Deposits are non-refundable. If your artist asks you to place a deposit for your tattoo appointment, please be sure to do so as soon as possible. This will help ensure there are no unexpected surprises!

Learn more about why we charge deposits here!

This includes our waiting area.

We keep the comfort and privacy of our clients and practitioners at the heart of everything we do. For this reason, we ask that you arrive for your appointment alone, unless your company also has a scheduled appointment.

If you require a plus-one for medical reasons, please make arrangements with your artist/practitioner in advance.

Please make sure to get consent from anyone being photographed or videoed.

This includes anyone in the background as well as service providers. 

Tattoo clients who arrive 30 minutes or more past the scheduled time of their appointment may be subject to rescheduling or cancellation and or loss of deposit.

You can reschedule your appointment one time without forfeiting your deposit but may be required to pay a new deposit for any additional reschedules.

Reschedules and cancellations must be communicated at least 72 hours before the time of the appointment. Days that the studio is closed do not count as advance notice.

Your service provider reserves the right to enforce their own policies for rescheduling and cancellation based on the specific situation.

Tattoo deposits are non refundable. IF YOU CANCEL YOUR APPOINTMENT YOU ARE FORFEITING YOUR DEPOSIT. If you need to cancel your appointment please do so as soon as possible by calling the studio or contacting your artist.

We do not open the studio to clients until noon. If you arrive early there is outdoor seating that you can take advantage of. If you need to use the restroom and you arrive early please, let us know!

Tattooing melanated skin offers unique and creative possibilities. The anatomy of human skin includes the epidermis, which contains melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, and the dermis, where tattoo ink is deposited. A fresh tattoo will appear the most vibrant in the first few days. As your tattoo heals the new layer of epidermis(melanin) combines with the ink color producing your own unique color palette, within the tattoo. Skilled artists can adjust techniques and ink choices to create stunning tattoos on all skin tones! We got you! On deeper skin tones, darker and more saturated colors like black, red, green, and blue tend to show up best, while pastels and lighter colors might appear more muted. Understanding how inks interact with a variety of skin tones helps ensure the tattoo remains clear and beautiful over time.

Click here to see some of our artists’ tattoos on different skin tones.

The following information is intended to inform individuals of the challenges that can occur when a tattoo is applied to mature skin.  Our goal is to be 100 % transparent and to assist clients with the entire process of receiving a tattoo, including choosing an artist that’s right for your project, booking an appointment, application of the tattoo and more. Additionally, we feel it is necessary to manage the expectations of potential clients interested in receiving a tattoo. 

The artist you choose will be able to help you determine if receiving a tattoo is the right fit for you. Some artists will not be comfortable tattooing mature skin because of the following challenges and the experimental nature of this particular process and outcome. In general, artists can expect how a tattoo will heal and what it will look like over time. Sometimes the outcome can be unknown or unpredictable when applying a tattoo to mature skin. For this reason we urge you to perform your own research, be patient with your artist and understand that the outcome may be a little different than what you envisioned. 

At the end of the day we want to help you beautify your body with gorgeous, custom art!

As the natural process of aging occurs, the skin of mature individuals may be susceptible to certain challenges when receiving a tattoo. These can include tattoo ink spreading, blurring,“blowing out” or on particularly fragile skin,  splitting/cutting can occur as the result of the force and sharpness of the tattoo needles. These  challenges are primarily due to changes in the skin’s structure and physiology as we age. Here are some key factors:

1. Skin Elasticity and Thickness: As we age, the skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner. The collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, which provide structure and support, degrade over time. Thinner, less elastic skin means that the tattoo ink is more likely to spread out and blur.
2. Cellular Turnover: Younger skin has a higher rate of cellular turnover, which means that the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) is constantly renewing itself. As we age, this process slows down, leading to thinner and more fragile skin, which can affect the way tattoo ink is held in the dermis.
3. Decreased Immune Response: The immune system also weakens with age. When a tattoo is applied, the body treats the ink as a foreign substance and activates immune cells to surround and isolate the ink particles. In mature individuals, this immune response is less efficient, allowing the ink to migrate more easily.
4. Changes in Dermal Matrix: The dermal matrix, which includes collagen and other proteins, provides structural support to the skin. With aging, this matrix becomes less dense and more disorganized, providing less containment for the tattoo ink and leading to more diffusion and blurring.
5. Sun Damage: Accumulated sun damage over the years can lead to changes in skin texture and thickness, as well as breakdown of collagen and elastin. This damage can exacerbate the spreading and blurring of tattoos.
6. Hydration Levels: Mature skin tends to be drier due to decreased production of natural oils. Dry skin can affect the healing process of tattoos and contribute to the migration of ink particles.

