Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I prepare for my tattoo appointment?


A: Eat, sleep, and hydrate well. Make sure you're in good health. Exfoliate the morning of, and regularly moisturize your skin in the days leading up to your session. Do not drink caffeine or alcohol before your appointment. Feel free to bring entertainment (IPad, book, headphones, etc) and up to one friend (18+).

Q: What are your rates?


A: I charge $200/hr, and have a minimum charge of $200. Some pieces of flash I sell for a flat rate. With this I provide my clients with everything they need for aftercare, and a free touch up within two years.

Q: How can I get ahold of you?


A: Being booked out as far as I am means I’m unfortunately not as accessible as other artists. I try to respond to texts (307 888 7682) and DMs within a week, but do not generally have time for in person consultations or phone calls because of the shear volume of people who reach out— I give each tattoo 100% of my attention and this would interrupt my work with my client of the day. I apologize for any inconvenience. Also, ALL custom tattoo requests must be made through my booking form/waitlist application. This way everything’s is in writing and in one concise spot. This helps me stay organized and provide my best service.

Q: What does “books closed/open” mean?


A: When my books are closed, I'm not adding any custom pieces to my schedule. I am always open to booking my predrawn designs, works in progress, and touch ups even when my custom bookings are closed.When my books are closed, you can still submit your idea to my waitlist. Once my books open, I will begin accepting deposits and scheduling the projects on my waitlist, prioritizing the projects that suit me most.

Q: Do you tattoo minors with parental consent?


A: At this time my studio doesn’t permit anyone under the age of 18.

Q: Do you tattoo styles other than fine-line and realism?


A: I rarely take on projects outside of my specialty. When I do, it’s usually for a longtime client.

Q: Can I use numbing cream for my session?


A: Short answer is yes. However I do not provide my clients with numbing cream. I do frequently use numbing products during the session that work for short durations. Its important that clients do not use just any numbing agent, as on several occasions I have seen creams effect the texture of the skin in considerable ways. A brand my clients have had good success with is Pure Numb which is what I would recommend you invest in. Some things to consider is that no cream is infallible in stoping all discomfort and you can expect the numbness to subside in about 3 hours. I do not recommend using it for sessions longer than 3hrs because after that point having used it can make the sensation feel more intense than it would otherwise.

How do you decide which projects to take on?


A: Some questions I may ask myself when reviewing booking request forms are: Would I enjoy making this? Is their budget in line with my rates? Are they able to wait a few months to get tattooed? Will this tattoo make a positive impact on the clients life? Do I have this persons trust/ creative freedom? Sometimes my decision to take on a project or not is purely intuitive.

Q: What do I wear to my appointment?


A: Something clean, loose, and that you don't mind getting ink on (black is best). If your tattoo is in a location that is usually covered by clothes, find something that leaves that spot open, or is loose enough to be moved out of the way. Wearing a button up shirt backwards works great for back pieces. For hip pieces, swimsuit bottoms and a skirt or dress. I provide nipple covers and a private room for tattooing intimate locations.

Q: What is your phone number/can I call you?


A: I personally don’t take calls from clients. You can text my work phone however at 307 888 7682. Please provide me a few days to get back to you, as I don’t reply on my off days.

Q: Do you offer an apprenticeship?


A: I'm not seeking an apprentice at the moment. I do love sharing this art form and plan on offering an apprenticeship every few years.

Q: Do you offer free touch ups?


A: If you come back for a touch up within two years it is generally free unless I can tell the tattoo was inhibited (picked at, scabbed, burned, cut, etc). The most I’ve charged for a touch up within 2 years is $100 to cover my set up costs. Touch ups can be booked on the ‘book now ‘ page of this website.

Q: How far are you booked out?


A: Waiting time typically varies from 3-6 months. I only schedule up to 6 months in advance and then close my books for a few months, as to not lose sight on the projects I’ve already committed to, and to keep some flexibility in my schedule.

Q: Why is there no shoes allowed in the studio?


A: This policy might sound strange but it is key to keeping the studio as clean as we do! I provide plastic shoe covers, or you can take off your shoes in our entrance. I wear house shoes at work for comfort—feel free to bring some too! If you have any sort of trouble walking, please know that you are not expected to abide by this policy.

Q: What forms of payment do you take?


A: I accept deposits electronically through Square Appointments and do most of my transactions in cash. I also have Venmo and PayPal available.

Q: How much does a sleeve cost?


A: There's dozens of factors that can change the pricing such as a persons size, and the subject/style of the sleeve. Generally, an arm sleeve takes me 4-6 full day sessions and roughly $4500-$6500.

Q: Can you work within a budget?


A: Most concepts can be simplified to fit a budget, and if a budget is disclosed I will let you know your options! However, sometimes expectations are not inline with my rates in which case I can refer another artist.

Q: What is the protocol for tipping?


A: Tips are not required or expected, but is a great way to show your appreciation for a service well done. It is common to tip anyone providing a service 10-20% or an artist's hourly rate. If you are unable to afford my services with a tip, please do not worry.

Q: Can I see my design in advance?


A: I generally don't draw more than a few days in advance or do design reviews before the day of. I always have dozens of tattoos lined up so I don’t have time to show everyone their drawings far in advance. You are welcome to request any changes to the drawing the day of however, or place a larger deposit for a design review a few days sooner.

Q: Why have I not gotten a response back from my artist?


