FAQ

Welcome and THANK YOU FOR READING!

Appointment request tips:

Please indicate the subject matter, style of tattoo, body placement and budget of your idea. This will help me assess if I'm a good fit for your project. If you are unsure of which style, let me know and I'll be happy to make a recommendation!

“Fine line black work peony and dagger on upper arm” is a great example. That is enough information to get the tattoo process started. It's easy!

I will be interpreting your idea in a unique way and creative freedom is appreciated!

I will ask for a photo of the body part and 2-3 reference ideas for your project. It usually works best if you have someone else take the photo. Let me know if its the right or left side (back facing cameras flip the image).
Please feel free to reference any tattoo from my portfolio or from my designs.

The available design gallery is also a great place to find a foundation for your idea.

How much does a tattoo cost?

The shop minimum is $500

Non Refundable Deposits are $150

The minimum reflects the consultation, design/redesign time, setup, equipment, stenciling/prep, application of tattoo, etc.

Projects allowing creative freedom or pre-drawns, the hourly rate is $200. One sitting tattoos/custom designs are given a flat rate. TIP: If you have a tight budget, I would recommend considering a predrawn or allowing total creative freedom with your idea. Custom designs are very specific, requiring significantly more time for the design process.

Please indicate your budget using the booking request form. If you are looking for the lowest bidder, I am probably not the artist for you. If you are unsure, you can always put my hourly rate.

(Rough guidelines; An outer arm sleeve can be 12+ hours broken up in 3-5 hour sessions. Outer half sleeves are approx 4-5 hours. Large thigh pieces can be 4-6 + hours depending on body size. Portraits are a minimum of 4 hours.)

These guidelines are for pre-drawn designs. Colors, realism, custom designs, highly detailed or portrait work will take longer. It also depends on body part and condition of the skin.
I understand that a custom tattoo can be a significant investment! If your current budget doesn’t align with the design you have in mind, I can suggest some creative alternatives that can still bring your vision to life within your financial comfort zone.

Deposits:

I require a $150 NON REFUNDABLE/transferable deposit for tattoo appointments. I accept Venmo or credit card/debit over the phone or the link here on my site. Cash is due at the completion of tattoo.

The deposit will come out of the cost of the tattoo if it is one sitting, if it is multiple sittings the deposit will come out of the final session.
The deposit goes towards my preparation time as well as reserving your time on the calendar. Missed appointments will leave me without any income for the entire work day. The deposit policy is designed to offset the negative effects of cancellations, and rescheduling.

In case of inclement weather, appointments can be rescheduled within a 4+ day period (prior to weather event) without the loss of the deposit. Please reach out via email ASAP to reschedule.

Discretion will be used if appropriate notice is given (5+ days) to reschedule, as I understand life events do happen. Rescheduling will happen at the time of cancellation. The deposit is held 60 days and considered forfeit after that.

If you come to your appointment and change your mind, do not get tattooed, cancel day of or not show up, etc., the deposit is forfeit.

MINORS:

NO MINORS. 18 + OVER ONLY

Coverups:

​Currently, I am not taking any lettering jobs, coverups, fix ups, working on or finishing other artists work. Exceptions can be made on a tattoo that has undergone laser removal treatment. Please send the photo of the current situation. Check out my blog post on CoverUps.

Consult/How I work:

Your request form is your initial consult. I will ask for pictures of the body part and reference ideas. I will call you and we will have a phone consultation. If everyone is on board with the project, we will book the appointment and do the deposit at that time. I accept projects that I feel best fit my experience that I can excel at. I can take the deposit over the phone, Venmo or through this site on the DEPOSIT page.

When you arrive at your appointment, I will be there on time with your prepared artwork. I will have my station set up for you and I will be ready to get started!

As your professional I will counsel you on the optimal size, placement and design for the best result.

If you are 80% sure of your idea; subject matter/style/placement/etc, please feel free to submit a booking request. ​

If you are still in the early stages of your idea please wait until you’ve formed a more solid foundation to work from before submitting a booking request.

I will be interpreting your idea in a unique way and creative freedom is appreciated! If there are too many specifics or falls within a style not in my range, I may not be suited for it.

I do not provide artwork prior to the appointment. I understand the desire to visualize the final product in advance, however my policy is set up in a way that I reveal the design at the time of the appointment. This approach helps ensure that any final adjustments are made together, ensuring the best possible outcome. I have written a blog post that covers this topic more in depth.

**If you want full control over the design, micromanage the process, if you want to copy an exact tattoo that is on someone one else, if your idea is in a style out of my preferred range, if you change your mind at the appointment or if a mutual compromise is not possible, I will be happy to make a recommendation of another artist for your project. I reserve the right to respectfully decline ANY tattoo project I am not comfortable doing. Thanks for understanding!**

Portrait Tips:

SEE BELOW. A high quality photo is essential. Low quality/ low contrast photographs are difficult to tattoo and as a result, may be turned down. Preferred body placement is a flat area (forearm, calf, etc), so the photo will not be distorted when the stencil is placed.

I will request 3 photo references and let you know which one is ideal for me to tattoo. I will factor in the lighting, pose, expression and detail. Portrait sessions are typically a minimum of 4/5 hours, starting at $800.

Things I avoid:

TINY DETAILS/TOO MANY SPECIFICS. Small, crowded tattoos/too many ideas/tiny details (fingers, toes, etc), or overly detailed specifics in the design. I can produce highly detailed work, just not on a miniature scale. I will recommend another artist for your project. Please reference my portfolio for examples.

If you have several ideas/concepts, pick the most important one and I will emphasize that. My focus is first on creating a visually stunning tattoo, and then weaving in the symbolism. I usually use/suggest 1-3 images, that is what I feel I am best at executing.

I avoid adding lettering/names “into” a design.

If a character is part of the concept, I will always lean towards emphasizing the character as opposed to other elements in the idea (like backgrounds, landscapes, etc).

Helpful Tips:

Feel free to bring your favorite snacks and wear comfy clothing.

Please come alone.

Don't drink heavily the night before your appointment.

Make sure to eat a proper meal 2 hours before your appointment. We will take 1 designated (lunch) break during the session.

Please do not wear perfume/cologne to your appointment.
Wear comfortable clothing that will easily allow access to the area you are getting tattooed (skip the jeggings if you're getting a leg tattoo). I will try my best to keep you toasty in cold weather, but make sure to consider layers in the winter months. And consider the logistics when getting dressed afterwards with a bandage on. Loose and layered is the way to go!

Do not sunbathe/tan 48 hours prior to your appointment.

Do not take aspirin/ibuprofen 24 hours prior to your appointment. Do not use numbing cream.

I book all appointments at 11 am for the day, Tues-Sat.

*Pro Tip* before large tattoo session, rest and fuel your body THE DAY before. Treat the tattoo day like a marathon or athletic event. Don’t be afraid to eat throughout the day. Caffeine and sugary snacks are your friend!
Parking: there is ample free parking! There is a paved lot behind the building, unpaved lot next to the building, and free on street parking in the front and on the side.

Have fun!

CASH is due at time of appointment