Bless Your Heart . Ink

Client Frequently Asked Questions

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Why did you name your shop... Bless Your Heart?!

Simple, I had SO many hurdles in front of me to open this shop. I figured the Southern equivalent of 'f**k you' would get the message across, and it did. Now my shop is open. :)

But why so many names?

I own MANY businesses and maintain the connections publicly so I am identifyiable and easy to recognize. I believe thats something everyone 'should do' if they own many businesses. Girlytattoos.fan is my personal website, Blessyourheart.ink is for the shops and our staff, JaponicaLane.art is my consulting agency, and HoneyDoneList.homes is our home remodeling buisness. All the pages are connected, and we offer discounts to patrons of all of our buisnesses.

Who works at Bless Your Heart Tattoo?

Selina Medina and Matthew Echelberger. Matt and Selina started Bless Your Heart Tattoo in the middle of 2022, and usually if you call you will reach Matthew. Selina is usually busy tattooing, making content, teaching or working on other safety things.

Who is Girly Tattoos?

My name is Selina Medina, I am the owner of the brand Girly Tattoos and the owner of Bless Your Heart Tattoo. I have been tattooing since 2002 and I tattoo part-time now while I work a full time compliance job manufacturing tattoo inks, and educating artists for better tattooing practices. I focus on tattooing floral pieces, animals, and various feminine pieces of art. I named my tattoo shop Bless Your Heart Tattoo as a play on words, and a nod to people who tried to prevent me from opening my shop. I am southern by birth and choose to live in the South Carolina area to inspire and elevate the local community, Bless Your Heart just means Ill do it anyway. With or without support, sometimes you just have to keep moving.I create various works of art for a variety of products and frequently do product collaborations world wide with a variety of brands, and create my own merchandise geared toward raising money for veterans aid, education for women and girls, public health education. Our staff enjoy the same privileges as I have earned in the tattoo community and are invited to work in the shop with us as employees.

What does Selina love to tattoo?

I am beyond obsessed with flowers and animals. They are my favorite thing in the world to tattoo, and hand down the most focused item in my portfolio. I typically select tattoos that fit these set niches of artwork as they are the thing I find the most interesting to tattoo. I screen every tattoo request for what fits in my artistic style or not in my style. If I decline the tattoo it's not for the reason you may assume, typically it's because it doesn’t fill me with joy to tattoo so I believe there may be another person out there who is more interested in tattooing your imagery versus me.

How do I get booked with one of the staff members of Bless Your Heart?

Tattooing appointments are made by phone call, deposit and consultation. Some smaller tattoos that are simple, based on our opinion are booked without consultations. We do not rely on client descriptions, as we need to look at every last factor in a tattoo to gauge how best to serve you.

Tattoo general questions

What is a tattoo?

Tattooing, or Body tattooing is an ancient art originating from the Paleolithic peoples of the Iron Age. The oldest documented body tattooing originated between 3100-3400 BCE. Tattooing is the balance between science, art and physics. Tattooing on the body is a semi invasive procedure that requires the use of needles dipped with caring colors of inks and deposited in the skin to form a pattern and or specific design. Tattoos over time degrade, and eventually blur. The chance of the ink of your tattoo degrading losing the tattoo ink's initial clarity increases with sun exposure (UV exposure) or other types of skin damage, such as accidents like cuts, scrapes or burns. Since tattoos generate blood, universal OSHA blood borne pathogen controls are practiced and enforced. This means clients are expected to follow the tattoo artist's direction to maintain the safety of the procedure and the area.

How is a tattoo done?

Tattoos are done by dipping a needle in ink and repeatedly puncturing the skin, leaving behind the desired pigment in the skin. Universal precautions are used promoting a sanitary environment in which the tattoo is done. Due to the nature of tattoos, bleeding, and permanency only licensed training professionals should be doing any type of tattooing.

What color will my tattoo be when it heals?

