Frequently asked questions.
My policies!
My deposit is a non-refundable $100 deposit, it is not an extra cost, it goes towards the tattoo cost. If you need to reschedule your appointment, please contact me within 48 hours of your appointment. If you do not contact me within that time, your deposit will be forfeited and you will need to pay another deposit to reschedule. If you are 20 minutes late to your appointment and I do not hear from you, I will consider that a no-call no-show and your deposit will be forfeited. If you need to reschedule, please let me know within 48 hours of your appointment to avoid paying another deposit
Custom Tattoos
For custom tattoos, I DO NOT, under any circumstance, send a preview of the custom design before your appointment. This is a policy I am firm on, however, on the day of the appointment we will have time to go over the design and make small changes. If larger changes need to be made, we can discuss the changes and reschedule you for another date. Rescheduling requires another deposit, this is not an extra cost and will count towards your total just like the first deposit. I want everyone I work with to feel comfortable with collaborating and have a great experience with getting a custom design from me. I will never force or guilt anyone to get a tattoo that they are not absolutely happy with, and I welcome communication between us during this process! If after or during your consultation you decide that you no longer want the tattoo, the non-refundable deposit(s) will cover the time spent drawing and consulting.
I need to reschedule my appointment, what can I do?
You can always reschedule your appointment, as long as it is within 48 hours of the scheduled time, your initial deposit will carry over. I only allow ONE reschedule before a second deposit will be required and I will not reschedule you more than twice. If you do not reach out to me at that time, I will require another deposit in order to reschedule you. You should never feel embarrassed about needing to reschedule, communication is always appreciated and I will understand! It is always better to reach out rather than ghost your tattoo artist. :)How much does it cost?
Flash designs range from $200-$1000. When pricing the designs, I have considered the cost of my supplies, the studio tax I have to pay out to the studio, time spent designing, as well as the amount of time it takes for me to do the tattoo among many other factors. I do not do hourly rates for customs, I have a $250 minimum and I offer flat rates only. Non-refundable deposits are $100, and $200 for larger projects. I prefer to do customs in my style, and will be honest with you if it is not something that I can do.
How should I prepare for the day of my tattoo?
I recommend getting a lot of rest, lightly exfoliating the area several days before, staying hydrated, having a nice big meal the day of, and wearing comfortable clothing. Bringing snacks and water is also a great idea, sometimes a boost of sugar from something sweet can help you get your energy levels back up during the tattoo. We do have water, juice, and candy for all clients in our Studio! Our studio is very small and tends to be on the warmer side when we have multiple people inside, so I would recommend wearing light layers, such as bringing a jacket or shirt to change into depending on how you are personally feeling during the session. When planning on what to wear, just know that there is a chance that tattoo ink may get on your outfit!
Can I bring a guest/Support Human?
Yes! You may bring ONE guest to your appointment. I myself am very shy and anxious, so I completely understand the need for a support human, whatever the case may be. Our private studio is very small, we only have one seat for guests/clients. If you bring more than one guest to your appointment, they may be kindly asked to leave because we will not have room for them. Please plan accordingly.
Is it okay to take breaks during the tattoo session?
Yes! It is absolutely okay to take as many breaks as you need. It is so important that you listen to your body and how you are feeling. I would rather us take breaks than for you to feel more unwell than usual. It is ALWAYS okay to ask for a second to breathe, stretch, walk around the studio, go to the restroom, etc. If we are doing an hourly rate, I do not charge for the time we take for breaks.
Is it okay to tip, how can I tip?
Yes! Tipping is always greatly appreciated, but it is definitely not a requirement. You can tip with cash or through the online banking service you use to pay for the tattoo, although cash is always preferred for tips. Only tip if you are able to! It is not expected, so please do not feel pressured to do so. I do not take home all of the money that I make, but I do take home 100% of the tips. I have to pay a percentage of every tattoo that I do to the studio owner.
Why is there a non-refundable deposit, how does it work?
The deposit covers the opportunity cost of the artist losing money if a client needs to reschedule or no-call no-show the artist. The deposit goes towards the total price of the tattoo, it is not an extra cost, say your tattoo is $200, the deposit is $100, then you will just owe $100 the day of your appointment. The deposit goes towards the total price of the tattoo.
The non-refundable deposit is a protection of the artist’s time and a way for you to financially commit to your tattoo appointment. Unfortunately, it is very common for clients to schedule an appointment and never show up or communicate with their artist. This means that the artist will have to throw away an entire tattoo setup and will lose the money they are counting to survive on for the month. As always, communication is greatly appreciated, you do not always have to go into great detail as to why you cannot arrive, but reaching out in any way is always preferred. It is simply a courtesy and a way to show respect to your tattoo artist.
Sizing
Generally, my sizing ranges from 1.5”- 10”. I have the sizing listed for every design, and if you ever have any questions about sizing you can always message me! Smaller tattoos do not always mean a “cheaper” tattoo. Depending on the design, some smaller tattoos take more time.
Where are you located?
I work out of a small private studio in the My Salon Suites of Downtown Houston Texas! I only provide the address once I have received a deposit.
How old do I need to be to get tattooed?
You must be 18 years or older, I do not and will not tattoo anyone who is underage under any circumstance. We check ID upon arrival. I will not accept any minors even if you bring your parents.
How long does a tattoo usually take?
Tattoos will typically take between one and four hours depending on the size and placement. Larger projects, or more difficult areas of the body to tattoo, may take longer than 5 hours. The longest time I can tattoo is about 7 hours in one day. Be as detailed as you can in describing your tattoo to me so that I am able to provide a more accurate estimate on time.
What does a tattoo feel like?
How it feels differs from person to person. In my personal opinion, it feels like a continuous cat scratch or someone scratching your skin when you have a sunburn. If you are getting a tattoo near sensitive nerves on your body, you may feel a tingling sensation and pain. I do my best to make everyone as comfortable as they can be during the tattoo experience. Unfortunately, it is best to feel and experience it for yourself! Tattoos hurt, but they are beautiful and so worth it.
What clothes should I wear when getting a sternum/Chest tattoo?
I would recommend a loose-fitting top, such as a button-down shirt or flannel. That way you can still have your arms and back covered in case you feel cold during the appointment. Always dress comfortably for your appointment. For sternum and chest tattoos, I will also have pasties available for you.
I want to be a tattoo artist, any advice?
Getting into this industry is extremely difficult and it is not for the weak. It is extremely saturated and competitive. This is something I believe you will not truly understand until you actually get into the industry. My advice is to practice art every day, draw 24/7, paint, and practice any form of art, having consistency is key. If you do not have confidence and if you do not believe in yourself, this industry is not very forgiving. The art you will do is permanent on people, and you are taking on a huge responsibility. Creating a strong portfolio is key. Ask tattoo artists for advice, maybe an artist you have been tattooed by, go to local shops, and get familiar with every shop in your area. Be very careful of shops or greedy people wanting to take advantage of you as this is unfortunately extremely common in the industry. Booth rent every month, week or even a percentage is common. But no one should ever take 50% of what you make or charge you for an apprenticeship unless you deem it appropriate and logical. It is my personal opinion that you should never work for free, this is an old-head mentality that I hope we soon lay to rest. Unless they allow you to have another job to still have some kind of income. Keep your head up and check your ego. Some artists are lucky and will gain popularity fast, other artists have made it big and you must keep in mind the long hours and dedication they had to endure in order to make it that far. This is far from easy. But you must surround yourself with peers who build you up and genuinely want the best for you, please know your worth and be safe out there. I wish you all the best!<3