fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BOOKING
How do I book an appointment?
You can click here to check out the booking section of this very website that you are currently looking at! I usually book 2-3 months out at a time via form submissions. New client booking opens based on availability - rolling waitlist is open to join. Any updates will be posted on booking pages here and on IG in booking highlight.
I'm planning to visit Austin from out of town, can I set up an appointment beforehand?
I only book a few months out at a time, so I’m unfortunately unable to plan further ahead than that. For return clients I recommend submitting a request when the normal booking form is available, but make a note of specific dates (within the months that I'm booking for) that you're aiming for and I can do my best to accommodate based on availability. For new clients, you are able to tell me your preference for a later month, but keep in mind I only book 1-3 months out.
Additionally if you are traveling, keep in mind we still live in weird uncertain times - get flexible/refundable flights and lodging! I still have a notable number of cancellations every month from folks that test positive for covid.
Are you visiting (insert city name) to tattoo any time soon?
Any upcoming travel plans will be posted here or on instagram along with appointment information. I don't often travel for work.
TATTOO
Do you do cover-ups/reworks/touch up existing tattoos?
Cover-ups: If I feel like I can successfully cover up an existing tattoo and we both are on the same page regarding goals for outcome, yes! I've covered tattoos with and without prior laser removal treatment - if you're looking for a full coverage cover-up, expect to go quite a bit larger than the existing piece or look into a few sessions of laser removal prior to booking with me. Please let me know when submitting a booking request if you're intending to have the tattoo be a cover up, as this takes some extra planning for both of us.
Reworks/touch ups: I offer complimentary touch ups if needed on tattoos done by me! If you're looking to have another artist's piece reworked, I sometimes take those projects on a case by case basis - this would fall under custom booking.
Will you tattoo my (hands, fingers, face, etc)?
Hands, fingers, neck, and face: Will tattoo if you're a returning client that already has visible tattoos. Additionally, client should understand these placements (especially finger tattoos) are prone to imperfect healing and sometimes require a touch up.
LARGE pieces on ribs, sternum, torso front or back: I won't tattoo these placements if this is your first tattoo ever. These areas are typically higher on the pain scale, which often adds more stress to the tattooing process for both of us. Which isn't super fun for a first tattoo experience.
*Also currently I don't tattoo nips, genitals, butthole, etc - I have nothing against these placements aesthetically, I just have zero experience tattooing these areas and understand the skin in these kinda zones can be tricky to work with.
What supplies do you tattoo with?
Let me know beforehand if you have any allergies or concerns about any specific products. My supplies are vegan and I use nitrile gloves, no latex. I offer Recovery Dermshield transparent bandages or soaker pad + wrap bandage based on your healing preference. Currently all of the black and color inks I use are vegan - here's general product and safety info for the main brand I use: PRODUCT INFO + MSDS
What do you recommend for tattoo aftercare?
For Dermshield bandage: Leave bandage on for 3-5 days, remove if seal is broken prior to then. Visible fluid between bandage and tattoo is typical (it will look gross 2-12 hours into wearing the bandage)! Avoid submerging in water. Remove bandage under running water making sure to remove all adhesive. Gently, but thoroughly, wash surface of tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap following bandage removal and let air dry. Wash a few times a day for the first week with antibacterial soap and apply unscented (alcohol-free) lotion only as needed and in minimal amounts.
For wrapped bandage: Remove wrap either a few hours after tattoo appointment or the following morning. Gently, but thoroughly, wash surface of tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap following bandage removal and let air dry. Wash a few times a day for the first week with antibacterial soap and apply unscented (alcohol-free) lotion only as needed and in minimal amounts.
*info with images available on Instagram in AFTERCARE highlight
Can I use numbing cream/spray?
**Please check with me before using numbing cream for an appointment - there are a few brands I will refuse to tattoo with. If you arrive with one of these applied, we will need to move your appointment.**
I provide Bactine spray at appointments for use during the tattooing process (can be applied after linework is completed). For anything stronger, I am cautiously open to use as long as the client understands it's a "use at own risk" situation - please let me know ahead of time if you intend to use a numbing cream applied before our appointment so I can provide further recommendation for use and warnings. Not recommended for folks with known allergies to a product or an existing heart condition that may be affected by lidocaine or vasoconstrictors.
GENERAL
Can I have someone else tattoo your design on me / will you design a tattoo for me to get tattooed by another artist / do you offer tattoo tickets?
No, sorry! Currently I prefer tattooing my designs myself and do not offer tattoo tickets. You can use my work as inspiration when planning your tattoo, but I'm not gonna be stoked if you copy a piece or rip linework from work I've made! Your tattoo should look different enough that I can't tell if you referenced my work. Stop ripping off the dang crawfish.
Do you do commission work outside of tattooing?
Not really at this time - I've been focusing primarily on tattooing and personal projects the past few years and intend to continue doing so, I haven't had much time available to take on outside projects.