Frequently Asked Questions
Are you taking on new clients/projects?
Currently, yes! I try my best to stay accessible and welcome new clients/projects. However, there is only one of me and I try not to get too far booked out, so I am being selective with what projects I take on. It doesn’t hurt to inquire! I may have to put my schedule on a pause in the future to focus on the projects I have already given the green light to, so check back here to see if my form is available.
What is your hourly rate?
My rate is $175/hr, but I may charge less or more depending on the piece and how fast it gets done. I charge what I feel is fair to both my client and my efforts/skill. I do always consider your budget and am willing to book accordingly by splitting up larger projects. If you have a set budget, please let me know before the appointment! This helps tremendously with scheduling other clients.
How long should I expect to wait for a response?
I typically answer emails every Monday. However, this varies depending on travel and submission volume. I will spend a maximum of 4 hours on emails before my brain gets wonky and I start sending out typos. So it may take 1-3 weeks for a response. If you have an aftercare question, send a new email with “Aftercare Question” as the header and I will respond asap. I do not have an assistant, so I appreciate your patience and thank you for supporting a one-woman business!
(P.S. I do NOT answer work-related DMs on Instagram)
What is your minimum?
Our studio minimum is $100.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Two weeks before-
Avoid the sun/use sunscreen
Exfoliate 1-2x per week
Lotion every day after showering
Stay hydrated
The day before-
Do not drink alcohol heavily or take blood thinners
Get a good night’s rest
Don’t work out the area you’ll be getting tattooed
The day of-
Please shower and avoid using heavy perfumes/colognes
Only shave if it is in an area you normally shave. Feel free to buzz excess chest/arm/leg hair if you have a trimmer, but leave the shaving with a razor to me. We don’t want to any razor burn or nicks in the area we will be tattooing
Don’t use lotions or oils (only the day of the appointment)
Eat a substantial meal 1-2 hours before your appointment
Be mindful of your caffeine intake to avoid the jitters
Wear clothing that allows me to access the area I’ll be tattooing and something you don’t mind getting ruined by ink and/or blood
For arms- zip up hoodies or button-down flannels over a tank top
For legs- shorts, skirts, maxi-dresses with a slit, baggy sweatpants
For sternums & backs- zip up hoodies or button-down flannels
For hips/sides- a bikini bottom with ties on the sides
For ribs- avoid wearing a bra- a baggy shirt or tank top usually are best
We have room dividers for privacy and I can provide nipple pasties if needed- let me know if you would prefer a private session when booking. I work with two men, however they are both very mindful and respectful.
Bring layers, a blanket or a towel if you tend to get cold (might get stained)
Bring snacks, water bottle, sports drinks, candy, etc.
Bring headphones if you’d like to enjoy your own entertainment- this helps the time pass and takes your focus off the pain (I will tell you to mute it if you don’t have headphones because I will get overstimulated)
Take out cash to avoid the transaction fee
Please do not smoke cigarettes before or during your appointment- I am very sensitive to the odor and get headaches
What forms of payment do you take?
Cash is preferred, but I also accept debit and credit card payments (contactless or chip, no swipe only), but you will be charged a 2.5% transaction fee. I only use PayPal for taking deposits. I do not accept PayPal/Venmo/Cashapp/Zelle/Etc. for payment.
Can I bring someone to my appointment?
I ask that my clients to come to their appointments without extra guests. Stay Weird is an intimate space with limited room and gets pretty full with our artist’s and their clients. I also prefer to focus on what I am doing and making sure my client is doing well. Watching someone else get tattooed can be boring and I don’t want any external distractions that could make my client react, like laughing, while I’m tattooing them. I also don’t want to be responsible if the guest acts up or gets sick/passes out from seeing blood or other reasons. Tattooing is an experience between the artist and client.
If you are traveling and have someone driving you or if you really would like someone else to be present for support, they can hang out in our waiting area or in their car.
Please do not bring children to your appointment.
Do you have parking?
Yes! We have a parking lot and plenty of street parking in a residential area.
Can I use numbing cream/gel?
Typically, I do not allow numbing agents. Please see my policies for more information.
Do you do cover-ups?
I do take on cover-up projects, but on a case to case basis. If I feel that I can disguise/improve the existing tattoo and the subject matter you envision covering it with works/is something I'm comfortable doing, I'll be happy to help you out! A coverup is more of a disguise than a bandaid. The new subject matter used to distract from the existing tattoo must be significantly larger so that it reads as a whole new tattoo where the old tattoo is used as a dark value in the new piece. I will likely want to see the piece in person so I can see how feasible a cover-up would be for me, if I feel equipped for the project, and to take a tracing of the area.
Can I get tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. I, like many tattoo artists, am not comfortable tattooing someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. I am not a doctor and there is not enough published research on the effects of tattooing someone who is breastfeeding. There is ALWAYS a risk of the tattoo getting infected. Complications during the tattoo healing process can require treatments that may not be compatible with breastfeeding. For example, certain medications cannot be used when breastfeeding. I do not want to be liable for compromising your or your baby's health for an elective cosmetic procedure that can wait a few months until you are no longer breastfeeding.
I am under 18 years old, can I have my parents sign off?
No. Tattooing of minors is against the law. It is a violation of Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law to tattoo persons under the age of 18, regardless of parental consent.