There’s a few ways to book an appointment with me:
Pop in to the studio! :) I’m always happy to have a chat in person. I offer free consultations, whether you’d like to book it for a specific day or just walk-in to see if I’m available.
You can get in touch with me directly (email, Instagram, Facebook, contact form on this website).
When enquiring about a tattoo, please have a think of approximate size (in cm/inches) and placement on the body you’d like.
Visual examples are always a big help, please bring with you/send over any images, descriptions, or your own rough sketches/collages (they don’t have to be artistically amazing don’t worry, when it’s time to refine them that’s where I come in).
To secure an appointment I require a deposit to be paid, which always goes towards the overall price of the tattoo on the day.
A deposit is usually determined individually depending on the size of the project. Typically a regular deposit is £50, and £100 for a day session or for larger scale projects.
I’m always happy rearranging an appointment if needed, so don’t be afraid to ask. I generally require 48hrs notice to make sure I’m able to fill the appointment slot with ample time.
Deposits are non-refundable, so take your time and make sure you’re fully committed before making an appointment.
It’s very important that you let me know about any allergies or medical conditions you have before we do the tattoo, also any medications you are taking (such as blood thinners). Different medical conditions will have different needs, so please be honest and discuss this with me when booking in. Your health is my #1 priority, and I’ll do everything possible on my end to prevent any reactions. Sometimes I will require a doctor’s note to tattoo you- please don’t take this personally, I’m simply making sure the process is as safe as possible for you.
Some example conditions I look out for are: heart conditions, diabetes, skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, scars; immune system conditions, allergies, epilepsy, hemophilia, HIV/AIDS, cancer, hepatitis, and other.
I always strive to create unique and custom designs for my clients, design services are included in the cost of the tattoo. You don’t have to have an exact image, but any example images are helpful to make sure I’ve got the right idea in mind (for example the type of tattoo style you’d like). Once a deposit is put down for an appointment, only then do I start drawing up closer to the date. I don’t draw designs without a deposit, as all my time to do so is reserved for confirmed appointments.
I don’t tend to copy other independent artists, especially tattoo artists, custom designs without their consent as it’s considered disrespectful to their hard work. As another example, imagine getting a very sentimental and personal custom tattoo only for a stranger to get the same one without appreciation for the thought you put behind it.
Of course when it comes to images such as logos, sports badges, big corporation animations and similar, I’m happy to do them like-for-like as they can lose their meaning if details are changed. .
Absolutely! Walk-ins are very welcome, please pop by the studio even if you want to have a nosey and just say hi. I can’t promise I’ll always have available space unfortunately, as pre-booked appointments with a deposit are prioritized and walk-in space cannot be reserved.
If I have walk-in space, I’ll often post stories on Instagram and Facebook advertising them around that day.
The way a tattoo feels is quite an individual experience. It’s a bearable but not exactly pleasant feeling, comparable to a scratch. A tattoo needle only goes 1-2mm below the surface of the skin, compared to approximately at least 10mm for an injection needle.
Different areas of the body can be more or less sensitive for different people, but don’t let that determine where you’d like to place yours if you would like it in a particular area. Feeling a bit uncomfortable for a short session is worth it to have the tattoo in the spot you truly want it rather than compromising.
Most people we tattoo do absolutely amazing, once you know how it feels and know that it’s not as bad as you built it up in your head, we’ll be sure to start chatting about your other ideas in no time! :)
The best way to prepare for a tattoo is to get a good night’s rest and to eat a filling meal before coming in. It may not feel like you’re doing much while you’re getting tattooed, but it does put strain on your body and you will feel tired. Making sure your body is well rested and loaded up with energy from food will massively help you during and after the tattoo.
Getting tattooed can make your blood sugar fluctuate. Coming in on an empty stomach can make your skin more sensitive and increases your risk of passing out.
You’re very welcome and encouraged to bring snacks, food and drinks to your appointment- it’s important to keep fueled up. I usually recommend options high in sugar and carbs.
If you’re having a longer session we’ll often have a lunch break. Feel free to bring something more substantial like a sandwich with you, or we have a wonderful selection of food places on our doorstep if you’d like to nip out for anything.
It helps if leading up to the appointment you lightly exfoliate and moisturize the area you’ll be getting tattooed- having a layer of dead skin cells to go through to do the tattoo isn’t ideal. I highly recommend adding an exfoliating glove with body wash or a soap bar to your shower/bath routine, these can be found for a few pounds in shops like Superdrug, Boots, Home Bargains or most pound shops.
If it’s sunny please be careful not to get sunburnt, I cannot tattoo over sunburn and will have to postpone your appointment until fully healed.