A: Sometimes I get so many inquiries and I just don’t have time to respond to them all within my off time. I unfortunately don’t have the time/energy to respond to booking forms that are missing information, or are asking for concept’s I’ve already disclosed I do not tattoo. Also I have to prioritize existing clientele especially those with ongoing projects. Please know that it isn’t ever personal—demand is just very high and I am only one person.

Q: Should I wait until I loose weight/gain muscle to get tattooed?


A: It is not necessary to wait to get tattooed. It is not any easier to tattoo thin bodies, nor does a tattoo have to be something you earn only by looking a certain way. Tattoos on the arms and legs where the skin is considered tight usually aren’t distorted through weight change, however, avoid any sort of portrait on the upper arm if you’re planning on gaining significant muscle as it could get distorted by the deltoid.

two pictures of a woman in a gym with tattoos

Q: Do you offer cosmetic tattoos or permanent makeup?


A: I have a PMU repeat guest artist I can refer you to

Q: Can I bring my own artwork?


A: I only make exact replicas of images in the context of handwriting, children's drawings, sentimental images etc. Otherwise I prefer to custom design every single tattoo. If you find an image or tattoo you like, I can give you a tattoo that matches in subject and style without it being an exact replica. It's much more rewarding for me that way!

Q: Are you looking to hire an artist?


A: Adding a new member to my studio isn't off the table, but is something I take very seriously. Because I hold high standards for my studio, I feel no urgency in hiring.

Q: What if I don't like my design, have second thoughts, etc?


A: Honest communication is always encouraged. I will never be offended by you wanting your tattoo done a certain way or requesting changes. After all, you're the one who needs to live with your tattoo. I'd rather it be done right than you leave with any regrets. Deposits are non refundable, but you never have to follow through with an appointment, and I always can refer you to another artist if you or I decide I’m not a good fit.

Q: Do you offer piercings?


A: Jewelry and piercing services are not currently being offered in my studio.

Q: Will you add onto someone else's work?


A: Unless the original tattoo compliments my art style and quality, I would rather completely rework/coverup someone else's piece before I add onto it. Generally, I feel I cannot produce my best art when I'm working around someone else's art. Often our styles don't match up, resulting in an incohesive look. I know there are a lot of you out there who struggle to love your unfinished artwork, so I take on several reworks per booking period. However there’s only so many of these projects I can physically get into my schedule each booking period.


Q: Are service animals permitted? Is your studio mobility aid accessible?


A: My studio is mobility aid and wheelchair accessible. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals may enter into our studio. With this, you MUST disclose what necessary service your animal provides to mitigate your disability or they will not be permitted (emotional support animals/therapy dogs/pets are not permitted).

Q: What accommodations are in place?


A: For maximized comfort, I provide a soft vinyl pillow (with sterile pillowcase), a space heater or fan, bottled water, candy, snacks, and personal hygiene products. My shop is right next to several restaurants, and grocery store/pharmacy. My space is open, clean, filled with natural light, cozy decor, plants, and quality artworks, while being clutter free. I use quiet rotary machines, and generally acoustic music always kept at a mild volume (feel free to bring headphones). If you have specific needs or requests, please let me know how I can accommodate you. Any condition or disability disclosed with me will be held in respect and confidence.

Q: Why are tattoos so expensive?


A: My rates are based on the amount necessary to ensure my business will be able to continue to provide a quality experience for clients long into the future.

Q: Can you add human/pet ashes to tattoo ink?


A: You can, but the process isn't as simple as just stirring in ashes. Ashes are sterile in theory, but in reality the handling of ashes makes them reliably not sterile. Adding powder to ink can also change ink consistency, leading to a greater risk of blowouts and effecting ink flow. Many animal ashes contain small amounts of bone. There are however companies that have the technology to completely emulsify the carbon from ashes into ink, such as Engrave Ink and Cremation Ink. You send them a small amount of ashes, and they will send you a bottle(s) of ink with the ashes incorporated. This is the route I choose to approach for my clients for liability purposes.

Q: What is “trauma informed” tattooing?


A: Myself and others use this term to describe a considerate approach to tattooing. I frequently work with scarring (visible and invisible). For some, getting a tattoo is directly related to traumatic events. Whether or not a tattooer chooses to recognize it as such, every body artist handles trauma-adjacent work at some point. For example, memorial tattoos for loved ones, or covering scars from surgery, abuse, accidents, and self-harm. My mission is to be considerate of sensitivities, potential triggers, accessibility concerns, considerate in my questioning, etc. and to hold a safe space for these meaningful procedures. Being trauma-informed means I’m aware of the physiological, phycological, and and societal consequences of trauma in general, and am intentional about accommodating needs as they relate to one’s personal trauma. I do not presume to understand the intricacies of relationships that are not mine, and I do not impose upon anyone my perception of healing. I will always do my best to refer or recommend other resources rather than venture out of the scope of my own supportive capacity, as I am not a therapist or social worker.

Q: Can you tattoo colored ink on dark skin?


A: Yep! While technique to apply ink to dark skin is not different, it is helpful to have a color test to see which ink contrasts best on your specific skin tone before committing to a big color piece. A color test is a small tattoo of different colored dots or lines. Color tests are free with a deposit, and can be placed anywhere on the body.

a set of brown, black, and white color palettes
a chart showing the different colors of a stripe