Deposits and Art Fees

A deposit is required to book an appointment.

Predrawn designs

A $75 deposit claims the design and reserves your appointment. This deposit goes toward the final tattoo cost.

Custom designs

A $100 deposit starts the drawing process. Complex projects may need a higher deposit, discussed ahead of time. All deposits go toward the final cost unless noted otherwise.

When an art fee is required

Some projects need more prep, research, or separated design work than a standard deposit covers. In those cases, an art fee is used instead. An art fee pays for the artwork itself and does not go toward the tattoo. If an art fee applies, you will know before any work begins. No surprise charges.

Revisions

Each design includes up to three small revisions, all made at once rather than in separate rounds, at no extra cost. Larger changes, repeated redraws, or switching concepts may require an added fee or move the project into art fee territory. This will always be discussed before any extra work begins.

Kobayashi Maru Clause

Named for the no-win scenario: if I need to step back from a project after the design work is already done, the deposit or art fee is kept in full since it paid for drawing time already completed. You'll still receive the finished design.

When a Multi-Session Piece Stops Mid-Way

Sometimes a larger piece needs to pause or end before it's finished, whether that's a healing complication, a change in circumstances, or either of us deciding not to continue. If that happens after tattooing has already started, payment already made covers the work completed up to that point. It doesn't get refunded, and it doesn't carry forward toward finishing the piece elsewhere. If you'd like to complete the work with a different artist, that's entirely your call, the remaining piece is yours to take wherever you'd like.

Design Ownership & Documentation

Copyright

All original artwork, sketches, and custom designs I create remain my copyrighted property, whether or not the piece is ultimately tattooed. Your deposit and payment cover my time, skill, and the tattoo itself, not a transfer of ownership over the underlying artwork. Reference sketches and design drafts shared with you during the design process are for your personal review and approval only, and are not to be reproduced, posted publicly, or distributed without my written permission. You're always welcome to share photos of your finished, healed tattoo, per the Photography and Social Media section below.

References vs. Reproduction

Reference images you provide help me understand your vision, but the final design is my original interpretation, not a direct copy. I will incorporate the mood, subject, or style you're after, but exact composition, detail level, and how elements are arranged are my professional call, based on what will hold up long-term on skin.

Detail, Density, and Longevity

Some designs pack more detail into a space than will age well. I'll always tell you if that's the case and recommend adjustments. If you choose to move forward with a design that includes more detail than I've recommended for the size, you're accepting that added complexity may affect how cleanly the piece ages over time.

Documentation of Concerns

Any health, healing, or design concerns raised during your appointment or aftercare period are documented in writing, texts, emails, or in-studio notes, as part of your service record. This protects both of us by keeping an accurate account of what was discussed and when..

Content and Safety Boundaries

Safety First

I do not tattoo clients who are pregnant or nursing. I also will not tattoo over areas with recent injections, fillers, or surgery if the skin is broken, irritated, sunburned, or still healing. Your skin must be fully healed before tattooing.

Hate symbols

I do not tattoo anything rooted in hate, discrimination, or intimidation. This includes swastikas, white power imagery, MAGA or Trump content, confederate flags, nooses, and any symbol used to cause harm. Despite what our government claims, these are still hate symbols.

Crosses, crucifixes, or Bible verses

I do not tattoo crosses, crucifixes, or Bible verses. These symbols are tied to personal trauma and are not something I bring into my space.

Violence or cruelty

I do not create imagery that glorifies pain, abuse, or cruelty. Honoring survival is fine. Celebrating aggression is not.

Face tattoos and permanent makeup

I do not tattoo faces or offer cosmetic tattooing. These require training and considerations outside my scope.

Color without black linework

I don't do color only linework, like the red line trend that's been going around. All color in my tattoos is enclosed by black linework. Colored ink without a black outline fades unevenly and tends to blur or go blobby within a few years. This isn't a style preference, it's about the tattoo actually holding up.

Genitals

Nope. Just nope.

Outside my style

My work focuses on illustrative, watercolor, iconic, archaic, witchy, and floral designs. I do not take projects that rely on anime, hyperrealism, or styles outside my strengths.

Copying other artists

I will not replicate another artist’s work exactly. References are welcome for inspiration, but your design will be original.

Tattoos that will not last

I will decline designs that are too tiny or overly detailed to age well. I will always suggest alternatives that hold up over time.

Numbing

Your comfort matters, and numbing can be a helpful tool when used correctly.

In studio numbing

I offer professional grade numbing during the appointment when appropriate, applied after the stencil is placed or during breaks as needed.

Pre-numb (5% lidocaine)

Available for $25, applied if you arrive early or during your session as needed.

Numbing gel (5% lidocaine)

Used on broken or already-worked skin as indicated, for $15.

Intense strength numbing (15% lidocaine)

Available for $40 to cover the higher cost of that product. Some numbing products, including this one, are much stronger than standard over the counter numbing and carry added risk if misused. If you plan to use one before your appointment, or want it applied in studio, you'll need to read and sign the High Strength Numbing Waiver, available for download hereor in studio before your session.

Using your own numbing at home

You are welcome to apply your own topical numbing cream before your appointment if you choose. Please follow the product instructions carefully. I will work with your skin as it presents when you arrive.

How numbing affects the session
Numbing can take the edge off but will not remove all sensation. Some products may cause the skin to feel rubbery or swollen, which can slow the tattoo process. If that happens, I will let you know and adjust as needed.

Important note
Do not apply numbing spray to broken skin. Sprays are only safe when I apply them during the session.