FAQs
How can I book in with you for a tattoo and/or consultation?
You can send a request to book in with me using this link. Alternatively, you can email or DM me on instagram if you are looking to book for ongoing work, for touch-ups, or if you would like to inquire about a consultation about a project.
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How do I prepare for my upcoming tattoo? What do I need to know?
You can read about preparing for your upcoming tattoo here. If you have any additional questions, you can dm or email me!
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Do you provide aftercare instructions for your tattoos?
I always provide verbal aftercare instructions for all new clients and reminders at each session. For written aftercare, please visit the crown & serpent website here. If you have any additional questions, I am available via email or dm!
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What kind of hours do you typically work?
At the moment, my schedule isn't really set to any particular schedule. I typically work between the hours of 11am and 6pm-ish, and I usually try to alternate my work weekends with full weekends off, but if I have nothing else going on, I don't mind opening time lots to be more flexible.
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Why don't you work evenings very much?
I prefer to work during the day, but as long as I have enough notice to properly coordinate my schedule, I don't mind working occasional later evening time slots. My body can't handle long tattoo hours so I have to be mindful of what I can physically handle.
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I can't take time off work, will you make an exception for me?
During times when my schedule is full and I have limitations to my availability, my boundaries to my schedule are fairly strict. However, if I have more openings than usual, I have the ability to be a bit more flexible and can be more accommodating to booking outside of my typical work hours. This is upon my discretion and dependent on how booked up my schedule is at that time.
Why is there a shop supply fee?
Cost of supplies have gone up, in addition to other studio overhead. The supply fee ensures that my base supplies are covered for each session and not cutting into my hourly wage.
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Why does it take you so long to answer emails/DMs/messages?
Most of my time is spent tattooing, preparing artwork for tattooing, trying to be at least somewhat on top of social media posts, running a business, and then balancing all of this with trying to live a normal human life. Throw in frequent migraines, a touch of the adhd and other health issues and this leaves little time for client correspondence. Please have patience! And if you don't hear from me within a reasonable time-frame (more than a week ish), please send me another message!
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Will I be able to see the artwork before the tattoo appointment?
Unfortunately, artwork is typically unavailable for viewing until the time of the appointment. This is to protect myself as an artist and to protect my work. Some exceptions may apply, but be aware that this could entail additional costs.
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If I want changes made to the design once I see it, is that doable?
Yes, minor adjustments are absolutely doable. If significant changes are requested, this may result in rescheduling the appointment and/or applying a redesign fee to the session.
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Why is there a potential artwork fee on top of the deposit?
Many hours are involved in creating unique and customized designs for my clients and typically this is what is considered unpaid time (along with all time involved with correspondence, business running and administrative duties). I don't always charge an artwork fee as art time is built into the cost of the tattoo, but for large-scale and/or intricate designs a fee may be required.
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What if I need to reschedule my appointment? What happens to my deposit? Is there a cancelation fee?
If you need to reschedule your appointment, it is preferred that you supply as much notice as possible. A minimum of 72 hours is required if you wish to keep your deposit on file. There is no cancelation fee unless you reschedule on short notice, in a rude manner or don't show up for your appointment and in this case the cancelation fee is simply the forfeited deposit.
However, I am not unreasonable (life happens!) so please just communicate with me (nicely!).
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What happens if I have a situation that is out of my hands and I need to cancel on short notice/less than 4 days notice/day of?
It is always appreciated to communicate. This stipulation is in place to protect myself from being no-showed or my time disregarded. It is often very difficult to fill a time slot on short notice so a last minute cancelation or no-show usually means I make zero dollars that was otherwise budgeted. The forfeited deposit covers a very small portion of my loss of income. HOWEVER, I am super chill and fairly reasonable, so as long as you communicate with me in a friendly manner, I usually am willing to work with you. I too have been a victim of "life happens" so I totally get it, sometimes things are just out of our hands.
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What are reasons for declining a tattoo request?
There are several factors as to why I might decline a tattoo request. Not enough information in combination with poor communication- this makes it very difficult for me to understand what a client wants and treating email like vague text messages is a pet peeve of mine for which my patience is less than ideal. Too much information in the form of an essay is overwhelming and can be difficult to wrap my head around. Most tattoo artists only require a brief description of what you want, placement(s), any reference images you might have, and approximate budget as a starting point.
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The other main reason for declining a tattoo request is simply if the design is outside of my artistic wheelhouse. Most reputable and decent artists will tell you when they don't feel they are the right artist for you and will happily give you other artist recommendations.
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If I bring you someone else's artwork, will you tattoo it on me?
No, I will not copy another artist's work. I don't mind using other artist's work as inspiration, but I will not directly copy. If you have the original artist's permission to use their artwork (artwork, not an existing tattoo), I can definitely use it for heavy inspiration but ultimately the artwork will come out more in my style anyway.
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My child/cousin/sibling/etc. drew me artwork I wish to have tattooed. Will you do this?
Most of the time, no. This question puts me in an uncomfortable predicament because while I technically *could* make the artwork into a tattoo, most often than not it will be artwork I am not comfortable with having represent myself as an artist. Some exceptions can be made, of course, but please take no offence if I decline to tattoo this type of artwork.
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Will you finish someone else's work?