Tattoo ink is transparent. It is only a tint of the color that was in the ink bottle, or ink cap and takes roughly 6 weeks to entirely heal. Your true color saturation and or final healed result of the tattoo ink(s) will not be visible until 6 weeks. No touch ups or revisions should be done until this time. Black and grey tattoos do not show their final healed result till at the very least 90 days, or 3 months. Black and grey tattoos are done with carbon based tattoo inks, and black tattoo inks typically have some sort of healing skin over the tattoo, causing the color to shift slightly blue of grey in appearance.By the time 90 days rolls around the pigment will settle into the skin causing the true final colors to be visible.

Tattoo Inks

What kind of tattoo inks do you use?

I use World Famous tattoo inks only, not only because this is the company I work for and support. I follow them due to their quality assurance processes to ensure my customer’s safety. Our company uses traceability systems used for medical devices implemented by the international standardization organization, common in the automotive industry and medical devices. World Famous also identifies individual lots, and batches to identify issues and quickly locate all needed information if there ever is any kind of an issue. World Famous Tattoo Inks are made in a lab, using quality systems to ensure the consistency of our inks from color to formulation. THe inks i use are also cruelty free testing, and are certified vegan through PETA.

What is tattoo ink?

Tattoo ink is a mixture of pigment, water, witch hazel, alcohol and resin forming a liquid variation of tattooable product in a desired color of ink. Tattoo inks should only be purchased and used by professional tattoo artists, not 3rd party resellers, online dealers, or unknown marketers. Counterfeit tattoo inks are a very real concern with little border protection laws that exist into what products are imported into the United States. Luckily FDA recognizes this, and so do key tattoo ink manufacturers who work hard to offer top quality inks and pigments.

What is pigment?

Pigment, Is either a powdered or liquid form of color that is manufactured from either organic materials or minerals and then added to a chemical solution to then make an ink to make a particular color. Pigments are used in everything from clothing dye, hair color, and even auto paint. The chemical solutions used to make the pigments into tattoo inks vary from company to company.

Health issues related to tattooing

What if I have allergy concerns?

Receiving a tattoo is not without risk. Like any thing, education is important and you should strive to know all the facts before you make a choice to undergo any sort of tattoo procedure. Allergy concerns are really the top concern for most people with any type of iodine allergy, lidocaine, or nickel allergy its common to ask. However, no tattoo artist can answer these questions for you, and nor should they. When it comes to your personal health, we recommend consulting with your tattoo artist and obtaining copies of the SDS sheet of the tattoo inks they use to consult with your health care practitioner for advice. Luckily tattoo inks are very simple, and can be determined by any trained medical professional just from the SDS.

If you have specific allergies to things like: lidocaine, nickel, alcohol, adhesives, or color allergies, notify me or your tattoo professional BEFORE you get a tattoo, or PMU procedure done. These types of factors can affect the outcome of your tattoo.

I recently had surgery, I want the scar covered. Can I still get tattooed?

Receiving a tattoo over a surgery site is a risky procedure, and generally should not be done for at least one year. Less invasive procedures that do not cut all the way through your layers of skin can be covered in somewhat less time. This is based on a case-by-case basis, and based on how well the skin has started to repair itself. The risk presented with deep surgery scars such as tummy tuck scars or skin removal operations and procedures is internal healing may still be happening long after the external skin has healed. When a tattoo is done, the repetitive motion of a needle may cause freshly healed scar to split open. Which may contribute to unsightly scarring, or internal issues.

I have undergone chemotherapy, can I get a tattoo?

Receiving a tattoo produces a significant immune response, after chemotherapy your immune system is depleted. It is suggested you wait a minimum of one year post your last chemotherapy treatment to prevent any sort of healing problems or color shifting with the tattoo inks. You assume the responsibility if you do not properly notify your tattoo artist or myself before you get tattooed that you have recently come off chemotherapy.

I take medication daily, can I still get tattooed?

Receiving a tattoo may impact the effect of your medication(s), certain medications such as blood thinners, anti-coagulants, water pills and skin related medications such as accutane may cause substantial problems with healing of your tattoo, long term results, and or but not limited to final ink color results. You assume the responsibility if you do not properly notify your tattoo artist or myself before you get tattooed that you have recently come off medication(s), or are currently on medications and you do not disclose the types or reasoning of medication you are on.

I take vitamins daily, can I still get tattooed?

Receiving a tattoo while on certain vitamins may alter the end results of your tattoo and or may shift your end results of your tattoo inks.You assume the responsibility if you do not properly notify your tattoo artist or myself before you get tattooed that you have recently come off vitamins(s), or are currently on vitamins and you fail too, or do not disclose the types or reasoning of vitamin(s) you are on.

Coverups

What about my cover up tattoo, will I see it through the new tattoo?

Maybe yes, maybe no. Tattoo inks are transparent, so when you cover a tattoo with more tattoo inks you can see the original tattoo through the new tattoo. Usually multiple sessions are best to cover up a tattoo effectively. Not all the time do cover ups work, and failures in the design may require another session. It is important to consult your tattoo professional, or artist for options. A really great example is, a black bold tattooed letter can not be covered up by a like white bird. You will see the entire tattoo through the new design, resulting in a failed coverup.

Why do I see my old tattoo though my cover up?

Generally cover-up tattoos take a lot longer to complete, and making a full tattoo where you cannot see the old tattoo requires a lot of steps. So depending on what part of the process you are in for the coverup tattoo, you will still see your old tattoo. On occasion, even with completed coverups you will still see the old tattoo, or even small traces of this. Tattoo ink is not opaque like paint and cannot just completely cover an old tattoo, please be aware that coverup tattoos generally are a last resort and require a very skilled tattoo artist to execute them.

Do you do coverup tattoos?

Generally yes! I will do MY BEST to give you someting beautiful and coverup that old tattoo.

Care

What happens after the tattoo?

Once a client walks out of my office and goes home, I have zero ability to control how they heal or how much tattoo ink stays in the skin, or even how they take care of that tattoo. It is important to understand the process of the tattoo, and follow the after care instructions I suggest to my clients, or the after care instructions that your artist directs you. Some general rules to follow are:

Do not go swimming or soak in any body of water, visit hot tubs or saunas for a minimum of 3 weeks.
Do not slather your tattoo while it is healing with any kind of cream, balm, ointment, or lotion. Lightly moisturize it with a water based, scentless lotion.
Do not apply any sunscreen before 3 weeks, even if you are outside. A safe solution is to wear SPF clothing. A safe solution is to wear SPF clothing to protect the delicate skin. Please do not forget this part.
Do not expose your tattoo to UV light, or have sun exposure, such as laying out in the sun for a minimum of 4 weeks. Regardless of how much you may or may not burn in sunlight, your skin is still very delicate for a minimum of 30 days. Please protect your tattoo as much as possible this time. Your tattoo can change colors, or it may even burn and destroy the freshly placed ink in your skin.
Do not pick your tattoo for any reason, you will remove the deposited inks in your skin and directly affect the healed outcome of your tattoo.
Above all else, do not allow your friends, relatives, or spouse to tell you what to do with your fresh tattoo. Whatever they did may not work for you, or may not even be recommended. Make sure you contact your professional tattoo artist for recommendations before taking their advice.

How do you recommend taking care of a tattoo?

Typically I use a second skin bandage, I frequently swap between Fixomull or Recovery bandages. These types of bandages were made for victims in burn units in ER world wide. Before tattoo product manufacturers made proper products for us to work with, it was common for me to borrow from the medical industry and this was no exception. The bandage itself has an adhesive on a thin film of plastic suitable for covering tattoos for up to 5 days without removal. Generally I do not recommend clients to swim, or bathe with them, but they are safer to wear at the gym or in the shower to keep your tattoo protected, I have found clients report more satisfaction with the healing process post the tattoo, and the tattoos heal much quicker than the previous dry heal techniques. Here are the steps.

