Frequently Asked Questions
Answered with love
What are your rates/pricing?
My rate per hour is roughly $150 per hour but can change depending on the overall details of the piece. When pricing I consider factors like size, amount of time to tattoo, amount of time to design, and the placement of the tattoo. I will tell you a price and hour range for the piece when you inquire. I also offer financing options for large scale pieces, please ask for more details.
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A minimum deposit of $100 is required to book. I prefer to tattoo designs that take at least 2 hours. I take deposits via Zelle only and the day of your appointment payments are accepted via Zelle, cash, card, or Apple Pay. Deposits are deducted from the total amount owed. Changes in the design after consultation or on the day of may result in price changes. If you have changes in mind on the day of make sure you bring the necessary funds for those changes.
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What does a good tattoo inquiry look like?
A great tattoo inquiry explains clearly what you want incorporated in your tattoo, includes reference pictures, desired size and the location. Ideally you are giving me freedom on your idea or freedom to do your idea in my style. You can also add things like your availability or budget. Heres an example,
"Hello I would like to book a piece with you. I'd like a floral sleeve on my calf. I'd love some peonies and roses with other small flowers in the line-work style that you did on XX post on Instagram. I'd also like you to incorporate some geometric designs, here's a picture of the shapes that I like most. I'm mainly available on Saturday's and have a budget of about $400. "
What do you like and dislike tattooing?
At the moment I am still finding my niche and style of tattoos that I'd like to work exclusively on. I take most proposals of different styles (script, black and grey, traditional, color-work that is realism and otherwise, neo-traditional, geometric, fine-line, dot work, etc.). You'll see on my portfolio that I can do several different styles well but I don't do tribal or large scale script/lettering. You can check the "My Art" page for more insight on my tattoo style and designs.
Additionally, I like to tattoo color on darker skin tones. The ability to tattoo color on dark skin has been widely misconstrued as impossible or too difficult by the tattoo industry. It is very possible and requires the right skill, knowledge, and care to execute. However, it is also important to manage expectations about the outcome, a color tattoo on darker skin will not appear the same as it would on lighter skin. Make sure when looking at references, you are looking at images with a person who has around the same skin tone as you as well as images of color that is healed.
How can I prepare for my session?
First and foremost, please make sure you have the day clear, it is in the best interest for us that I not feel rushed. I always try to give you an estimate of how long things will take but that's the average. Sometimes we might have to redo the stencil 3 or 4 times and that itself can take up to an hour and a half. There's paperwork to fill out at the beginning and at the end we are wrapping up, taking pictures and videos, and talking about proper after care, etc. There are also lot of unknowns that may arise so it's best to have as much time as possible on our hands.
Other preparations include exfoliating a few days before hand, being generous with moisturizers for at least a week before the tattoo. Get a good nights rest, eat breakfast, and bring snacks and water. Get aftercare products before the session so you are prepared. Make sure there are no scratches or marks in the area. More importantly, please don't shave the area, I do not want you to cut yourself and I also really just enjoy this part of the process, its quite satisfying. Also, it is without saying but I'll do it to be safe, please make sure you are showered and clean before the appointment.
When do I see my design?
Unless by you're request, you will see your design on the day of your appointment. I work on other designs as well as yours, which is why it may be harder to have yours completed before the set appointment date. Additionally, some designs are hand-drawn, which means you wont see it until i draw it out on you. However, my designs are never set in stone, and I try as best I can to make sure that you are satisfied with what I've drawn up by asking and doubling checking that you like what you see. If you feel that you must know what it looks like before the appointment or want to avoid that conversation with me in person, then inform me at the time of inquiry and I will gladly get it to you at an agreed upon time so you can make changes if you so desire.
Do you do cover ups or touch ups?
I definitely do coverups depending on the size and how open you are to me choosing how to cover it up. Some coverups do require tattoo removal especially if you want something more delicate over it. If you are dead set on an idea that does not work with what you have on your skin already and are not willing to make changes, then I'm not the artist for you. I want to give you what you want, but not if it subtracts from the integrity of my work.
My own touch ups are always free, I don't generally touch up work from another artist unless you have a good reason to not have gone back to them. Eventually, when I find my niche I will not do touch ups from other artists because I would like whatever I tattoo to be consistent.
How would we go about a large scale tattoo?
Let's be clear, when we say a "large design" we mean anything that takes up a huge portion of skin, like an ankle to hip, wrist to shoulder, full forearm, full lower leg, back, full stomach, or full sides, etc.
I love larger scale designs, they always come out beautifully and more cohesive than random unplanned tattoos (thats my personal opinion) AND you can place more elements in them. If you are interested in a large scale design, I usually give you a full price quote (starting at $1800 and up depending on your anatomy and how detailed the design is, color, etc.). They require a larger deposit because it is an investment. They are always broken up into multiple sessions, while payments are broken up as well. Financing is available for larger scale pieces! Please let me know if you are interested in a large scale design and we can schedule a consultation via FaceTime or in person!
What are some risks associated with tattoos?
Here are a few things to be mindful of when getting a tattoo. The probability of these occurring is low, but there are cases of it happening and therefore should be taken into consideration. Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including allergic reactions to tattoo ink, especially reds and yellows. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo. A skin infection is possible after tattooing. Sometimes an area of inflammation called a granuloma can form around tattoo ink. Tattooing also can lead to keloids, raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue, this is most common for darker skin clients.
You are also at risk of blood born pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B and hepatitis C if the artist uses contaminated needles or equipment. If your artist does not have current Blood Borne Pathogens training on display or is not showing you sealed needles on their station, please be weary.
Other risks during the tattoo process include scaring from "Second Skin." In my experience the use of Saniderm has caused scarring in clients with darker skin tones, around the edges of the bandage. There are no active ingredients in the second skin so there is no allergic reaction. So, I'm not sure were the scarring comes from but I have switched to Tagiderm as a suitable alternative for all my clients as the adhesive is gentler and does not cause scarring.
Lastly, due to these risks is it highly recommended that you do not get a tattoo if you are pregnant or breast feeding and I will not accept clients that are pregnant or breast feeding.