Welcome to Pain & Wonder | Tattoo & Piercing | Athens, GA
Welcome to Pain & Wonder | Tattoo & Piercing | Athens, GA
Pain & Wonder | Tattoo & Piercing | Athens, GA
Staff at Pain & Wonder Tattoo & Piercing | Athens, GA

Meet the Team

Bethrah Szumski, Piercer

Bethrah Szumski

Piercer

Bethrah has been piercing since 1995. After completing her Gauntlet course work she was mentored by Elayne Angel who has continued to provide both professional and personal support throughout her career.

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Randy Smyre, Piercer

Randy Smyre

Piercer

Randy has been piercing since 1995 and came to work for Pain and Wonder in 2000. He is a long time member of the APP. He enjoys doing unique, technical ear work and collecting interesting jewelry for his clients.
Bato Veljkov, Piercer

Bato Veljokov

Piercer

Bato (bah-toe) has been a professional body piercer since 2010. Pulling inspiration from the historical, modern, and spiritual connections to body piercing and body alteration he aims to provide an excellent bedside manner and to guide you through the piercing process from beginning to healed in a straightforward, experienced, and kind manner. From simple earlobes to heavier and more intimate piercing projects Bato is here to answer your questions and help direct you on your journey through the adventure of body piercing.
Qulock, Resident Artist

Qulock

Resident Tattoo Artist

Qulock relocated from Atlanta where he has been tattooing since 1995. He was born overseas and spent much of his childhood in Japan which influenced his taste in pop culture and art, from Menga to street art. Qulock’s favorite part of tattooing is working with individuals to come up with the perfect collaboration of ideas to make a great custom piece for each client. He also enjoys always having the coolest shoes in the studio.
Maryanne Martin, Resident Artist

Maryanne Martin

Resident Tattoo Artist

Maryanne is a tattoo artist from Monroe, GA, who began her apprenticeship in 2020 and started tattooing professionally in 2022. She specializes in black and grey, fine line, illustrative tattoos, and also has a deep appreciation for neo-traditional and color realism, bringing bold and dynamic designs to life. When she’s not tattooing, Maryanne loves to play video games, and is caught up on every tv show ever created.
Kai, Resident Artist

Kai

Resident Tattoo Artist

Kai is marvelous and their bio is coming soon!
Gabi, Resident Artist

Gabi

Resident Tattoo Artist

Gabi is a bubbly spirit and one of Pain and Wonders newest additions! They love creating bold, vibrant tattoos inspired by history, fantasy, and horror. While they specialize in traditional and neo-traditional tattoos, Gabi is experienced in a wide variety of tattoo styles! Gabi has been tattooing for over two years. They started their career in Atlanta and spent a period of time traveling the South learning as much as they could. When not tattooing, they love playing video games, baking, and performing in comedy shows around town. Gabi is here to elevate your tattoo experience with kindness and color!
Klée, Resident Artist

Klée

Resident Tattoo Artist

Originally from Savannah, GA, Klée relocated to Athens in 2018 to complete their BFA in printmaking at UGA. They started with us as counter staff in 2021, and after apprenticing at another local Athens tattoo shop, they have recently returned as a resident artist. Klée began tattooing professionally in November 2023 and loves creating illustrative tattoos inspired by their love for silly creatures, nature, and traditional tattoo imagery. When not tattooing, you can find Klée hunting for trinkets and antiques, caring for their plants, and reading.
Carolyn Rittweger, Office

Carolyn Rittweger

Office

Carolyn bio

Getting Tattooed

  • You MUST be 18 years of age to receive a tattoo, regardless of parental consent.
  • Valid Photo ID* showing you are 18 years of age or older is required.
  • Please eat a meal before your appointment.

*(A Valid Photo ID is a Driver’s License, Passport or State-issued Identification Card. Photocopied IDs ARE NOT acceptable.)

For the quickest response please email us directly at PAINANDWONDER@GMAIL.COM with ALL the information below. Step 1: Choose an artist. If you are unsure who you want to work with, you can visit the staff to help decide. Or skip to step 2 and we can recommend the artist that will work best for your project based on your references or ideas. Step 2: Send us a full description of what you are wanting to get and include the following:

  • Where you want it on your body
  • Roughly how big (in inches. length and width)
  • Include any photo references you would like the artist to have.
  • Full color? Black and grey? Black only?
  • Do you have a particular budget you are trying to stay within?
  • IF THIS IS A COVER-UP. Please include a clear photo of your current tattoo. The photo needs to be easily identifiable to what area on the body it is. Extreme close-ups on the tattoo are not necessary unless we ask.

Step 3: Choosing an appointment time and date. Once we have all the pertinent information from above, we can send you a list of an artist’s next available dates and times and you can choose which one works best for you.

