FAQs
1. How do I make an appointment with you?
The easiest way is to book a consultation here on the website. If a consultation is not possible, contact me through the form on my contact page or give me a call. The more information you can give about the tattoo you want, subject matter, reference pictures, placement, size and your availability, the easier it will be for me to help you. Always bring reference pictures and ideas so I can get a better idea of the piece you are interested in and what you like.
I do get a lot of emails and try my best to be prompt about responding to emails but since I tend to be pretty booked it may take a week or so to return your email. I do my best to make sure all emails are responded to in as timely a manner as possible. Please be patient with me… I am an artist.
2. How long will I have to wait?
Depending on the design, my wait time is about 2 weeks. I am an appointment-based business that focuses on one of a kind custom pieces. Sorry but in order to keep the shop a calm, relaxing environment, I cannot accommodate any large groups of people.
While I am tattooing, I can’t always answer the phone so, if you are looking to book a custom piece, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible, though email is preferred. In tattooing, sometimes people have to cancel last minute for various reasons, keep an eye on my social media for announcements about last minute, random day of openings or WALK-IN days. I try to announce them as soon as I know.
3. Do you take Walk-in’s or do I need an appointment?
Short Answer: No, I do not generally take walk-ins. Long Answer: Sometimes I have walk-in availability but in general, appointments are best! I cannot always answer the phone when working so I prefer that you have an appointment (even for a consultation) so that I can dedicate time to you when you are in the shop. If you do stop by and I am busy, you are welcome to look at portfolios and contact me to set up an official consultation.
I try to announce on Social Media when I am open for Walk-ins. See link above and keep a close eye out for those announcements.
4. Can we (friend/family/group) all come in to get matching tattoos?
I would be happy to tattoo you and your friends/family however, the shop is a small space and can only accommodate a few people at a time. I can only allow one guest per client at a time. Larger groups must wait off site until their turn. I know this is not ideal, but it really does make a huge difference in the atmosphere at the shop. I appreciate your understanding.
5. Shop Hours.
I am open Tuesday – Saturday 10am to close.
In general, I’m in the shop till 5ish. I am available to tattoo outside of these times, with in reason. Contact me and I will try to accommodate your schedule as best I can. If you call and no one answers, it’s a holiday, I’m busy tattooing, or have left for the day. Please leave a message and I’ll return your call as soon as possible.
6. Should I have a consultation? What should I bring?
Depending on your tattoo idea, it is usually best to have a consultation before your actual tattoo date. This will help insure that you and I are on the same page before a drawing is done and the date of your tattoo approaches. Please be prepared for your consultation. Being prepared means bringing any reference material you may have of your ideas, and images you like that have a similar “style” that you are looking to get. Basically anything that will help you get your idea across to me.
7. Will I need to leave a deposit?
YES! I require a $100 Non-refundable deposit to secure your appointment. This deposit will generally go toward your first session of tattooing. If you do not show or cancel your tattoo appointment, the deposit is forfeited.
8. Can I see the drawing before my tattoo date?
In most cases the answer is NO. There is always time for tweaks and changes before we start tattooing but I have run in to some problems giving out drawings ahead of time and find that it is better to go over the drawing in person at the time of the tattoo so the I am there to explain and interpret the “drawing” and how it will translate to a tattoo.
9. What is your cancellation policy?
I require 48 hours notice for cancelling or rescheduling appointments. It is hard for me to get someone in your spot with less notice and can result in not working that day. Less than 48-hour notice can result in the forfeiture of your deposit and future appointments with me. I understand that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances and I will do my best to accommodate any changes that need to be made as far as scheduling. The more notice you can give, the easier it will be for all involved parties. I truly appreciate your cooperation on this, please respect my time and I will do my best to respect yours as well.
10. What should I expect when I come in to get tattooed and what is expected of me?
You should come prepared on the day of the tattoo. I provide a nice, comfortable, relaxing and clean atmosphere for your tattoo experience. I will be on time, sober, clean, prepared and ready to tattoo. You should come, well fed, well rested, relaxed, clean, sober and on time. I run a tight schedule and everyone’s time is valuable so, if you are running late, please call the shop and let me know so I don’t assume you are a no-show. 971.440.5426. If you cannot make your appointment at all, please let me know as soon as possible. The more notice, the more likely I can fill your space. Your cooperation on this is appreciated.
You will be required to show a VALID photo ID and fill out all of the necessary paperwork for every tattoo appointment. Sorry, rules are rules.
11. Are you open Holidays?
In general NO, I tend to close most major holidays and spend time with my family.
