Frequently Asked Questions

DOES IT HURT? 

Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. I am not going to kid you though - yes it does hurt. Just not that much. Some have compared it to a "hot scratching feeling." But, people would not be returning again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurt that bad. Most of us are not into pain, but the beauty of the tattoo and the pride associated with wearing it far outweighs a little pin-stick here and there.

What about using some kind of numbing cream? These kinds of products are really not recommended.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

This varies with the tattoo you choose, expect to spend around an hour for most smaller size designs. We will go over all of this at your consult beforehand to discuss time frame and pricing.​

HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST?

Quotes for all Tattoos differ. Pricing depends on the size, details, location and how long it will take. It is very hard to gauge the price of a Tattoo without having a consultations with an artist first. This is why I require a consultation for all tattoo appointments. I charge $25 to book a consultation. This $25 will be put towards your tattoo deposit if you decide to schedule a tattoo appointment. Tattoo consultations are fairly quick but very important. At the consultation we will go over the details of your design, size, location and placement. This will also help determine the overall price. The tattoo appointment will then be booked at your consultation.

I welcome all ideas, but not all designs and ideas translate well into a tattoo. Some designs may look good on paper or on your screen but not for skin. My goal as your artist is to make sure that you're happy and that your design will look great once it is done and healed several years later. I would rather give you advice and recommendations than just take your money. I take pride in every tattoo I produce and I want to make sure you are happy not just when you leave, but for many years. At your consultation we will go over all of your options in detail.
Tattoo deposits range from $50-$300 based on the quote of your tattoo. Your deposit will go towards the price of your tattoo. If your deposit is $200 and your tattoo cost $400, you will only pay $200 upon completion. If your tattoo is not finished, your deposit will roll over to your next appointment and the price for that day will be due. To reschedule your appointment you must give me 48-hour notice or your deposit may be forfeited. All Deposits are final and Non-Refundable. The deposit system is used throughout the Tattoo Industry to ensure business and appointments are taken seriously for both the Artist and the Clients.

My rate is $175 an hour. Quotes I give are competitive market prices based on quality work. If you have a budget, we can talk and see what options are available. For all pieces with the exception of extremely large pieces (full sleeves, back pieces, etc.) I will give you a final quote after your consultation. My shop minimum is $100. **Finger & feet tattoo pricing exceeds shop minimum pricing because these locations requires multiple touch-ups** I do not do full hand tattoos.

DEPOSIT POLICY

I try to be as mindful as possible regarding deposits, both for you and for myself.  Please keep in mind that when you’re booking an appointment, I am blocking my schedule for one on one time with you, meaning that time is held for you.  Additionally, I am following my own artistic process to prepare your design or drawing – even if you’re providing an exact design or reference, it still needs to be prepared for actual tattooing.

When sending a deposit and booking an appointment, please be aware of these policies:

  1. Deposits are non-refundable.

  2. Deposits are non-transferrable.

  3. With advance notice, I will work with you on rescheduling without requiring an additional deposit. Life happens, so I will be as reasonable as possible. Because of there being a little bit of interpretation of “advance notice,” I will be specific.

    I require at least 24 hours notice before your appointment for rescheduling/canceling consultation appointments.

  4. I require at least 48 hours notice for rescheduling tattoo appointments. Same day, or shortly before is NOT appropriate notice.

  5. Appointment cancellations may forfeit your deposit. Same as above, I can help you move your appointment to another day or time with REASONABLE notice.

  6. No-call no-shows will forfeit your deposit. If you miss your appointment, Sorry, I will require a new deposit.

  7. I realize these policies may seem harsh, but please realize that for the amount of time I spend in the shop actually tattooing I spend the equivalent or sometimes more designing, drawing and preparing art for my clients. A LOT of of time goes in behind the scenes.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

Cash is preferred, but I do accept credit card and Venmo with a 10% processing fee.

SHOULD I TIP MY TATTOO ARTIST?

 Tipping is a really nice gesture, and much appreciated! There are no real solid ground rules for tipping.  Tattooing is a service and tipping is at your leisure.

I NEED A DRAWING DONE, WHAT’S MY FIRST STEP?

Custom tattooing is offered at no extra charge to the client. I require a deposit to protect the time I put into drawing/creating, which goes toward the tattoo when it’s done. Consultations are required for ALL tattoos to discuss your ideas. Bring whatever reference you can find in regard to your design idea and this will help me understand what you are looking for.

