WHAT TO EXPECT DAY-OF

• On the day of your appointment, please note that there may be a wait time before tattooing begins. I like to include you in the final design process, so once you arrive for your appointment, expect some extra time to discuss details and final touches, etc. During this time you may leave to eat, grab coffee, etc. or you can hangout in the lobby at the shop.

• Please do not schedule something immediately after your tattoo in case we are running behind or taking longer than anticipated.

• Do not use any numbing products on the area to be tattooed unless discussed with me ahead of time. Do not come in under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. For pain, Advil, Tylenol, or Benadryl are acceptable during your session.

• Please shower before your session. It is important to show up clean for your session, and no one likes stinky feet!

WHILE YOU ARE GETTING TATTOOED

• I work in a designated area so you will have a private spot to leave your belongings. While my workspace is comfortable, it does not provide much room for guests. I do not allow guests for various reasons, the main one currently being the pandemic. If you would like to bring someone with you, please discuss with me ahead of time. I may make exceptions for very specific circumstances.

• Please be aware of cross contamination. Do not touch your fresh tattoo during your session. Do not let anyone else touch your tattoo either.

• Do not touch any of the tattoo equipment or work space.

• Talking is fine during you session, but please do not talk with your hands, nod your head, or excessively move other body parts as this can cause the area being tattooed to move as well.

WHAT TO BRING

• Do not forget your valid Government Issued Photo I.D. or Driver’s License as it is necessary for paperwork day-of.

• Feel free to bring snacks/meals! Snacks prevent low blood sugar, which can make you nauseous/light headed during your session. If we have a long session, I schedule time for a full meal break to recharge. I know the day of tattoo jitters can make it difficult to eat, I still get them myself, but eating is incredibly important. My go-to nervous workarounds are meal replacement smoothies/shakes and food with enticing smells - you can trick yourself into being hungry.

• Dress comfortably and in area-appropriate clothing. I’ll need to easily access the area being tattooed and we don’t want anything to distort how your skin lays. For example, if you’re getting a back tattoo, you can wear a bikini under your shirt. If you’re getting a hip tattoo, bikini bottoms under sweatpants work (leg warmers are a great during a hip or thigh session). If you are getting your arm tattooed, please wear a tank top. I do my best to avoid getting clients’ clothing dirty, but keep in mind, tattoo ink stains.

• It’s absolutely ok with me if you want to remove your shoes to get comfy during your session. Bring socks or flip flops to prevent walking around the studio barefoot during breaks if you will be taking your shoes off during your session. I do have foot/shoe covers to help prevent cross contamination.

• Be prepared for it to be cold and warm. The shop stays cold so bringing a jacket and/or blanket to keep you warm is a good idea. Honestly, even mittens can come in handy (pun definitely intended.) Lying in one spot for an extended period of time will make you cold quick, which can be uncomfortable.

• I have pillows and chiropractic wedges for clients but you are also invited to bring your own pillow for laying or sitting on during your tattoo. I haven’t tried it yet but I imagine a pregnancy pillow would be awesome for sessions that require you to twist while lying down.

• The studio can get loud at times and I usually put in my head phones once we start tattooing. It’s not personal, I am just incredibly ADHD and it helps me focus. I promise your tattoo will be much better/faster if I am able to ‘zone in’ without distractions. Please bring some form of entertainment for yourself like an iPod, iPad, Laptop, book, etc. with your own headphones just incase. I have a set of complimentary headphones, sunglasses, and chargers for clients in case you forget. I also have a ‘around the neck’ adjustable phone holder for hands free phone use.

• Chances are if you need something, I have it. Whether it’s single use eye drops or mask loop adjusters, I stay ready. Please let me know if there is anything you need so you can be more comfortable during your session.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

• Please do not bring guests. While my workspace is comfortable, it does not provide much room for guests. I do not allow guests for various reasons, the main one currently being the pandemic. I want my clients to feel safe and comfortable, so if you would like to bring someone with you, please discuss with me ahead of time. I may make exceptions for very specific circumstances.

