Before your appointment

• Whether you have a fully formed idea or just a concept, we are here to help! Have any ideas or references put together so you can show us. It will help us make sure we are on the same page!

• There are a few different ways to contact us to set up an appointment: Through e-mail here, stopping by the shop or contacting our Facebook page - whatever is easiest for you!

• Let us know your regular availability - this will help us have a better idea what openings would work best for both our schedules, or we can simply let you know our soonest available spot for your project!

• All appointments require a non-refundable deposit. This deposit comes off the end price of your tattoo. If the need to reschedule arises, please contact us at least 48 hours prior to your appointment to ensure your deposit rolls over to the new appointment.

• Now that you have your appointment; be aware, your design will be ready the day of your appointment. Any changes or adjustments can be made day of when you arrive; and if you decide to add something, please let us know a day or so before so we can be as prepared as possible.

• We do NOT, under any circumstances, send designs to clients.

• Inspiration hits sometimes in weird ways, we are sure you understand that! The process for designing your piece may take a different path than another project - but that’s half the fun.

• In the days leading up to your appointment, it is important to look after your skin carefully! Try to avoid excess sun exposure and other potentially damaging activities.

• Make sure the area is clean, we are gonna be real close together for a good while. A gentle exfoliation with a nice sugar scrub will not only clean the area, but also gets rid of any dead skin, which means our whole project will get a better start than it may otherwise. Don’t forget to moisturize after exfoliating. Well cared for skin sets up for the best tattoo possible!

• If the area we will be working has a lot of hair, you’re welcome to trim it, but please leave the shaving to your artist to limit irritation.

During your appointment/Day of

• Prior to your appointment, eat well! Calories and protein will help you get through the project and prevent a sugar drop, leading you to potentially pass out.

• Bring an easy snack! Candy, jerky and a drink.

• If you decide not to come alone, that’s fine - feel free to bring one support person who will keep you entertained and encourage you!

• Wear appropriate clothing. Whatever you’re dressed in - please ensure it permits us to freely and easily get to the area in which we are working. Don’t stress about being fancy, just be comfortable and have the area to be tattooed accessible.

• Remember to breathe and just relax. We will have you in specific positions to get the best stretch we can, and will direct you as adjustment is necessary.

• We will be doing most of the work, but we do need you to breathe!! Slow, deep, even breaths will make the whole process easier. Holding your breath or doing shallow/short breaths will increase your likelihood of passing out, and all around having a bad time.

• We do need you to hold still, but also try to relax whatever area we are working on - tensing up makes it hurt more for you, and harder for us to reposition you as needed.

• Ask questions - because why not? If it’s about your tattoo and what we are doing or why - it is not only welcome but encouraged! It is your body and we want to help you understand whatever we can. If it’s about anything else; go ahead! Learning is cool all the time, and it gives us all a chance to know each other better. Understanding and knowledge should be free flowing and we pride ourselves on being a safe space to find out new things.

After your appointment

• You did the thing! And you survived! We’re so proud of you! Now what?

• Depending on the type of bandage you are given, a few of these details may be a bit different at the start.

• Most commonly, we use a type of derm bandage. This uses an adhesive (if you have an allergy or sensitivity to adhesives, please let us know!) to pin down the product and thus protect the area. We recommend you keep this on for at least 24 hours following your tattoo.

• Once it is time to remove your bandage, wash your hands and then the tattoo with anti-bacterial soap then pat dry with a paper towel.

• Apply a light layer of ointment (We recommend and sell Snake Oil products).

• Repeat these two steps 2 to 3 times daily.

• Moisturize as often as needed for the next 4 weeks - frequency is better than quantity.

• Do not over saturate with water, sunlight or lotion (washing and showering is fine).

• Do not let your tattoo get too dry.

• Leave it alone, don’t scratch or pick!

• Ask your tattoo artist any questions you have, not your friends or Google.

• Happy Healing!

• Book your next appointment and repeat.