Tattoo Session

Half-day is 3 hours. Full-day is 6.

The smallest tattoo I do takes at least 1 hour. Most of my work takes multiple sessions, especially larger or more detailed pieces. We'll map out the timeline during your consultation so you know what to expect.

ID. Payment. Comfortable clothes.

Wear something that gives access to the area being tattooed. We'll check your ID when you arrive. Payment happens after you're bandaged up. Cash is welcome (no change available).

Know your own nutritional needs.

Eat before you come. Excitement, anticipation, and nervousness can all affect your eating patterns on tattoo day. If you practice fasting or have dietary restrictions, consult your doctor before your session. There's a designated area for food if you need to eat during the session. A snack on a break can be comforting, though it can also spike your blood sugar. That's an individual call.

When you arrive, we go over everything one more time.

You'll be greeted by me or a staff member. We'll check your ID and have you fill out the standard release form. Then we'll review your design together for penultimate approval and do a final mockup. After that, we move to the tattoo area. I'll prepare your skin and apply the stencil. You'll check the placement from your perspective (or I'll take a photo so you can see it clearly) and give final approval. This is your consent that you're ready to proceed.

The tattoo is going to hurt.

Fighting the sensation is a losing strategy. You have to accept it and breathe.¹ I've been tattooing since 2001 and I've developed an empathetic bedside manner. I'll be as gentle as possible and as intense as necessary. You can say stop at any time. It's no big deal.

Breathing is the only thing you need to focus on.

Passing out doesn't come from pain level. It comes from not breathing.² Focus on your breath and you'll be fine.

Every 25 minutes, I change gloves. You can stand and stretch.

Every 3 rounds we take a 10-20 minute break. Full-day sessions include a 90-minute meal break. I don't charge for breaks. The price we set for the day is the price you pay. That's my guarantee.³

One guest is welcome.

If you have multiple people with you, we ask that they wait in the lobby during the tattoo procedure.

Headphones are encouraged.

The shop generally has a single source of audio. If you'd prefer your own music, headphones are allowed. Whatever makes you more comfortable.

After your session, we photograph your new tattoo.

We document at every stage, even if the first session is just an outline. We want to tell your tattoo story to the world. I send check-ins at 4 weeks and 6 months to see how things are healing.⁴ When you're ready to book your next session, click the link in the check-in message. Please give tattooingwisdom 5 stars and tag us on social media. Clients are the celebrities here. We love the way you look in our tattoos.

Large projects get a beauty pass months later.

Once all sessions are complete and the tattoo has settled, I offer a free touch-up to refine anything that needs attention.⁴ Some restrictions apply. Touch-ups for smaller one-time pieces are handled case by case.