12. I found a tattoo that I want, can you copy it exactly?
No, sorry, I do not replicate other artists’ work. I would be happy to take the concept of the tattoo you like and do something customized for you but I cannot copy.
13. Can I use a credit card?
Yes you can. I am able to accept most major credit cards, but CASH is preferred. There are several banks, all within walking distance of the shop for your convenience.
14. Do you have Gift Cards/Gift Certificates?
Sorry, I do not offer Gift Certificates at this time.
15. Can I get tattooed if I’m under 18 with parental consent?
Absolutely NOT! Sorry but Oregon law does not acknowledge Parental Consent for tattooing and you cannot legally get tattooed until you are 18 with a Valid ID. NO EXCEPTIONS. You will have to wait.
16. Do you use Vegan Ink?
Yes and No. I do not know all there is to know about ink and its vegan properties so do your research, the information is out there if this is an important issue to you. What is important to me is that I use inks that in my opinion give the best tattoo results and stay the best in the skin for the longest time with the least amount of skin reactions. I use Chroma Tattoo Ink exclusively and have had no known issues with any of the colors I use.
17. Is your shop clean and sterile?
Cleanliness is very important to me. All of my tattoo supplies are single use and 100% disposable. I practice universal precautions, and I am current on all Blood Borne Pathogen, Frist Aid, and CPR training. I follow all OHLA Guidelines and laws.
18. How are tattoos priced? How much will my tattoo cost? Shop Minimum?
I charge by the hour with a shop minimum of $100 for anything taking under a 1/2 hour to complete. After that, my rates are $200 per hour of tattooing. Since I am a custom artist, unfortunately I cannot give you a price quote over the phone or via email. I can give you a ball park cost estimate at the time of your consultation but the actual cost will depend on how much time it takes to actually finish the tattoo.
I do not claim to be the cheapest place in town and I do not haggle my prices. In tattooing, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. I am fair and honest in my pricing and I feel that in the end, you will agree.
19. Should I tip?
Tipping is a really nice gesture and are always welcome and appreciated. But, there are no hard and fast rules for tipping so use your discretion and do what makes you comfortable. If you had a great experience and you are happy with a job well done, it never hurts to show it.
20. Can I get tattooed while pregnant or breast-feeding?
No, sorry. I cannot tattoo you while you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
21. Should I eat before I get tattooed?
Yes please! Eat plenty of protein and come well hydrated. Getting tattooed releases endorphins. On an empty stomach, these endorphins can lead to nausea. Light-headedness also can occur, so it is good to have your blood sugar up prior to getting tattooed.
22. Can you fix/cover-up an old tattoo I have?
Usually YES. In most cases, you will need an in person consultation so I can see what needs to be covered up or re-worked and can advise you on your options. Be prepared though, some tattoos are not easily covered up and we may suggest laser removal before the cover up process can begin. I will let you know if what you have is workable.
23. Does it hurt?
Yes it hurts, some places hurt more than others (sides and top of feet…ouch). The pain can vary even within the same tattoo and over different sessions. The best way to manage the pain is to relax, take deep breaths and don’t fight it. The more relaxed you are, the more manageable the pain. You signed up for this right? You can handle it.
24. How do I take care of my tattoo?
Really all you need to do is keep it clean and hydrated. Wash your tattoo. Twice a day for the first 3 days. After that, wash normally and apply a non-scented lotion like Aquaphor to keep it hydrated. Keep your tattoo covered if you are going to any public place soon after you are tattooed. Remember it is an open wound. It will peel and flake like a sunburn and will look really ugly before looking pretty again. My suggested aftercare.
25. How long can I expect my tattoo to take to heal?
Your tattoo will start looking healed in 7-10 days. It can take up to 4 weeks to be completely healed and should not be exposed to sun or soaked in water until after this time.
26. Do you do piercing?
No, Tattooing only.
27. Do I need to show ID?
Yes, OR State law requires that you show a Valid, State Issued ID proving that you are 18 years of age or older and fill out a release for EVERY time you get tattooed. Thank you for understanding.
28. Where do I park?
Parking can be difficult. I am located in NW Portland, right off Burnside and 23rd. I am close to several major Bus and Max lines all within easy walking distance.
If you must drive, allow yourself extra time for parking; especially on the weekends. The City of Portland has a handy Parking App called Parking Kitty that allows you pay for your parking meter and add time to the meter via an App, I suggest downloading this App and having it ready to use before coming in. Most of the parking around the shop is meter parking so this will come in handy & save you a trip down the block with a half finished tattoo.