DRAWING POLICIES:

I understand that you want to be involved in every step of the process in designing your tattoo, and that you may want to see a full drawing or sketch before your appointment time & day for approval after your original consult. However, my shop policy is that drawings and designs will not be ready to view/make changes to until the day of your appointment. Please review my portfolio to see if my style fits you best, trust in your artist is important.

I have appointments scheduled out, and tattoo every day I am scheduled in the shop. In order to have a drawing/design ready for each client I tattoo I have to design the tattoo the night or a few days before the scheduled appointment. I physically do not have enough time in the day/week/month to “pre-draw” for every client to approve on random days before the clients appointment.
I am confident in what I do and will make changes you request to designs on the day of the appointment. For this reason I schedule cushion time to your tattoo appointment. I design your piece to fit your body. Working with my client in person, sizing and getting a better grasp of placement and flow of your body is all part of the tattoo appointment and final adjustment are made the day of your tattoo. Some times I will draw directly on the skin before tattooing so confidence and trust is important. I will NOT send a drawing or sketch through text, email or allow a physical copy to leave the shop. This is a policy held by most tattooers and setting boundaries to protect our work and our time is very important.

I HAVE A TATTOO I DON’T LIKE, CAN IT BE FIXED OR COVERED UP?

Absolutely. Even the largest and most unsightly of tattoos can be improved upon and/or covered up with another tattoo to disguise what’s underneath. Book a consultation to see what can be done..

IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT?

You must be 18 years of age with a valid state issued ID. I am required by law to make a photo copy of every clients ID so don’t forget to bring it to your appointments.

​WHEN ARE YOU OPEN?

I work by appointment only. Consultations are required to book tattoo time with me. You can book through this website and we will schedule your tattoo time in person at your consultation.

WHAT SHOULD I GET? AND WHERE?

This is all a matter of personal taste. You can get whatever you want, and whatever I am willing to do. You can bring in a design, or you can have me create a custom piece just for you. Your only limit is your own imagination. Please have an idea BEFORE coming to your consultation. I will not choose a piece for you. As far as where you should get it goes, this is something you should put some thought into. I am happy to discuss options and offer my advise depending on the design. We will go over all of this at your consultation.

WHERE CAN I FIND PICTURES OF TATTOOS?

If you're getting a tattoo, especially as an expression of your individuality, why would you want a tattoo just like someone else's? Example: If you are wanting a tattoo of a bumblebee and a flower, find real photos of a bumblebee and photos of the kind of flowers you are wanting. If you want a tattoo of a blue rose wrapped around a cross, find pictures of real roses and crosses that you like. If the pictures don't show exactly what you want, that is not a problem. That is my job as your artist to use the pictures you find as guidelines and make changes to create a piece just for you. 

DO TATTOOS FADE?

A few things to consider when concerned with your tattoo fading: There are multiple factors involved with tattoos fading or longevity. In short, yes, tattoos do fade with time. However, taking proper care of your tattoo during the healing stages will increase the chances of how well your tattoo will look over time. A tattoo artist will only be able to give you the tattoo. Once that is done, it is up to you to help its longevity from there. A common factor for tattoos fading is exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet rays lighten tattoo pigment. Think about something that sits out in the sunshine all day. Think about a road sign or a building's artwork on a wall, perhaps. All of those things will eventually have its pigments and colors penetrated by the sun, and will subsequently lighten those pigments over time. Another reason tattoos fade is because that is what the substrate does naturally. The pigment injected into the dermis slowly starts to separate with time. The separation of the compacted pigments in a new tattoo eventually will look lighter with time. Over time the pigment will separate so much, it will be lightened in appearance. When you think about these common factors all at once, the longevity of a tattoo is very dependent on a person's care, and lifestyle. For example: If you are a person who:

  • Gets a lot of sun exposure

  • Tans often

  • Works out in the open sun regularly

  • Someone who neglects their fresh tattoo the following day it was done

  • Someone who doesn't take excellent care of their skin regularly

You might end up having a tattoo that will fade more quickly.

If you are a person who:

  • Gets very little sunlight exposure

  • Does not tan

  • Takes excellent care of their tattoo during the healing process

  • Takes good care of their skin regularly,

Your tattoo will last much longer than expected.


AFTERCARE

Please see Aftercare page from the drop down menu for instructions on how to care for your new tattoo.



Book a Consultation

I will walk you through every step of the process.