  • If you have a preferred day or time that works best for you let us know ahead.
  • If you want a specific date and/or a specific artist please email at least 24hrs ahead as same-day appointments are NEVER guaranteed to be available. For the best chance on getting exact dates it is recommended to contact us 1 month prior to your preferred date and time.

Step 4: Once the above steps have been completed we will ask you to put down a non-refundable deposit to reserve your appointment. The deposit required is $100 and goes towards the final cost of your tattoo. We take deposits via PayPal or Square and will give you those instructions once everything previous has been confirmed.

Advanced appointments require a minimum $100 (non refundable) deposit that is applied towards the tattoo. To reschedule an appointment we require at least a 24 hour notice. We will allow for 3 total reschedules. After 3, a new deposit will be required to schedule again. After a cancellation a we will hold the deposit for 3 months from the date of the cancellation. After that time, a new deposit will be required to make a new appointment. If no cancellations were ever made, a deposit will be held for 1 year. No call, no show for an appointment, over 30 minutes late with no advanced call in, or arriving with any level of intoxication will result in loss of deposit.

The minimum price for a tattoo is $100. The cost for your specific piece will be quoted ahead of time. The sitting price for large ongoing projects will be established with your artist.  Some of the preliminary work related to a tattoo is still done in person- but most is now done via email.

  • No Alcohol – Do not drink or “party” heavily the night before or at all on the day you get tattooed or pierced.
  • Good Mentality – Make sure you are in good physical (well rested) and emotional health when you come in. Stay relaxed and get into the zone – that’ll help make the experience a good one!
  • Food is Good – Be sure to eat a good meal before you come in. Feel free to bring in water and some snacks, you may need them, especially for a long tattoo sitting.
  • Bring your ID – Make sure you bring the required ID! Trying to track it down is a real hassle once you have arrived and are ready to get tattooed or pierced.
  • What to Wear – Consider the location of your new tattoo or piercing and dress accordingly.

The life of your tattoo is dependent upon the care it receives within the first few days. It takes about two weeks to heal and two more weeks to settle in.

  • Keep your tattoo bandaged from 2 to 10 hours
  • Remove bandage
  • Gently wash tattoo with cool soapy water
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Lightly pat dry with a clean towel
  • With clean hands, apply a thin layer of ointment such as A&D or Bacitracin 2 or 3 times a day for 4 or 5 days
  • After the 5th day, apply a thin layer of fragrance free lotion such as Lubriderm, Jergens or Eucerin 5 or 6 times a day for the entire healing process, 22 or 23 days

If a rash occurs (bumps on or around the tattoo as with an allergic reaction) or redness persists, discontinue use and call us for suggestions or product alternatives.

When caring for your tattoo avoid the following:

  • DO NOT Re-bandage your tattoo
  • DO NOT use Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly
  • DO NOT use Alcohol or Peroxide
  • DO NOT Pick or Scratch your tattoo
  • DO NOT soak your tattoo in the tub or shower – get in, get clean, get out!
  • DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight and/or tanning beds
  • STAY OUT of pools, hot tubs, oceans, etc. for two weeks

Getting Pierced

Accepted forms of payment at time of service: cash or credit. Choose carefully, ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

PRICES ARE INCLUDING BASIC JEWELRY. HUNDREDS OF UPGRADE OPTIONS AVAILABLE!! ALL JEWELRY IS IMPLANT GRADE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESIONAL PIERCERS APPROVED MATERIAL.

 Anatomy varies from person to person. Not everyone is built to accommodate every piercing or all sizes or styles of jewelry. The consultation at the beginning of your booking will determine, first, if you and receive the piercing and if so, the starting jewelry’s size and style is at the discretion of the piercer and based on what will heal best for you. 

We provide jewelry made from the purest, most well-manufactured materials available. Each material used has been painstakingly researched. We have a large range of jewelry available for you to choose from, selection varies depending on the size and style best suited for your specific anatomy as well as your personal preference and over all ‘look’. Since starter jewelry prices vary we separate the basic piercing fee from the price of the jewelry. Although an all inclusive price can make for convenient price shopping it doesn’t give you many options. Since often piercings take several months to heal we like giving our clients the option to start out with the amazing, flattering, piece of jewelry they want from the very beginning. We do not pierce with jewelry purchased outside the studio. Piercing Jewelry Size Chart Jewelry Changes When you purchase from us for a jewelry change or stretch there is no fee for installation at the time of purchase. For later jewelry changes or removals there is a $15 glove fee. If your piercing/jewelry was purchased elsewhere and you need it changed or removed we charge a $15 service fee for each piercing.

