Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule an appointment?

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for a new tattoo, please fill out a submission form found under "Contact Me" and allow up to 2 weeks for a response. The more information you can provide about the piece/project you want to work on the better. Attach any relevant reference/inspiration photos.

How much does a tattoo cost? 

I charge a minimum of $100 for any piece and can give total prices estimates for single session tattoos and I charge $200/hr for larger session work. If you have a specific budget for a piece just let me know and I can design more simply or elaborately depending on what works for you.

I accept all major debit/credit cards or cash. I have no preference so whatever works best for you.

Where are you located?

I work in a private room at a collective studio in Fillmore, CA called Dose of Arte located at 515 Sespe Ave. We are right in the old town portion of Fillmore off Central Ave. The studio is located directly across from the police station. There is a large public lot behind the station that is typically the best place to park without worrying about time limits.

How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?

California law prohibits tattooing anyone under the age of 18, even with parent consent. ID will need to be presented by any new clients.

Do I need to leave a deposit? What is your cancellation policy?

I am not currently requiring deposits from clients but if I have issues with any specific client making a habit of rescheduling in a way that I feel is inconsiderate of my time, I will change the policy for that client. I have a family myself and know that things come up and people get sick and as long as appointment time is treated respectfully and clients give as much notice of a reschedule as possible, I prefer to keep deposits out of the equation.

What should I bring with me when I come to my appointment? Can I bring a friend? Do I need to do anything to prep?

The biggest thing is to just dress comfortably, maybe bring some snacks and water, although the shop has both if you forget. Some people get cold or hot while getting tattoos so bring a sweater you can take on or off easily or a light blanket if you wish.

My procedure room is only large enough to comfortably accommodate one guest for your appointment. I am totally ok if you need to bring an emotional support person with you.

I will thoroughly clean the area to be tattooed and shave any hair that may be in the way so there really isn't much you need to do in preparation. Definitely avoid getting a sunburn in the area you want to get you piece and I'll never be mad about a little pre-appointment exfoliating but essentially come as you are and I'll handle the rest.

I'm nervous about pain, can I use numbing creams? 

Numbing creams are an option that we can discuss when planning for your appointment. They work well for some and not as well for others. A small patch test before the appointment is always preferable  if you have any concern about skin sensitivity. I also have lidocaine spray that can be used mid-session that tends to provide a good deal of relief when clients start to feel a bit raw.

In general let me know if you have any allergies that I need to know of.

What do I need to know about aftercare?

Tattoos are essentially open wounds and the top couple layers of the skin have been damaged and will dry and shed over the course of 2-3 weeks. During this time you will want to wash you tattoo at least morning and night with liquid antibacterial hand soap and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Most people benefit from a light application of unscented moisturizer after each cleaning. Everyone will heal differently and require different levels of moisture to heal best.

When you leave the appointment you will either have you tattoo covered in an adhesive aftercare wrap or cling wrap depending on the location of your tattoo and your skin's sensitivity to medical adhesives. Specific times to leave any wrap on will vary for each tattoo and client and will be discuss individually but after the wrap is removed it is important to keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and not to submerge it in any body of water. Showering is fine.

What if my tattoo fully heals and a portion of it didn't heal well for some reason?

I provide free touch ups for any tattoo essentially within the first year after receiving it. After that point anything that needs to be revamped would mostly likely be a result of just aging in the skin and we would discuss price for freshening it up.