Nope! There are absolutely no silly questions. I can’t promise I always have the answers. But I will give you my best understanding, or help you find information, and learn alongside you. Feel free to ask me anything about my art, the tattoo process, equipment, cleanliness, or anything else that comes to mind!

I have had the privilege of giving many folks their first tattoo! I am here to talk through every stage of the process before it happens so that you can be informed and prepared for the best tattoo experience possible.

No promises, but many folks even say their first tattoo hurt less than they expected!

I want you to have an experience you’ll cherish as well as a finished tattoo that you love! I welcome lots of communication throughout the design and placement process. We can take as long as you need to make sure you are getting both what you’re expecting and leaving with a tattoo that makes you happy. If for some reason the design isn’t right, the placement isn’t right, and we need more time, I am happy to reschedule you so that neither of us feel rushed during the process.

All bodies are different, and the sensation of tattooing can be experienced by many people in many different ways. Some spots on the body are naturally more tender or “spicy” and may hurt more than others. Sometimes I’ll meet tattooers who say “____ is a very painful spot to tattoo!” but when I tattoo a client there, the experience is not that severe.

So it’s hard to have a one-size fits all answer about the pain factor. Be aware that any tattoo will likely hurt to some degree. If you are worried about pain, I can give some recommendations on placements that may be more tolerable. You know your body best and you know your pain tolerance best. We can work together and make a plan that suits your comfort level.

Hydration, rest and food are good basics to take care of before you get a tattoo. Feel free to bring snacks and comfort items to the shop for your appointment.

Avoid blood-thinning medications or excessive drinking before your tattoo appointment.

Wear loose clothing that will allow for me to access the area where we will be tattooing. You can bring extra shorts, tanks, or whatever. Please note that tattoo shops are notoriously inky so try not to bring in anything you would feel upset by getting stained. Black is always a safe color option.

In Oregon, you must be 18 years+ with official identification in order to get tattooed.

How long your appointment will last depends on several factors.

First, design adjustments and stencil placement. This can take very little time or it can take an hour, and this just depends. I want to make sure you’re happy with your tattoo, the placement, the design, and everything else. A symmetrically placed ornamental tattoo could take an hour to get perfect.

Tattoo time also depends on a couple factors. There is the time it takes me to create the tattoo, and then there can be time for breaks whether it is for snacks, bathroom, pain, or comfort adjustments.

I tend to charge for tattoos by the hour but I understand that not knowing how much something will cost upfront can be rather stressful. Let’s discuss budget and financial considerations upfront as we discuss the design so that we can plan as accurately as possible for your appointment. If you are a person who knows you will want lots of breaks, or if you are not entirely sure of your placement prior to the appointment, prepare extra spaciousness in your schedule for a longer appointment.

Also bear in mind that most of the designs I am tattooing I have never tattooed before, so my guess on timing is my best estimate of my own skills and speed.

Please see my aftercare instructions for tips on how to properly take care of your tattoo after you leave the shop.