FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are you located?
I currently tattoo out of Wax & Comb, a private studio just NEXT to the Hive Tattoo. I will make sure that the gate is open, but the door will remain locked until you knock at the time of your appointment.
Parking
We have a parking lot! It is a shared lot for clients of Wax & Comb as well as The Hive Tattoo, the entrance is on N Denver. Street parking is also available.
Masks
As of April 3rd 2023 masks are no longer required in the studio for most tattoos. If I need to be super close to your face for the entirety of that tattoo I may ask that you wear one. If you feel more comfortable with masks for your tattoo please just let me know and I will be happy to accommodate. Masks will be provided if you forget one.
For more details, please see the public health order that has been issued under OAR 333-019-1011, which will be posted at the following website on April 3rd: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/covid19/Pages/Masks.aspx.
What to expect when I come for my consultation and how to prepare
Please come ready for you consultation and do your homework beforehand. If you have reference photos, tattoos you admire, tattoo style images or anything specific to your idea please bring it with you, along with a deposit for a drawing. No need to print out anything, please just have any and all reference images easily accessible and ready to email if need be.
It’s much easier to interpret terms like "peony flowers with jasmine, and anatomical heart" than "I want some flowers with a heart". Try your best to really communicate your idea, you don't have to know the 'right lingo', just be able to explain what you like about the reference images you have.
How to prepare for a tattoo
Please arrive clean/showered, fed, healthy and sober. Do NOT come in under any influence, hungover or sick. If you feel like you may be sick or getting sick, you will only make the process worse as well as putting our entire studio and other clients at risk of illness. It is best to contact me or the studio directly if this happens.
If you are getting tattooed on an area that requires you to remove clothing you are welcome to wear a swimsuit or request a privacy screen.
Cost
Tattoos are priced either by the hour or by the piece, at my discretion. My minimum price is $150 (roughly something simple the size of a quarter), my hourly rate is $200 however for cover-ups and specialty pieces I charge an hourly rate of $220. The $150 minimum does not apply to tattoos on the hands, fingers, neck, or feet.
Payment Options
Cash is preferred, but credit cards are accepted as well. Please note that credit card charges will have an additional 3% added to cover processing fees. Sorry, no checks.
Drawing Deposits
A non-refundable deposit is required to begin the drawing process. Most deposits will cost $200, depending on size and complexity of the tattoo. Your deposit will be applied towards the final cost/last session of your tattoo.
My policy requires 48 hours notice to change design or scheduling. I am not unreasonable but I am also not a mind-reader.
What if I don’t like the drawing? Can I change it?
Of course you can! I want you to be happy EVERY time you look at your new tattoo! I make a sincere effort to gather enough information during the consultation that I feel I understand what your dream tattoo looks like in your head. However, sometimes miscommunications happen! It's totally fine, I assure you will not hurt my feelings if you see anything in your drawing you'd like revised ;) But I have no way of knowing unless you tell me, so please feel free to let me know what you think.
That being said, there is a limit to the amount of revisions an artist should be expected to make during this process. If your drawing calls for some tweaks here and there, no biggie. I will work with you as much as is needed to get the design to a point you practically squeal with excitement. It's forever! However, if I've spent the last 3 days drawing out your floral sleeve and you suddenly decide you'd rather have Koi fish...well...then sadly your deposit is forfeited. If you truly want a completely new design, I can still make it happen but a new deposit is required.
Beyond that, PLEASE DO NOT contact me the night before your appointment with major changes to your design! Major changes requested withOUT 48 hour notice will incur an additional deposit/fee.
Can I see the drawing ahead of time?
If you would like to see the drawing ahead of time, please let me know early on and I will schedule a time for you to come see it in the studio. Sorry, but no, drawings will not be sent out electronically. This means no photos at the draw check either. Please also bear in mind the drawing will often be quite loose at the draw check, the final version is reserved for the day of your appointment. This saves me drawing time in the event there are changes to be made. Draw checks are typically scheduled with a minimum of 5 days prior to your appointment to accommodate any adjustments that need to be made.
Gift Certificates
They make great gifts! You can purchase one with me directly or on my web-store here.
Aftercare
There are two types of bandages that use for fresh tattoos, the aftercare is the same for both. Only the wait time to remove the bandage is different.
For Saniderm, wait roughly 24 hours to remove the bandage and I recommend removing it in the shower. Saniderm is breathable and water resistant so you will be able to shower without removing it if you need to shower during the 24 hour wait period. Slow and steady is the key to removing Saniderm so as to not rip the bandage or damage your skin.
For traditional 'meat pack' bandages (aka chicken diapers) leave the bandage on for 3-8hours.
After either bandage has been removed wash thoroughly using ONLY your hand and a liquid soap that is baby mild. I also enjoy straight up coconut oil as a cleanser or Susie Q ink wash. Be sure to get off all the lymph, pigment and blood that has accumulated under your bandage. After you are all cleaned up, dry off with a CLEAN towel ad let air dry for a few minutes, then apply a SMALL amount of either coconut oil, plain white lotion, or whatever natural hydration you prefer. Every body is different, there is no exact right thing/product to use. So long as you steer away from chemicals and additives and LISTEN to your body you will be fine. I personally am not a fan of goops and ointments as I find they don't breathe well and people tend to over apply them.
And if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask! I'm happy to help!