of space for you and one guest to join you during your session. If you’re planning to bring more than one person, just let us know in advance so we can do our best to accommodate everyone. Please keep in mind that our shop is 18 and over, so all guests must be of legal age.
Here's some other important things to remember to bring for your appointment:
Water: Staying hydrated before, during, and after your tattoo is key to feeling your best. While we offer water in the shop, we recommend bringing your own water bottle to keep you refreshed throughout the process.
Snacks: Tattoos can take a while, so it’s essential to keep your energy up. Having a snack will help keep your blood sugar stable and prevent you from feeling dizzy, fatigued, or nauseous. Great options include granola bars, fresh fruit, high-protein snacks like nuts, yogurt, or protein bars, and trail mix. Avoid highly processed foods, which can cause a sugar crash and leave you feeling drained.
Comfort Items: We want you to feel as relaxed as possible during your session, so feel free to bring anything that helps you feel comfortable. Whether it’s your favorite blanket, a good book, headphones to listen to music or a podcast, or even a Squishmallow for some extra comfort, bring whatever will help you unwind. Your tattoo session should be a positive experience, and these items can help make it just that.
Aftercare
Once your tattoo is completed, we’ll provide aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing. These instructions will be sent to you after the consent form is filled out, and you can also find them on the Tattoo Aftercare page.
Follow aftercare instructions closely for the best healing process. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer free touch ups on your tattoo for the first year.
Payment
We accept both cash and Venmo for tattoo appointments. If you paid a deposit when booking, we’ll subtract that amount from your total cost at the time of your appointment. While we do prefer cash for payments, we understand that it’s not always easy to find an ATM. If you need an alternative payment method, just reach out to your artist, and we’ll be happy to work with you to find a solution.
Shop Around
Don’t forget to browse our shop while you're here! We’re constantly bringing in new and unique items for our oddity collection, so there’s always something fun to check out. Whether you're looking for something to take home as a souvenir or just love quirky finds, our shop is worth a visit.
We’re excited to be part of your tattoo journey at Black Dahlia. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. We’re here to make your tattoo experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible!