FAQ

If you asked a question and were sent here, thank you for taking the time to read, and you'll likely find your answer somewhere here or the booking process page :)

"Do I get to see my design before my appointment?"

I don't send out my designs beforehand. Your booking request acts as your online consult, that's why it's important to leave all requested information as it gives me what I need to make you the perfect design. Including reference photos in your request (even photos of what you don't like) helps ensure we're on the same page so there's no excessive back and forth msging between consult and appt time. I do my drawings in order and not until the week of their appts. (So if you request a rough estimate well in advance, just know I may not have an exact quote until closer to the appt.. Please see below "Can I get a price quote?"). After the booking day, you likely won't hear from me again until the day before your appt when I send you a pre-appt screening.
  Being asked for designs early can be compared to being in university and having 10-12 papers due every week. Using that much creativity daily, weekly, is a lot on its own, now imagine every one of your professors also started asking for an early rough draft of each paper every day. I know people are excited but please wait until your time is here!
  Designs are also not sent out beforehand as there's no assurance someone won't steal my design and take it somewhere else... but most importantly, it's not given out so that it can't be shown to numerous other people. This has always ended up being an issue as all those people then give their opinion on the design and after getting second, third, and forth opinions, it never fails that clients come back to me with changes very different from where they originally started. The process is between tattooer and client only, so designs are ready for you to see at your appointment, and you always have time then to request any small changes you might like (which is always way easier in person anyway then back and forth on the computer!).
Early "peeks" at designs is non-negotiable, please respect the boundaries I have set :)

"I missed your booking day, can I still get an appointment?"

 I keep a set day or two to do all my bookings. I was constantly msging and emailing with people throughout the weeks and I found it to be too time consuming and overwhelming. So now it is all done on one single day, sometimes two days. This allows me to focus my time during the month on drawing and tattooing (and things like family time).  I occassionally check the email and FB msgs for any info from upcoming appts, but I don't normally respond to any emails or requests outside of the booking day, you will have to resend on the next booking day. HOWEVER! I always post availability that comes up (from reschedulings/cancellations) so if you dont want to wait, keep an eye on my instagram and Facebook page. There is an auto responder on both the Facebook page messenger and my email with the next date to send in your request.

"Can I get a price quote?"

  - If you don't have an appt: No, sorry. Unless you're booked in for an appointment I don't give quotes on projects. Asking for prices is like asking “how much for a bag of groceries”… it really all depends… so I dont give out price quotes for random inquiries because basically that entails a whole consult on the tattoo  - and that’s what my booking day is for… so just send everything in on the booking day and if you have a budget include that 😊 If you're just emailing around for prices, I always suggest a walk in shop might be better suited for you then my studio. If you're serious and want me to do your tattoo, then we can certainly discuss price/budget when you are booking.

  - If you do have an appt booked already: If you're inquiring to have the right amount of cash on you for your upcoming appt, you can reach out the week of (or tail end of the week before if your appt is early the following week) your appointment for a rough estimate to ensure you have the correct amount. If you inquire weeks or months beforehand, I won't have an estimate for you as I do my drawings in order...so I won't get to your design until closer to your actual appt time and then can give you a proper quote. Msging just a few days beforehand is appreciated instead of weeks or months early as I'm busy working on designs for that current time. 

"Can I book a consult in person?"

Not at this time, no. All consults will be done online when you send in your booking request. If you are in for an appt and we have ongoing work (ie: a sleeve) we can certainly go over anything for your next tattoo while you are here. All my time at the studio is booked for tattooing so there is no time to meet for consults. 

"What if I want to change my mind on a design or move it to a different area of the body?"

Please be sure of what you want. If you aren't committed then please wait to book in. The deposit is solely for the design/placement you booked, so if you make large changes before your appointment you may need to pay a new deposit, or you could even forfeit your deposit and lose your appt time altogether as it was booked based on the original specs. I book the length of your appt based on the info you give me with your request, and there are other appts either before or after yours so there is likely no time to add on. Alternatively, if you have 4 hours booked and then only want a 30 minute tattoo that's 3.5 hours of lost income when I could have booked someone serious for the full time. Adding on the excessive extra messaging leading up to your appt takes time away from drawing, tattooing and most importantly personal time (which is why I do one booking day to begin with). Getting everything out up front reduces the continuous back and forth msging.. and keeps me sane! Also, your new idea may also be something I might not take on, so please be sure up front. This goes for sizing as well... If I suggest a different size in my response to you and you agree and book in, then please do not try and talk me into doing it at the original size you wanted after the fact. I suggest these things for a reason and know what can work. My name is attached to this work and I want it to look good for the both of us!

"What if my design isn't floral or animals? Will you still do it?"

Of course I do other subject matter besides animals and floral... but those take priority. Please understand that I can’t take every request. It isn’t a first come/first served deal - I read through and try and choose projects that excite me. I know it can be disappointing, but I am only one person! And it is just that- a booking request. I know I can’t make everyone happy & I’d like to fill my days tattooing pieces that make me happy and add to my growing portfolio, (and that usually consists of florals and animals). That being said, I do take on other things, but you may not get in the month you are trying for. If I suggest trying back on the next booking day, that means I would like to tattoo it, but other projects took priority or your availability didn't match up this time. If you'd like to wait, I thank you for your patience!

Alternatively, there are some subject matters I won't take on anymore as I'm burnt out on a lot of recurring things. I will no longer be taking on any navy/nautical inspired pieces (think compass, rope, nautical stars, map backgrounds etc), pheonix tattoos, clocks or watches, octopus (just for now), or lady faces or pinups (I can recommend others that really enjoy those).

"What if I need to reschedule?"

You may reschedule once with more then 48 hours notice, as life happens and I understand things may come up. If you need to again a second time, another deposit will be required. Also, if you need to change your appt, but can’t reschedule and commit to a new date at that time, it is then treated as a cancellation. I need to book it in my calender so as you can imagine, I can’t keep floating deposits and appts in limbo waiting to hear back. 

 If notice to reschedule is given within 48 hours of the appt. then the deposit is forfeited. By that time I've done your drawing & you've booked my time that may not get filled last minute leaving me hurting financially. Without 48 hours notice of rescheduling, it can be very difficult to fill the opening within reasonable working hours. Tracking someone else down or posting the availability and waiting for responses.. and then having time to draw a whole new tattoo last minute is not ideal. Therefore, the deposit is forfeited to help cover a small portion of my time trying to fill the spot or to help cover the lost income. There are no exceptions unfortunately.

"Can you put me on the cancellation list?"

I've stopped keeping a cancellation list as I find it's too hard to track people down, wait for responses, then realize most people aren't actually available when a spot does open up. So it's quicker and easier for me to just post if a spot happens to become available. I usually post the opening on Instagram first, then possibly the facebook page so it doesn't hurt to turn on notifications and keep an eye out!

"What can I bring? Is there anything I need to do before the appointment?"

You can bring a drink in with you & I always suggest eating a good meal before you come in. (Bring a snack for larger tattoos to keep your energy up). Do not get a sunburn or have prolonged sun exposure before (or after) your appt. Make sure not to wear heavy scents, the space is scent-free. Just make sure you're feeling well and well rested! Wear something that will let me access the area to be tattooed easily (shorts, tank tops, bring a button up shirt to wear backwards if the tattoo is on your back, side-tie bikini bottoms are great for hip areas, etc).  I can shave the area if need be if it's an area youre not used to shaving. You are able to bring a friend/support person as long as they're 18 or older. (Absolutely no children in the studio). Feel free to zone out on your phone for distraction, bring headphones if you'd like for a podcast, or we can chat! I have a bin of fidgets for anyone who needs one as well. There is an aftercare page for information on healing the tattoo.

"Do you take debit?"

I do not have debit at the studio. Cash is always preferred, but I understand if people don't want to be going to ATM's so E transfer can work as well occasionally.~ NEW~ I just started accepting credit cards for in studio payments of $300 or more. 

"How much do you charge?"

Different artists work at very different speeds and have specialized styles. I have been tattooing for 16 years and worked at shops where I was quicker then others, and it made no sense that because of that I might make less money then them. That is why I really try and price my work by the piece. There is so much drawing that goes on before I even begin your actual tattoo, along with the supplies needed.. this all gets factored into the final price. I am very quick and can get quite a bit done in a short amount of time. You can let me know a budget in your initial request, or you can email me a few days before your booked appointment to ask for a rough estimate, but if you're just msging me to price shop without an appointmnet I will likely not get back to you. 

New: I now have a pricing page that will give you a general idea of what some tattoos cost and length of time to complete & hopefully this will help some people plan ahead.

"What is the shop minimum?"

My shop minimum is $170. Even if your tattoo is only "small", you need to take into consideration I'm still using all the same set up and supplies that I would whether it's a 15 minute tattoo or a 5 hour tattoo. Cleaning supplies, needles, barrier controls, ink caps, ink, paper towel, soap, distilled water, stenciling product, computer paper and ink for printing, stencil paper, administration time, drawing time... and of course payment for my time and years of experience. 

"Do tattoo artists accept tips, or how much is appropriate?"

Tips - Although they are common in this industry and appreciated, tips are never expected. Life is expensive right now and if you budget for what I quote you, it is completely understandable that that may be exactly all you have for this luxury. And that is ok! Never feel anxious or awkward about tipping or not! 

Other options to show your gratitude are nice reviews or recommendations online, commenting on or sharing my work, & of course yummy treats or handmade goodies are always so lovely to receive!

"Do you have an age limit?
My daughter is 16 and I say it's ok, can you tattoo her?"

The studio is strictly 18+ . That goes for clients or friends coming along for support. Please bring valid photo ID.

"Do you do free touch ups?"

Approval and acceptance of the design and the finished tattoo concludes our transaction when you leave the studio satisfied.
If you wish to alter, add or change anything after the fact, it is not considered a 'touch up'. You will be charged a base fee to go towards the cost of the set up for any new alteration. This is why it is important to let us know you are happy after the finished result. (We cannot read your mind and there are no refunds) Otherwise it is a preference change and not a touch up.

An actual touch up, however, is free (no sooner then 1 month fully healed, and within one year of receiving the original tattoo) when the tattoo work doesn't heal properly due to the application from the tattooer. It does not cover instances in which client has obviously not taken the proper steps during healing (We can tell!). 

There are also no free touch ups if client used numbing creams, exposed fresh tattoo to prolonged sunlight, soaked the fresh tattoo or didn't disclose medical information that impedes healing (such as being on certain medications, etc). A general rule in the tattoo industry is if the tattoo looks good overall, we like to leave them be:)
I will likely ask for a photo to see the issue if you request a touch up, and we can go from there. 

It must be at least one solid month of healing before we can go back into a tattoo to give it proper time to heal. This time also allows you to live with it, and see how it settles in the skin. If you no-show or cancel last minute with a touch up appt, it forfeits the policy. It can be difficult scheduling them in, in the first place around existing appointments. This is also why it is greatly appreciated if you wait to get the touch up during another tattoo session (the expense of the set up for just a few minutes of my time doesn't work well during this economy:/).

For tattoos that are years older now, or for preference changes on your end, I cannot guarentee I will always have time to fit them in. There may be a longer wait as we book priorty income-creating pieces first. 

Hands and feet do not fall under the free touch up policy as we know they can have a harder time healing due to the nature of that specific type of skin and the heavy use they go through. If you inquire about getting one of these areas tattooed, just know that they will most likely need touch ups which will only be done with a fee. 

"Do you do piercings?"

I do not! But I always highly recommend Skin Decision on Lower Water Street.

"Where should I park?"

There is paid parking on Agricola Street. There is also free 1 and 2 hour spots as well (If you're lucky enough there's even a couple spots directly in front of the building). 2 hour spots can also be found on numerous residential side streets fairly close to the studio. The north end is far away enough from downtown so parking usually isn't too bad but you might want to give yourself an extra 5-10 mins just in case.

"Do you do coverups? Can you rework or add to an existing tattoo I already have?"

I am accepting coverups and reworks/additions to other artists work again! I have spent a large portion of my career doing coverups and am taking a break from those as I'd rather have a clean slate to work from and not be confined by an existing piece that may compromise the integrity of a completely new design... so these will all be considered on a case by case basis. I will only accept projects to rework or add on to other artists work if I believe they can work well with my style, and priority will still be given to floral pieces. You must send in photos of the existing work in your original request so I can see it before deciding to take it on or not. (More on the booking page)

"Can you cover up my scarring?"

I would love to say yes to scar coverings! I just need to see a picture of the scar in the original request when you send in on booking day. Please know I see scarring all the time and there is absolutely no judgement on my end. Whether they are self harm scars, surgery scars, or even just regular old life scars - I look at all of it as just skin, some raised skin, some slightly pinker skin, lighter skin, etc. I know it may be difficult to share a photo but I take great pride in the trust you put in me to help in these situations. I would never share any photos before or after the tattoo without clients consent. 

Just know that some things may not work, the sizing may have to be adjusted or design altered to make it fit. It's more about camoflauging then making it disappear.  I just can't know what's possible unless I see the scar right off the bat.

"Can I get a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding?"

I will not tattoo anyone who is pregnant. If you've been breastfeeding for at least 6 months, and have a backup of pumped milk or formula then we can certainly chat about it. Your body is finished healing from the pregnancy and babies have had most of their shots by then and have likely started on some other form of nutrition.

"What if I'm here early? Or running a little late?"

Arrive ON TIME for your appointment. Even if you're 5 or 10 minutes early please have a seat in the lobby until your exact appointment time and then come to the studio door. The blind will be up when it's time for you. The appt arrival is very important as it allows for proper cleaning/disinfecting time and appropriate time between clients so there is no overlapping. The 15 minute window for being late still stands and you lose your appointment and deposit. There is likely an appt booked in after you and we can't run into someone elses time. If you are running a couple of minutes behind due to traffic or parking, please just send me a msg with a head's up!

"What about beach days, can I still get tattooed before or after lots of sun?"

You cannot get tattooed if you'll be exposing your fresh tattoo to prolonged sunlight before its fully healed (3-4 weeks). You also can't soak your tattoo while it's healing so this means no swimming, or soaking. After the 3-4 weeks time you can apply sunscreen and it is strongly recommended you continue to use it on your tattoos, and continuing to do so well after they're healed. Please keep this info in mind when booking in with me during summer or for any trips 'down south' throughout the year. Your skin should not be overly tanned for your appointment and definitely not sunburnt before the tattoo either.  Protect the area from sun before your appointment (& moisturize) or you may be refused service if the skin has recent sun damage.

"Can I still work out or go to the gym?"

I recommend taking a break from the gym for a couple of days. A fresh tattoo is an open wound and shouldn't be exposed to other peoples sweat/bacteria.  The area also needs time to heal and settle, so exercise areas of the body that won't affect the fresh tattoo by stretching that skin. Wash the tattoo well after exercising, and continue to moisturize as covered in the regular aftercare section.

"Can I use numbing cream before my appointment?"

I never advise using numbing creams. It doesn't let your body build up the pain tolerance naturally, and can also interfere with healing. Most numbing creams are topical, and with tattooing we break the skin barrier so I am not comfortable with clients using random creams beforehand. The creams can also affect the texture of the skin, making it sort of weird and rubbery which can really affect the process of tattooing, interfering with me getting smooth shading and color blends. I prep your skin with 70% isopropyl alcohol and my inks are vegan and cruelty free, I have used the same stenciling solution my whole career...  Basically, I know what I am putting in your skin, so please don't add anything else to the equation. If you're overly worried about an area hurting, I can offer some Bactine which is an antiseptic spray meant for easing the burning feeling in minor open wounds. 

"I haven't heard back from you yet, does that mean I don't get an appointment?"

{{Note: If you have emailed or msg'd about making an appointment and it's not my booking day, then I don't normally respond. Please see above "I missed the booking day...".}}

 If this is concerning a request sent on the booking day, and you haven't received a response: I have recently changed my booking policy and no longer reply to everyone who sends a request. While I completely appreciate everyone who sends in a request, I am just one person and have found it overwhelming to try and respond to every single person the past few months on booking days. So from now on, I will only be replying to those who are getting appointments. I sincerely apologize to those who don't get in, but realize I can only fit so many clients in each month and I try to fill my days with tattoos that excite me.
If you didn't recieve the autoresponder you may have misspelled the email address, so doublecheck! The autoresponder reminds you of all the info that needs to be included in your request, so be sure to send anyhing else you missed.
Please see the booking page, as there may be other reasons I didn't book you, such as your availability (a lot of the time if you have limited availability it's very hard to accomidate that or you said 'evenings and weekends' in which I am not open), or you were too vague, or way too specific (I need to know I have the room for creative freedom to give you the best design), etc. Check junk/spam folders as sometimes my responses may end up there! 

"I have a litte cold, can I still come to my appointment?"

Nope. Please reschedule if you are sick (Covid or not!) , this was and always has been the case, pre covid. You shouldn't get tattooed if you are not feeling well. I have a pre screening I send out the day before your appt confirming you and those in your household are feeling well. During cold and flu season I don't want the chance to catch whatever you have either, so I'd much rather miss your one appointment then get me sick and have to cancel days of other appts. I don't get paid sick days, so please do the right thing and rebook as hard as it is as I know no one wants to miss their tattoo appt!