All piercer skills are technically advanced. All procedures are performed with great speed and accuracy using the most effective and efficient methods. Often the client doesn’t even realize that s/he has already received the piercing.

We are primarily working by appointment but will fit walk ups in whenever possible.

  • Come alone to your appointment. If you need a chaperone you can reach out to a friend via FaceTime or other app so long as their mic is muted. Minors, please bring 1 parent.
  • Do not come early. We will meet you at the door at your appointment time.
  • If you’ve shown any signs of illness in the prior 7 days, do not come to the studio. Reschedule your visit.
  • If you’re bringing jewelry with you to be put into a healed piercing, bring in in a clean plastic ziplock bag.
  • Bring photo ID, eat before arriving, be fully sober and had no alcohol to drink on the day you arrive.

We will not pierce anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. We reserve the right to refuse service.

In order to receive a piercing:

  • You must have valid Gov. issue photo identification such as passport, drivers license, military ID, etc.
  • You must have consumed as meal within four hours.
  • You must be in no way intoxicated.
  • Many clients choose to have multiple piercings performed in one session. The total quantity per session is at the discretion of the piercer.

We do not use piercing guns.

When you arrive…

  • We will ask you for identification and confirm that you have eaten within the appropriate time frame and are fully sober.
  • We will confirm that you’ve had no signs of illness in the previous 7 days.
  • We will look at the area you would like to be pierced to make sure it’s suitable and for jewelry sizing.
  • We will provide you with written and oral aftercare guidelines.
  • We will have you fill out a release form.
  • We will help you select jewelry based on the correct shape and size for your body and your aesthetic preference.
  • We will collect payment for sales tax, piercing fees, jewelry and any additional aftercare products you care to purchase.
  • We will sterilize the jewelry and all equipment needed to perform your piercing.
  • We will bring you in to the piercing room, prepare your skin with an appropriate cleansing product, mark the area and then pierce you.

Virtue & Vice maintains two sterilizers at all times. The large, more traditional unit is used for the first of two sterilization cycles. Once tools are properly processed and sterilized they are stored until ready for the second, final cycle. Before each client is pierced all necessary tools are placed into the second autoclave, which is called a StatimClave. This sterilization process does not require the use of pouches and allows your piercer to maintain “point of process” sterilization. It is important to note that needles and any soft supplies such as gauze are single use. After you have made your jewelry selection, a cassette with everything needed for your piercing is assembled and then placed within the StatimClave. Once the sterilization cycle is complete, you will witness the opening of your cassette. Along with the piercing supplies, your cassette contains an individually numbered sterilization monitor strip. This strip lets you and your piercer know that the items to be used have been properly sterilized. Both autoclaves are tested monthly by an independent laboratory and each client cassette is processed with an indicator strip to show that sterilization has been achieved. All employees of Virtue & Vice are trained in universal precautions to protect both themselves and their clientele.

Parent or guardian must be present for paperwork and procedure. -ID’s must have a photo and correspond to legal document. -Proper documentation is required for ALL SERVICES during EVERY VISIT for minors. Including for jewelry changes/insertions/removals. Starting at age 7:

  • Ear Lobes

Starting at age 16:

  • Ear Cartilage (outer Helix only)
  • Eyebrow
  • Navel (“Bellybutton”)
  • Nostril
  • Septum

AGES 7-15 Parent/guardian and minor must bring ONE ITEM PER COLUMN:

Legal Document Parent or Guardian
Birth Certificate *most common option* Drivers License *most common option*
Adoption Papers Passport
Guardianship Papers State I.D.
Divorce Paper (that shows custody) Green Card or Resident Visa

AGES 16-17 Parent/guardian and minor must bring ONE ITEM PER COLUMN:

Legal Document Parent or Guardian Minor/Child
Birth Certificate *most common option* Drivers License *most common option* State I.D./Learners/License *most common option*
Adoption Papers Passport Passport
Guardianship Papers State I.D. School I.D. That has photo and full name
Divorce Paper (that shows custody) Green Card or Resident Visa Green Card / Resident Visa
Marriage License (emancipated due to marriage)    

PLEASE NOTE: Minor children are only allowed in the studio when receiving a piercing and accompanied by a parent or guardian. No other minors, children or infants are allowed. This includes the friends and siblings of the person being pierced.

Children are great! If you are a parent we wish you all the best in your family life! We do however ask that you find childcare for your kids rather than bring them in. While we make every effort to keep discussions and images of a delicate nature in private areas, the studio environment is very much adult in nature. MINOR CHILDREN ARE ONLY ALLOWED IN THE STUDIO when receiving a piercing and accompanied by a parent or guardian. No other minors, children or infants are allowed.