The answer to this is yes and no; it's circumstantial. Clients have come to me in the past with unfinished work they wish to cover/fix/finish where their original artist has either moved away, died, or they have had a breakdown in relationship for whatever reason. Although it is common in this industry for artists to have the mindset of not touching another artist's work, sometimes the situation leaves the client feeling abandoned and if I can help, I will. However, sometimes I am unable to match the style or am unable to work with what is there so I will usually suggest looking at a few sessions of laser removal to lighten the tattoo enough to be covered or recommend another artist who might be more suited for the project.
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Do you do coverups?
Sometimes. It depends on your expectations for the coverup and what you're comfortable with for options. Most of the time it is recommended to go for a few sessions of laser removal to lighten the tattoo for more coverup options, but isn't always necessary. Not opting for laser does restrict what we can do, but I kind of like the problem-solving aspect with coverups and bringing a new tattoo to life. The joy from clients being so much happier with their tattoos is so satisfying. I will always do my best to do what I can, but in the end if I am not comfortable or don't feel suited, I will do my best to recommend alternative options.
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You used to tattoo certain styles/subject matter. Why are you now refusing what you used to do?
Some subject matter I have done so many times that I no longer wish to tattoo them. Some styles I have lost interest in. I started out in an environment of "Just do the tattoo" and "Don't turn away income" and while these experiences have made me a fairly versatile artist, I don't wish to tattoo certain styles/subject matter just because I can. While I appreciate every person who has given me experience, I have grown as an artist and prefer to tattoo only what interests me or that I feel will further grow my skill.
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What kind of subject matter or styles are you more inclined to accept for tattoo projects?
I am drawn to fine-lined feminine blackwork style these days, and am usually always excited to take on any subject matter involved with mythical creatures, birds, forest creatures, botanicals, and anything with a slightly dark and/or weird twist to it. I also enjoy most anything nerdy, pop-culture or cult classic related, if open to my interpretation and style. I also enjoy adding in ornamental elements.
I am also happy to do cute and colourful as well, such as 90s childhood cartoon imagery (rainbow brite, my little pony, last unicorn, etc.).
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What kind of subject matter or styles are you less inclined to accept?
I do not tattoo anything tribal or culture specific, japanese and american traditional style work is not my strength, and I am veering away from most script/lettering as I have lost interest (with some exceptions). Certain religious imagery/symbolism I will turn away. Other subject matter I will now pass on include: pocket watches, compasses, nautical symbols, crosses/rosaries/praying hands, and most other done-to-death imagery (a wolf howling with the moon and/or forest, that kind of thing). It's not because I don't necessarily like these things; I have just tattooed them too many times and would like a break for now.
For any tattoo request that I do not feel suited for I will always try to recommend another local artists.
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Why are tattoos so expensive?
Tattoos are expensive for many reasons. Artists are exposing themselves to potential viruses/diseases from human blood/bodily fluids during the tattoo procedure, so one might consider the cost to be like hazard pay. We do take all the necessary precautions to avoid this, but there is always a possibility for accidental cross-contamination/exposure.
In addition, most tattoo artists operate on a sole-proprietor basis and unless they work in a shop that alleviates a portion of responsibilities and costs, not only are they the Artist/Worker (paid only when they make a tattoo), they are also the Business Owner, Administrator, Supply Orderer, Cleaner, Scheduler, Marketer, Photographer, etc., all of which would be considered unpaid time.
Tattoo costs consider all of these facets.
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Why do artists have different hourly rates?
Hourly rates often reflect the physical locations of the artists and what the average rates are in that city/area, but also can reflect the speed at which an artist works. Some artists work much faster than others and so typically charge a higher hourly rate to accommodate this. Additionally, some hourly rates reflect where the artist is at in their tattoo journey: apprentices work their way up to junior artist and then to senior artist and typically their hourly rate grows with them as they progress. Some artists will raise their rates due to demand. Some raise their rates to offset a large overhead to operate affordably.
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Is it true that the longer you've been tattooing, the better you are?
The more time spent doing anything, the better you will get at it. However, all artists are at different stages in their abilities when they get into tattooing, so I would suggest to look at the quality of art from the artist rather than just time spent tattooing. Some artists who are just starting out produce better quality tattoos than some artists who have been tattooing for years.
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Do you tattoo under the age of 18?
No, at this time I will only tattoo ages 18 and older, even with parental consent.
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Can you get tattooed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not recommended to get a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding. Of course, sometimes there is a bit of accidental overlap (in the case of getting tattooed while not knowing one was yet pregnant), so it does happen from time to time. While there is rarely any immediate harm in receiving a tattoo while pregnant (or breastfeeding), it is always recommended to avoid being tattooed until the pregnancy/breastfeeding is finished for optimal safety reasons. A tattoo can definitely wait.
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What is your advice in seeking out a tattoo apprenticeship?
First, love making art, and love making a lot of it. Second, look for an artist or shop with art styles that you jive with. If you wouldn't get that artist's work on you, don't ask that artist for an apprenticeship. Know that in Alberta, the tattoo industry is currently unregulated so every shop and artist is going to have something different to say about apprenticeships and most of them will say they are right. It's nice that everyone has an opinion on what the correct methods are, but honestly, if you manage to find an environment conducive to learning and treats you like a human being and not a servant, you're on the right track. And do not be afraid to reach out to other artists for tips and advice; no one person has all the answers or maybe they will word things in a way that clicks. The industry has a lot of brilliant artists who are more than happy to cheer you on in your learning journey. Lots won't give you the time of day but that could be because we're flaky or too busy so don't take it personally. If anyone is harsh or rude, just move on. There are plenty of us nice folk out there;)