Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most frequently asked questions I receive regarding my tattoo process and scheduling, so hopefully this will help navigate you on your tattoo journey and clarify any questions you may have.
Do you have a wait list?
I’ve tried using a wait list multiple times throughout the years, and I’ve learned it’s easier and faster for me to post about any last minute openings on my Instagram story.
I don’t get too many last minute openings, but make sure to keep an eye out on my Instagram page just in case I do!
It says your books open at the beginning of the year, can I submit my request now for January?
The way that I operate my “books open-books closed” process is when I announce a date for when my books reopen, that is when you’ll submit your tattoo proposal with all of the information I’ll need for your appointment on that day within the posted time frame. I’m not accepting tattoo appointments for that day in particular or for the following few weeks as it can take me 1-4 weeks to respond to everyones proposals.
I also don’t accept any proposals submitted to me during my off season, or “books closed” season, and this process is the easiest way for me to stay organized.
I make frequent updates on my Instagram page and on my Instagram story of when I’m planning on reopening my books, or when I’m ready to schedule my travel dates, and I’ll lay out all the information I’ll need from you there (and under my “appointments” tab) to minimize any confusion!
You can also sign up for email notifications at the bottom of this page if you’re not on Instagram, and would like to receive reminders and updates on when I plan to accept new tattoo appointments.
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Can I bring a friend to my appointment?
I completely understand the nerves associated with getting tattooed, especially if it’s your first piece, and it can be comforting to have a support system with you on the day of your appointment.
Getting tattooed is a very intimate and spiritual experience in my eyes, and you’re paying for my expertise and time spent with me in my creative space, and when I have to split my attention between you and your guests, I’m unable to give you and your tattoo my undivided attention.
It’s nothing personal, and I’m sure your family and friends are amazing people, but it’s very distracting and can sometimes be problematic having too many people in our artistic bubble, so please leave family and friends at home.
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Would you be comfortable working on large scale realism tattoos?
At this time, I have no interest in working on large scale tattoos, cover ups, or finishing work not started by me.
The way I prefer to tattoo is to complete a piece in a single session, and large scale realism pieces can take upwards of 2-4 sessions to include all of those immaculate details that your tattoo deserves, however I am not the best fit for a piece like that. There are many talented artists in the Cincinnati-Dayton area who are extremely talented in this arena, and I highly recommend checking out some of their portfolios.
If you would like a better idea of the art style I work in, feel free to check out my Instagram page or under my “portfolio tab”.
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Can you quote a price for a piece I'd like to get in the future?
Quoting tattoos is a difficult process, and lots of factors can go into the final price range, such as the location in which you are wanting your tattoo, size, color or black and grey, subject matter, etc.
Each scheduling period I go through, prices may vary or change depending on how much experience I’ve gained in a specific style or subject matter, and if my hourly rate has raised or not.
I tend to price pieces based on the size, placement, and subject matter, and will offer you a flat rate when you submit your proposal (just so I can take my time on your piece instead of feeling the pressure of having to finish it in a certain allotted time period) but I’m not comfortable quoting pieces on my off-season in case the price were to change as time goes on.
Can I use numbing agents?
Numbing products aren’t as reliable as people may think, and it’s best to have realistic expectations as far as getting tattooed goes, and how well these products are actually able to alleviate pain. For a deep dive into this subject matter, I’d recommend reading my blog post about it at the link below:
There are certain large scale projects that numbing creams are sometimes fine to use, and I’ll let you know when discussing your appointment details if I think it’ll be alright if you use some, but you’re also more than welcome to ask before your appointment!
Would you be willing to send over designs in advance?
Due to my busy schedule, and because most of my work is realism/artistic recreation based, I draw all designs the day of your appointment. When working with portraits, I’ve found it’s best for me to have the drawing prepared as close to the appointment time as possible so all of the elements I incorporated into the design are fresh in my head, and there’s no internal confusion as to why I added elements or lines where I did. It’s also easier for me to discuss these elements in person with you during your appointment, so I don’t send out designs in advance.
What’s your touch up policy?
I ask that people email me healed pictures 6 weeks after their tattoo appointment so we can see how all the ink settled in. If there’s any issues or areas that you’d like to work on, feel free to let me know at this time. Sometimes I may notice an area or spot that may need to be smoothed out, so even if you’re unsure it needs a touch up, send me some healed pics!
If you’re worried to reach out because you think the touch up is too small, please reach out anyway. It may be a tiny touch up, but if there’s any spot (no matter how small) that you notice fell out, I’d rather schedule a small appointment than you having a tattoo that you’re 95% happy with. If you love it andd are happy with how everything settled in (or you have any cute healed pcs with your pets) I’d love to add them to my healed portfolio!
Touch ups are complimentary for 6-12 months after your appointment, pieces that are healed 1+ years may have a $100-150 fee to cover supplies and the extra tattoo time (as the whole tattoo may need to be retouched so it all heals cohesively).
