The Lower Haight's longstanding tattoo parlor Idle Hand is hosting a special event this Sunday: Starting at noon, customers can choose any sketch from a "Get What You Get" book, with tattoos priced from $80 to $300. The last of these semi-regular events took place in mid-December, and despite rainy weather, drew a long line that stretched down the block for hours and prompted tipsters to write in wondering about the activity.
The event requires flexibility in design and trust in the artist: most participants pull a tattoo design from a gumball machine, and that's what they get. If risk-taking is not your thing, a book of the gumball machine designs will be available to flip through, and clients can select one that stands out to them.
Volume 1 of the Get What You Get book (Photo: Idle Hand)
All of the designs are original to Idle Hand, and sketched up by their team of artists. The full staff will be busy inking this Sunday, including Derick Montez, Holly Ellis, Jason Donahue, Ross K Jones, Austin Maples and Gary Royal. The biggest appeal of the event is the price tag—many of the artists who work at Idle Hand charge upwards of $150 an hour, making an $80 tattoo a steal.
Previous Get What You Get tattoos (Photos: Idle Hand)
While the event doesn't officially start until noon, it's so popular that clients are encouraged to get there early. "We suggest arriving around 9am but doors aren't until 12, so be prepared to wait," said Molli, who works behind the front desk.
The event will run "until our butts fall off," says Idle Hand, but most slots are filled up by 3pm. If you're itching for the tattoo needle, bring an umbrella: rain is in the forecast for Sunday.
