Frequently asked questions
Please email me if you have any questions. I follow Tamara Santibanez’s Client Bill of Rights co-authored by K. Lenore Siner.
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Thanks for your interest! Please follow the steps below to request an appointment.
Fill out the booking form. It's okay if you are unsure of size and placement, provide the best estimate or options you are leaning towards.
Once you submit the booking form, I will get back to you via email. Please look out for an email from me and check spam in case. For custom projects: I am selective about requests I take on, and I will reach out if its a good fit.
After we align on the design and appointment time, send the security deposit* to receive a confirmation email.
I cannot tattoo anyone under 18 (even with guardian consent), sun damaged/burnt skin, or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
*Deposit policy: To confirm your appointment, I require a $100 deposit that goes towards the final cost of the tattoo. The deposit is non-refundable if there is a no-show or cancelation. I understand things happen and I allow one reschedule with at least 7 days notice - more than one reschedule may require an additional deposit.
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Please let me know in the booking form if you have a budget, and I'll do my best to accommodate. Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate budgets less than my minimum.
Flash: starting at $200 total depending on design, customizations, and size
Custom: $250 minimum, quoted ~$200/hr (with $1,000/day cap for larger projects)
I currently price per piece. After I receive your booking request, I will provide a quote via email for the total cost based on estimated tattooing time (not including time for stenciling, breaks, etc.). If the tattoo takes more time, the total cost will be capped at the quoted price. Tips are always appreciated.
Deposit policy: To confirm your appointment, I require a $100 deposit that goes towards the final cost of the tattoo. The deposit is non-refundable if there is a no-show or cancelation. I understand things happen and I allow one reschedule with at least 7 days notice - more than one reschedule may require an additional deposit.
For custom designs, the deposit is required to begin any drawing and reserve a consultation if requested.
Any cancelations or changes to the subject matter after a custom drawing is shared (typically a day before at most) will result forfeiting your deposit.
This deposit policy helps ensure I can make ends meet as last minute cancelations and reschedules are difficult to fill in and this can impact how I am able to support myself and loved ones, thank you!
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I specialize in painterly, watercolor like tattoos with soft shading. The tattoos I design often incorporate open space (your skin tone), contrast in value and textures, delicate blending, and abstract/painterly elements. Please expect custom designs to be in a similar style I’ve done before and specify if you are looking for something else.
Projects that I am a great fit for include:
Watercolor botanicals and animals (either more abstract or semi-realistic)
Korean / Chinese ink painting style and subject matter
X-ray style botanicals, animals, objects
Cyanotype or relief-style botanicals and objects
Bold ornamental designs with or without meaning (for example, can be purely decorative or based on a pattern or embroidery that is meaningful)
Tattoos that wrap to compliment your unique shape
Adding on or reworking an existing tattoo in my style
Adding on or completing an arm or leg sleeve
Larger projects for those without tattoos in these areas and want a cohesive look (i.e. half or full sleeve, back piece, chest piece) - these projects may be available at a portfolio discount depending on desired subject and style
At this time, I am not accepting requests for:
Hand, foot, neck or head/face placement
Realistic portraits or micro realism
Fine line text/script
I may decide I am not the right artist for you depending on your vision. Please be aware that when I take on custom requests, I want to tattoo your specific request. If you change your mind on the design after scheduling an appointment, I may refund the deposit if I have not started the drawing. Any cancelations or changes to the subject matter after a custom drawing is shared (typically a day before at most) will result in forfeiting your deposit.
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For those interested, I offer in-person or video call consultations to discuss design, placement, and budget - please note this in the booking form to set up a consultation. The deposit is required before scheduling a consultation.
I recommend larger custom requests (especially if this is your first tattoo) schedule a consultation 1-3 weeks before the tattoo appointment.
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Healing time depends on each individual and their environment, and it can take around 3-6 weeks.
I offer free touch ups (if I agree it is needed) during the 4 week - 12 month window following the initial appointment date. After that, I charge a reduced hourly rate for touch-ups on tattoos I've done.
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At your appointment, I will provide aftercare information and instructions to take home. After the appointment, it is your responsibility to take care of your new tattoo (failure to follow aftercare may lead to infection or poor healing).
Keep Derm Shield on for 1-3 days. Seeing ink, plasma, and blood is normal! If red, irritated, or you feel a burning sensation, take it off immediately. You might be having an allergic reaction to the adhesive. If using plastic wrap with a soaker pad, you can remove the wrap after 3 hours and up to 24 hours.
When you remove the Derm Shield, pull from a bottom corner gently towards the ground or parallel with your skin, not upwards. Taking it off under warm running water like in the shower helps.
After removing Derm Shield or bandage, clean the tattoo gently with fragrance-free soap. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel, no rubbing. Moisturize with fragrance-free lotion or cream.
Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized 2-3x/day until the scabbing and peeling is done.
Let the scabs fall off by itself - do not to pick at your tattoo or exfoliate. It may feel itchy while scabbing and that is normal.
Avoid exposure to sunlight for the first 4 weeks and wear clothes that cover the tattoo. Apply sunscreen on your tattoos (once healed) to reduce fading.
Avoid soaking the tattoo in water for the first 4 weeks (i.e. swimming, hot tubs, sauna, long showers). Avoid activities that cause sweating in the first 1-2 weeks to ensure the best healing.