Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Procedures During COVID-19 Times

 

EVERY client is required to wear a mask during the procedure. Unfortunately, no companions are allowed during the procedure. If you have ANY symptoms or have been exposed to COVID, please reschedule. I have a severe respiratory condition and would like to stick around for a while.

 

Does it hurt?

 

Yes… and no. Depends on the area of the body, the amount of time in the chair and your threshold for pain. Anxiety and mental attitude have a place there, too. Sometimes, your body just isn’t in the mood.

 

What’s the best way to approach getting my first tattoo?

 

Start by doing some research, a lot of research actually.  The clearer your idea is, the easier it is to build something off of that foundation.

Look at tattoos, not to get the same idea, but to see what you actually like and how it can flow on the body. Look at art from different genres, listen to music, ideas are all around you and your imagination is the limit (unless it physically can’t be achieved – like metallic colors).

Take into account the size of the tattoo in proportion to the body part in the photo. You could be looking at a full back piece and really want something that detailed on your arm. By proportion, you can’t get that amount of detail in a small tattoo by comparison. So, this would be an unrealistic expectation. This doesn’t mean that a simpler version can’t be done, however.

Gather up some pics and email me (all those juicy pics and detailed descriptions) so we can set up a virtual consultation. Once the consultation is done, we set an appointment. We do paperwork, leave your deposit and we’re set!

 

What would be unrealistic expectations I should avoid?

 

Finger tattoos – Fingers are very flexible. Unless you’re going to keep it in a splint for 2 weeks, the tattoos tend to fall apart. Touching it up doesn’t make it any better. In 24 years of tattooing I’ve seen less than 10 tattoos on the finger truly heal beautifully. I don’t even bother with them personally.

Super detailed tiny tattoos – Some artists specialize in tiny micro tattoos. Personally, I don’t bother with those either. I see them more as a trendy money maker. I’ve yet to see one of these tattoos 10 years later that’s identifiable. The skin is not paper. It’s an organ that grows, changes and ages. Things too close and tight will turn to mush with time. I personally have a tattoo done too small… in the process of a cover up.

Extremely bright colors – as seen on social media are rampant. Neon colors do not show that way in skin. You can trick the eyes by using contrast, but it will NEVER look like a digital photo in your phone or computer. EVER. All those photos are edited with digital art programs to look this way. Filters, compression, digitizing programs are all used the same way your IG models do to look better.

Your complexion may not be suitable for certain colors, if any color at all.  Darker skin tones are better suited for black and gray tattoos or even true gray tones. Tattoos are seen through the layers of skin. The darker your skin tone, the darker the colors appear when healed. Like looking through a tinted window. Everything dark will look darker and everything bright will tone down considerably.

 

How much does a tattoo cost?

 

My work starts at $80 and up. (Unfortunately pricing has increased a little due to PPE and supplies cost doubling since the beginning of the pandemic.) Pricing is determined by placement, size, style and difficulty of the design. Your attitude helps that price immensely, as well. Large projects (half sleeves, full sleeves of the leg or arm, full backs, full torso or bodysuits) are priced at an hourly rate.

 

Do you do cover-ups?

 

Yes, I do. Cover-ups are approached on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the complexity is what can be done. Don’t place limits on size or style. A cover-up is hard to do already. Bring your ideas to the table and we can discuss what the best approach is for the desired results. Cover-ups can be costly. Budget accordingly so you don’t make the same mistake twice or spend more than you have to.

 

Can I get drunk before I get tattooed?

 

NO. NO. NO. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL I TATTOO SOMEONE WHO IS UNDER THE INFLUENCE. It’s not only unprofessional, but it also makes people annoying, some violent and belligerent. It also dehydrates you which makes tattooing harder since the tattoo will bleed more because of the blood being closer to the surface of the skin. Hence healing badly and ending in undesired results.

 

Can I get tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding?

 

I will not tattoo women while pregnant or nursing. Anything that affects mommy will affect baby.  This includes infection, if for any chance it were to happen.

 

Can I work out or go swimming in the ocean after getting tattooed?

 

Personally, I advise my clients to avoid the gym until the derm bandage comes off. This type of bandage is adhesive, which holds in the natural plasma and promotes faster healing. Working out releases toxins in sweat. Who wants their fresh tattoo bathing in a pool of sweat and plasma for a couple of days?! I know I certainly don’t.

For clients that prefer to not use the derm bandage, I suggest no gym for 7 days. Gyms are dirty. People are dirty! Open wound, dirty gym… make sense? No hard soaking for 30 days. Direct sunlight during the healing process damages the new tissue and the ocean or lake is full of bacteria. Again, open wound, fish poop or chlorine (a corrosive) I think not! You're investing in art, protect it!

 

What’s the best way to prepare for the tattoo process?

 

I always suggest this to my clients:

Get a good night’s sleep, drink lots of water, bring a snack or drink, bring tunes or a tablet, bring a great attitude and enjoy the experience. Wear clothing that you’re not afraid to ruin. Sometimes, ink splatters. Moisturizing the area getting tattooed for 24 hours before your appointment helps as well.

 

What if I’m on medication OR have health conditions?

 

If you’re on any type of medication or have any type of health condition, you should always speak with your DOCTOR.

 

If you have any other questions, we can cover those during our consultation. See you soon!