​Open booking periods:

My books are currently open.

I do prefer to keep my books open on a rolling basis, meaning that I don't typically have periods where they are closed. I believe that the pressures that opening/closing books can create is not conducive to thoughtful behavior. I want people to reach out to me when the time is right for them. This doesn't mean that I take on all tattoo project requests, my time and skill is still limited, but this feels like a better starting place. Occasionally I do need to close my books to keep my schedule in check. Keeping my books open does not equal taking on every project request- I take on work that is most interesting to me based on a myriad of factors.

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Submitting a Request:

When contacting me about tattoo work, please only share your ideas for the tattoo itself= just the description of the design- and do not share the background concepts or personal motivations related to your design ideas. As sterile or insensitive as it may seem to not be open to or interested in understanding your inspirations, or the ways in which you want to commemorate one thing or another, it is a matter of preserving my own mental-emotional energy while in the process of choosing projects to work on. I am not a person who provides mental/emotional/spiritual services alongside tattooing and as such I expect to be approached in a capacity more akin to a technician than anything else. I will turn down an otherwise interesting request for this reason alone. However, during the process of tattooing I am much more open to knowing and learning about personal details. 

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In order for me to be able to sustain tattooing long-term I have to be able to maintain a strong sense of agency, freedom of creative process, and opportunity for exploration…and in the context of tattooing, that can only be afforded to me when the people I work with value those same practices and are ready to trust me and the process that I have set forth. The process of how I approach my work is outlined here.​ What you will read there is the baseline criteria for how I choose projects.

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Color tattoo work:

Nope. Well...maybe, sometimes...but no longer in a custom format. Meaning that I do not accept requests for color tattoo work but I may propose a dash of color here or there. For all intents and purposes, I do not tattoo with anything other than black & gradients of gray.

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Drawing Previews:

For a variety of reasons, I do not send previews of drawings ahead of first appointments. There will be time dedicated to reviewing the drawing that I’ve done for you and making edits/adjustments as needed. Baked into the process of working with me is an expectation that i have a wide degree of creative freedom

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Rates:

My rates are not exactly straightforward.

For projects that require only one to two sessions, I charge hourly and that rate is $250/hour. 

For projects that need 3 or more sessions I use a day rate of $800. 

Oftentimes with predrawn project proposals I’ll offer a flat fee.

All tattoo projects require a $200 non-refundable deposit which is credited towards the final session.

 

Payment:

I prefer cash, but will accept Zelle and Venmo. I do not take credit cards, checks, PayPal, or Cashapp. Payments are made in full at the end of each session.

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Tipping:

There is no real industry standard for this. I do not expect tips. I set my own rates and do not have a shop owner who I have to pay a cut of my income to. I consider tips to be a gesture of thoughtfulness and not an obligatory transaction. Tips are always great, but never necessary or required. If you do feel moved to tip but are maxed out on funds, I love a plant cutting, a sweet note, a particularly nice piece of sea glass, some seeds…its the gesture that counts and giving nothing in addition to your patronage is also perfectly fine!

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Studio protocol:

Masks required (except for snacks and hydration, which are very encouraged!), no additional guests, no animals. 

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Cancellation Policy:

In an ideal world, I would strongly prefer at least a week notice of cancellation- that is really the minimum amount of time needed to reasonably expect an open appointment to be filled. So, the more time the better. However, when is life ever ideal? I understand that things come up- sickness, injury, family emergency, etc. and these things can’t always be predicted. With the exception of truly urgent matters- sickness, injury, family emergency, unexpected major expenses, job loss, etc.- I require 3 days/72 hours notice of cancellation and/or rescheduling for all tattoo appointments. If I do not receive this notice, the deposit will be applied to cover the missed appointment and a replacement deposit will be required to continue work.

 

Rescheduling:

2 reschedules for any one tattoo project are allotted. Any and all non-emergency rescheduling after that will be charged a $50 rescheduling fee. An excess of 4 or more reschedules will require pre-payment of future tattoo sessions, in-full, at the time of booking. 

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Session Preparation:

• Get a good night’s rest the night before your session- being well-rested will help manage the whole sensory experience.

• Eat! A big meal will keep you feeling good and steady. Bring extra snacks! 

• Don’t overly hydrate! More water is just more water…and more bathroom visits. Keep it at your regular intake.

• Wear comfy, cozy, preferably dark colored clothing (so I don’t make a mess of your nice white shirt!), that allows me access to the area(s) that we’ll be working on.

• Drink your coffee if you already enjoy that most sacred of morning rituals

• If using ibuprofen is something that you already do, feel free to take the recommended over-the-counter dose of Ibuprofen ahead of your appointment- it is not such a powerful blood thinner that it will cause any issue during tattooing. Taking it just ahead of arriving or even during your appointment is totally fine. 

• For sessions 3 or more hours long, do not plan on doing anything other than eating, sleeping, and chilling after your session. Seriously- this will be all you want to do.

• I play my own music in the studio, but feel free to listen to your own or podcasts/audiobooks with headphones. I won’t be offended if you want to go into a zone of your own.

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Conversation during tattoo sessions:

Yes, and no. Mostly depends on where the tattoo is- chests & bellies move too much when a person is talking to do clean tattoo work. I can definitely be a chatty person, but I also enjoy quiet. I usually will check in about talking/conversation in the moment and set expectations as clearly as possible. Feel free to check in too and let me know what you’re comfortable with.

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Travel/Guest spots:

Not often! In general, I don’t tend to travel. I am terminally introverted, easily overwhelmed, and my life outside of tattooing is full. It’s hard to step away. That being said, I am lucky to live and work in an unbelievably beautiful “destination” place so it’s very worth making a visit! 

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