frequently asked questions
booking an appointment
booking an appointment
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All appointments can be booked instantly through my booking page.
Check out my “flash” highlight on Instagram to see available designs, prices, and minimum sizes.
If you’d like to know your options for a project in more detail, grab a consultation appointment or send me an email! -
I take appointments Friday through Monday.
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I tattoo at Gilded Serpent in SE Portland. We are located at 1100 SE Taylor St.
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Usually, no.
When I have a last-minute opening, I post about it on my Instagram story. If you have a last-minute idea, send a message and I may be able to accommodate you.
Be sure to follow me and turn on notifications if you’re down for a spontaneous tattoo!
what to expect
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In the days leading up to your appointment, make sure that you are well-hydrated, fed, and rested. Moisturize the area of skin that will be tattooed. Please do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of your appointment, and try to avoid excess caffeine and nicotine.
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Short answer, yes. You must let me know in advance of your appointment whether you plan to use a numbing product.
Send me an email with a photo of the product name, and active/inactive ingredients. This is to keep you safe and keep me protected.
While I cannot make product-specific recommendations, the product you use must be uniquely formulated to be used on tattoos. Look for products that only contain Lidocaine as the active ingredient, no other “caines”.
Test the product on an area of your skin a day or two before our appointment to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. -
So that I can make a copy, you must bring your government-issued photo ID.
Snacks, water, and fidget items are encouraged! Make arrangements for a meal if we have a longer session and take a food break. -
I require consultation appointments for all cover-up projects. Arrive wearing clothing that will allow for easy, unobstructed access to the tattoo.
We will sit and discuss what you are envisioning for your new layer, and I will share my input on what is possible for you. I’ll examine the tattoo, take some photos, and use cellophane to take a tracing if we decide to move forward.
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Arrive right on time, no need to be early. You’ll fill out some paperwork, the we will review the design and decide on placement. I will disinfect your skin and place the stencil, then we will get started!
Feel free to let me know if you would prefer a silent appointment. If you like to wear headphones during, you are welcome to do so! Your comfort is very important to me.
I’ll talk you through what our plan is for completing the tattoo, including areas that may be more tender. If you need breaks at any time to stretch, sneeze, go to the restroom, or eat a snack, let me know!
Afterward, we will take some photos and videos, talk through your aftercare instructions, and you’ll pay for the tattoo.
pricing and payment
pricing and payment
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My rate is based on several factors; comparable rates in the Portland area, supply and equipment costs, business costs, studio rent, cost of living, my level of skill, the speed at which I work, the difficulty of the type of service, and above all, my labor.
Outside of the actual tattoo appointment, I spend many hours on administrative tasks, designing art, scheduling, accounting, and communicating with clients.
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For the deposit, you will pay through Paypal using the appointment scheduling link that I send.
For the appointment, please plan ahead to bring cash.
At this time, I can’t accept debit or credit cards. -
Paying a deposit provides assurance that you will show up for your appointment. The deposit secures your appointment time, and is non-refundable.
With custom, cover-up, and freehand work, I charge a higher deposit due to the additional preparation work that it requires. Deposits are always applied towards the total cost of your tattoo.
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Tips are not expected but always appreciated! The industry standard for tipping tattoo artists is 20%, similar to visiting a restaurant or your hair stylist.
I always recommend factoring in the cost of a tip when you are estimating your personal budget.
I’d love to accept non-monetary gifts if you prefer. Clients in the past have brought homemade trinkets, bracelets and necklaces, drawings, and sweet treats!
after the appointment
after the appointment
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You will need to have unscented mild liquid soap, and a gentle unscented white lotion. Your aftercare plan will depend on the type of bandage that I sent you home with.
-For non-adhesive pad bandages:
Leave the bandage on for about 4-5 hours. If we finish our appointment at nighttime, feel free to leave it on until the morning.
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Second skin:
Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days. I may instruct you to change out the bandage after 24 hours. If so, I will show you how to apply it at your appointment and send you home with an extra piece.
To remove your second skin bandage, wash your hands and rinse the bandage under warm water. Pull the edge of the bandage horizontally to stretch it out, and lift gently to remove it one little section at a time.
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After removing your bandage, rinse the tattoo with warm water, pat dry with a paper towel, and apply a thin layer of lotion. Gently wash the tattoo with mild soap 2-3 times a day, and use lotion whenever the area feels dry.
Be sure to always wash your hands thoroughly before touching it.
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There are many different things you need to avoid while your tattoo wound is healing.
Avoid excessive sweating and going to the gym for the first four to five days.
Do not use saunas, take baths, soak in hot tubs, or go swimming.
Do not let your pets lick the tattoo.
Do not wear clothing that constricts or rubs against the tattoo.
Do not touch the tattoo without thoroughly washing your hands.
Never scratch, pick at, or peel healing tattoos. This can cause the pigment to “fall out” of your skin and alter the appearance of the tattoo.
You will know when your tattoo is completely healed when it does not feel raised against the rest of your skin.
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If needed, you can receive one free touch-up within a year of your tattoo appointment. Please wait at least 8 weeks to allow the tattoo to settle before requesting a touch up.
To schedule, send me an email with a current photo of how your tattoo has healed, and your general availability. If you book a separate tattoo with me, we can add on a touch-up if time permits. -
I’d love to see you again!