You walk into House of Pain Tattoos. You want a tattoo. But you have NO idea what you want. Sound familiar? Well, I've got something special for you: The Candy Machine Challenge.
What the Hell Is This?
See that beautiful vintage candy machine in my shop? It's not dispensing gumballs. It's dispensing your fate.
Here's how it works:
- Insert a token
- Turn the knob
- Out comes a capsule with a tattoo design inside
- That's your tattoo
Price: $80 for your first spin. Want another shot? $20 for each extra spin. No matter what you get. Could be a tiny symbol. Could be a small detailed piece. Roll the dice.
The Rules
Official Candy Machine Rules:
- First spin is $80 – Want to try again? $20 per extra spin
- You MUST get the design you pull – That's the whole point
- Same-day tattoo – We do it right then and there (if I have time)
- $80 for first spin, $20 per extra – Includes the tattoo, not just the "game"
- Small designs only – Think 2-4 inches max
- Placement is your choice – At least you get to decide WHERE it goes
- Black ink only – Keeps it simple, classic, bold
What's Inside the Machine?
I've personally curated about 50 different designs in that machine. Here's what you might get:
- Classic flash – Think traditional tattoo imagery (skulls, daggers, hearts, roses)
- Symbols – Runes, alchemical symbols, mystical icons
- Animals – Small creatures, insects, mythical beasts
- Geometric patterns – Sacred geometry, mandalas, minimal designs
- Pop culture – A few surprises thrown in for fun
- Weird shit – Because where's the fun if it's all predictable?
Are they all "good" designs? Yes. I'm not putting garbage in there. Every design is something I'd be proud to tattoo.
But will you love what you get? That's the gamble, friend.
Why Would Anyone Do This?
Great question. Here's why people love the Candy Machine Challenge:
1. Decision Paralysis Cure
Some people CANNOT decide on a tattoo. They spend months, years even, overthinking it. The candy machine makes the decision for you. Problem solved.
2. The Thrill
There's something genuinely exciting about not knowing what you'll get. It's spontaneous. It's unpredictable. It's a story you'll tell forever.
3. Affordable First Tattoo
$80 is cheaper than most custom pieces. If you've been wanting to dip your toes into tattoos but don't want to commit big money, this is perfect.
4. Street Cred
Let's be honest: Having a random candy machine tattoo is cooler than having the same Pinterest rose everyone else has. It shows you've got guts.
Real Stories from the Candy Machine
Guy #1: Came in on a dare from his buddies. Pulled a tiny dagger. Got it on his forearm. Left with the biggest grin. His friends? Chickened out.
Girl #2: Wanted her first tattoo but had been overthinking for 2 years. Pulled a geometric moon. Placement behind her ear. Absolutely loves it. Says the candy machine was "the push she needed."
Guy #3: Came in drunk (I didn't tattoo him that day—he came back sober the next morning). Pulled a skeleton hand holding a rose. Now it's his favorite tattoo out of the 12 he has.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I see the designs before I spin?
A: Absolutely not. That defeats the entire purpose.
Q: What if I pull something I hate?
A: Then you learn a valuable lesson about gambling. But honestly, all the designs are solid. You might not love it immediately, but it'll grow on you.
Q: Can I bring friends to watch?
A: Hell yeah. The more witnesses, the better the story.
Q: What if I pull a design that's too big for $80 worth of work?
A: All designs in the machine are sized appropriately for the price. You're good.
Q: Can I do this multiple times?
A: You can come back another day and do it again, sure. But one pull per visit.
Q: Will you do it in color?
A: Nope. Black ink only for candy machine tattoos. Keeps it traditional.
How to Book Your Candy Machine Challenge
Just message me on Facebook or walk into the shop. Say "I want the Candy Machine Challenge." We'll set it up.
Walk-ins welcome if I'm not booked. But if you want to guarantee your spot, message ahead.
Pro Tip: Come with an open mind and a sense of adventure. If you're the type who needs everything perfectly planned, this ain't for you. But if you're down for spontaneity? This is your moment.
The Candy Machine Philosophy
Here's the thing about tattoos: People put SO much pressure on them. "It has to be perfect." "It has to mean something deep." "What if I regret it?"
You know what? Some of the best tattoos I've ever done came from spontaneous decisions. The candy machine captures that energy.
Not everything needs a grand meaning. Sometimes a tattoo is just a cool design you got on a random Tuesday because a vintage candy machine told you to.
And that's exactly what makes it memorable.
— Mike Kuntz, House of Pain Tattoos, Moose Jaw, SK