Do you offer piercings?
At this time I do not offer piercings.
What forms of payment do you take?
I prefer cash if it can be afforded by you, but we can always take cards if that's not an available option for you. I understand that some people pay with credit which is absolutely fine.
How does pricing work at your shop? Do you charge hourly?
I do not charge hourly, but per the design. I usually will base the price off of the sizing, however, something more complex will always raise the price. Something that has more details requires a more precise stencil, which can be a process, as well as tattooing it since more time will be required to tattoo in more detail.
How do I get to your shop?
My studio location is in Essex Junction, Vermont at 10 Pearl St Suite #2.
The building looks like an old house, and is just up the hill from the Essex Junction McGuillicuddy's parking lot. There are two doorways on the porch at this building, and I am located through the doorway to the right. Once inside, walk all the way towards the stairs, where you will find my studio and waiting area. You are free to park behind this building, but will require a parking pass if you park directly behind the shop. You won't need this if you park in the McGuillicuddy's parking lot.
Do I need to wear a mask?
During cold and flu season, I would appreciate it but it is not required. I also have masks to provide if you would like one but do not have one with you.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes! Also, please do not bring more than 2 people with you. The studio space is small so it doesn't fit many people and it can get crowded in here quickly :)
What is the youngest you will tattoo?
18 for permanent inking unless you have been tattooed by me in the past, then an exception can be made. I am not accepting new clients under the age of 18.
Do you tattoo people with darker skin tones?
Absolutely 100% we will tattoo you if you have dark skin.
If you are worried about getting a color tattoo because you have a darker skin tone- please mention this concern to me and I will first schedule you for a color test at no cost. This means you come in, and I have you pick out some colors you like. Then, I do very small markings on your skin somewhere so we can see how well the colors you like show up and can assess from there.
What I would like to ask is to keep in mind that darker skin tones will not always display a bright color the way it looks in the bottle- but we can still achieve beautiful colors on your skin tone. I'll do my very best to find a solution you are happy with ❤
Why isn't your Instagram and social media updated more often?
Over the years, social media has been something I am trying to stay more up to date with. Social media can be a source of anxiety for me due to having my accounts stolen, dealing with harassment from other accounts, and solicitation from unwanted parties. I do update my page, but at the end of the day, being popular on social media is not the goal or focus. If I do not post your tattoo on my page, please do not take it personally, as there could be multiple reasons for this. Thank you for you understanding!
How many years have you been tattooing?
I've been tattooing since 2018! The number changes every year :)
Do you offer realistic tattoos?
No I do not, but I can offer illustrative, interpretive versions of portraits.
Is there anything you will not tattoo?
We will not tattoo anything that is offensive to other folks. For example, any racist or offensive symbols or language will not be tolerated in the shop. I also try my very best to be respectful of cultural representation and symbols. If you have to ask if it's disrespectful to get it tattooed- I would reconsider getting it tattooed but you can always inquire if you are wondering about being respectful with your body art! It matters <3
Are there any parts of the body you will not tattoo?
Right now, I am not comfortable tattooing faces, genitals, inner lip, top of the head or palms of feet / hands and ears.
Are there parts of the body you do not enjoy tattooing?
This question is specific to the client and their pain tolerance but yes. There are. You may not know you have a low or high pain tolerance, so if its your first tattoo I will always do a blank pass with the needle to make sure you think you can handle it.
Parts of the body I will always advise you think twice and may charge a little more for are rib cage, sternum, top of the foot, ankle bone / achilleas, hand (including fingers) and the neck. These are areas that can be more painful, may not last (fingers) and also sometimes a bit more challenging to tattoo for many reasons. A lot of times people think they can handle it but your body will react to pain in certain areas out of your control such as jolting or squirming - which can result in wobbly lines. It happens more than people realize, even with folks who have a high pain tolerance. SO PLEASE PLEASE consider this before asking for a tattoo in any of the above areas.
Does it hurt a lot to get tattooed?
I wont lie to you- tattoos can be painful, but everyone's tolerance to pain is different. Some people feel absolutely nothing! Some people feel every poke of the needle. There's several things you can do to make this easier. This includes numbing (see next question for more details), chewing gum, stress balls or hard candy to crunch on. In the past- these solutions have been helpful for lots of clients I have tattooed.
How does the numbing process work at your shop?
While I do not have anything against using a numbing agent, I will not give it to you if it is your first tattoo; the reason for this being that I believe everyone needs to know what it feels like the first time. If you do prefer numbing solution before your appointment, please make it very clear in your inquiry. I always will recommend "Uber Numb" which is available for purchase online
Application of numbing is as follows:
**Please remember to have your numbing done an hour BEFORE your appointment**
1) wash the area which an antibacterial hand soap. Then while rinsing, try to make sure the water is as warm/hot as you can handle it and let the water run until the pores have opened a bit. Dry with a paper towel
2) Apply about 1/4" thickness of the numbing solution on the body part immediately after drying and wrap in saran wrap.
3) Once you arrive to your appointment we can remove the numbing ointment and you should be good to go!
Are you looking for an apprentice or other employees?
Not at this time.
These will be updated as more FAQs surface. If you have a question that was not answered here please feel free to ask!