Quan

When it comes to larger tattoos, I generally schedule three appointments for each client, with a month in between to allow for proper healing. This also helps with budgeting for each session. The appointments typically last around three hours at most. I work quite efficiently, particularly when creating the outline. If I believe that more sessions will be necessary, I’ll schedule them at the time of your appointment a month after your last booked session.

Tattooing is physically demanding, so I break up the sessions to help with pain management, for both myself and my client. Usually, I start with a drawing, stenciling, and outlining session, followed by one or two sessions for adding color, and then a touch-up session which I don’t charge for unless my client wants to add something extra.

I understand that many people are concerned about not seeing the tattoo design in advance. I always make sure to allow extra time to make changes or edit the drawing. I don’t typically show the art in advance for a few reasons. Firstly, I usually don’t have much time to draw far ahead in advance. Additionally, I often need to draw directly on my client’s body to make sure the design fits and flows properly. In such cases, there’s not much to show before the actual outline appointment.

I want to emphasize that it’s absolutely okay for clients to ask for changes to their design. I never rush the art process; if my client feels uncertain at any point, it’s always my top priority to ensure their satisfaction with their permanent art. I recognize that tattoos are a significant commitment and can be both expensive and painful. Therefore, I’m committed to making any necessary corrections to ensure the best outcome for my clients. I take the word “client” seriously and understand that you have hired me to work for you.

If you need to change your tattoo idea or decide not to get tattooed at all, your deposit will still be applied toward your tattoo for 3 months until you can reschedule. However, if you want to change the placement of your tattoo on your body or add details, I kindly ask that you inform me at least one week before your tattoo appointment.

Another reason I don’t show art in advance is that I’ve had people take my designs to other tattoo artists. The deposit I receive for creating the art, scheduling, and consulting with clients is not enough compensation if the actual tattoo isn’t done. Therefore, it’s not sustainable for me. If you absolutely need to see your art beforehand, we can arrange a separate appointment for you to come and see the art prior to your tattoo appointment(s). You’re welcome to bring anyone whose opinions you value on the design, but please respect my request for no photographs of the artwork to be taken.

Cover Ups

If you enjoy flowers and are flexible about the type and color, I can likely do a cover-up for you. Please include a picture of your current tattoo in your booking form. Keep in mind that a successful cover-up will often need to be a larger, colored piece that may be darker than your original design. I always schedule one free touch-up for cover-ups to make final adjustments after the new piece has settled over the original tattoo, ensuring its success without going too dark.

Scar Cover-Ups

I love helping clients who want to love their bodies more! Sometimes, the scars may need some extra time to heal before I can cover them. I’m always happy to discuss this during a consultation and answer any questions you may have.

I strongly believe in obtaining consent and providing care during all interactions with clients. I adhere to the client bill of rights created by Tamara Santibañez & K. Lenore Siner, as outlined below:

• The right to a clean and comfortable environment that adheres to best practices for health and safety.
• The right to equal treatment and service regardless of size, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, or health status.
• The right to respectful communication, including the right to be addressed by your preferred name and correct pronouns, and the right to be in an environment free of hate speech or verbal harassment.
• You have the right to an artist who is technically and stylistically suited to your tattoo request or to a referral to someone who is.
• The right to ask clarifying questions about the tattoo process and technical decisions that go into a design or placement limitation and to have them answered with patience and respect.
• The right to approve the final design, and to be informed about any changes the artist may consider during your tattoo session.
• The right to consent regarding physical contact and touch needed to perform your tattoo, including the adjustment or removal of clothing.
• The right to request and be provided with provisions for personal privacy and comfort to the best ability of the artist and shop.
• You have the right to have your accessibility needs met to the best extent possible or to be referred to a shop or artist who can meet those needs.
• The right to confidentiality around personal and private information, including the right to consent before photos of you are taken or posted.
• The right to self-advocacy: to speak up and be heard if anything during your session or in regards to your overall shop experience does not feel right.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make your time with me more comfortable including asking for:

• talk free tattoo sessions (aside from the necessary questions regarding your tattoo)
• Additional pillows or adjustments for comfort during the session
• Massage tables and chairs for bariatric clients
• Privacy screens
• Pasties
• Drape sheets
• Free color swatch tattoos
• Flexible scheduling
• Vegan, sensitive skin, or allergy accommodations for bandaging and tattoo products. Please inform me if you are vegan, as the only difference will be the use of lanolin-free petrolatum on your tattoo.
• Photos of the tattoo shop
• Personalized and respectful customer service, including using the name and pronouns you prefer

My primary goal is not only to give you a tattoo you’ll love but also to ensure that you have a comfortable experience during the process. Please feel free to specify any additional requests for comfort on your booking form. I am often talkative with my clients during sessions, but if you prefer not to chat, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I want you to feel good about yourself, comfortable, safe, and happy during your tattoo session with me.

This rarely happens because my clients have chosen me based on my portfolio and already like my tattooing style. We then consult together, and I’m very good at using reference images to pick up on what my clients want and make sure I understand prior to proceeding. More often, I just need to edit the drawing to suit my client’s vision. I compensate by scheduling extra time between appointments because I do not show clients their drawings in advance.