♥Preparing for Your Appointment♥
How should I prepare?
To help your session go smoothly, please:
eat a full meal beforehand
drink plenty of water
get a good night’s rest
avoid lotions, oils, fragrances, or heavy skincare on the tattoo area
For longer visits, bringing snacks, water, and a warm layer is helpful. Showing up rested and hydrated makes a noticeable difference in comfort and endurance.
What should I avoid before my tattoo?
Within 24 hours, avoid:
alcohol
recreational drugs
excessive caffeine
blood thinners, unless medically necessary (never discontinue prescribed medications without a doctor’s approval)
For the days leading up to your appointment, avoid:
sunburn or peeling skin
tanning beds
spray tans on the area
harsh exfoliants or chemical peels
The tattoo area must be healthy and undamaged.
Should I shave before the appointment?
No — please don’t shave.
I will shave the area during prep to avoid cuts, razor burn, or irritation, which can prevent the tattoo from being done safely.
♥At the Studio♥
Can I bring a friend?
Yes — one guest is welcome as long as they remain quiet, respectful, and outside of sterile areas. If a guest becomes distracting or interferes with the process, they may be asked to step out to ensure a safe and focused environment.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Choose items you don’t mind getting ink or stencil on.
Layers are helpful, as temperatures can fluctuate. For back or torso work, a zip-up hoodie worn backwards works well. Nipple pasties can be provided if extra coverage is desired.
Can I take breaks or eat during my session?
Yes. Breaks are absolutely fine.
You can eat or drink outside of the sterile work area.
Can I film or take photos?
Yes — just ask before you begin so the workspace remains safe and organized.
♥Pain & Safety♥
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Yes, though pain levels vary by person and placement.
Which areas are more or less painful?
In general:
More sensitive: ribs, spine, sternum, stomach, wrists, feet
Less sensitive: outer arms, calves, thighs, shoulders
Everyone experiences pain differently, but this is a common guideline.
Who should not be tattooed?
I do not tattoo:
pregnant clients
breastfeeding clients
anyone under 18
If you have medical concerns or take certain medications, please consult a doctor beforehand.
Can you tattoo over scars or stretch marks?
Yes — as long as the scar is fully healed (typically 8–12 months), not raised, and not sensitive. I will assess the area at your appointment.
Can I use numbing cream?
I prefer not to use numbing creams. They can change skin texture, affect stencil adhesion, and impact healing consistency.
♥Custom Designs & References♥
Do you offer custom designs?
Yes — custom work is welcome.
How much creative freedom do you need?
Tattooing is collaborative. Your ideas and references guide the design, and I apply my artistic judgment to ensure the piece flows well with your anatomy and ages properly.
Can you copy another artist’s tattoo?
No. I do not replicate existing tattoos, but I can create a design inspired by the style or themes you like.
How many revisions are allowed?
There is no strict limit.
We finalize the design together, and we do not stencil until you feel confident about the artwork. If revisions require additional time, we may use your appointment time to refine the design and reschedule the tattooing portion.
What references are most helpful?
Real-life photos — such as animals, plants, objects, scenery, or textures — are the most useful.
Tattoo photos can help convey general style, but real images allow for original, custom artwork.
♥Booking, Deposits & Scheduling♥
How do I book an appointment?
You may:
Do you require a deposit?
Yes — a $100 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment.
Are deposits refundable or transferable?
Deposits are non-refundable.
They can be transferred to a new date if we reschedule for design or mutual scheduling reasons.
Deposits are forfeited for late cancellations (within 48 hours), no-shows, or repeated rescheduling outside the policy.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice result in a forfeited deposit.
A new deposit is required to reschedule.
If I need to reschedule unexpectedly, your deposit remains valid.
How far out should I book?
Typically 2–8 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo. Smaller pieces may be scheduled sooner.
♥Pricing, Payments & Tipping♥
How do you price tattoos?
Pricing is based on:
size
placement
detail
complexity
time required
A clear estimate is always provided before booking.
Do you charge hourly or by piece?
Both:
By the piece for small–medium designs and flash
Hourly for large, detailed, or multi-session projects
Do you accept tips?
Yes — tips are appreciated, but never expected.
What forms of payment do you take?
cash (preferred)
Venmo
Zelle
CashApp
chip card
♥Aftercare & Healing♥
How do I care for my tattoo?
Please refer to my detailed aftercare page for full instructions. You can always reach out with questions.
How long does healing take?
Healing occurs in stages:
Surface healing: 2–3 weeks
Internal healing: 4–6 weeks
A cloudy or dull appearance during healing is normal.
Which products should I avoid?
Avoid anything containing:
fragrance
alcohol
essential oils
retinol
AHAs/BHAs
exfoliants
heavy oils or thick butters
Use gentle, fragrance-free products only.
Is peeling or itching normal?
Yes — this is expected. Avoid picking or scratching.
Can I work out while healing?
Light exercise is usually fine, but avoid heavy sweating, friction, and dirty equipment for the first 1–2 weeks.
No swimming or soaking until fully healed.
Why did my tattoo heal patchy?
Common causes include friction from clothing, scratching, sun exposure, or normal variations in healing. A touch-up can usually correct these areas.
Are touch-ups included?
Yes — except for hands and feet, as these areas fade more quickly due to the nature of the skin.
Do you touch up other artists’ work?
Yes — see my touch-up policy for guidelines.
How do I book a touch-up?
You can submit a touch-up request through my website.
♥Style, Ink, and Skin Tone♥
What styles do you specialize in?
illustrative
fine line
ornamental
neo-traditional
Do some styles fade faster?
Yes — fine line tattoos typically fade faster because they use less ink and finer detail.
Do you use vegan ink?
Yes — all inks used are vegan-friendly.
Do you tattoo all skin tones?
Yes. Techniques such as contrast, line weight, and shading are adapted to each skin tone to ensure clarity and longevity.
♥Studio Etiquette & Safety♥
What should I avoid during my appointment?
bringing children or pets (only trained service animals are permitted)
touching sterile areas
sudden movements
distractions from guests
This ensures safety and quality.
Is talking okay during the tattoo?
Yes — conversation is welcome.
If a particularly detailed moment requires extra focus, I may pause the conversation briefly.
What if my tattoo looks infected?
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or anything unusual.
Is scabbing normal?
Light scabbing is common. Do not pick at it.
What if I accidentally scratch or bump it?
It happens — simply avoid repeating it and continue proper aftercare.
♥