FAQ
+ Where do you work?
I started working at Little Tokyo tattoo studio in 2018 which I have been proud to call my ‘home away from home’ since the day I started.
When I am doing a convention or a guest spot I will post on social media.If you’d like to be tattooed by me there, please fill out a contact form to let me know.
+ How long have you been tattooing?
Approximately 10 years. I undertook my apprenticeship in Nimbin in 2013. Before this I had tattooed friends in studios for a couple of years.
+ What is a consultation?
A consultation is up to half an hour where we meet in person to discuss your design and the process including placement, size, how many hours or sessions it will take and how much it will cost and payment method.
It is also an opportunity to speak with me about anything else you might want to know and for us to meet each other.
Your appointment/s are booked at the end of the consultation and you leave a deposit to secure your tattoo appointment/s.
I offer FaceTime consults with clients who live a distance that makes it unfeasible to come in for half an hour.
+ Do I need a consultation?
Not every tattoo requires a consultation.
If you fill out the contact form and your tattoo is straight forward eg ‘I want something similar to *insert example of my work* filling the entire inside of my forearm and I have no existing tattoos that you need to work around’, then I will communicate with you via email.
If it is your first tattoo or you just want to meet me and see the studio before being tattooed you are more than welcome to book a consultation.
+ How much will it cost?
For a full day I charge a day rate. Half days are charged at an hourly rate and other tattoos are charged per piece.
We will talk about this either at the consultation or via email.
+How do I book?
Please fill out the contact form.
+ Do you tattoo other artists designs or tattoos that other people have?
No. They are created by and/or belong to other people.
+ Can I see my design prior to my tattoo appointment?
Generally I don’t send designs out to clients.There are a few reasons for this.
Whether by consultation or email, communication about your design is the first point that determines whether you want to be tattooed by me.
You have contacted me because you like my work.
I have experienced that some people can be so sure and excited about their tattoo…until they show their friend, significant other, sibling, parent etc who give their input with the result of creating uncertainty for the client.
Depending on the tattoo it might be drawn directly on to your skin.
In my belief, getting a tattoo should only ever be a decision that you make for yourself, by yourself.
I have also had a couple of clients take designs I have sent them. Whether or not they got them tattooed elsewhere, I will never know.
In many cases I will have the design ready on the day and if there are any small changes that need to be made I can do them then. I am always happy to make minor adjustments to your design. You need to get the tattoo that you want.
If it is a large scale,complex or multi session piece I may ask you to come in and view a rough of the design before your tattoo appointment.
+ How do I prepare for my appointment?
I want my clients to be as comfortable as they can be throughout their tattoo.
Please do not arrive having had your last meal hours and hours before your appointment - It’s important that you eat a decent meal beforehand. Bring something to snack on E.g chocolate, muesli bar and a drink
Headphones, a playlist or podcast are a good idea to have if it’s a longer session.
Wear something comfortable (that you don’t mind possibly getting ink on) that allows access to the area I am tattooing and that isn’t tight, doesn’t rub on or restrict the area that has been tattooed.
Do not shave the area that’s going to be tattooed unless it’s helpful to clip shorter (example being head hair) so I can shave it properly.
Please let me know beforehand if there is anything else you feel either of us may need to take in to consideration.
+ Can I use numbing cream?
When numbing cream wears off your endorphins do not kick in the same way as when you can adjust to the sensation and there is a rude shock to your system that can make you feel as though you cannot get through the rest of the appointment.
The tattoos I do can often involve some time to stencil and/or draw so by the time we actually start tattooing the effectiveness of numbing cream will be reduced.
From person to person and depending on the numbing cream the application and healing of the tattoo can be greatly affected. Some people have reactions to the cream itself.
If you feel you can’t sit through the session without it let me know.
Please do not use it and not tell me, I will know and it could make for and awkward situation. Do not go in to the bathroom and try to scrub it off. This will result in you missing areas which will make its way in to the tattooed area and cause issues with healing.
(I believe that no matter what you are having tattooed, big or small that is an exchange of energy and there is trust involved on both ends so this isn’t a good start.)
+ Do you do cover ups?
Black work is ideal for cover ups and I love doing them of any kind. I particularly like them when I can design something larger that works with your body and involves negative space.
I also really enjoy doing ‘blast overs’ where parts of your existing tattoo are still visible.
+ How do I look after my tattoo?
Depending on what, and where you have tattooed the aftercare instructions may differ slightly.
At the end of your appointment I will give you an aftercare instructions card.
The most important aspects of looking after your new tattoo are to keep it clean and dry, be sure to wash it two times a day and to use a small amount of cream several times a day without smothering the tattoo and giving it a chance to dry out between applications.