Tattoos can be scary, especially if you've just decided to take the step to getting your first one.  Preparing yourself beforehand can help out both you and the artist by preventing unnecessary distractions and other issues.  Before anything else, do your research into the studios and artists you feel might be a good fit for you, including their consultation and tattoo booking methods, art styles, etc.  Once you've got that figured out, get yourself acquainted with some helpful tips and tattoo etiquette!  Below are some general guidelines that can benefit new comers and return clients alike:

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BRING YOUR CURRENT ID.  EVERY. TIME.

I'm required by law to make sure your contact info with us is up-to-date every time you come in.  Even if you were here two weeks ago for a different tattoo, bring in your ID so we can keep files current.  Studios are only required to keep their records up to a short time, so if you come in just outside of that window without proper ID then you're out of luck.  Check with each studio or artist if you have any questions on what they consider proper ID, as well as the age requirements for tattoos in your state.

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Health issues

I won't work on anyone who:

- has been openly exposed to anyone who tests positive for flu/cold/COVID within 2 weeks of the scheduled appointment;

- has any symptoms of flu/cold/COVID, severe allergies, or any other respiratory illness (constant coughing or trouble breathing, fever, etc) within 2 weeks leading up to the appointment;

- is experiencing any other issue that compromises your health (chronic breakouts, acne, bruising in the tattoo area, etc.).

Your body is already trying to fight off an illness: it can slow the tattoo progress, lower your pain tolerance significantly, and slow the healing process afterwards.

E-mail to reschedule with me if you're feeling under the weather as soon as possible - this will help both of us from potentially spreading or catching any illnesses.

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ASK YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER about any health risks.  Some health issues and related prescriptions can affect the tattoo application and healing afterwards.  Heart issues, diabetes, auto-immune disorders, and other chronic illnesses/outbreaks  (just to name a few) can cause some unforeseen complications, so make sure you and your doctor discuss and are fully prepared for any potential risks that involve the tattoo and taking care of it afterwards.

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Shave

If exceptionally hairy, carefully shave the area clean the day before if possible without irritating the skin.  Doing so can help prevent redness/swelling and fresh cuts of the skin vs. shaving just prior to tattoo.

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Hygiene!

Please consider the amount of time and the close space you'll be spending with the artist and others in the studio.  Shower and scrub well, deodorize, and clean the tattoo area before your appointment.  I (along with my coworkers and other clients) truly appreciate it.

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Rest well before session

Be sure to get enough rest and sleep so your body isn't fatigued during the tattoo, otherwise your body can have a rougher time coping with the pain.

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Eat and hydrate before session

This helps your body deal with pain and can prevent becoming light-headed and nauseated during tattoo.  A good diet also helps with the healing process afterwards.  Food and drink are NOT allowed in the work area or studio, so fueling your body up before you get to your appointment is the best course of action.  Snack breaks scattered thru longer sessions are also welcome, so load up a small cooler with some refreshments for whenever you need to step outside during a quick break.

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Refrain from alcohol and drug use

Any lingering alcohol and medication in your blood stream can affect how well the tattoo sets into your skin, even while I'm tattooing.   Thinned blood, unusual/inebriated behavior, and other negative affects can complicate the tattoo process, prolonging the session and costing you more time and money.  Furthermore, if the areas are overworked as a result, it can have negative affects on the tattoo afterwards.  No one can tell how every individual will react under the influence until they start the tattoo session, which can become a safety issue very quickly.

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Dress properly

While everyone would like to look their best in their tattoo session documentaries, unfortunately ink does splatter and stain.  Wear some (expendable) comfy yoga or pajama clothes or swimsuits that allow you to easily stretch how I need you to, and that give me unhindered access to the tattoo area.

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No vaping or smoking in work station

With the rise in popularity of vaping pens, there's a noticeable decrease in courtesy and consideration when vaping inside.  Even if I may not mind them out of the work space, it can be VERY difficult to see through a solid plume of vape as I work.  Vaping is NOT allowed at the work station - this  personally helps to ensure I give you the best quality, unhindered work possible.

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No pets are allowed

This isn't just studio policy, it's state regulation.  With the exception of registered/marked service animals, all pets and other unmarked service/therapy animals will not be allowed in the studio due to health risks.

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NO KIDS ALLOWED

As lovable as they can be, babies to teens can bring a lot of distraction into the work place (not to mention bio hazards).  I strive for a calm, quiet environment to focus on giving you the permanent piece of art that you'll love for years to come.  This is really difficult when children (attended or not) are being excessively loud and disruptive, wandering into areas that are off-limits, getting into trash cans, etc.  These disruptions can be very taxing for everyone in the studio.

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Don't play your music or videos over my own - USE YOUR HEADPHONES

Artists may listen to music or play videos during the session.  It becomes very distracting to play your own music loudly over the speakers.  That said, BRING YOUR OWN EARBUDS.  I'll totally respect your wish to listen to your own music via your headphones while I work, as long as you speak up if you need a stretch break, start to feel sick, etc.

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Keep moral support to one if a second person is needed

Due to limited space in the studio, I ask that the client come in solo to the appointment.  There's a front lobby for a second person to hang out during the session if support is needed; however, I ask that everyone remain considerate of each other's space to avoid any unnecessary chaos.

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Don't bargain on tattoo prices

In this industry, it's typically true that you pay for what you get.  The less you try to pay for a piece of art, the less quality you'll end up receiving.  I give my all to provide very high quality work for you at a more-than-fair price - please respect what I'm charging in return.

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Learn how to care properly for your tattoo after the session!

Questions?  Contact me!

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