FAQ
How do I book?
First and foremost, let me note that this process is new and we are workshopping things and getting into a new rhythm, and I’m sure we’re going to have some kinks to work out as time passes.
There are a couple of different ways!
+ I am always taking flash bookings.
Flash refers to a book of pre-drawn designs I’m constantly adding to and taking away from, which can be seen any day I am in the shop (M W TH F) and booked in person or over the phone (most people tend to pick their design the day of the appointment.) Most of these designs take less than 2.5 hours and will be less than $500.
I will periodically post a selection of rough sketches for larger, one-off, artist driven designs up for grabs on instagram. These can usually be adapted to input from the client and shaped to fit their body perfectly, and some can be applied to different parts of the body.
+ Walk-ins:
I do walk-in days every couple of weeks, typically. These are often a Wednesday or a Thursday and are first-come, first-served from 12-8pm. I will post the next walk-in dates on instagram. This is a good opportunity to get flash a smaller custom design without the wait that may not make it onto my schedule otherwise. It’s hard to explain what qualifies as a walk-in tattoo, but it should be under hand sized and reasonably fast to draw. It’s good to have a couple options, and of course you are welcome to select flash as a back-up.
+ Custom
There’s a form for custom designs here. I will preface this by saying that I am not taking many custom requests at the moment, but it never hurts to fill out a request form! My assistant and I will work through these in the order they come in. I will only be booking as many projects as I can fit within a period of 3-4 months. Beyond that, it is possible that as requests come in I will be working from a short wait list from which we will be able to give you a loose estimate of a start date. I may take the form down temporarily if traveling or backed up.
More details for those interested in custom work:
I fully believe that this is a service industry and you should be able to work with the artist you pick for something so important and permanent. I wish I were able to keep up with the requests that come in, but sadly I can’t. My new booking priorities are the best I can do to tattoo the most people who are interested. Custom work will still make up a large portion of my time in the shop but I want to take on the work that I can bring the most energy to! That means there are certain things that I can’t bring my best self to the table for. I typically do not do much lettering, pocket watches/compasses, family portraiture, microtattoos, highly specific bouquet-type florals (prefer larger scale work with one or two types of flora to encourage movement and flow), no outline realism. I do not copy existing tattoos/ other artists’ work (unless it’s reproducing something historic.)
Things I am typically interested in: critters/nature, traditional/historic tattoo designs (especially “framed” type traditional sleeves), larger scale ornamental work, folk art/heritage designs, pet portraiture, ladies, fine art/classical art reproduction and adaptation, dark/arcane/morbid/funerary stuff, weird shit. I do best with simple direction and a body part (“frog and dagger, forearm”), but struggle with “whatever you want!” (that’s what flash is for!)
How does the process work?
Once your request has been read and approved by my assistant or myself, you will be able to call the shop and schedule a consultation, at which point we will have a chat about your design, look at the area, brainstorm etc, and schedule your tattoo appointment(s). We can do this via phone if you are not local. You will be required to leave a $100-150 deposit, depending on the project size. The deposit is nonrefundable, but is transferable within a year. Any rescheduling requires 48 hours notice, any less notice forfeits your deposit but you will be able to reschedule. No-call, no-shows may be subject to a cancellation charge equal to half the appointment cost. I do not send drawings out ahead of time, so you will see your design at the time of your appointment. If any changes need to be made, I can typically do so very quickly at the appointment. Please never feel like you have to agree to something you aren’t into! I’m pretty good at getting a good read of people via our consultations and good at working on the fly if need be. You are never a bother for asking for what you want!
Do you do cover-ups?
Yes, if it’s reasonable. I would prefer to already have a working relationship with someone who is looking for a more involved coverup to establish trust and have an understanding of what’s involved, as large cover-ups are definitely a “you can’t always get what you want” situation. I do sliding scale pricing for coverups involving tattoos from human trafficking/abuse, as well as gender affirming surgical scars.
How do I best prepare for my tattoo?
One word: hydrate! Both your body, and your skin. Moisturizing the area to be tattooed for a week or so beforehand is always noticeable and greatly appreciated. Additionally, consider carefully what you wear to your appointment. You want to be comfortable and provide easy access to the tattoo area (for backs, I suggest a zip-up or button-up shirt you can flip backwards.) I can’t promise I won’t get ink on your clothes so please don’t wear something you’ll be mad about getting ink/blood on! Bring a drink and a snack. If you require a numbing agent, please have a conversation with me first as there are brands that I prefer not to work with.
I offer free color tests for anyone with more melanated skin tones who may be interested in color tattoos.
A small pattern in an inconspicuous area can help you see what different colors will look like on your body.
Please always feel free to call the shop with any questions!