Get your awesome tattoo, and have a bandage put on by me or your artist,
Experience swelling, heat and discomfort with fluid drainage into the bandage. (The bandage is sealed over the tattooed area with a thin film of plastic coated with adhesive. You will experience drainage from your tattoo, once the fluid starts to appear it will pool under this bandage and is a mixture of all the colors used in your tattoo. Sometimes this looks brown.)
You should leave your bandage on for the recommended time by your artist. (Each tattoo artist has specific aftercare requirements based on how they work. Some commonalities exist however it is best to contact your artist in the event of any questions.)
Once you go to remove your bandage you should do so in a shower, or in your home, or trusted place so you can immediately clean it to reveal your new delicate skin and fresh tattoo.
Your new tattoo post the recommended covering of 5 days or so will be delicate for upto 3 weeks, it is important you remember the following things:
- Do not go swimming or soak in any body of water, visit hot tubs or saunas for a minimum of 3 weeks.
- Do not slather your tattoo while it is healing with any kind of cream, balm, ointment, or lotion. Lightly moisturize it with a water based, scentless lotion.
- Do not apply any sunscreen before 3 weeks, even if you are outside. A safe solution is to wear SPF clothing to protect the delicate skin. Please do not forget this part.
- Do not expose your tattoo to UV light, or have sun exposure, such as laying out in the sun for a minimum of 4 weeks. Regardless of how much you may or may not burn in sunlight, your skin is still very delicate for a minimum of 30 days. Please protect your tattoo as much as possible this time. Your tattoo can change colors, or it may even burn and destroy the freshly placed ink in your skin.
- Do not pick your tattoo for any reason, you will remove the deposited inks in your skin and directly affect the healed outcome of your tattoo.
- Above all else, do not allow your friends, relatives, or spouse to tell you what to do with your fresh tattoo. Whatever they did may not work for you, or may not even be recommended. Make sure you contact your professional tattoo artist for recommendations before taking their advice.

What do you recommend for long term care of your tattoos?

Tattoos are much like the wax on a car. Tattoos are forever, only if you take care of them. Just like the paint on your car, it will not last if you do not wax your car. The sun is powerful enough to fade the paint on a car, it can definitely do the same damage to your skin and your tattoo. Please make sure you

How long until I need a touch up?

Touch ups are generally not needed by consistent long time artists. Those who insist on touch ups are generally not educated in how the tattoo process works and general understanding of the durability of the procedure. Tattoos are forever, only if you take care of them. Just like the paint on your car, it will not last if you do not wax your car. The sun is powerful enough to fade the paint on a car, it can definitely do the same damage to your skin and your tattoo. When a tattoo artist hears a client complain about their tattoo not being bright enough generally it's a couple of things if the procedure was done effectively. The client does not understand that tattoos appear faded once healed, or the colors selected were not suitable for the skin tone, or activity level of the person. When a tattoo heals, it will lose its color intensity because the skin has healed over the inks and sealed up. The clarity and color will never be the same as the tattoo fresh, because you are looking at freshly deposited ink in the skin and the skin is still ‘open’ versus the healed skin being ‘closed’ the ink is still there, you are just viewing the tattoo through healed skin. This is why tattoos appear to have more color shifting, or fading than others. I am explaining this because expectations and reality are two different things. You can read here to understand the healing process of tattoos and why the ‘fade’ is a sign of a healed tattoo.

When tattoos heal you may see some fading. But, that's not fading you are looking at, you are viewing the skin growing over your tattoo while your body heals. This process is trapping the ink inside your skin to make the mark permanent and might make your tattoo appear more dull due to ‘looking through’ the closed skin cells to see your new tattoo. The typical healing process of a tattoo, is get your tattoo done, scabs form in the color of the ink over the tattoo, scabs cluster, then gradually fall off to reveal a slightly healed layer of skin that appears more dull than the rest of your skin.Its pretty common for this layer of skin to shed, generally the fresh healed skin will look white over areas of dark pigments.
Tattooing is a controlled scar with colored ink, leaving behind an image in the shape of your design. Tattoo ink is deposited into the skin by a repeated pricking of the skin with needles, and as you bleed the ink does not push out of the skin but helps to draw in the ink from the force of the needle and machine. This puncturing action and movement by force creates a vacuum pressure drawing the ink off the needles and into the skin. While this process is very microscopic and difficult to see with the naked eye, research has been conducted to conclude this is the general process of tattoo being done. But what does that mean for your healed tattoo and how frequently you need to touch it up?
Let's explain, tattoos generate an immune response which induces healing, this healing is observed as scab formation, heat and temperature change to the area and lymph drainage in the area. Over time our skin cells regenerate, and as they renew themselves. As skin ages they gradually digest the ink breaking it down causing clarity to be lost over a long period of time. Tattoo inks are deposited into the skin into the skin cells and are trapped into pockets. As the skin cells age they begin to separate and flatten out, causing the clarity of a tattoo to be lost over time.. I'm not talking about weeks, or even years, I am talking about decades. Yes, you read that right, a properly done tattoo will last you decades. A lot of the times when clients insist on touch ups, they do not understand just ‘slapping new ink’ on an existing tattoo will make it look brand new again, this is incorrect. You can only change what is there SO much. If your tattoo artist is doing things to preserve your tattoo, they will assure you by doing things like: “make sure you get this tattoo larger, not super small because your tattoo may get fuzzy.” or, “ you might not want to get that there, your tattoo won't last, or it might fade entirely away” speaking about placement. “Hey you might want to get that in a different spot with thinner lines, otherwise it may bleed together, and not be legible.”
Most tattoo artists, myself included, will kindly explain why your idea might not work. Make sure you base your choice on getting tattooed by someone who operates in an ethical manner, including how they tattoo like the previously mentioned ideas.

