Everything you need to know about getting tattooed.
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If you meet the criteria listed below, you’re ready for a tattoo!
*You must be 18 years or older to be tattooed (Parental consent is not valid and it is illegal to tattoo anyone underage), are not under the influence of drugs/alcohol or pregnant/breastfeeding. Some medical conditions or treatments may exclude you from currently being tattooed, if you are unsure if this applies to you, please don't hesitate to reach out and ask
*You’ll need to have an in date and valid form of photo ID (drivers license, proof of age card or passport) to bring to your appointment, otherwise I will reschedule you with loss of deposit.
Photo ID will be cited on the day along with your D.O.B.
*You cannot be taking any type blood thinner type medication before your tattoo. This includes, but not limited to: Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil etc), aspirin, warfarin, codeine etc. Please check with your doctor if you are unsure. These blood thinners cause excessive bleeding and can affect the healing process and outcome of your tattoo. Paracetamol (Panadol, Tylenol) are ok to take before your appointment.
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Congrats on taking the jump in committing to your first tattoo, That’s really exciting!
It's completely normal to feel nervous as well. Here's a few tips to ensure you feel comfortable on the day:
*Get a good nights sleep the night before your appointment
*Eat breakfast (and lunch for afternoons), If you haven't eaten a good meal, I won’t tattoo you. Coffee isn’t breakfast! Food is important as our bodies burn through adrenaline and it needs energy throughout the tattoo. If you haven't eaten there's a high chance you could faint.
*Bring snacks like lollies or muesli bars and plenty of water to your appointment.
*You must be over 18. Please bring photo ID for the consent forms we provide you with.
Avoid sunburn and keep your skin moisturised in the weeks leading up to your appointment.
Feel free to bring a book, devices, headphones or anything you feel would help distract you. I'm a fairly quiet tattooer, I'm happy to have a chat but honestly don't mind if you listen to music or play a game while I tattoo you.
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Enquiry form is sent and an email will be sent within the week.
Your idea is discussed, agreed upon. I’ll send you a variety of available dates along with my deposit details for the booking.
(No deposit paid = no booking. Deposits are non-refundable and cover my drawing time or in case of a no show.)If we organise an in person consult, we’ll discuss your idea, I’ll take a tracing of the placement area and a deposit and date can be organised.
Once booked in, you’ll receive your appointment details via txt/email.
If there are any small changes to your design at all, now is the time to email me!
Major changes less than 72 hrs before the appointment or on the day will need a reschedule and a possibly a new deposit.I draw 90% of my designs by hand, on paper and work chronologically through designs for upcoming appointments. Unless we have discussed a draft for a large project like a sleeve or back piece, I won’t be able to send out a draft to you.
This is why it is important to communicate your ideas clearly so we are on the same page and that when you turn up to your appointment, you can feel confident I’ve drawn something you’ll love!In the few days leading up to your appointment, please keep an eye on your emails as I may ask for more details, questions ,ideas or if in the event I’m unwell and need to reschedule.
Day of the appointment! Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment to fill out the consent form with valid photo ID. I’ll sit down and talk through the design I’ve prepared for you and if there are any small tweaks you’d like made, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
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The studio I work in is a small, private, quiet space. We have limited room and we try to accommodate clients who have sensory issues.
PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF THIS!
For this reason please do not bring people in with you unless previously discussed as they will be asked to leave come back once your appointment is finished.
Please ask ahead of time, there’s definitely circumstances I’m happy for +1’s to accompany you.
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As an artist with social/anxiety in general- I can empathise with some of the thoughts and worries you may be experiencing!
I am more than happy to accomodate anyone with anxiety, sensory issues or clients who would prefer to tune out and pop their headphones on for the session.
The studio I work in is a quiet, safe space that has fidget toys and strives to make you feel right at home.
We also have tea, fizzy drinks, lollies and chips in our client trolleys for that quick energy boost!
Please let me know how you’re feeling so I can help you in any way I can :)
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If you have sensitive skin or any allergies (not limited to: perfumes, fruit, nuts, adhesives ect) that you are aware of, please let me know as there are alternative tattoo products (glides/aftercare ect) I can use through out your appointment.
Unfortunately with conditions like Eczema or Psoriasis, I won’t be able to tattoo over any skin flare ups which includes broken or scaly skin.
If you have a flare up before your appointment in the area you’d like to be tattooed in, please contact me.
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Scars can be challenging to work with, but depending on the age, texture and position, I can generally work with them. However, please make sure to point this out on the enquiry form as I may request an in person consult to assess your skin texture and plan ahead with your scar in mind.
It’s common to experience some ink fall out over scarred skin, so a touch up may be needed once the tattoo has healed.
I generally like to tattoo around moles so you can easily get skin checks and keep an eye on how your moles look as you age.
Please check with me on the day if there is a spot or area of concern.
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I don’t mind numbing cream, but not every tattoo artist is ok with clients using it.
If you’re thinking about using it, please contact me ahead of time and let me know.
The only brand I’ll accept is if it’s ‘Numit’ which contains 5% lidocaine. You can find this brand at most chemists.
Personally I haven’t had any issues with Numit but be sure to do a patch test well before the appointment and follow the directions accurately before you come into the studio.
Other brands of numbing cream may contain high amounts of Lidocaine which can cause the skin texture to turn rubbery, making it really difficult to tattoo and in turn the tattoo will heal patchy.
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As long as it takes!
This is something I’ll discuss with you via email or during an in-person consult.
A small design with a lot of detail can take longer than a larger design with flat colour or minimal detail. There are soooooo many factors involved that it’s impossible to give you an estimate without knowing your idea, size, placement and colour preferences.If you are thinking about a sleeve, please be aware of the commitment it takes both regarding time and finances. Good work isn’t quick nor cheap and depending on your idea, the amount of sessions will vary greatly.
Fill out the enquiry form with everything you would like me to know about to ensure the design process goes smoothly :)
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Please read the information on my booking page.