Click here to see some of our artists’ work on mature skin.

Receiving a tattoo while undergoing chemotherapy presents several risks due to the way chemotherapy affects the body. Here are some explanations of these risks:

1. Compromised Immune System:
• Neutropenia: Chemotherapy often causes a reduction in white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, a condition known as neutropenia. This weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Tattooing involves puncturing the skin with needles, which can introduce bacteria and other pathogens, increasing the risk of infection.
• Delayed Healing: The compromised immune system also means that any wounds, including those caused by tattooing, will heal more slowly. This prolonged healing time increases the risk of complications and infection.
2. Increased Risk of Infection:
• Opportunistic Infections: With a weakened immune system, the body is more susceptible to infections from normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin or in the environment. These opportunistic infections can become severe and potentially life-threatening.
• Bacterial and Viral Infections: The risk of contracting bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus or viral infections such as hepatitis B and C is higher for individuals with weakened immune systems. Tattoo equipment, if not properly sterilized, can be a source of these infections.
3. Bleeding and Bruising:
• Thrombocytopenia: Chemotherapy can cause a reduction in platelets (thrombocytopenia), which are essential for blood clotting. This increases the risk of excessive bleeding and bruising during and after the tattooing process.
• Increased Sensitivity: The skin of chemotherapy patients can become more sensitive and prone to bruising and bleeding, making the tattooing process more painful and risky.
4. Allergic Reactions:
• Heightened Sensitivity: Chemotherapy can alter the body’s reaction to allergens. Tattoo ink, which contains various pigments and chemicals, can potentially cause allergic reactions. In a body already stressed by chemotherapy, these reactions can be more severe and harder to manage.
5. Chemotherapy-Induced Skin Changes:
• Dryness and Rashes: Chemotherapy can cause skin to become dry, flaky, and prone to rashes. Tattooing on already irritated skin can exacerbate these conditions and increase the risk of infection and poor healing.
• Hyperpigmentation: Some chemotherapy drugs cause changes in skin pigmentation, which can affect the appearance of the tattoo and lead to unpredictable results.
6. Drug Interactions:
• Antibiotics and Antivirals: Patients undergoing chemotherapy may be on prophylactic antibiotics or antivirals to prevent infections. Introducing a tattoo could complicate the patient’s medication regimen and increase the risk of drug interactions or resistance.

In summary, the main risks of getting a tattoo while undergoing chemotherapy include an increased risk of infection, prolonged healing times, excessive bleeding, allergic reactions, and potential complications from skin changes and drug interactions. Due to these significant risks, it is generally advised to avoid getting a tattoo while undergoing chemotherapy and to consult your doctor prior to receiving a tattoo.

Getting a tattoo while pregnant carries several risks due to changes in the body during pregnancy and potential impacts on both the mother and the developing fetus. Here are the primary explanations for these risks:

1. Infection:
• Bacterial and Viral Infections: Tattooing involves piercing the skin with needles, which can introduce bacteria and viruses. Infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV are possible if the tattooing equipment is not properly sterilized.
• Weakened Immune System: Pregnancy naturally suppresses the immune system to protect the developing fetus, making pregnant individuals more susceptible to infections. An infection during pregnancy can pose significant risks to both the mother and the baby.
2. Allergic Reactions:
• Ink Allergies: Some people may have allergic reactions to the pigments in tattoo ink, leading to symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. During pregnancy, the body’s immune response is altered, which could potentially worsen allergic reactions.
• Delayed Reactions: Allergic reactions to tattoo ink can sometimes occur weeks or months after getting the tattoo, complicating the health of the pregnant individual and the fetus.
3. Skin Sensitivity and Reactions:
• Increased Skin Sensitivity: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. This increased sensitivity can result in heightened pain during the tattooing process and a higher risk of adverse skin reactions.
• Stretching and Changes: The skin stretches significantly during pregnancy, especially on the abdomen. A tattoo applied to a pregnant individual may distort or stretch as the skin changes, leading to an altered appearance of the tattoo post-pregnancy.
4. Potential Impact on the Fetus:
• Toxic Chemicals: Some tattoo inks contain substances that could potentially be harmful if they enter the bloodstream. While the exact impact on a developing fetus is not fully understood, there is a theoretical risk that certain chemicals could cross the placenta.
• Stress and Pain: The process of getting a tattoo involves a certain amount of pain and stress. Stress can lead to the release of hormones such as cortisol, which, in high levels, could potentially affect fetal development.
5. Risk of Bloodborne Infections:
• Cross-Contamination: If the tattoo studio does not follow strict hygiene and sterilization protocols, there is a risk of cross-contamination and transmission of bloodborne infections, which can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy.
6. Delayed Healing:
• Slower Healing Process: Pregnancy can affect the body’s healing process, potentially leading to longer healing times and an increased risk of infection and complications at the tattoo site.
7. Regulation and Safety Concerns:
• Unregulated Inks: The ingredients in tattoo inks are not always regulated or tested for safety. This lack of regulation increases the uncertainty and potential risks associated with getting a tattoo while pregnant.

