So you’re in the market for a tattoo. Firstly, thanks for your consideration! I’ve tried to streamline my website to hopefully easily guide you through the process.
How I work…
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The first thing you’ll want to do is introduce yourself! Fill out your contact information, give a brief description of your tattoo, and let me know where you would like it on the body. Have some photos ready to help guide your vision. It doesn’t have to be an image of the subject matter or placement, but something to help me figure out the style you’re going for.
A rose can be tattooed in infinite styles, so I’ll want to get those image references from you at our consultation. Keep in mind that the more detail or color blending/packing there is the more time it will take to complete. Tiny details can take a while too, so smaller doesn’t mean easier!
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Consultations can be done via text, video call, or in person and typically take about 10-15 minutes. During that time we’ll discuss scheduling and get more clear on your tattoo ideas. After we pick a date and do the meet and greet, next I’ll take a deposit.
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Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. A lot of work goes in to your tattoo long before your butt hits the waiting room chair, and this ensures that you will be there at the agreed upon time. If someone shows up, not only am I out money, as there are no hourly wages in the tattoo industry, but someone else is denied an opportunity for their tattoo. This deposit does, however, go toward the price of the tattoo. During the last session we subtract the amount paid from the deposit and take it off the price of the session.
I understand that life happens. Cars break down and people get sick. As long as you let me know up to 24 hours in advance the deposit is secured and I’ll gladly reschedule you. I most certainly don’t want any colds in my future!
For large projects, I prefer not to take large sums in advance. Something weird happens when artists accept large deposits, and it changes the energy for the worse. For some reason it always goes sideways! I think with hundreds already on the line, the client gets a sense of entitlement and ownership over your time and energy, and I prefer to work on my own terms. It’s best just to avoid that road altogether.
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It always helps to have a budget in mind so that I know how much, or little, detail to include. It’s not uncommon for client to come in wanting a wrist tattoo with the reference of a whole ribcage piece, but we can whittle away at it until we get something that fits the space and budget.
For longer pieces I prefer to work within set rates. A tattoo takes as long as it takes, and there are several factors, like placement, that go in to it. You can either name you price for each session (for example, I have a realism sleeve we do $500 sessions for, while others may choose to do $300 at a time). If you want to knock it all out in once sitting there are options for that.
I operate really well with boundaries and structure when it comes to art,and even if you aren’t sure how to put it in to words (tattoo language doesn’t come naturally) the photos should help me suss it out.
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Most shops and artists these days seem concerned with volume and have a turn-em-and-burn-em mentality, but I’ve learned that such is not my style. They’ll meet you day of and draw something out and slap it on the skin, and while there are certainly incredible artists out there that can get away with it, I know that my first draft is far from the best. As someone who juggles many projects (tattooing is a joy in life, but not my only priority) I like to get a start, let the idea sit, approach it once more with fresh eyes, then do a final draft some time later.
Since I invest a significant amount of time and spend hours, days, and weeks on a piece, I want to make sure it’s going in a direction you like. After our consultation I’ll get a rough draft getting the general idea across and then you let me know what to add or omit, should it be necessary. I generally don’t give the final draft out (it’s not uncommon for people to take the design and attempt it themselves, which is not a good idea!!!) but I’ll usually share a more rendered version of the first draft.
I keep a strict drawing schedule, so if you’re wondering where your drawing is, don’t hesitate to reach out, but please do so with compassion in mind! I sincerely care about every tattoo I do, no matter how big or small or unique, and I will devote all of my energy to your and your project as soon as I am able to.
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There are a lot of things that we see in photos that aren’t practical long term tattoos, and I was trained to do tattoo’s that are meant for the long haul, not just the instagram photo. I will take your ideas and turn them into a beautiful piece of body art with longevity in mind.
Please Reconsider!
A short list of “bad” tattoo ideas complete with lots of photos showing how they don’t stand the test of time.
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Trust me, we both want your tattoo you to look great! Living canvases are a difficult medium as there are soooo many factors that effect healing. Perhaps I eased up as to not brutalize the skin, or perhaps you unconsciously itched at the healing line and -oops- there goes the scab and the ink along with it. Well, worry not, my friends. I’ll gladly get you back in as soon as you’re done healing (around 4 weeks) and touch it up for you.
Its natural that tattoos fade over time, so be sure to get in within the year! It’s a limited time offer, but it’s offered every time.
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A recovering people pleaser, I’m learning how to take more time to disconnect and replenish my cup so that I may be of highest service to those around me. In order to do this I tend to unplug from the social media hustle and bustle, and in the face of constant access I can get overwhelmed in communication, and as I better learn how to juggle everyone and everything I ask for your patience through the communication and design process.
It is my goal to keep my tattoo work available to working class people, as self care should not be a privilege. Read more for rules and ways to enter!