Appointment Info

So, what do you know need to know?

how do i prepare for my appointment?

  • Your skin needs to be hydrated!!!

    Drink plenty of water.

    1-2 weeks before your appointment start if you don’t already moisturize twice daily to make your skin supple.

    If you have extremely dry skin I recommend exfoliating at the beginning of your moisturizing routine. Then exfoliate again the day before your appointment and moisturize well.

  • You are welcome to trim the location of your tattoo. I will give the area a good shave the day of the appointment.

    Avoid alcohol and get a good nights sleep the night before your appointment.

  • DO NOT APPLY LOTION THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT. It can be difficult to remove all of the lotion before the process begins.

    EAT BEFORE THE SESSION

    You should never go to your tattoo session hungry. Eating before your appointment will help you have the necessary energy and stamina to endure the pain. Not doing so will increase your risk of getting light-headed or passing out.

    Not eating before your session can lower your blood sugar level, thus increasing your reaction to the pain. Moreover, getting a tattoo can cause fatigue as your body exerts an excess amount of energy to suppress the pain. So go get a healthy meal, preferably one that is high in protein.

    Make sure to bring some (healthy) snacks too, like a granola bar, to nourish you if you are having a long tattoo session.

    WEAR COMFORTABLE AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHES

    It’s also indispensable to wear comfortable and appropriate clothes. This is a sensible thing to do because it will help the artist easily access the area you intend to have tattooed. In addition, it will also make you comfortable during the entire session.

    When choosing clothes to wear, go for something that isn’t tight and constricting. It should allow your tattoo artist to easily access the area where you want to get tattooed.

    I will never ask you to remove any more clothing than necessary to complete your tattoo. Some of my clients have brought a blanket or robe to stay covered and warm.

    You’re welcome to bring music to listen to or read during your appointment; don’t feel pressured to talk but you’re always welcome to, depending on your needs.

    Tardiness, though usually understandable, will likely result in a reschedule of your appointment. I cannot guarantee that you arriving even 10 minutes late will still allow time for the entire appointment process. If you get stuck in traffic or something comes up, please call the shop phone as soon as possible so I can guide you in how we should proceed. After 15 minutes I start breaking the station down for my next client, so please check travel times well before your appointment!

What to expect during my session?

  • Your appointment will start with reviewing your design, making any changes necessary, use the restroom and then get the stencil on you. (Any major changes requested to the design will risk rescheduling. Please keep your mind open to my interpretation of your booking form, and be as specific in the form as you need to be so that I have EVERYTHING you are expecting to be in your design.)

    While your stencil dries, you will go ahead and fill out your paperwork. Time to get comfy and settle in!

    Afterwards, we will start the tattoo process! Please be honest if you need to take breaks to stretch if you’re having a hard time getting through the tattoo let me know.

    As soon as the tattoo is finished, we will take photos, go over aftercare, and check you out! I currently accept CASH AND CREDIT CARDS.

    Tipping is encouraged to promote a healthy professional relationship. As a service provider, I have dedicated years into my skill to create a permanent and beautiful tattoo for you, and always hope to continue the partnership!

  • I DO ALLOW THE USE NUMBING CREAM PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.  HOWEVER: Numbing creams can sometimes lead to more difficult and poor healing of tattoos. You will be responsible for any touch ups or undesired outcome in the tattoo that is due to the use of a numbing agent. If touch ups are needed, you will be required to pay for that time. I can not be held responsible for any kind of health complications due to your use of a numbing agent.

    I recommend not using them.

    From past experience with my clients using numbing agent tends to wear off sooner than expected and the intensity of the pain doubles having to cut the session short.

    That being said, I lost time I would otherwise have had. If you still choose to use a numbing cream and have to tap out early you will be charged for the allotted time given. I do have a numbing spray that will slightly take the edge off but you will not be fully numb. This can only be used after the line work is completed.

  • Now we will take photos, go over aftercare, and check you out!

    I currently accept CASH AND CREDIT CARDS.

    Tipping is encouraged to promote a healthy professional relationship. As a service provider, I have dedicated years into my skill to create a permanent and beautiful tattoo for you, and always hope to continue the partnership!

What to do after my appointment?

  • Leave bandage from artist on for 2-4 hours. Always wash your hands before touching your new tattoo!

    For the first 3-4 days wash about 2-3 times a day, use an antibacterial, fragrance-free soap (Dial, HibiClens, or unscented Dr. Bronner’s) and warm water using only your hands to wash your tattoo. Do not use washcloths or loofahs; be extra gentle when washing. After washing pat tattoo dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Do not use a regular towel. Let air dry for 5-10 minutes. Gently rub a thin layer of unscented healing cream or lotion on your tattoo. I suggest CeraVe healing ointment or BioTat Healing ointment. Do not smother your tattoo.

    Around the 4th day your tattoo will start to peel or flake. Do not pick, peel or scratch at your new tattoo. At this point you will switch to a gentle fragrance free lotion and keep it moisturized for the next several weeks. Indefinitely is best.

  • Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days after which you will remove in the shower, pulling with the direction of hair growth. Wash with antibacterial, fragrance-free soap. Do not use washcloths or loofahs. Pat tattoo dry with clean paper towel. Do not use a regular towel. Let air dry for 5-10 minutes. Moisturize with gentle, fragrance free lotion and keep it moisturized for the next several weeks. Indefinitely is best.

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    If the artist did not apply it, you can still apply it within 24 hours of getting your tattoo.

    To apply yourself: Wash the area thoroughly using an antibacterial, fragrance-free soap, and allow the tattoo to fully dry. Do not apply any ointment before applying the second skin. Leave about an inch border around the tattoo. If you have to apply in sections have sure they overlap completely.

    After you’ve finished applying that you can follow the directions above for removal.

    - Do not pop any bubbles (ink sacks), they are normal.

    - If there is any irritation (redness, bumps not on the tattoo, etc.) remove the bandage immediately. Then follow Healing Aftercare Instructions above. - If there is still adhesive residue after removing the bandage do not worry, it will come off after a few washes. Do not use abrasives or rubbing alcohol to attempt to remove.

  • - You should avoid direct sun exposure on your new tattoo.

    - Do not soak your tattoo, avoid swimming for 2 weeks after a tattoo.

    - Do not pick, peel, or scratch your new tattoo. This often pulls the scabs prematurely, taking the ink underneath the skin with it and causes gaps in your healed tattoo.

    - Keep your tattoo away from pet dander, the number one cause of tattoo infections, while healing. This means to keep your bedsheets clean, and keep from allowing pets to mess with or lay on the tattooed area.

    - If you frequent the gym, place a layer of saran wrap over your tattoo for the first week of healing when you are at the gym. Do not leave the wrap on for longer than 1-2 hours, and clean the tattoo well after your work out.

    If you have any further questions feel free to contact me.

  • Now that you are all healed up take some beautiful pictures and send them to me so I can see!