Because of these risks it is generally recommended to wait after pregnancy to receive a tattoo. Please consult your physician before receiving a tattoo during pregnancy.

Getting a tattoo as an individual with an autoimmune disease involves several risks due to the unique ways in which these conditions affect the immune system and overall health. Here are the primary explanations for these risks:

1. Increased Risk of Infection:
• Compromised Immune System: Many autoimmune diseases, as well as their treatments, suppress the immune system. This makes individuals more susceptible to infections from bacteria and viruses that can enter the body through the tattooing process.
• Opportunistic Infections: Even normally harmless microorganisms can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems.
2. Delayed Healing:
• Impaired Wound Healing: Autoimmune diseases can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds. Tattoos involve creating many tiny wounds in the skin, and impaired healing can lead to prolonged recovery times and a higher risk of complications.
• Inflammatory Response: The body’s inflammatory response may be exaggerated or dysfunctional in individuals with autoimmune diseases, potentially leading to prolonged redness, swelling, and discomfort at the tattoo site.
3. Exacerbation of Autoimmune Symptoms:
• Immune Activation: Tattooing introduces foreign substances (ink) into the body, which can stimulate the immune system. This immune activation might exacerbate autoimmune symptoms or trigger a flare-up of the disease.
• Localized Autoimmune Reactions: Some individuals with autoimmune diseases may experience localized reactions at the tattoo site, including increased inflammation and skin lesions.
4. Allergic Reactions:
• Ink Allergies: Autoimmune diseases can make individuals more susceptible to allergic reactions. Tattoo inks contain various pigments and chemicals that might trigger allergic responses, leading to itching, swelling, and other allergic symptoms.
• Delayed Hypersensitivity: Autoimmune patients might be more prone to delayed hypersensitivity reactions, which can occur days or weeks after getting a tattoo.
5. Medication Interactions:
• Immunosuppressants: Many individuals with autoimmune diseases take immunosuppressive medications to manage their condition. These medications can further compromise the immune system, increasing the risk of infection and complicating the healing process.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases, can thin the skin and impair wound healing, which can complicate the tattooing process and recovery.
6. Skin Reactions and Complications:
• Skin Sensitivity: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or psoriasis can cause increased skin sensitivity and specific skin manifestations that might interact adversely with tattooing.
• Koebner Phenomenon: In conditions like psoriasis, the Koebner phenomenon can occur, where new skin lesions develop in areas of trauma, such as where a tattoo has been applied.
7. Systemic Reactions:
• Systemic Inflammation: Tattooing might trigger a systemic inflammatory response in individuals with autoimmune diseases, potentially leading to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and joint pain.
8. Tattoo-Related Complications:
• Granulomas: These are small nodules that can form around tattoo ink particles as a reaction to a foreign substance. People with autoimmune diseases may be more prone to developing granulomas.
• Lichenoid Reactions: These are skin reactions that can resemble lichen planus and can occur as an immune response to tattoo ink, more likely in those with autoimmune conditions.

It is essential for individuals with autoimmune diseases to consult with their healthcare provider before getting a tattoo to fully understand and mitigate these risks.

What is a blowout? A tattoo blowout occurs when tattoo ink spreads or “bleeds” into unintended areas of the skin, causing a blurred or fuzzy appearance. This can happen due to several reasons related to the tattooing process and the properties of the skin. While a blowout isn’t ideal, it can sometimes be a natural part of tattooing, and a little bit of ink spreading is normal over time. Tattooers aren’t robots and can occasionally make mistakes. Clients aren’t robots either and can experience involuntary physical reactions while getting tattooed or have trouble sitting still. There are many reasons why blowouts can occur, here are a few explanations.

