Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is your style?

My style is an illustrative style. That said, I can do some realism projects and other styles as well, just ask me when you inquire about your tattoo if the project is something I am comfortable with!

Do you take walk-ins?

Yes! Assuming that I am not already busy with another client, I am typically happy to take walk-ins, however, the best way to ensure that you can get a tattoo from me is to schedule an appointment.

Do you take deposits?

Yes - at the current time, I take 30% deposits that are non-refundable but go toward the price of your tattoo. For example, if you come in for a tattoo that ends up costing $300, you will only have to pay $210 the day of the appointment if you have provided the $90 deposit. Deposits can be rolled over to a new appointment so long as I receive at least 72 hours notice. Deposits are only lost in the event of last-minute cancellations (i.e, when appointments are cancelled or rescheduled within 72 hours from the time of the appointment), with no exceptions. Taking deposits ensures that I can protect any unpaid time that I must spend to prepare for a tattoo appointment, including designing custom pieces.

Can I reschedule my appointment?

Yes, but I do ask for a minimum of 72 hours notice before your scheduled appointment time to reschedule if you would like your deposit to rollover toward the rescheduled appointment. If you must cancel or reschedule last-minute (within 72 hours of your appointment), you are required to provide a new deposit. The reason I do this is in order to protect my time in an industry where my income is not guaranteed.

How much will my tattoo cost?

For most of the work I do, I ask that you book either a half-day session (4 to 4.5 hours, $500) or a full day session (8 hours, $1000). Currently I charge $125 an hour for smaller pieces (less than 3 hours). Our shop minimum is $100.

What can I do to prepare for my tattoo?

Please make sure that your skin is clean, clear, and healthy. I recommend showering and moisturizing the morning of your appointment. If your skin is breaking out, we can tattoo over the area but I cannot guarantee how the tattoo will heal as breakouts/acne can affect the healing process. I cannot tattoo over broken/healing skin (cuts, scratches, rashes, etc) or sunburns. I can tattoo over scars, however, please be advised that I cannot guarantee how the tattoo will heal if the scars are less than 7 years old. If you are planning to apply numbing cream before your appointment, the only numbing cream I recommend is XKTS numbing cream - please ensure that you follow the instructions on the packaging. In house, we do offer Bactine throughout the tattooing process which has a low level of lidocaine in it.

Can I bring people with me?

Yes you can! However, please be advised that in accordance with Maine State Law, minors cannot accompany you into the studio. If you have absolutely no other options, kids ages 8 and up may wait in the lobby while you get your tattoo, but we do recommend arranging childcare during your appointment if possible. In the studio, I have a limit of 2 people accompanying you at a time for your appointment - this is to ensure that the studio stays safe for both artists and clients, hygienic and clean, and to avoid unwanted crowding. If you have a special reason for having more than 2 people accompany you, please ask me directly when inquiring about your tattoo.

Can I bring my dog with me?

No animals are permitted in the shop aside from working service animals, including the lobby. Emotional support animals are not permitted. This is a Maine State Law.

What are your aftercare instructions?

Remove plastic wrap/bandage within 30 minutes to an hour and gently wash with an antibacterial soap and mildly warm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. For the the first 48 hours after receiving your tattoo, wash twice daily (we recommend morning and night). Following the 48 hours, continue to wash twice daily and apply a thin layer of tattoo moisturizing barrier cream such as Aquaphor or Hustle Butter for 2 weeks. Always ensure you wash your hands before washing the tattoo. 2 weeks after receiving your tattoo, you may switch to a standard, gentle, unscented moisturizing lotion. Showering with your new tattoo is fine, but do not allow the tattoo to soak during the healing process. Do not pick at any scabbing. Your tattoo may itch, but do not scratch it, instead pat the area around the tattoo as needed. Scabs typically flake off within 7-10 days. DO NOT expose your healing tattoo to direct sunlight, swimming, hot tubs, unclean conditions, or abrasive clothing until it is fully healed. Use a high SPF sunblock after healing has completed to protect the longevity of your tattoo.

Is my tattoo going to hurt?

Everyone has a different pain threshold, and there many factors that can determine pain while receiving a tattoo, such as location on the body, skin type, body type, size of the tattoo, and more. Getting a tattoo can range from mildly uncomfortable to reasonably painful for these reasons. I typically recommend that you get a small tattoo as your first tattoo so you understand what it will feel like. If you have concerns about pain please reach out to me and we can figure out how to help you be as comfortable as possible during the process.

Should I tip my tattoo artist?

Tips are always appreciated and never expected. The industry standard for tipping any kind of service worker is 20%. If you would prefer to purchase something that goes toward the shop as your tip, please ask me about my wish list! :)