Other work

Will you finish my tattoo from someone else?

Depends, mostly the answer is no. But you can ask! Generally If my schedule is open for the time, and I can fit it in and its a project I like I will consider it. But this is on a case by case basis. Most times me ‘finishing’ someone else's work involves me redoing the entire tattoo. I am exceptionally strict with maintaining the quality of my tattoos, this includes finishing work that is not my own. If I finish the tattoo, I will do so in a way that is the most flattering to my particular style of tattooing.

Will you tattoo my minor, 16 year old?

No, South Carolina law prohibits any minor from being tattooed regardless of parental consent. Even when I am traveling, I still will not tattoo minors. My personal belief is the body changes too much to ethically put a tattoo on a minor, regardless of parents wants or wishes. Research shows that children do not stop growing until they are young adults and in some cases do not stop growing or their bodies changing until nearly 20 years old, this is for both men and women. For me this is an ethical choice that I will not change.

Do you do tattoo conventions?

Yes! And I book appointments, conventions are announced on my travel page. Usually I am teaching tattoo artists, but sometimes I make time for tattoos at the conventions as well.

Do you do tattoos from home?

No, NEVER. Ask, you will not like my reply. :)

Permanent Makeup/Facial

Do you tattoo faces?

Designs no, Permanent make up yes. I am trained in eyeliner, foxy liner, and brows. I do not tattoo lips. For lip re-pigmentation or to be seen sooner check out @bladesandshadebytaylor on instagram for the greater Charlotte, North Carolina area.

Will you do my permanent makeup?

I do practice permanent makeup, I am only taking limited clients as I am still training, I will not take sun damaged skin clients, or very you skinned clients at this time. If you are unsure of this criteria please feel free to email me, and we can connect.

Do you do micro pigmentation?

Permanent make up procedures are loosely called micro pigmentation, if you are looking for SCALP micro pigmentation, I can refer you to another artist. As I am not trained in scalp micro pigmentation.

Do you do areola tattooing, or nipple reconstruction or re-pigmentation?

This is a common permanent make up type procedure, and is also performed by tattoo artists. The answer is, yes of course! We can make subtle revisions to restore your lost nipple tissue, or we can do something fun and new like heart shaped areolas.

Payments

How do you prefer to be paid?

Cash is always King, but digital payments are accepted. Checks and Credit cards are not accepted, please contact us in advance to set up payment arrangements if you must pay by credit card.

How do you charge?

I charge by the hour, by the piece and by the time the piece takes up in my day. Please keep reading to understand how your pricing is configured. I charge half day rates of $700, which is 4 hours. Full day rates are 8 hours, and start at $1400. The price goes up or down based on the complexity of the work being done. This is determined on a case-by-case basis, and is not generally determined by a customer. If you prefer to purchase my time by the hour, you may do so with a starting rate of $200 an hour. But the half day, and full day rates are a better option. My minimum is 100$ and generally 30 mins or less for tattoos. Clients are not permitted to determine how long tattoos should or should not take. Tattooing is an art and takes years to master, I most certainly don't suggest telling that to an electrician how to wire my house. Why would anyone want to suggest something of that nature to a tattoo artist?