1. Needle Depth:
• Too Deep: If the tattoo needle penetrates too deeply into the skin, it can reach the subcutaneous fat layer. This layer is less dense than the dermis and does not hold the ink as tightly, allowing the ink to spread out and create a blowout.
• Proper Depth: Ideally, the ink should be deposited into the dermis, which is the middle layer of skin. The dermis is dense and vascular, providing a stable environment for the ink particles.
2. Angle of Needle Insertion:
• Incorrect Angle: If the needle is inserted at too steep or shallow an angle, it can cause uneven distribution of ink. A steep angle might drive the ink deeper into the skin, while a shallow angle might cause the ink to spread laterally in the dermis.
• Consistent Angle: Maintaining a consistent angle helps ensure the ink is deposited uniformly in the dermis, reducing the risk of blowouts.
3. Skin Tension:
• Insufficient Tension: During tattooing, the skin needs to be stretched tightly to provide a firm surface for the needle. If the skin is not adequately stretched, the needle can penetrate at inconsistent depths, leading to uneven ink distribution and blowouts.
• Proper Tension: Properly stretching the skin ensures the needle penetrates at a consistent depth, minimizing the risk of blowouts.
4. Tattoo Technique:
• Overworking the Skin: Repeatedly going over the same area or tattooing too quickly can cause the skin to swell and increase the likelihood of ink spreading into unintended areas.
• Controlled Technique: A controlled, steady hand and careful application are essential to prevent overworking the skin and to avoid blowouts.
5. Skin Type and Condition:
• Thin or Delicate Skin: Individuals with thinner or more delicate skin are more prone to blowouts because the dermis and subcutaneous layers are closer together and less resilient.
• Mature Skin: Mature skin may be thinner and less elastic, increasing the risk of ink spreading beyond the intended area.
6. Ink Properties:
• Viscosity of Ink: The viscosity (thickness) of the tattoo ink can also play a role. Thinner inks may spread more easily in the skin, increasing the risk of blowouts.
• Ink Quality: Higher-quality inks are designed to stay in the dermis more effectively, reducing the likelihood of blowouts.
7. Needle Configuration:
• Type of Needle: Different needle configurations (e.g., liners, shaders) are designed for specific purposes. Using the wrong type of needle for a particular technique can result in improper ink placement and blowouts.
• Needle Grouping: The arrangement of needle tips can affect how ink is deposited in the skin. Larger needle groupings can cause more trauma to the skin, increasing the risk of blowouts if not used correctly.
8. Tattoo Location:
• Body Area: Certain areas of the body, such as those with thinner skin or higher fat content (e.g., wrists, ankles), are more susceptible to blowouts due to the anatomical characteristics of the skin in those areas.
• Movement: Areas that experience more movement or stretching can also be prone to blowouts as the skin is more dynamic and can cause the ink to spread.

Understanding and controlling these factors are essential to minimize the risk of blowouts and achieve a precise and clean tattoo.

Will my blowout go away? If a blowout is small sometimes they will fade with time. Typically they like to hang around and can occur from both lining and shading.

Can my blowout be fixed? In most cases a blowout can be fixed by tattooing over the blown out area which can require some creativity.

At times, tattooing over scars can be tricky and can present a few challenges . It is best to conduct your own research and consult with your artist to make sure receiving a tattoo is the best fit for you. Because of the experimental nature of this process, the outcome may be different than expected. In most cases tattooing over scars will yield beautiful results that can assist you on your body positive journey. Below are some examples of the risks of tattooing over scars  and methods that can be utilized to maximize the desired outcome.

1. Hypertrophic Scarring: Scar tissue can thicken excessively after being tattooed, leading to raised and unsightly scars.
2. Keloid Formation: Some individuals can experience keloids which are overgrown scar tissues that extend beyond the original wound.
3. Ink Migration: Ink can spread unevenly in scar tissue, causing the tattoo to blur or fade unpredictably.
4. Delayed Healing: Scar tissue often has compromised blood flow and elasticity, which can lead to slower healing and increased risk of infection.

Methods used to safely tattoo over scars include:

1. Timing: Waiting until the scar is fully matured, usually 1-2 years or no longer pink/purple, to ensure it’s stable and less likely to react adversely.
2. Patch Testing: Conducting a small test patch to observe how the scar tissue responds to the tattoo ink and process.
3. Specialized Techniques: Using techniques like softer shading, lighter pressure, larger needle grouping and multiple sessions to minimize trauma to the scar tissue.
4. Ink Selection: Choosing inks that are less likely to cause irritation or rejection by the scar tissue.
5. Experienced Artists: Seeking artists experienced in working with scar tissue, as they can better navigate the unique challenges it presents.

Click here to see some of our artists’ tattoos over scars and stratch marks.