• For safety reasons, DO NOT bring small children or babies.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION(S)

WEEK(S) PRIOR

• Moisturize

  • About one week prior to your session, specifically a long session, you want to start using lotion to moisturize the area being tattooed. Doing this will make the skin more receptive to pigment (ink). Moisturized skin makes the tattoo process easier and healing time faster.

• Stay Hydrated

  • If you don't normally drink much water, drink a few glasses in the days leading up to your session. This has a similar effect to the lotion and (aside from being healthy for you in general) helps to keep the skin healthy, hydrated, and primed for tattooing. Hydrated skin is happy skin and happy skin means better tattoos.

• Support Your Immune System

  • Tattoos are technically wounds so support your immune system beforehand and while your tattoo is healing.

• Sleep

  • Come well rested before getting tattooed, preferably 8 hours. Coming in feeling well rested will get you in a better mindset to handle a tattoo session (especially the long, draining ones.)

• Eat

  • Have a good meal 1-2 hours before your appointment. It's a good idea to bring a snack and beverage also. I do keep a limited snack stash for myself and clients just in case you forget. When you get tattooed, you mess with your blood sugar levels, so having something in your stomach will help keep your blood sugar level up. In turn, the food and snacks will keep you as comfortable as possible in the chair. Not eating, coming in tired, or hungover can make you sick during your tattoo.

• No Alcohol or Caffeine Before Your Session

  • Alcohol prevents blood cells from sticking together and forming clots, basically ‘thinning’ your blood. Caffeine narrows blood vessels and leaves less room for blood flow which, raises blood pressure. Caffeine can also give you the jitters - not ideal before getting tattooed. Basically, drinking alcohol and/or consuming caffeine before your session can make you bleed much more during your session, which is really not fun on my end, and hinders healing.

• Mentally & Physically Prepare

  • You need a positive mental attitude before and during your session. The natural reaction to pain is to run from it - instead of thinking about how much it hurts, focus on your breathing and put the pain elsewhere. This basic meditation technique will help the tattoo become less about pain, and more about the sensation. A simple shift in your thinking seems too easy, but it's a very effective way to change the mood of the tattoo from tension to acceptance.

  • It’s normal to be nervous, I still get the pre-tattoo butterflies but I tell myself it is excitement instead of fear/anxiety. Coming mentally prepared is essential, whatever that may look like for you.

• Read through the Aftercare Instructions.

  • I will go over how to take care of your tattoo the day-of but it’s super important to read the instructions ahead of time. You may have what I call ‘tattoo brain’ after your session, I definitely will, which can make it hard to focus or remember what we discuss before you leave.

AFTER YOUR SESSION(S)

• Eat, Hydrate, and Sleep. Drinking lots of water while wearing the Saniderm bandage will help keep your tattoo moisturized.

• Follow my Aftercare Instructions and review the breakdown below.

• Send me healed photos! I so appreciate when clients take the time to show me their healed tattoos. This helps me hone my craft immensely.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO AFTER YOUR SESSION

• The healing tattoo should never be submerged or soaked in water. You should also avoid saunas or other steamy and sweaty environments until the tattoo has finished flaking and peeling. Therefore, limit yourself to only short showers that DO NOT allow steam to build up on bathroom mirrors.

• Do not swim until the flaking and peeling is all gone naturally by itself. Usually this takes around 2 to 3 weeks. The Texas Health Department lists that there should be at least a 2 week waiting period. If you can’t avoid the beach or pool during the summer, get tattooed in the winter.

• While your tattoo is healing, do not allow it to be exposed to sun or other forms of UVA/UVB radiation including tanning beds. This significantly increases your risk of scaring as the tattooed area is still an open wound. Also be aware that there is an increased risk to skin cancer as the skin is highly vulnerable in any healing condition. Saniderm does not have UVA/UVB protective properties.

• Refrain from any workout or physical activity heavier than walking, especially in cases where the new tattoo is in a direct sweat zone of the body. It is also important that a fresh tattoo be kept out of the sun and dirty environments, as it is still an open wound.