Prices & Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you charge?
Consultations are free. Upon booking an appointment I may request a non-refundable deposit to secure your booking. Please see my policy page for details.
My studio minimum is £50 (no matter the size of tattoo). This is because, even if your tattoo is very small, I still go through the same stringent health and safety measures for each and every client, such as wrapping surfaces, chairs, tattoo machine, wires, bottles, you name it - then tearing this all down upon completing work and having to carefully sanitize the studio before the next client - you get the idea! This all takes time no matter the tattoo size, but is vitally important for every client's safety.
I will either give you a set price for your tattoo, or charge hourly. My hourly rate is £50, starting from set up. I will usually give you an estimate of time and sessions, but again these are only estimates so be aware actual time needed can be more or less. Factors such as your skin type, tattoo area and pain tolerance all affect the tattoo process.
Affordability
If you have a monthly budget, let me know! We can split your tattoo into sessions that you can afford. For example, if you can afford 2 hours of tattooing per month, we can plan around that and take it one session at a time. A tattoo is an investment for life and I want to remain as flexible as possible for all my clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare for a tattoo?
It's best to shower so your skin is free from oils before the tattoo, and moisturise the tattoo area several days leading up to the appointment. This will make your skin much easier to tattoo, meaning better results.
Make sure you eat a good meal within 2 hours of beginning a tattoo with me, and bring a snack and drink. Many people find sugary treats help during longer sessions.
DON'T consume alcohol or drugs 24 hours before your tattoo. This can affect the tattooing and healing process.
If things get too overwhelming and you need to pause (or even stop and come back for another session) at any point, let me know. Even sitting on the tattoo chair for long periods can be uncomfortable so again, let me know if you need to stretch and move around. I will often check in as I'm tattooing and ask about your comfort level, answers range from "I can only handle this for 5 more minutes" to "I can barely feel it and was dozing off" - there's no right answer!
If there are any adjustments I can make I will be as accommodating as possible. Some of my clients need extra pillows, some like to play their own music or games on their phone, some like to do their hobbies while getting tattooed (as long as it doesn't make them move too much!)
Remember that while getting tattooed, staying still but relaxed is the best way to sit.
How do I care for a fresh a tattoo?
When you leave the studio I will usually clean and wrap your fresh work with cling film. This is usually left on for about 2 hours. You can then remove the cling film and gently wash the tattoo, then cover it with a thin (do not smother it) layer of high quality unscented moisturiser (for example Aveeno, Bepanthen).
If your tattoo has a very large amount of ink (for example lots of packed black) I will usually advise you to re-wrap the tattoo for the first night or two, one to protect your skin and two to protect your fabrics! Left uncovered your skin may stick to fabrics overnight which is unpleasant for you and bad for the tattoo.
I also send a file containing detailed aftercare instructions to my clients after their first session with me, including a list of do's and don'ts.
What is the tattoo healing process, what is normal?
The first thing to expect is a little pain, swelling and irritation! This is quite normal as your skin has essentially been wounded by the needles.
Especially on larger or full colour tattoos, some swelling and tenderness is to be expected for a few days - imagine deeply grazing your skin over a large area, it may hurt for a while as you heal.
You may have a gooey mixture of ink and plasma leaving the skin, especially to begin with - just clean this away gently. You may also see small flakes of ink when you wash - this is usually the top layer of inked skin healing out.
If any of your tattoo scabs, DO NOT pick scabs away - this can rip out your new ink. Just keep them moisturised and allow your skin to heal.
You can also expect itchiness! I know this is very irritating but under no circumstances should you scratch or itch the tattoo.
It takes around 2 weeks for the skin to go through the initial healing process. At this point the skin is usually quite healed to the touch and, especially in fully coloured areas, you may have what is affectionately called 'onion skin' over the area - a smooth, shiny, silvery new layer of skin. This eventually toughens back up to match the surrounding skin. At this point we might consider continuing any unfinished work on the tattoo.
Do you do any size tattoo?
I will consider any size tattoo, big or small! I do have a minimum charge of £50 regardless of tattoo size.
Can I get a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, I will not tattoo anybody pregnant or breastfeeding. Whilst any risk in tattooing is rare, all risks are increased with pregnancy, with additional issues such as ink potentially entering the bloodstream and affecting breastfeeding, or increased risk of shock leading to premature labour.
Can I bring my child to the studio?
No, unfortunately I do not allow anyone under 16 into the studio, please arrange childcare for your appointment.
Do you tattoo under the age of 18 with parental consent?
No, it is illegal to tattoo a minor regardless of parental consent. I operate a Think 25 policy and may ID you before tattooing, so please bring ID if you are under 25. If in doubt I will not tattoo you.
Can I use numbing cream?
I would always prefer you don't use numbing cream, as it can affect both the tattooing and healing process. However, in some very painful areas it can be a good choice. I have experience with two brands, Zensa and Emla. Zensa is the premium option, much more effective (longer numbing) and can be re-applied during the tattooing process. Emla is the more budget option, less effective (shorter numbing), and cannot be re-applied during the tattooing process. Numbing cream must be sourced and funded by the client, and generally you must apply and wrap it against the skin 1 hour before the tattoo. If you opt to use numbing cream expect an increased chance of healing issues. Always inform me if you plan to use numbing cream.
Do you do coverups?
Sometimes. It depends on your original tattoo - I will take on a coverup job if I can think of a great way to do it. Out of respect for you the client, I will decline a coverup job if I don't think I can turn it into something you love. Some advice for coverups - expect the design to be quite large, and often quite dark. Going through laser treatments will help any tattoo artist immensely with your coverup as there will be less dark ink. As a general rule dark ink will beat out lighter ink upon healing, so if we were to go over black with light pink for example, you are likely to see the black peeking out upon healing!
Can you tattoo this design I saw online?
I can take inspiration from any designs you send me, but not simply copy. Not only is it disrespectful to other artists but the joy in my craft is creating something tailor made for you! This excludes things such as letters or simple shapes, which are not unique to an artist. Be aware also of AI generated content online at the moment which is providing fake tattoo images.