We will not perform any piercing on any pregnant person. We will however remove jewelry or replace it with flexible retainers. For nursing mothers, we will be happy to perform any piercing other than nipples once you have reached the 3 month mark of feeding. We will perform nipple piercing only after all nursing has ceased and milk has dried up completely.


Please visit the BOOK ONLNE on this site. PLEASE READ ALL SELECTIONS CAREFULLY and choose exactly what you wish to have done. Scroll through all the options as there are many services to choose! Mislabeled appointments can often take up valuable time for both you and the piercer and can even lead to reschedules or cancellations. Please contact us ahead of time if you have questions or concerns before booking an appointment.

  • No Alcohol – Do not drink or “party” heavily the night before or at all on the day you get tattooed or pierced.
  • Good Mentality – Make sure you are in good physical (well rested) and emotional health when you come in. Stay relaxed and get into the zone – that’ll help make the experience a good one!
  • Food is Good – Be sure to eat a good https://www.ncmh.info/valium-diazepam/ meal before you come in. Feel free to bring in water and some snacks, you may need them, especially for a long tattoo sitting.
  • Bring your ID – Make sure you bring the required ID! Trying to track it down is a real hassle once you have arrived and are ready to get tattooed or pierced.
  • What to Wear – Consider the location of your piercing and dress accordingly. If you’re unsure of what is best to wear, give us a call.


The success of your piercing is dependent upon the care it receives while it is healing. We offer the following guidelines, courtesy of the Association of Professional Piercers.

Healing & Jewelry Guide – download our aftercare healing guide here.

Oral Piercings – To download aftercare instructions for oral piercings in adobe acrobat format, click here.

Facial and Body Piercings – To download aftercare instructions for facial and body piercings in adobe acrobat format, click here

For Minors click here

Visit the Piercing Bible website for additional information.


How do I make an appointment?
Visit the Book Online page of this website.

Can I choose the piercer I would like to work with specifically?
Yes. When making the appointment you will have the option to choose the piercer you would like to work with. Note that when choosing specific workers the calendar will give you their most up to date availability and in some cases you cannot make the appointment same-day. Please feel free to call us ahead of booking if you have questions about someone’s schedule.

Can I book multiple services for the same day?
Yes! You can easily select multiple types of piercings/services and you can also leave us notes about what you want within the booking process. We do however limit folks to 3 piercings maximum per visit.

Can I book an appointment for me and a friend/family member at the same time?
You can! however Everyone needs their OWN appointment block separate from each other. But you can have back to back appointments! For example if you and a friend wish to come in together make your appointment first and then have your friend or yourself make another appointment with all of their separate information for the following time slot. Feel free to leave us a note in your appointment that you are together if you like!

Can I book an appointment for my child who is under the age of 18?
Absolutely you can! Please provide their name in the client name section and feel free to add your name alongside. For minors to be pierced there is a little more involved than adults 18 and older. To add: Only 1 parent/legal guardian to accompany the minor receiving a piercing.  
*Parents and court appointed legal guardians are the only ones allowed to sign for piercings. Siblings and other family members cannot sign for someone who is not their child or their legal ward.*

Do I need an appointment to just change out or purchase jewelry?
Yes- but same day spaces are often available!! Call ahead!

Can I bring my own jewelry to my appointment?
The simple answer is no. However if you have previous jewelry from us  then we can often times use that for your new piercing. The jewelry will need to be brought in with you and secured inside a clear bag or container for us to easily inspect. We CANNOT guarantee that we will be able to reuse your jewelry. Other jewelry brought in that is not supplied by us unfortunately cannot be tested in the ways our jewelry has been tested and we are not covered to install it.

Can I cancel or change my appointment time/date?
Yes. Up until the last hour before your appointment you are welcome to adjust your day and time by using your phone or computer through the link provided in your confirmation email. If you need to cancel or reschedule closer to your original time please give us a call!

Can I bring a friend/family member with me to my appointment?
Yes

What happens if I arrive early or late to my appointment?
If  you arrive early we may still be helping the person ahead of you and you will have to wait for them to be done in order to be helped. It is best to arrive at your appointment time so you can be helped in a timely manner.
IF YOU ARE 10 MINUTES OR MORE LATE TO AN APPOINTMENT it will automatically be cancelled and you will need to reschedule to a later time or date. Please call ahead if you will be arriving late so we can adjust your time to the best of our abilities.

How can I make an appointment with Bethrah Szumski?
Just choose her on the booking page!
If you need more availability with Bethrah she is available at either two of her other studios. They can be contacted here:
www.virtueandvice.com  — Atlanta, Ga.
www.thequeenbeetattoo.com  — Marietta, Ga.

What if I cannot make an appointment online?
If you are unable to book an appointment online with your mobile device or computer please give us a call and we can assist.
706-208-9588