Frequently Asked Questions

Pretty straight forward: figure out what you want! Where you want to put it, roughly how large you want your design. It’s good to find references, the more the better. You can show me things you like or things you don’t like. That will help steer me in the right direction of the tattoo vision.

Some tattoos are simple and can be booked asap. Other designs might require a consultation. The kinds of projects that require a consult will be cover ups, large scale, complex designs, and tattoos you’d be more comfortable to discuss in person to hash out smaller details.

The day of your tattoo, be sure to have a large meal before you come in. When your body is distracted digesting you focus less on the annoying zip with your tattoo. Bring some quick snacks, water, and a drink with electrolytes to help keep you going. There’s no need for you to shave your skin before you come in, we’ve got you covered. It minimizes the risk of razor burn or nicks – plus I promise it’s easier for us to just do it for you.

ℹ️ BIG TIP: The biggest bonus you can give yourself in the days leading up to your tattoo is upping your water intake. Aim for around 60-90 oz a day. Your skin is the largest organ you’ve got and it needs a lot of water to keep healthy. Hydrated skin takes ink better, hurts less, heals smoother, and makes my job easier. Exfoliating your skin every other day for the two weeks leading up to your tattoo helps prep the skin as well. Moisturizing once a day during the two weeks before your appointment helps skin quality immensely.

Yes and no! Light cardio, stretching, yoga, and free weights are okay. No over strenuous sessions for the first week. If you’re someone who gets fairly sweaty then I recommend showering as soon as you get home from working out. Tattoos can take more out of you than you expect or know. Gyms also aren’t necessarily the cleanest places. So definitely no gym equipment against the tattoo.

Too much moisture is enemy #1 for fresh tattoos. Too much moisturizer, sweat, and water can encourage the ink to come to the surface. If you do that…congratulations! You paid a lot of money for a temporary tattoo 🎉 Beyond that there’s health risks involved. Bodies of water hold HUNDREDS of microorganisms that would love to take up residence in your new tattoo. Most of them will put you on antibiotics, some may take you to the hospital! It’s just 2 weeks, just 14 little days. Let your tattoo heal then you can splish splash as much as your heart desires. Until then: NO!

Prices do vary from piece to piece. I typically run on an hourly rate for larger pieces. My hourly rate is $120 with a shop minimum of $100. Keep in mind how well you sit, the quality of your skin, and the design will affect how long tattoos go. I can always quote beforehand – It will be a range to accommodate the time fluxes.

I do accommodate and stay mindful of budgets. If you have a budget for a piece please make that clear when booking the appointment.

First things first we’re going to need a consultation to hash out the smaller details. You’re welcome to come in with or without a design in mind and we can brainstorm from there. Be mindful that not all designs will work as a cover-up. For a successful cover-up the goal is to make it look like your new tattoo was the original idea all along. Things with more texture, shape, line weight, and color all play a big part to succeed in that goal.

Can you design it? Of course! I do charge for commissions. The price varies with how large or complex the design is. Typically the base price is $20 and we will set a later date for you to look at the design. You can tell me what you like and what you don’t like, and we can go from there. If you book an appointment when you come in for the drawing check the cost of commission does go toward the final price of the tattoo.

Unfortunately, yes. Many artists operate like this. The few ruined it for the many, so I do not send designs digitally. I typically don’t design tattoos until a few days leading up to the appointment. Keep in mind there are several other appointments to design for in a given week. It’s also nice to have your design fresh in my mind while tattooing it.

Speak up! You’re not going to hurt my feelings. You’re not going to make me upset. It’s important to remember that you’re wearing this on your skin, not me. This will be on you for years to come. Large design changes or complete idea switches might lead to picking another date for your tattoo. It takes a hot minute to design your tattoo!

No worries! Life happens first. If you know our scheduled time will no longer work, please let me know ASAP. If you let me know at least 24 hours in advance your deposit is transferred to your new appointment. I do have a cancellation policy, and it is enforced. If you cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of your appointment your deposit is forfeited and will not be returned or used towards the final cost of your tattoo.

You are more than welcome to bring snacks, food, and drinks with you. Be sure to have some water to sip on throughout. You’re also welcome to bring blankets, pillows, slippers, or any other comfort item you’d like. Just know we’re working with blood and ink, so whatever you wear or bring you should be okay with it potentially getting dirty. You can bring video games, books, headphones, fidget toys, and whatever else you fancy to pass the time. Please be mindful of noise for the others tattooing and being tattooed.

Yup! No nice way to put it, but tattoos hurt. Everyone is different so the “worst spot” to get it is different for everyone. My best advice is hope for the best, plan for the worst. Just be sure to eat a big meal before your appointment. It helps buff the pain more than you’d think. At the end of the day once it’s there it’s not going anywhere. You only have to put up with the pain for a little bit.

Yes, but I’d prefer it if you didn’t! A lot of numbing agents can affect your skin texture and elasticity. More times than not it slows the tattoo down. Between the cream messing with your skin, how the ink pools and wipes away, and then the pain of the tattoo hitting you at full force 2 and a half hours…I just don’t think it’s worth it. But I’m not your mother – if you wanna use it, use it. Be sure to do a test spot BEFORE your appointment and AWAY from the area you’re planning on putting your tattoo.

People do commonly experience skin reactions, break outs, and rashes with certain creams. You definitely don’t want to realize this 30 minutes before you sit in the chair. If you do choose to use numbing cream, please be sure to inform the artist before we begin. If you can bring the numbing cream to us to check, even better. Be sure to read the instructions and then re-read them.

As I said before, I’m not your mother. Live your life, but do not come into your appointment intoxicated. Most pills and alcohol will thin your blood and dehydrate you, these are two things you don’t want during your appointment. I will reschedule you if I’m under the impression you’re not of sound mind. As far as cannabis, THC, THA, or Delta(s) goes… you do you. I don’t mind either way.

This can be a spicy topic for some people. Personally I charge what I think my worth is and don’t expect anything else from you. Tips are definitely appreciated, not expected. If you want to show appreciation outside of monetary means please feel free to bring in little treats, trinkets, or something you made are all things that will make any artist’s day. I’m a borderline hoarder and will cherish it for years to come.

The best tip that keeps on giving is a review online, google, yelp, to your friends, wherever. Feedback is important, so please let me know how your experience is/was.

I have three techniques I recommend for people. Check out my Aftercare page for step by step care and tips with your new tattoo.