Before we start
How to get started on a custom tattoo?
What to expect during a consultation?

Getting Started
How long will it take before I see my drawing?
How much will it cost?
I live too far from your studio, will you draw tattoo designs to get tattooed somewhere else?
Is there anything you won’t tattoo?

D-day
How should I prepare?
Can I drink, smoke pot or take pain medication before my tattoo?
Will it hurt?
How sterile is your equipment?
What will it feel like right after it’s done?
Is there a warranty on my tattoo?

Tattoo aftercare
aftercare.pdf

Before we start

How to get started on a custom tattoo?

The first step is to identify your idea and which artist you want to work with. By looking at an artist’s folio, you can usually tell the general themes he likes and the feel of his artwork.

Once you have decided on the topic and the style of your tattoo, it is recommended that you put together a reference folder. It can be made of photos, illustrations, paintings or pictures of other tattoos of which you like the style/layout/placement/size/color schemes.

While I do want you to bring reference pictures, remember that these are intended for inspiration only. Don’t try to find a perfect image: general guidelines are sufficient.

When everything is ready, it is time to call the studio and to book a consultation appointment. In rare occasions, if you live far away or are looking to book for an upcoming tattoo convention, it is possible to do an email consultation.

As a personal guideline, I am particularly fond of bright and shiny colors but for some subjects, I sometimes prefer working in black and gray. I am specifically (but not exclusively) interested in/used to work with: feminine, cute and childish subjects, animals, flowers, nature, food, antiques, oddities, and spiritual or decorative themes, in a new school or realistic representation.

If I ever feel I’m not the best artist for your project, I will be happy to refer you to fellow tattoo artists whom might better fit your requirements.


What to expect during a consultation?

A consultation usually takes 10-20 minutes. It is free of charge and it helps me figure out the overall specification of your tattoo. Bring along your references gathered in the previous step. During this brief meeting, try to be as specific as possible in order to ensure that we are working on something that will truly meet your expectations.
In order to get your drawing started I will need:

• A $60 (one sitting) to $100 (multiple sittings) deposit. The deposit will be subtracted from the price of the last session of your tattoo.
• An appointment to start the tattoo.

The deposit is a commitment to get the tattoo done and any missed appointment or cancellation with less than 48 hours notice will result in losing your deposit.

Getting Started

How long will it take before I see my drawing?

I work on drawings following our schedule priorities. I usually send the sketch by email a few days before the appointment. Sometimes, when I am very busy, it can be the day before. Don’t worry; I won’t tattoo something you are not 100% satisfied with. A few minutes/hours are usually enough to make any changes you need on the design. On very rare occasions, when major changes are needed and too little time is left to do them, we will simply reschedule your appointment.


How much will it cost?

I work at an hourly rate of $150/hour for one sitting tattoos (3 hour or less), or $120/hour for large-scale pieces (two sittings and more). I cannot guarantee an exact amount of time needed to finish your tattoo, but I can give you a ballpark figure at your consultation and a more precise estimate when your drawing is finished. After that, many factors such as the customer’s pain tolerance or skin texture/thickness can make the estimated time vary. No estimate will be made by email or over the phone.

I usually work pretty fast and a lot can be done in a couple of hours.


I live too far from your studio, will you draw tattoo designs to get tattooed somewhere else?

Unfortunately, I don’t have enough time to deal with design commissions on top of my studio hours.


Is there anything you won’t tattoo?

I will not tattoo something that I think will not make a good tattoo. Amongst other things, too small, too detailed or shapes that won’t flow with the placement on the body are to be avoided.
I also will not do:

• Hands and face unless you are already HEAVILY tattooed.
  
• Fingers, toes, sides of feet or any type of skin I judge that it will not heal well.
  
• Lover’s names.
  
• Hateful messages.
  
• Gang tags and logos
  
• Minors, pregnant women or people with some health/skin issues.

D-day

How should I prepare?

Be well rested, and eat a good meal two to three hours before your appointment. Wear comfortable clothes that you would not mind getting dirty, and that will grant easy access to the area we need to tattoo. You might also want to bring a small snack and a sugary drink, especially if this is your first tattoo.


Can I drink, smoke pot or take pain medication before my tattoo?

Alcohol is a blood thinner: it will make you bleed more than normal. This not only makes the artist’s job harder and your tattoo session longer, but excessive bleeding can make your tattoo heal improperly causing it to look faded.

On the other side, Advil (ibuprofen), Tylenol or Aspirin (acetaminophen) can help reduce inflammation and hence, swelling and post-tattoo pain.

I also want you in a clear state of mind. Smoking pot or other drugs will NOT numb you and on the contrary, might make you feel ill. Ask your doctor for any uncertainties about prescribed medications.


Will it hurt?

Of course it hurts. The way we experience pain is very different for everyone and will mostly depend on your own pain threshold and the area of the tattoo. On average, it feels something like a cat scratch. Most people usually take that kind of pain very well. If it’s really painful for you, we can take breaks or split your tattoo in shorter sessions.


How sterile is your equipment?

In the tattoo industry, quality goes through your security first. Since there are no laws or control in Quebec, my high hygiene and aseptic standards, as well as my high quality material, tend to follow American and European sanitary and security severe standards. Everything I use (such as needles, pigment caps, water cups, razors) is single use and sterile.


What will it feel like right after it’s done?

It usually feels something like a sun burn. The area will be red, possibly be swollen for a day or two, and might feel like a bruise for three or four days. See the aftercare for more details.


Is there a warranty on my tattoo?

The sterility of my ink, needles and equipment quality is guaranteed. I also guaranty your satisfaction: as long as you do not add to the original approved design, you benefit of free touch ups sessions until satisfaction, within a reasonable delay of six months. It is, to my own awareness, the best warranty ever offered in this domain. Furthermore, a personal follow up is done during your healing process to insure your entire satisfaction. I am also always available to answer all your questions.

Tattoo aftercare

aftercare.pdf

Please contact me if you need more information.