Preparing for your appointment
If you’re coming to get tattooed by me, check out all the info below to be fully prepared for your appointment :-)
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID to your appointment.
Payment: I only take Cash or Venmo. There is not an ATM in the building, but there is one across the street at Target if you need it beforehand.
Skin Prep: I recommend using a gentle moisturizer on your skin in the days leading up to your tattoo. You do not need to shave the area to be tattooed, but you’re welcome to if it’s an area you regularly shave. If the place you will be tattooed has significant hair, it can help if you trim it back a bit, but I’ll shave it at your appointment.
Other skin stuff: The area of your skin being tattooed must be in its normal condition - no sunburns, scratches, sores, breakouts, etc. Scars must be healed at least 18 months before they can be tattooed over. People with chronic skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis) can still get tattooed! It may be best to avoid places where you normally get flare-ups, or otherwise just be aware the tattoo may not heal perfectly depending on how the skin reacts in the area where you get tattooed. Areas with active flare-ups/breakouts cannot be tattooed. Tattoos can also trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
Friends/aides: If my studio mate and I are working at the same time, our space can only accommodate folks getting actively tattooed, as it’s quite small. If you are getting tattooed with a friend or want to bring a guest, they will need to wait outside of the studio room in the upstairs lobby area of our building, unless my studio mate is off for the day. I'm totally down to work with you if you feel it's important for another person to be in the room with you for support (or you have an accessibility need)-- just give me a heads up!
Temperature: The temperature of our studio is somewhat unpredictable. It can range from warm to cold. I would recommend bringing a sweater/sweatshirt if you get cold easily. You can also bring a throw blanket if you'd like.
Come to your appointment well-hydrated with a full belly. Please reschedule your appointment if you are sick, intoxicated or hungover. I also can’t tattoo you if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, actively taking accutane/isotretinoin or have taken it in the last year, or actively taking blood thinners or have taken them within the last week— please contact me if you need to reschedule. If you are on antibiotics, please consult your physician about safety and risks before getting tattooed. If your antibiotics are prescribed for a skin infection, you should not get tattooed until your infection is cleared and you are off antibiotics.
Food/drinks: Bring a water bottle for breaks. You are also welcome to bring snacks or a meal. We do not have a fridge in the studio, but there is usually a space for something small in the shared mini fridge downstairs. If you’re getting multiple tattoos in one session or have a long session scheduled, there are plenty of options nearby where you can get food/take a break. There is a Whole Foods, Target, Brew & Brew (coffee and breakfast/lunch), Juiceland, and a few other restaurants within short walking distance.
Lights: I work with a bright ring light that can be harsh on the eyes depending on the placement of the tattoo— you are welcome to bring sunglasses or something to drape over your face if you think it might bother you.
Chatting or silence: It is totally fine to chat or to rest/zone out/do your own thing while you get tattooed. Feel free to bring something to occupy yourself if you want. I’m just as happy chatting as I am working quietly while we listen to music or you read a book/look at your phone/listen to headphones, etc! If you want a silent appointment (no small talk while tattooing), please let me know.
Clothing: Please wear loose, comfy clothing that makes it easy to access the area being tattooed. For example, if you are getting a tattoo on your thigh, wear/bring shorts. If you’re getting tattooed on your sternum, wear/bring a button-down shirt. You can change into another outfit at the studio. We also have pasties on hand. If you are getting tattooed in a sensitive area and don’t want another tattooer or client in the room, please let me know so we can make sure to schedule an appointment when my studiomate is off (we have a small room and don’t have way of fully blocking off my side for total privacy).
Accessibility: Please let me know if you have any accessibility needs. I work on the second floor, and unfortunately, our building does not have an elevator. For this reason, I may not be able to accommodate clients who cannot take the stairs. There is a possibility that I can find an alternate location to tattoo you-- just let me know in advance so I can look into options.