Do you accept tips?

I charge what I need for my work and it's worth it, however a tip is a great gesture of a job well done. I will gladly appreciate it and accept the compliment of a nice tip. Gifts are nice too, but I prefer gift cards more than anything. I love coffee, art supplies and I can always use makeup gift cards. I try not to keep a lot of ‘stuff’ around my house, so please don't bring me large items unless you ask first and its taxidermy.

How should I tip my tattoo artist?

I charge by the hour or by the piece, and sometimes by the day. But since I own my studio, you should never tip the owner of the establishment more than you tip his or her employees. Tattoo artists

How does my tattoo artist get paid?

I charge by the hour or by the piece, and sometimes by the day. But since I own my studio, I do not share my profits. This is not the same for most tattoo artists, generally they will pay out a percentage of their earnings. 50% is common, and should be considered if you are getting tattooed you might want to tip your tattoo artist. Because they should be keeping that money to themselves. At a minimum some studios permit their staff to do a booth rental, where they will be able to keep most of their money. In that case you might not want to tip so much, however depending on what's happening in that person's life it may mean that person is making rent or not. Be aware your artist will thank you.

Do you give refunds?

No, I have only refunded a couple clients in my 20 years of tattooing and I rarely ever do. If I ever refund you, its because you are a threat to my business and you'll never get tattooed by me or any of my friends because you were that big of an asshole. :)

Do you refund deposits if I change my mind?

No, deposits are non-refundable under any circumstance.If you change your mind, or life circumstances happen where you cannot get tattooed your deposit is non-refundable. I remind everyone at the time they sign their paperwork, but still people will ask anyway. The answer is still no, I will just screenshot your paperwork and your signature where it points out the deposit is non-refundable, again. Why is it non-refundable, simple! Long before your appointment, and generally at the time you book your consultation I am already doing work to prepare for your tattoo. I charge for the time I put into designs and the deposit just is the beginning of that, hence your deposit is non-refundable.

Do you trade work for work?

I have only ever traded with 3 people ever. I do not barter with my tattoo services, the only people I have ever traded with I know extremely well and it is not an option for others to pay me in this fashion. If I make a post seeking specific services and you offer those services, speak up, you might wind up with a killer tattoo for some work that's simple for you.

What is your rebooking policy?

I have a strict 3 strikes you're out policy and zero time wasted policy for new clients.

3 strikes you are out, means I will not rebook you if you reschedule your appointment more than 3 times in 6 months. Even with notice. I understand life happens, but as a small business owner this impacts my numbers and my workload causing me and my staff to work harder every time you do this. To me this translates to us that you do not value our time and we can not work with you or hold space for you when you might not come. You are welcome to come in as a walk-in versus setting up an appointment.

If you book an appointment or a consultation and do not show for any reason, we will not do business with you. You can come in as a walk-in versus an appointment but this will not be a secured spot.

Reviews

I love your work, how do I leave a review?

I do not use google reviews, or yelp, or facebook reviews. I REFUSE to turn them on. Why? Simple, in the age of the internet people are far too quick to be upset and type something hateful for no reason at all. The customer is not always right, and sometimes people are just having such a bad day they are waiting to unload on anything. My business will not be one of them. I have helped run, manage and own multiple tattoo studios and seen many times where a hateful customer ruins business for a period of time by a shitty google review because they weren't happy about something.

I love your work, how do I leave a review?

Visit my web page for happy customers' comments and reviews. I love to hear the reviews and stories of their tattoos, you might find some stories that resonate with you. Check here.

I DON'T love your work, and I am upset. How do I leave a review?

