PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Prior to your appointment:
— Regularly moisturize the skin in the weeks leading up to your appointment. GENTLY exfoliate to remove dry skin.
— Hydrate! Drinking lots of water will help improve skin elasticity.
— Contact me if the skin is broken, irritated, or sunburned, or if any scarring occurs priors to the appointment. Tattooing skin that is already irritated or comprised can lead to poor healing. Rescheduling may be required on a case-by-case basis.
—Please let me know if you are on blood thinners, antibiotics, acne mediations such as Accutane, or are immune-compromised in any way.
— I discourage the use of numbing creams applied prior to the appointment. I offer Bactine spray during the session for pain management.
— You may shave the area of the tattoo prior to the appointment ONLY if that is something you feel comfortable doing— be careful not to irritate or cut the skin. Razor burn can be a major complication and may lead to rescheduling your appointment. In most cases, I would prefer to shave you at the beginning of the procedure.
The day of your appointment:
— Eat a nutritious meal before your appointment, and drink plenty of water. It is recommended to limit caffeine consumption before your tattoo, as well as limiting alcohol consumption the night prior, as alcohol can thin the blood and impact the tattoo procedure.
— Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area of the tattoo. I recommend dark colors or something you would not mind staining, as small ink splatters may occur. Keep in mind you may be laying down or sitting for several hours, so think loose and cozy!
—As a courtesy, I ask that you do not arrive early to your appointment— please arrive at the studio at your scheduled time, or no more than ten minutes prior. Thank you!
— At this time, masking is optional at the studio. If you would like me to mask during our appointment for any reason, please do not be afraid to ask or let me know in advance!
— Please call the studio or email if you anticipate that you will be more than 10-15 minutes late to your appointment. (For reschedules in advance, email is preferred.)
— Street parking is available in front of the shop, or in nearby lots. The two hour limit in front of the shop is not regularly enforced but parking in the lot across the street (behind Brigid’s Pub) is recommended for longer sessions.
Bring to your appointment:
— A valid government issued photo ID, such a drivers license or permit, state ID, passport, tribal or military ID, etc. (If license is expired, renewal paperwork must also be presented.)
— Headphones! While I’m happy to chat, I find that fully focusing on your tattoo yields the best results and limits movement that may affect the tattoo process. For certain placements and designs, I may request minimal conversation. Listening to music, podcasts or a book can be a great way to help you relax during the appointment!
— A water bottle or drink (with lid) is recommended to keep your hydrated. We also have a water dispenser in the waiting area.
— For longer sessions, feel free to bring a snack!
— Cash or card payment. I use Square for card processing, which accepts any type of credit or debit card. I do not accept checks, Apple Pay, or Venmo/Cashapp.