How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

If it’s a consultation, bring all of your ideas, reference photos, and $75 for an appointment deposit. Twenty-four hours before your tattoo appointment, be sure to hydrate, eat fulfilling meals, avoid alcohol, avoid blood thinners, and get a good night of rest. For your appointment, be sure to eat before and come in comfy clothes. Depending on where you are getting tattooed, you may have to get creative with what you wear. For example, if you are getting your back tattooed, I recommend wearing a flannel or zip up hoodie that you can wear backwards during your appointment; or for a sternum piece you may also want to bring a flannel or button up that you can wear open as I am tattooing your torso. Feel free to bring anything else that may make you feel comfortable—headphones, snacks, a blanket. I am a firm believer that tattoo appointments are one of the highest forms of self-care!

Do tattoos hurt? Should I be nervous? What about numbing cream?

Pain is part of the process, but it's usually manageable—and everyone's experience is different. Some describe it as a scratchy, irritating feeling, others say it’s more of a dull vibration. A good amount of my clients will even take a nap during a tattoo sesh! Regardless, I’ll check in with you throughout the session to make sure you're doing okay. If you're nervous, that's totally normal, and we’ll take it at a pace that feels good for you. We can also break up the tattoo into numerous sessions, such as doing linework one day and shading another (don’t worry, I don’t need to be tattooing you for eight hours straight). For tattoos that feel extra spicy, I can use Bactine which includes lidocaine (a numbing agent). I’ll tend to do this after linework and before shading and it can bring a calm numbing sensation. I do not personally use numbing cream or have any recommendations. If a client would like to use numbing cream, they may at their own discretion, although most clients do great without it! Feel free to message me directly if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Can I bring a friend?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring a support person! Just let me know in advance, especially since we will be working in a smaller space. That said, I do ask that guests be respectful of the creative and collaborative energy between client and artist and not interfere with this process. I am the biggest advocate that it’s your body, your tattoo! Any negative or overly-opinionated guests that may inflict with that may not be the best for this environment.

What payments do you accept?

Cash is always preferred! I also accept Venmo, Zelle, and Cash-app. I can take card payments however there will be an additional service fee.