DO YOU STILL DO SMALL TATTOOS? While my focus is on large-scale full-body tattooing, I still gladly make smaller, single-session tattoos. My minimum for these is $200. If you’d like to book for that, please click HERE.
DO YOU STILL DO AMERICAN TRADITIONAL TATTOOS? Though my primary focus has shifted to Japanese style tattoos, I still really enjoy making traditional tattoos, big or small.
WHAT’S YOUR RATE? My hourly rate is $250. While this is on the higher end of average, I tattoo significantly faster than the average artist. Most of my sleeves are completed in 10-15 hours, and full backs (shoulders to the backs of the thighs) average around 30 hours. This is 20-50% faster than most other artists.
DO I HAVE TO LEAVE A DEPOSIT? Multi-session pieces require a $500 deposit, and single session a $200 deposit, to schedule any tattoo appointment. All deposits will be applied to the FINAL SESSION of the tattoo. No call - no shows forfeit the entire deposit, and will be required to leave a larger amount to make further tattoo appointments.
HOW FAR ARE YOU BOOKED OUT? My scheduling tends to stay pretty relaxed. Saturdays tend to book out the furthest, while mid-week appointments usually remain no more than a few weeks out. Consultations are really flexible, so they’re usually able to be squeezed in between tattoo appointments.
HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO WORK ON A BIG TATTOO? Once the outline is done, I really hope for my clients to get tattooed for AT LEAST 2 hours, AT LEAST once a month. This is to say that a minimum of $500/month should be budgeted for the tattoo. If desired, I welcome longer and more frequent sessions.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DOES A ______ TAKE? The number of sessions is solely dictated by long each session is. As mentioned above, I work very efficiently. I can get a full back with background (kame no koh) done in as little as five sessions, and a full sleeve with chest (nagasode hikae) done in as little as two sessions. This is by no means the standard that I expect, so much as encouragement that we can do a very cool thing in a very short amount of time. My average client finishes a sleeve in four or five sessions, and a back in about ten. Please enter the process knowing that it will be painful, and that it doesn’t happen over night; it requires patience, determination, and perseverance.
WHAT IF I WANT MORE COLORS THAN RED? I want the tattoos I do to be legible from across the street, and for them to age in a really cool and interesting way. I source a lot of my inspiration from Japanese tattooing from the 1900s-1950s, and would be glad to discuss this approach further. I am, however, open to discussing other color option. Should I not be the right fit for the request, I will do my best to suggest a better-suited artist.
WHAT IF I WANT TO CHANGE SOMETHING? I want the lines of communication to be open throughout the entire process. My opinion and approach isn’t the end-all be-all, and I’m happy to collaborate to achieve the right design. If we’re moving in a direction that raises questions, please don’t hesitate to ask about any part of the process. Your input is valid and welcomed.