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FAQ

COVID PROTOCOL

Please help keep my family and clients as safe as possible during this time.

  • Contact me if you have ANY cold/COVID symptoms such as fever, cough, lack of taste, etc.

  • I will honor deposits if you are feeling ill and let me know before your appointment time. If you are showing any symptoms on arrival, you will be asked to leave and will forfeit your deposit.

  • I require masks at all times while you are in the building.

  • Feel free to bring yourself headphones and a hoodie, the studio can be pretty cold.

  • Tattoo work is hard work. No matter the jitters; remember to eat a good meal and hydrate before your appointment, it makes a big difference. See you soon!

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BOOKING AND FINANCES

How old do I need to be to get a tattoo?

You need to be at least 18 years of age with a valid ID to get a tattoo.

How much will my tattoo cost?
My tattooing hourly rate is $200 an hour. Most often, my appointment sessions are half days (4 hours) or full days (7-8 hours). If you need to stay within a certain budget you must discuss this with me prior to starting your appointment. 

Why do you require deposits?

Oftentimes hours of work go into research, drawing, and preparing for a tattoo before you sit down for an appointment. Deposits help ensure you make it to your appointment after those hours of work have already been done.

Should I tip?
Tips are always very appreciated but not expected.

How do I pick a tattoo artist for what I want?

No matter with whom/wherever you go to get tattooed, do your research by looking through an artists’ body of work. It is always okay to ask to see healed photos of the artists’ work and ask questions. Tattoos are a collaboration with trust, communication, and respect on both sides. Seek an artist that listens to you and your concerns, and in turn understand their boundaries and that they’re human too. Save up and travel if you need to, be patient (as many artists are juggling scheduling, research and design, a family and home life, and tattooing all on their own), but above all else: make sure you are comfortable with how you’re being treated. You are not a “human canvas” or a paycheck, you deserve your permanent story of strength or creativity done right. 

Mutual respect is key for a great tattoo experience:

Please remember to keep a level of mutual, appropriate, and professional respect between us. Affirmation Tattoo is a safe space for open talk, but I am a person too with my own personal boundaries. Please respect my time and space, personal, social, and the studio's. I do my best to provide my clients with the same level of professional respect and appreciation, as tattooing is a very personal experience. 

How do I book with the artists at Affirmation Tattoo?
You can book with our artists below.

CONSULTATIONS AND SPECIFIC CONCERNS

What is a consultation and why am I booking that, instead of a tattoo appointment?

Booking a consultation first allows you to talk to me about what you are looking for in your new tattoo. We can discuss what will look best with your ideas and my styles and skills, along with placement and size, colors, and address any questions you have about the entire process. Then, we can schedule your in-person tattoo appointment(s) accordingly. It is the best way for me to get all the information about your tattoo idea and begin to design it before the appointment.

I have darker skin. Can I get a color tattoo?
Absolutely. Tattoo ink is basically semi-transparent so it will display in different shades depending on the tone of your skin.  If any tattooers say their “style” only world on lighter skinned people, they don’t deserve to be tattooing. I will gladly show you how different tattoos and colors interact with any and all skin tones if you'd like to see examples.  I also offer small color test tattoos free of charge for POC that are concerned with how certain colors will look healed.

I have stretch marks, scarring, body hair, freckles, moles, birthmarks, etc. Can I still get a tattoo? What should I know?

There is never a need to apologize for stretch marks, scars of any kind, body hair, freckles, moles, birthmarks, or being self conscious. I love mixing colors to match your skin tone and am happy to walk you through any process. I understand some of these may be tattoos you never planned for, and want to help you in the next stage of your journey with decorating your body.

I have allergies, sensory sensitivity, anxiety, am vegan, or otherwise have specific concerns for the products used on my body. Can we discuss this?

Absolutely! If there are any specific product or procedural concerns you have, please tell me. I want to be aware so I can help. Consults are a great time to discuss any concerns and plan accordingly. 

Can I get a tattoo with a person/pet’s ashes or black light ink?

Unfortunately, no. However I am more than happy to make sure we represent your loved one in the best (and safest!) way possible so you can look at your tattoo, see them and smile. As for black light ink, no reputable brands make black light or UV ink and I take that as the experts knowing it's not safe to be in your body. I am constantly educating myself further to keep you safe with every product I use during our session but will in no circumstances use ashes or black light ink.

