Tattoo Booking Info and FAQ
TO BOOK:
I book one month in advance. For example, I will open my books for submissions on January 1st to accept appointments for the following month of February. Booking closes once all the slots are filled. I will always announce when my books are open or closed on instagram. If you ask for an appointment while my books are closed, or for an appointment outside of the time frame I’m booking for, it’s unlikely you’ll get a response.
I frequently get more submissions than available appointments. In order to give my clients the best possible design, I choose submissions based on my strengths, interest, clarity of request and scheduling availability. If I choose to take on your tattoo idea, I will reply within a week of your submission. Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate every single project and respond to every single email - if I can't take on your submission, you will not receive a response. It's not personal - usually, it's because my books have been filled or your request is not within my wheelhouse. Emails take a lot of time, and I have to prioritize them according to my booking process. If you don't hear from me, you are welcome to try again the next booking round.
The Tattoo Inquiry Form is visible when bookings are open.
AVAILABILITY:
Right now, I book appointments on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. The earliest available appointment is 11 AM and the latest appointment is 3 PM. Sundays are therefore the first day to fill up, and if you are unwilling or unable to take time off during the weekdays that I work, it is unlikely we’re gonna be able to find a spot for you. Please be realistic about your schedule!
Based on the information you provide in your form or consultation, I will determine if your idea needs a small, medium, large or full day appointment.
CONSULTATIONS/FORMS:
Very often, I won’t need to consult in person. Most of this is determined on the amount of CLEAR information you provide in the appointment request form, and how many email exchanges we need to go through. Some things, like florals, will typically not require an in person consultation. If you are getting a larger piece such as a sleeve or a backpiece, sometimes a consultation will be necessary.
The clarity of your request is very important so that I am able to come up with the best possible design for something permanent. If your request is vague, it can result in me drawing something that is completely off mark. For this reason, if you’re too loose with your request, I may turn your proposal down. See also the deposit and drawing section to understand why clarity is so important.
RATES:
My rate is $200/hr and I request a non-refundable $200 drawing fee to book your appointment. Not every tattoo I do is based on an hourly rate - for most small to medium sized designs, I will be able to quote you a general flat rate when we discuss your booking. Hourly rates are applicable to larger pieces, such as sleeves, back pieces or large thigh designs.
DEPOSITS:
Deposits are NON REFUNDABLE and are subtracted from the total cost of the tattoo. If you are getting a larger, multi session piece done, your deposit will come out of your final appointment. If I accept your submission, I will send a deposit invoice along with my reply to your email. The deposit must be paid within 48 hours. If it is not paid on time, I will open up your appointment slot to the next interested client. I am happy to make accommodations for longer than 48 hours, but you must reply and let me know if you need more time.
CANCELLATIONS/RESCHEDULES:
If you need to reschedule your tattoo, a 48 hour notice is required. Please be considerate of this rule! The sooner notice the better, because that way I will be able to fill my empty appointment. Rescheduling an appointment with less than 48 hour notice will result in the loss of your deposit.
However, if you have a health or family emergency, I am more than happy to accommodate a sudden change of plans. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, if you are ill, exhibiting symptoms or have been knowingly exposed to the virus, please reach out to me to re-schedule and I will do my absolute best to make sure you do not lose your deposit even if the notice is under 48 hours.
Additionally, if you reschedule more than twice, this may also result in a lost deposit.
DRAWING:
I do not send stencils in advance. There is time built into your appointment to make small changes to the artwork when you arrive at the shop. If you’d like to make significant changes or have me re-draw a design, I may request a reschedule and an additional deposit. Please be specific in your emails.
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT:
Masks are required at the studio, so please be sure to bring a face covering for your appointment. Be well rested, hydrated, eat a well rounded meal before your appointment. It's not a bad idea to bring some quick and easy snacks to keep up your blood sugar as well. If you are sick, please contact me in advance to reschedule. Make sure the clothing you wear corresponds to the tattoo you’re getting in such a way that you’re completely comfortable. Our studio space is limited and for the safety and comfort of all I ask at this time that you do not bring friends with you to your appointment.
PAYMENT/TIPPING:
I accept cash, card, Paypal and Venmo. While I am able to process card payments, they will incur a small processing fee (taxes and card processing).
Tipping your tattooer is a customary practice as it is in restaurants, bars, or hair salons. While it is never expected, it is always appreciated! Most people tip between 15-25% of their tattoo, but anything is always deeply appreciated.
LOCATION:
HEMLOCK, 96 Wharf Street, Salem, MA. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.