F.A.Q's and Aftercare

All tattoo projects are subject to either my full day or half day rate. Rates may vary upon location. Often, to fill a last-minute booking, I may offer discounted rates. Be sure to verify I am tattooing at a shop in your area as I tend to travel between Sacramento, Tampa and Chicago.  

Time, complexity of design and placement will each play a role on the total of your finished tattoo design. Please bear in mind that for most larger-scale projects, much of your first session will include professional consultation towards design and planning. A half-day appointment is not recommended for first day sessions on large scale projects. Your non-refundable deposit left at time of booking will come off your grand total.

I refuse to tattoo genitals or relatively near them under any circumstances. Anywhere else on the body is a free game. I will not tattoo over heavy keloid scars or varicose veins for general safety but I encourage you to still consult with me to determine how well we can work with your skin.

For those with patchy skin textures and severe acne or sensitivity, I would recommend first getting the 'ok' from your doctor before meeting with me. This way I can properly work on your project without risking your health.

I will not copy another artist's flash (original tattoo art) nor a previous tattoo. I will gladly use it as inspiration and change accordingly but never replicate. This is a professional courtesy

Honestly, that is my only exception. 

Drawings will not be sent out ahead of time but are subject to edits the day of your tattoo. During initial full day sessions as well as half days, tattoo design and placement take up the first 1-2 hour(s). Half day sessions are not recommended for first day sessions on larger projects. 

I am much more efficient when I have room to roam with my art while accomplishing my intended goal. All you need at a minimum are a couple of general ideas you love. I'll do the rest.

Then I will approach it from a different perspective. This scenario allows me to learn from experience to create a new concept; even if it's from the same source. 

Face, neck, and hand tattoos are some of the ballsiest tattoos in the culture. Because of this, I will always talk through these requests with you. Most work environments are indeed less judgmental over heavily tattooed people. However, this is not completely true yet. Be prepared to potentially change your tattoo placement.

Once you are wrapped up, relaxation and relief are the aim of the game. I recommend dinner :)

The bandage I use is meant to absorb the initial night's weeping as blood plasma rises to the surface. The morning of the following day: remove bandage and do your initial wash. 

You're encouraged to ice-down your tattoo for relief and to take down swelling. Ibuprofen works for this purpose as well.

 Continue reading: washing.

Think of your new tattoo as a much prettier wound. Fragrance and alcohol are definite no's for cleaning your wound. Find a soap that is mild in nature; typically Dial Gold is the easiest and cleanest to find. Some alternatives would be non-scented Dr.Bronners and antibacterial soap. 

Use paper towel and gently wash down the layer of blood off your new tattoo. Let it dry up a bit (roughly 2-5mins) before applying Aquaphor or your preferred specialty aftercare balm.

Wash, at minimum twice daily for the next 3-5 days. 

After those 3-5 days of wound care, cease washing and focus solely on moisturizing using lotions similar to: scent free, Eucerin, Aveeno, Aquaphor, aftercare lotions, etc.

 Moisturize every time it feels tight and dry. You should also consider continuing the habit of doing so as lotion helps keep your skin happy and thus your tattoo - vibrant. 

It is important to follow your artist's instructions to the point. Wound care can be tricky especially for heavier work and for those with more delicate immune systems. Infection is always possible so do your best to keep your tattoo clean especially during the first week of healing.

Depending on the work done tattoos can take anywhere between 1.5 weeks to a month. Be patient. It is definitely a process.

If you have any questions or concerns always reach out to your artist before asking around for advice. Remember, we are trained and certified to deal with not only the artistry behind your tattoos but your safety as well.