I've started talking to an artist and/or put down a deposit, but I don't feel comfortable with the relationship, environment, or design. What should I do?

If you are not comfortable with a design or design aspect or with the artist/environment for any reason: high-tail it out of there. Losing a deposit is nothing in comparison to a bad tattoo experience, a necessary coverup, or laser removal. Make sure you feel safe and your design is what you want.

PREPARATION FOR THE TATTOO APPOINTMENT

How can I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
Tattoo work is hard work on your body. Try and be well rested, and no matter the jitters, remember to eat a good meal and hydrate before your appointment: it makes a big difference. In addition, take a shower, bring yourself a water bottle and a small snack with sugar in case you need a break during your tattoo. I also recommend a hoodie in case you get cold. Charge up your phone or tablet, and feel free to bring headphones if you prefer. I have a TV with streaming services as well. For clients that have periods, hormones can make our pain tolerance very off! In as much as advance as possible let me know if you'd prefer to reschedule to a week not right before/during your cycle.

What should I wear?
It is more important to be comfortable than to be fashionable. Tattoo ink absolutely stains! So black clothing works great, or anything you don't mind making getting ink on.  Looser clothing is better than tighter. Keep in mind ease of access to the area you are getting tattooed, and the areas you may want to keep covered up. For example: a zip-up hoodie works well for a back tattoo, while bikini bottoms with a string that can be untied and taped work well for something on the hip.

Should I shave/wax my body hair before my tattoo appointment?

There is never a need to apologize or worry about body hair. If you are not used to shaving an area, please do not shave it before your tattoo. This is something I am regularly used to doing, while you may not be. If you are considering waxing for the first time, please make sure you get waxed multiple times before your appointment, as first time waxing can result in skin reactions that may require postponing the tattoo. Using trimmers for coarse chest or leg hair can be helpful to reduce the initial layer of hair.

Can I see my drawing before my appointment?
Please do not expect or request to see your drawn design until your tattoo appointment day. It will be ready for you, and I will be prepared and allot time to make final adjustments before we get started.

Will it hurt?
Tattoos can be uncomfortable, but they are most like an intermittent irritation. I frequently liken the sensation to getting scratched by a cat but having to stay still for it.  Naturally our body wants to move away but after a short period of time, your body’s natural pain-killers (endorphins) kick in and make things much more manageable for some time. Everyone’s pain threshold varies, however areas directly over bone can be more sensitive. If you have a strong fear of needles, try to keep in mind that tattoos have more in common with an abrasion than a hypodermic needle shot from a doctor, and you get a way cooler sticker than you did as a kid getting shots.  No matter how you are feeling; communicating with me on how you are feeling is really important.  I will not shame you for needing a break, needing to grab your headphones, have some water etc.  I am here to help guide you through your session and make suggestions.  In the end however, you will have a specific piece of art made just for you.

DURING THE TATTOO APPOINTMENT

Can I use a numbing cream before or during a tattoo?

Please do not. Lidocaine that is applied beforehand significantly reduces the amount of tattooing I can do and with my style of realism, I generally need several hours to tattoo. Numbing creams change the skin texture and stop your body’s natural build up of adrenaline, so as soon as it wears off you feel miserable. Please trust I am here to help you through the process with the products and techniques I use to keep your skin calm.

When should I NOT get tattooed?

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If you (or anyone in your household) is sick in any way, even cold symptoms, please respect me, my family and

my clients health and reschedule. I do not have a strong immune system nor do I get paid sick days, please help keep me safe.

 

Also do not get tattooed if you are: 

  • Under the influence of any alcohol or drugs not professionally prescribed to you.

  • Planning on going swimming in the next two weeks

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Taking blood thinners

  • Pre/Post-surgery

  • If you cannot afford it, discuss budgets, credit card issues BEFORE or I will likely not book you again

  • If you're sunburnt

  • If you haven't showered

  • If you are being pressured into it or feel unsure

AFTERCARE

How should I take care of my new tattoo?

You can find a full, comprehensive "Tattoo Aftercare Guide" on the "Tattoo Aftercare" page of this site, or by clicking the button below.

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