If you are unhappy I invite you to approach me with your problem and let's fix it. If you choose not to give me an opportunity to correct the situation, that is on you. I hate hearing about unhappy customers. However, tattooing is an art not an exact science and if the root of your problem is an unrealistic expectation I will happily tell you so and explain myself, and assist you with a solution. But sounding off on the internet is never a solution, and will more often than not cause even further issues. If you are still unhappy after we try to meet a solution and its still no longer sufficient I would like to take a moment to remind you of a couple of things:

Tattoos are based on a service, and therefore non-refundable. Demanding a refund for services rendered is not something we will accommodate you with.
If the end result of your tattoo is not what you hoped for, understand that the outcome of your tattoo is DIRECTLY dependent on how closely you follow the aftercare for optimum results.
If you are unhappy with your tattoo and it is a coverup, please understand there is no sure fire way to cover up every single tattoo in one shot. Multiple sessions are generally required, and to assume a cover up is completed or done in one session is an inaccurate perception. Please revisit the coverup consent form for details.
Still feel like ‘fuck all this’ thats fine, google isnt your friend either. I always respond to comments and reviews on google.

Travel

I can’t travel but I want you to come to me?

Sure! But understand this is an expensive one, but if you are determined we can make it happen. I have flown all over the world to tattoo customers of mine for years. I have traveled as far as Japan, Scotland and Italy for my customers. I will always strive to find a solution if time, space and distance are a challenge. Me traveling to you starts as an all expenses paid trip, that you will pay for plus my hourly fees or day to half day rates. Those fees do not change regardless of my travel to you.

What if I like your art but can’t get tatted by you?

First off, thank you! And yes the art is available for purchase! If you ask for the original of reproduced artwork that is a much higher fee versus just a copy of the art work. For instance, my flas designs can be purchased for a copy at the rate of $100 versus the original would be $1000. Why? Simple! If I cannot keep the original artwork I will factor in the cost of the tattoo into the value of the artwork for sale.

Education

Do you take on apprentices?

Yes, the fee starts at $10,000 USD and is for a minimum of 1 year, with a second year of actual in studio work and side by side mentorship. I personally do not believe in taking a high percentage of wages from my artists. Everyone is a 1099 sole proprietor the day they start working with me, apprentice or not. You are starting the journey of tattooing, I do not believe in artistic ownership simply for training someone how to tattoo. I charge a feww for the skills you will learn and you are learning a trade skill more effective than a college education in terms of real world application. The skill of tattooing is an ancient art that will help you travel the world if you have that nature of wanderlust. The price is negotiable and additional tools and skills can be purchased. Apprenticeships are approached on a case-by-case basis, and not all applicants are accepted. You are required to dedicate a minimum of 15 hours a week for one year at a time with scheduled off time of 1 week every quarter. An indepth curriculum is a part of a drafted educational agreement and contract.

Do you do education seminars?

Yes, and depending on the state I will offer continuing education credits. I teach everyone from body artists, to health department inspectors. I focus on increasing comprehension of all in the room about body art practices and how to improve your performance as an artist, or have better client satisfaction. Check out this page here for details. Please note, educational seminars are for tattoo artists only. Coaching sessions are not yet available.

Do you offer classes?

No, I do not host classes yet, :)

Some facts you should know about tattooing…

Tattooing is an ancient art, and a services based artistic artform. The procedure itself generates blood and causes the body to generate an immune response, please understand not everyone is able to get tattooed. It is important to discuss all health concerns before you get tattooed with your tattoo artist or practitioner. Transparency is required with your tattoo artist about medication, health conditions, and topical concerns. Your failure to be transparent may put your health in jeopardy, or worse give you a bad tattoo. Tattoos are equal parts physics, artistry, and chemistry. We focus on a holistic view for optimal results with your tattoo.

Some facts you should know about tattoo artists…

Tattoo artist are independent contractors, who generally manage their own schedules, customers, bookings, requests, supplies and procurement. It is essential to understand this as a tattooee due to the fact tattoo artists wear all these hats, their tie is exceptionally valuable. Please make sure you are POSITIVE what you want to get tattooed before you contact a tattoo artist.

Some facts you should know about PMU and tattooing…

PMU, cosmetic tattooing, micropigmentation or anything else falling into that bucket is another form of tattooing. The ancient egyptians were the first reported peoples to practice cosmetic tattooing. It is suggested that you seek out a trained, licensed professional for these services. Certifications do matter, but they do not assure the safety of the procedure. Please look here for my preferred PMU professionals for reference, if you are seeking advanced services.