FAQs
All your questions answered here >>
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Due to the intimate nature of the tattoo experience, our shop operates strictly by appointment only. This approach allows us to dedicate focused time and attention to each individual, ensuring a meaningful and personalized session. By scheduling appointments in advance, we create a calm and respectful environment where clients and artists can connect deeply, fostering trust and a space for healing through sacred tattooing.
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A valid photo ID that clearly proves you are over the age of 18, along with a fully completed proposal form, are both required for your application to be considered.
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Yes! We require a $100 non-refundable deposit to secure all tattoo bookings. This deposit honors the time and energy dedicated to preparing your design and setting up for your session. When you arrive on time, the deposit will be applied toward the final cost of your tattoo. If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours’ notice, or if you do not show up, the deposit will be forfeited. Rescheduling with more than 48 hours’ notice is allowed without penalty, and your deposit will transfer to your new appointment.
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Preparing well will ensure you have the best tattoo experience:
Rest and sleep: Get a good night’s sleep before your appointment so you’re well-rested. Being tired can make it harder to sit through a session (and can even make it feel more painful) .
Eat a healthy meal: Have a balanced meal before you arrive. Tattooing uses a lot of energy and you don’t want low blood sugar during the session. Eating proteins and complex carbs will help you stay grounded. Avoid excessive sugar or dairy right beforehand, as they can make you feel jittery .
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your tattoo. Well-hydrated skin is in better condition for tattooing and healing. Try to avoid alcohol or caffeine the day before and day of your tattoo – alcohol (and some pain relievers) can thin your blood and cause excess bleeding, and too much caffeine might make you anxious.
Skin care: Take a shower and come in clean. Gently moisturize your skin in the days prior so it’s not dry, but do not apply lotion right before the session (clean, lotion-free skin is best for tattooing). If the area has a lot of hair, you can shave the day before (we will always shave it anyways!) – but please avoid shaving immediately before to prevent irritation or cuts.
Avoid sunburn: Keep the area out of the sun in the days before your appointment. Tattooing on sunburnt or damaged skin is not advisable.
Mental preparation: It can help to take some time to center yourself. If this tattoo is part of a ritual or intention for you, you might meditate or reflect on your intention the night before. Arrive with a calm mind – we’ll guide you through the rest.
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Pain is a natural concern, and the honest answer is yes, tattoos do involve some pain, but it varies a lot from person to person. The sensation can range from a scratchy or hot feeling to a stinging or vibrating feeling. Factors like the placement of the tattoo, your personal pain tolerance, and even your mindset that day will influence how it feels.
Here’s the good news: most people find the pain manageable. The first few minutes are often the most intense as your body adjusts, and then it often becomes easier to handle.
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Many people are surprised at how adaptable they become once we begin. And in the end, the discomfort is temporary, but your new art (and the meaning behind it) will be with you permanently!
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Bring anything to make your session easy:
New clients must bring a valid photo ID (you must be 18+ for tattoos). Consent forms can be filled at the studio.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes that give easy access to the tattoo area. Avoid tight clothes that might get stained by ink or ointments. Bring a sweater or blanket if you get cold or if the session is long.
For longer sessions, bring water and a light snack like nuts or a protein bar. For full-day sessions, bring lunch too. We’ll take short breaks for snacks to keep your energy up.
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Please kindly refrain from engaging in the following activities before your session:
Alcohol and drugs: Do not drink alcohol or take recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before your appointment. These substances can thin your blood and hinder the tattoo process and healing. We will not tattoo anyone who is potentially intoxicated or under the influence in any way.
Blood-thinning medications: If possible, avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen right before your session (they can also thin your blood). If you are on prescription blood thinners or other medications, please inform us in advance.
Excess caffeine/energy drinks: A small cup of coffee is okay, but don’t overdo caffeine or energy drinks before your session. They can dehydrate you and make you feel jittery , which isn’t ideal when you need to sit still.
Sunburn or tanning: Avoid heavy sun exposure on the area to be tattooed. Don’t get a fresh tan or burn before your tattoo – it will make the skin more sensitive and tattooing on damaged skin is unsafe.
Over-moisturizing or products on skin: As mentioned, come in with clean skin. Don’t apply heavy lotions, oils, or perfumes on the area on the day of your tattoo. Also, no numbing creams unless we have discussed it – some products can affect the skin or the tattoo process.
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For events and healing sessions, we often have a sign-up or ticketing process:
Check the community section on our website or social media for any upcoming events. Each event listing will have details on how to register.
You will be able to register for all events online.
Since our space is intimate, spots for workshops or ceremonies can be limited, so we encourage signing up early.
If you have questions about an event or want to collaborate or host something in our space, you can email as well for more info.
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A proper proposal includes:
Your full name
Phone number
Description of the tattoo
Estimated Size
Placement
Reference photo (if any)
Aftercare
How do I care for my new tattoo?
