
Frequently asked questions.

How do I schedule an appointment?
Please contact me directly by filling out the scheduling form. All requests accepted will be responded to ASAP. Once a design is accepted you will receive an email with direct steps for setting up an appointment!
I understand you will want to get in as soon as possible, but please be as flexible as you can when booking an appointment!
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring a government-issued photo ID (license, state ID, passport, etc.) with you to your appointment.
The day of your tattoo appointment, please bring any reference material for the design. Feel free to bring anything to make you comfortable like headphones, a tablet, book, blanket, pillow. We have snacks and drinks in the shop but feel free to bring your own as well, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions.
How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
Get a good rest the night before, eat a full meal, and drink lots of water before coming in. I also recommend that you wear loose, comfortable clothing that will limit obstruction to the area that we will be tattooing.
Please do not drink alcohol or use any type of blood thinning OTC medication (such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin) within 24 hours of your appointment.
Please refrain from sun exposure/tanning beds the 2 weeks prior to (as well as the 2 weeks after) your appointment.
How do I take care of my new tattoo?
Once you get home carefully remove the bandage. If you feel the bandage sticking to the tattoo, wet it with lukewarm water and gently slide it off.
Make a lather in your hands with soap and warm water. NO washcloths, bath towels, or sponges on a fresh tattoo.
Gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion until all ointment and plasma are removed.
Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean.
Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB.
Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for the first couple of days.
The tattoo should start to feel dry and form scabs after the first couple of days. Once this happens start applying unscented lotion to the area to maintain moisture. Try to use a lotion that works well with your skin type, if you need recommendations feel free to ask me.
Continue cleaning and applying lotion until the scabs come off on their own.
Your tattoo should be fully healed around 3-4 weeks.
While its healing make sure you:
Do not scratch the tattoo.
Cover from any direct sunlight.
Do not submerge in any water (swimming, baths, etc.). Getting it wet is fine, it just cant be submerged for an extended amount of time.
Avoid working out for 2-3 days after getting your tattoo.
If you have any issues regarding healing, feel free to message me. If it starts to get infected please get it checked by a medical professional immediately. If you aren’t sure the tattoo is infected message me as well.
Color tattoos do heal differently from black and grey tattoos. Be extra careful and keep a close eye on color tattoos, in the event of an allergic reaction. The color may appear dull and cloudy in the beginning, but will be more vibrant as it heals. Some colors will also fade faster than others and may require more frequent touch ups.
I do offer one free touch up within the first year, if you have any spots that need touched up email or message me on Instagram.
Can I bring a friend/family member/partner/etc. ?
Yes, however we ask that you limit visitors to only 1 extra person in the studio at a time. We have a fairly small space and want to avoid overcrowding. Contact me directly to see if we can accommodate an exception for special circumstances!
How much will my tattoo cost?
I charge both by piece or $125/HR for longer tattoos. I will provide a quote upon booking with an estimated price. I am always willing to work around a budget, just contact me directly and we can work something out.
Additionally a non-refundable $50 Deposit will be required to book an appointment. The $50 acts as a down payment, and will be used towards the cost of the tattoo at the end of your appointment. This covers the cost of supplies and my time in the event of a cancellation or no show!
In the case of unforeseen emergencies, I’m more than willing to to reschedule without requiring another deposit, or issue a refund when necessary. Just reach out to me!
Do you offer consultations?
Yes! Consultations are free and recommended for larger tattoos.
We can book a 30 minute appointment where we will go over your vision for your tattoo. For consults I will ask you to bring reference materials, and make sure you have ideas for size, placement, and style.
Do you take walk-ins?
I do not take walk-ins. The shop is by appointment only.
Out of respect for the privacy and comfort of our clients and fellow artists, please do not come into the shop without having a confirmed appointment.
The shop will occasionally host walk-in flash sales. If you are looking to get a fast walk-in tattoo, follow my Instagram and keep your eye out for any upcoming Flash sales.
Does it hurt/ Can I use numbing cream?
Pain threshold varies by person. But typically yes, getting a tattoo does hurt. The pain is manageable but some areas are more sensitive than others.
I don’t provide any numbing cream in the shop, but you are free to buy and apply your own. Please let me know before the appointment if you plan on using it. Most numbing creams require you to apply it 60-90 minutes before the appointment, so please follow the instructions on the packaging and apply before you come into the shop (I do not schedule enough time to apply it, or wait for the numbing to take affect).
Can I get a tattoo if I’m not 18?
No, it is against Iowa state law to tattoo anyone under the age of 18, even with a parent’s permission. You will be asked to provide a government-issued photo ID at your appointment. You must have the physical copy of your government-issued ID, I am unable to accept a photo in it’s place.
Do you offer coverups?
I do not specialize in coverups. I have done a few smaller coverups, and I am willing to do them depending on the existing tattoo, and what you’re hoping to cover it with. Coverup tattoos often have to be busier or darker, so scheduling a consult first would be preferable to ensure your existing tattoo can be covered with a design we both agree on. If you have any questions regarding a coverup feel free to email or message me on Instagram. If I am unable to do the tattoo I can provide you with artist recommendations to someone who can help!
Should my skin be clear?
General rule of thumb: the clearer, the better. Dry, chaffed, sunburned, irritated, and/or broken out skin will not tattoo well and will hinder the quality of the tattoo once healed. If you are suffering from any type of skin issue, I may ask you to choose another area to have us tattoo or reschedule your appointment.
If you are looking to cover scars, all I ask is that you wait until scars are fully healed before tattooing over them. I recommend waiting at least a year before tattooing over them. Scars may be more sensitive as well, so be prepared for some additional pain.
Do you use vegan-friendly products?
Yes, the inks I use are from Dynamic Ink and Fusion Tattoo Ink, which are both listed as ethically sourced, vegan products. I will provide a link below to each companies website, feel free to do your own research on each company!