FAQs
How do I book an appointment?
Please fill out a booking request form via the “Booking” button. My books reopen once every 3 months. If you do not see the booking link posted via the “Booking” button, it means my books are currently closed and the date they reopen will be listed for reference. I will leave the link live for 24 hours and typically respond to submissions within 1-2 weeks of receiving them. Be ready to pay a deposit in order to hold an appointment.
What is a hand poked tattoo?
Handpokes (also known as stick and pokes / machine-free tattoos) utilize all of the same materials as a machine tattoo, minus the machine. This style of tattooing typically takes 2-3 times longer to achieve and heals without much scabbing or trauma to the skin. Handpokes are often less painful than machine tattoos, but body location is more likely to determine the pain scale than the method. Each mark is made by hand, dipping a single-use sterile needle into ink and onto skin repeatedly. Like machine tattoos, handpokes are permanent and have a similar healed appearance, if not a softer line quality.
Do you do machine tattoos?
Right now I am currently learning how to use a machine. I consider myself an apprentice and will be offering some free tattoos until I feel comfortable charging. Free = not perfect! I encourage clients who are interested in a free tattoo to manage their expectations and to only participate if they are laid back about this kind of thing.
What are your rates?
The minimum price for a tattoo is $200 and my hourly rate is $200. At the end of our appointment, I will deduct the deposit amount you pre-paid from our total. The average price for a tattoo is $250-500; if you have a specific budget, please let me know in your booking form so we can plan and design your tattoo with that number in mind. Tattoos that cost $500 or more are eligible for payment plans. I accept weekly installments via Venmo or PayPal before we meet on the day of our appointment; please let me know if you are interested in your booking form. Touch ups are free and easy to schedule, please fill out my touch-up only booking form via my “BOOKING” tab if you need one!
What is your deposit/cancellation policy?
I require a $100 Venmo or PayPal deposit in order to book your appointment. A full day session requires a $200 deposit. Once I respond to your booking request with a date and time, I will send you my deposit information. Deposits are nonrefundable (some exceptions apply). If you provide a minimum of 48 hours notice to reschedule an existing appointment, your deposit can be applied to the rescheduled date. If you do not give me more than 48 hours notice to reschedule, you will have to provide an additional deposit. This protects me from people no-showing and/or unexpected loss of income for the week. I understand that emergencies happen and can discuss options with you in the event this occurs! Once we meet for our appointment, I will deduct the deposit amount from our total and the rest is what you will owe for the day. Cash is strongly preferred but I also accept Venmo and PayPal for payment.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
You must be 18+ and bring a photo ID. Please drink plenty of water and eat before your appointment (you are welcome to bring snacks if we have a long session). Wear loose and comfortable clothing that allows access to the body location being tattooed. I recommend wearing a button-up shirt if you are getting your torso tattooed. Please moisturize your skin for at least a week before we meet. Tips are appreciated, the industry standard is around 20%.
How do I take care of my new tattoo?
Typically I will cover your tattoo with a medical adhesive (DermShield) unless you have an allergy. Keep the bandage out of the sun while it’s on. Depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo, you can take the bandage off 24-72 hours after our session. Wash the tattoo in the shower or with warm water and gentle/antibacterial soap after removal. I recommend unscented lotion, Aquaphor, or a natural tattoo salve for aftercare ointment—apply an even, thin layer to the tattoo twice a day for two weeks (especially when it’s itchy and flaky). Do not scratch the tattoo or pick any flaking skin that isn’t ready to come off. Do not swim/soak the tattoo underwater for 2 weeks. Please use sunscreen on it after it heals and FOREVER! Send me a healed picture of it after a few months if possible. :-)
What are your COVID-19 precautions and protocols?
I am happy to wear a mask upon request. There is a space for this on my booking form, just let me know!
Please do not come to your appointment if you are feeling sick! While plenty of notice is appreciated, you can reschedule our session at any time without losing your deposit if you have tested positive for Covid-19.
Is there a staircase? Is there an elevator? Accessibility!
Our studio, Foolheart Tattoo, is located on the second floor with no elevator. If you have an accessibility concern regarding the stairs, please give me a heads up and we can schedule our appointment at a more accessible location. My tattoo table has a 500lb weight limit and requires a step stool (also 500lb weight limit) to climb on..