Proper aftercare is extremely important to ensure your tattoo heals well and stays happy. When you leave the studio, you’ll have a fresh tattoo which is essentially an open wound – taking good care of it will prevent infection and help it heal beautifully. Here are general aftercare guidelines:
Leave the bandage on (initially): your tattoo will be wrapped with derm shield at the end of your session. Keep this protective bandage on for 1-3 days. This covering keeps bacteria out and protects the area from rubbing.
First wash: After you remove the initial bandage, wash your hands, then gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Use your fingers to softly remove any ointment, blood, or plasma. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Rinse well.
Air dry: Let the tattoo air dry for a few minutes or pat it gently with a clean paper towel. Do not rub the tattoo dry with a towel, as that can irritate it.
Apply ointment: Once the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of the aftercare ointment or unscented healing balm. Less is more – the skin should be moisturized but not smothered. Dab off any excess. Typically, we recommend ointment for the first few days and then switching to a fragrance-free lotion as the tattoo starts to heal.
Repeat cleaning and moisturizing: For the first two weeks, wash the tattoo gently twice a day (morning and night, for example) and reapply a thin layer of lotion or ointment after each wash. Keeping it clean and slightly moisturized is key to healing. If it feels extra dry or itchy in between, you can add a bit of unscented lotion, but don’t overdo it.
Do not pick or scratch: As your tattoo heals, it will likely scab or peel in the first several days. This is normal – your skin is regenerating. Do not pick at the scabs or scratch the peeling skin. If it itches (which is common), you can gently tap around it or apply a bit of lotion to soothe it. Picking can pull out ink and cause scarring, which could ruin the tattoo’s appearance.
Avoid submerging in water: Keep your tattoo out of baths, pools, hot tubs, oceans, etc. until it’s fully healed. Submerging a new tattoo in still water can introduce bacteria and cause infection, and chlorine or salt can be harsh on the skin. It’s okay to shower (and gently wash the tattoo as noted), but do not soak it.
Avoid direct sun: Protect your tattoo from the sun while it’s healing. New tattooed skin is very sensitive to UV rays and can burn more easily. Sunburn can also cause your tattoo to heal poorly. If you have to be outdoors, cover the tattoo with clothing or a sterile non-adherent bandage. Do not apply sunscreen on a fresh tattoo (wait until it’s fully healed before using sunscreen on it). After it’s healed, you can use sunscreen on the tattoo to keep it from fading .
Keep it clean and breathable: Wear clean, loose clothing over the area. Tight or dirty clothes can irritate the tattoo or introduce germs . At night, it’s a good idea to sleep on clean sheets and avoid letting pets come into contact with the new tattoo.
Watch for signs of trouble: It’s normal for a new tattoo to be a bit red, swollen, or tender for a couple of days. You might also see some light scabbing or flaking and a thin layer of dry skin as it heals. However, if you notice excessive redness, a lot of swelling, pus, or if the area feels very warm and painful, those could be signs of infection. In that case, contact me or a medical professional promptly. It’s better to be safe and have it checked out.
Healing times can vary, but generally in about 2 weeks your tattoo’s surface should be mostly healed (larger pieces or areas with lots of saturation can take a bit longer). Even after it looks healed, the deeper layers of skin are still repairing for up to a month, so continue to be gentle with it. After about a month, your tattoo should look its best.
We will provide you with these aftercare instructions again when you get your tattoo, and we are always here to answer any questions during the healing process. Taking good care of your tattoo in the first few weeks will ensure it becomes a healthy, beautiful piece of art for years to come .
What should I avoid while my tattoo is healing?
While the above covers a lot of do’s and don’ts, here’s a quick list of don’ts during the healing period:
Don’t submerge it in water: No swimming, hot tubs, or baths. Showers are fine, but no soaking the tattoo.
Don’t expose it to sun or tanning beds: UV can damage a fresh tattoo. Avoid sun on it, and absolutely no tanning beds while it heals.
Don’t use harsh products: Avoid scented lotions, exfoliants, alcohol-based products, or antibiotic ointments (unless directed) on the tattoo. Use only the gentle products recommended.
Don’t wear dirty or tight clothes over it: This can irritate or infect the tattoo. Keep it clean and let it breathe.
Don’t overwork your body part: If your tattoo is on a joint or area that moves a lot, try not to strain it for a few days. For example, if it’s on your arm, maybe avoid heavy weightlifting immediately after; if on your leg, don’t run a marathon the next day. Moderate movement is fine – just listen to your body.
Don’t pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo: Let any flaking skin come off naturally. This is worth repeating because it’s one of the most common ways people accidentally spoil their new tattoos.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions: If you’re unsure about any reaction or something you want to do (like a certain activity), feel free to contact me. I’d rather you ask than guess if something is okay for your healing tattoo.
By avoiding these things and following the aftercare steps, you’re giving your tattoo the best chance to heal perfectly.