Tattoo Process & Preparation

How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Eat a good meal beforehand, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest the night before.

Avoid heavy lotions, oils, or fragrances on the skin.

Bringing snacks, water, and warm layers is helpful for longer sessions.

Showing up well-fed, hydrated, and with healthy skin helps you sit longer and makes the whole process much smoother.

What should I avoid before getting tattooed (alcohol, caffeine, sunburn, etc.)?

Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and blood-thinning medications unless prescribed by a doctor.

Try to limit caffeine the day of your appointment, as it can make you more sensitive.

Do not come in with a sunburn—sunburned skin cannot be safely tattooed, and we will have to reschedule you.

Also avoid tanning, peeling skin, and heavy exfoliants in the days leading up to your session.

Should I shave the area before my appointment?

You do not need to shave the area getting tattooed —your artist will take care of that for you.

In fact, it’s better if you don’t shave, because we cannot tattoo over any open wounds, cuts, razor burn, or irritation.

If you accidentally cut yourself shaving, we won’t be able to tattoo that area until it’s fully healed.

Can I bring a friend to my session?

Company doesn’t bother me at all! You’re welcome to bring a guest for support, as long as they’re respectful of the workspace.

Tattooing requires focus, so if your guest is likely to be distracting, it’s usually best to leave them at home.

Guests should not touch or lean on the workstation, equipment, or table, and they shouldn’t hold your hand or interfere with the tattooing process.

As long as they’re calm, quiet, and mindful, I’m happy to have them here.

If a guest becomes disruptive, rude, or causes you to move around (like making you laugh while I’m working), they may be asked to step out.

The goal is simply to keep the environment safe, focused, and comfortable for both of us.

How long will my tattoo take?

Every tattoo is different. Smaller pieces may take 30 minutes to 1 hour, while medium designs can take 1–3 hours.

Larger, detailed, or multi-session pieces (like sleeves or backs) can take many hours or multiple appointments.

You can see more about timing, day rates and specific booking details on my tattoo inquiry form page.

What should I wear to my tattoo appointment?

Wear comfortable, loose clothing that gives your artist easy access to the area being tattooed.

Choose items you don’t mind getting a little ink or stencil on, and avoid anything tight, restrictive, or difficult to move in.

Layers are always helpful—tattoo studios can feel warm or cool depending on the session length,

and getting tattooed can naturally make your body feel colder, especially during longer appointments.

If you’re getting work done on your back, bringing a zip-up hoodie or flannel to wear backwards is a great option.

This keeps your back exposed for the tattoo while still helping you feel covered and comfortable.

I can also provide you with nipple pasties if you’d like a little extra coverage or privacy.

Some clients also prefer wearing an inexpensive bikini top or bottom, since they’re adjustable and offer easier access for certain placements.

Whatever you choose, the goal is comfort, warmth, access, and feeling secure during your session.

Can you design a custom tattoo for me?

I love custom designs!

How much creative freedom do you need?

Tattooing is a collaboration. When you inquire about a custom piece, the hope is that you’ve already explored my portfolio and feel connected to the style of work I create.

That gives us a strong foundation to build something unique and meaningful together.

I’m always clear and concise about any artistic decisions I make, and I’ll explain why certain choices will make your tattoo look and age its best.

At the same time, I absolutely want to hear your ideas, suggestions, and desires for your piece.

Your vision matters just as much as my expertise.

Together, we create something that reflects both your story and my artistic style.

Can you replicate another artist’s tattoo exactly?

The short and simple answer is no.

How many revisions are included in a custom design?

There isn’t a set number of revisions, because every design and every client is different.

My approach is simple: we don’t put the stencil on until you’re genuinely happy with the idea.

If you come to your appointment and we aren’t fully aligned on the design yet, I’ll use that appointment time to make revisions together.

That way, when we reschedule, we can jump straight into tattooing with a design you feel confident and excited about.

Your comfort and satisfaction come first, and we’ll keep refining until the artwork feels right.

What reference photos help you best?

The most helpful references are photos of real objects, people, animals, scenery, textures, or artwork that isn’t a tattoo.

These give me a more accurate sense of the shapes, details, and mood you’re drawn to.

Tattoo photos can be helpful for understanding general style or placement, but real-life imagery

allows me to create something original for you rather than copying another artist’s work.

The more clear, specific, and varied your non-tattoo references are,

the easier it is for me to design something custom that truly fits your vision.

How do I book an appointment?

Submitting an inquiry form directly through my website

Emailing me with your idea, references, and availability

Setting up a free consultation to talk through your design in person

Dropping by the shop to check out the space and chat

Calling or emailing the shop to get assistance with scheduling

Any of these methods work — choose whichever feels easiest for you!

Do you require a deposit?

I require a $100 non refundable deposit to secure an appointment.

Are deposits refundable or transferable?

Deposits are non-refundable, as they secure your appointment time and cover the preparation work that goes into your design.

However, if we need to reschedule due to design revisions, your deposit will simply follow you to the new appointment.

You won’t lose it — it just transfers to the next date so we can continue refining your piece without stress.

What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?

Life happens — we’re all human. I completely understand that things come up.

However, cancellations made within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment will result in a forfeited deposit.

This means that to reschedule, you’ll need to leave a new deposit, and the previous one cannot be applied toward the final cost.

As artists, our schedules and organization are incredibly important. Last-minute cancellations can make it difficult for us to fill your slot,

which often results in lost income. Please be considerate of our time, and if you need to move your appointment, let me know as soon as possible.

On the other hand, if I need to reschedule you last minute, your deposit is completely safe — and I will often offer a small discount on

your booking as an apology for the inconvenience. I know how excited you are for your appointment, and I always want to respect that.

How far in advance should I book?

How do you price tattoos?

Do you charge hourly or by piece?

Do you accept tips?

Do you offer payment plans?

What forms of payment do you accept?

Does getting a tattoo hurt?

What areas hurt the most/least?

Who should not get tattooed?

Can you tattoo over scars or stretch marks?

Can I get tattooed if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Is it safe to get tattooed while on medication?

Can I take breaks during the tattoo?

Can I eat or drink during my session?

Can I use numbing cream?

Can I film or take pictures?

Should I bring snacks or water?

How do I take care of my tattoo?

How long is the healing process?

What products should I use or avoid?

What’s the difference between traditional aftercare and second skin bandages?

Is peeling or itching normal?

Can I go to the gym while healing?

When might I need a touch-up?

Are touch-ups free?

How do I book a touch-up?

Do you touch up other artists’ work?

Why do tattoos sometimes heal patchy?

What tattoo styles do you specialize in?

Do certain styles fade faster than others?

Do you use vegan ink?

Do you offer cover-ups or reworks?

Do you tattoo darker/lighter skin tones?

Should I tip my tattoo artist?

What should I not do during my appointment?

Is it okay to talk during the tattoo?

Can I bring kids or pets?

What should I do if my tattoo looks infected?

My tattoo scabbed — is that normal?

Why is my tattoo looking cloudy or dull?

What happens if I accidentally scratch or bump it?