what is the deposit?
A deposit is required if you are a client wanting artwork created. I do not require deposits for consultations. To begin a design, a minimum $200 deposit is required and up to $400 for intricate pieces. This deposit covers my drawing time and gives you an appointment date. The deposit is subtracted from the price of your tattoo at your final session.
What the deposit defines: That you are committed to getting the tattoo which we've discussed and have entrusted me to come up with a design to your satisfaction with the information you have given me.
There are certain instances in which your deposit can be forfeit and kept as payment for the time I had invested in your project thus far.
· If you fail to make an appointment within 3 months of artwork being finished.
· If you reschedule your appointment with less than 48 hour notice.
· If you do not show up to your appointment at all.
· If you decide you want a different tattoo entirely than the one you discussed with me.
· If you change your mind about getting the tattoo.
In the above instance your deposit can be forfeit and kept as payment for the time that was already invested in your project thus far.
ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, so if after we have spoke and you are not 100% sure about getting the tattoo, please do not put down a deposit until you are ready.
During the design review/tattoo appointment, a design will be shown. During this time we will discuss the details and techniques planned to achieve the desired aesthetic. I do allot time to make adjustments to the design if needed prior to beginning the tattoo. However, if a complete redraw needs to be made a new deposit is required to reschedule and your previous deposit will be retained. Please keep in mind it is your responsibility to research and hire an artist who’s ability you trust.
What can i expect coming in to my appointment?
You will need to bring in a valid photo ID to complete state consent forms. After forms are completed, we will have a design review. The design review happens prior to beginning your tattoo the same day of your tattoo appointment. During this time we will discuss the details and techniques planned to achieve the desired aesthetic. I do allot time to make adjustments to the design if needed. Once design is set I will give an estimate time to accomplish the tattoo and we will begin the tattoo.
When do i see the design?
My policy is structured to have the design review done the day of your tattoo session for a multitude of reasons. First, to ensure I am keeping adequate drawing time for all scheduled clients. This keeps all my projects in flow. Second, I don't allow hard copies of the design to leave the studio via email or in hand. This insures my work is protected from copyright infringement. Such as, if you decided to seek another artist because you weren’t ready and I’m no longer available. Lastly having a design review in person verse email is to ensure you and I are in clear understanding of another. If there needs to be any changes made to the design we will discuss them during the design review/tattoo appointment. As a client, it is your responsibility to have done your research prior to hiring and entrust that I will come up with a design to your satisfaction.
What is the consultation process?
Since the current pandemic COVID-19, I only offer virtual consultations. This limits the amount of traffic and person to person contact to avoid spreading any sickness. I require anyone requesting an appointment to submit a consultation form that can be directed by clicking the appointment request tab above this site.
What is my rate?
For color pieces I charge $200 per hour.
For black and grey pieces I charge $250 per hour.
Minimum $500
It can be difficult to give an exact estimate for a piece without a clear drawing in front of me. Please remember that estimates are estimates and they may be subject to change after the piece has been drawn up. Placement, sizing and detail will all factor into cost and will determine how long a piece will take. I want to give everyone the best work possible. Pieces may require multiple sessions to give the desired effect.
My form will ask you to provide a budget. If you select “negotiable” I will assume you’re in the realm of “unlimited”. Understanding your budget will allow me to make considerations of details/size.
Sleeves, can range anywhere from $3,000-6,000+ depending on complexity, detail, content, surface area coverage, color etc. Tattoos are a commitment and last for a lifetime.
Payment?
I accept Zelle, apple pay, and cash payments. You are welcome to use a credit card but there will be a 10% transaction fee.
Can I bring a guest?
Guests aren’t encouraged. Please come alone to your appointment. Besides the process being very boring for guests, there is limited space in the studio. This can bring tension and an unfocused environment. Thus, hindering the work. If you have special requirements please let me know.
What to wear to appointment?
I will need to reach whatever location the tattoo is in. Please make sure you wear something that will be comfortable for you during this process. Wearing dark clothing is more forgiving and will be best for after photos.
should i bring Entertainment?
When sitting for a long period of time I would recommend bringing headphones and/or downloading a movie beforehand. I will not be able to fully engage in conversation while creating. Please keep that in mind throughout the tattoo process.
When can I exercise again?
Post tattoo procedure you will not be able to work out for 2-3 days. Everyone's heal-rate varies. If you decide to work out during healing, you're risking healing improperly. Do not work out with Tegarderm bandage on.
What is Tegaderm?
Tegaderm is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from contamination and will also protect your clothes and sheets from excess ink, blood and fluid that are the normal by-products of healing a tattoo.
Do you use numbing agents?
Many topicals creams applied to the skin before the tattoo process contain epinephrine to admit absorption of lidocaine. I’ve seen many adverse reactions damaging the skin prior to tattooing. Therefore, I do not use anything other than Bactine which contains lidocaine. The most important ingredient in tattoo numbing products is lidocaine, which can block nerves from sending signals to the brain. Lidocaine works only on the area it's applied to, which means the skin needs to be broken open for absorbsion. It will not completely numb the area.
You can take a unit of Tylenol an hour before starting the tattooing process. Don’t take ibuprofen or aspirin, as these are blood thinners. Tylenol is great because it helps with reducing the pain and doesn’t influence bleeding or change the way your blood works.
Any tips pre APPOINTMENT?
Please eat something before coming in. This is very important. Tattooing lowers your blood sugar and that's typically what causes people to pass out. Make sure you eat a snack or full meal before your appointment. The more carbs and sugar the better. This will prepare your body for the experience. A snack bar is provided if needed. Please feel free to have a snack as needed.
Stay hydrated. Please don't drink alcohol the night before your session. You will risk the chance of scarring if you do so. Alcohol thins your blood and therefore you will bleed more during the tattoo process. The more you bleed the harder it is for the ink to enter your skin and the harder it will be for me to see what I am doing. Coming in hungover will cause discomfort, making the process unnecessarily difficult/time consuming. If you decide to drink and you excessively bleed, I will stop the session.
Hydrate skin. If you know the area you are wanting tattoo you can begin to use lotion daily to hydrate the skin. This will expedite your healing process as well prevent any micro cracks in your skin.
Respect the process. Please don’t schedule reservations to be elsewhere and rush the process. I will give an estimated time, but this is an estimate. It may be finished an hour earlier or later. I want to give you my best work and continuously asking how much longer will only rush your work. Please let me know if you can only sit for “x” amount of hours. I am very understanding if you can’t finish the piece and need to make a second session.
Other Policies
I refuse to tattoo anyone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you have a heart condition, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, diabetes, hemophilia, latex allergies, take medicine that can thin the blood or have any other communicable disease, talk to your doctor first and PLEASE let me know before you schedule your appointment.
As for the studio COVID guidelines, please don't come to your appointment if you're showing any symptoms of sickness, even if it is just a cold, please contact in advance to reschedule your appointment. If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive in the 2 weeks before your appointment. If you are traveling from out of state, please comply with Chicago's guidelines and obtain a negative test prior to appointment. Please come wearing a mask. Lastly, please come alone to your appointment.