Sadly I don’t endorse numbing cream as it’s highly unregulated as a product and can cause adverse skin reactions. Sometimes a reaction isn’t immediately visible, so tattooing over it could damage the skin further.
Numbing creams bought from online retailers are dangerously unregulated and have been known to cause skin burns, so please inform me if you have questions about it. I’d highly recommend enquiring over the counter with a reputable pharmacy if it’s an option you’d like to explore.
Yes, you’re very welcome to bring an extra person to your booking. We usually have enough space, but sadly can’t 100% promise it. If unsure, message me so I can check how busy it might be.
Please do not bring children to your appointment. If you do, please make sure there’s an extra adult who would be able to look after them or arrange childcare. Due to liability they’re only allowed in the reception area and are not allowed in the designated tattooing spaces.
I have nothing personal against your children, but they can sadly be a distraction for yourself and for me no matter how good they behave. It’s best to be able to take our time, making sure you’re nice and relaxed and I’m fully able to focus on executing the tattoo well.
Unfortunately not, we only offer tattoos at the studio.
It could take anywhere between 30mins to multiple day sittings- it’s best to ask me directly for a rough estimate if needed. It can be difficult to determine the time needed as everyone’s body is different and tattoos can vary in detail, size and technical difficulty. A bit more bluntly put: it takes as long as it takes, but I’m happy to try and roughly estimate a time frame if needed.
It’s always best to not have plans after your tattoo or make sure to give plenty of time in between. A good tattoo takes time and precision, so take extra time to not rush things.
Yay, you did it and got a lovely new tattoo! I’ll walk you through the aftercare when your tattoo is done depending on the wrap used to cover it. I also have pamphlets available at the studio with instructions.
If you have cling film as a covering:
Keep it on for the next 2-4 hours.
1. Wash your hands.
2. Take the covering off. The tattoo may be slimy and gunky- this is completely normal.
3. Using an antibacterial unscented hand wash (eg: Carex), gently wash the tattoo giving it a light lather, just like washing your hands.
4. Pat the tattoo with a paper towel or air dry. Leave the tattoo to dry out for about 20-30 minutes, until it’s nice and bone dry. If your tattoo still feels wet to the touch- don’t moisturize it (step 5) until it’s dry.
5. Dot a VERY SMALL amount of moisturizer onto the tattoo and gently rub it in (eg: Palmers Cocoa Butter, or a very mild non-oil based moisturizer. We have small tubs for sale at the studio if you’d prefer).
**DON’T OVER MOISTURISE!**
Only put a thin layer on top, making sure it’s fully saturated into the tattoo.
Repeat this process twice a day- morning and evening, for 2 weeks.
If you’re worried about the tattoo imprinting onto your bed sheets, you can replace the covering for the first night only, making sure your tattoo is dry underneath.
If you have second skin as a covering:
Keep the covering on for a maximum the next 3 days.
If you would like to wear the covering for longer, you may replace the second skin with a fresh piece (you may ask me for extra, or you may purchase your own). The maximum suggested wear time is 6-7 days all together.
To remove the second skin use warm water (eg: in the shower), peel a bit of the edge and stretch it away from your skin. Don’t peel it like a plaster, but instead pull it so it stretches away from your skin (similar to a command strip).
If any adhesive remains, you can gently massage it off with a moisturizer and then wash it with an unscented antibacterial hand wash (eg: Carex).
Sometimes second skin will pool a bit of plasma under the film, this is normal- especially common for larger work or colour work.
Do not pop the film- it works as an artificial blister.
If you notice the film peeling at the edges and opening up towards the tattoo- take it off immediately as it isn’t air-tight at that point, and may be open to external bacteria. If it leaks: or becomes open:
- Remove the second skin and replace it with a new piece.
- Or don’t cover it again and follow cling film instructions.
For the first 2 weeks:
- No baths (don’t submerge or soak the tattoo):
Take showers instead
- No swimming
- No saunas
- No tanning/ fake tan
- Take it easy with exercise:
Ideally avoid it for 2 weeks, or at least 1 week
- The tattoo may get itchy about a week in:
don’t pick it or scratch it! If it gets unbearable, slap it, wash it, or lightly moisturize it to relieve the sensation.
After 2-4 weeks, use a high SPF sun cream on the tattoo to avoid sun damage.
The Sun is the #1 thing that makes tattoos fade. Moisturize regularly.
Most important- keep the area clean and washed.
If the tattoo is close to your wrist- use long rubber gloves for washing up.
Take it easy after a tattoo, your body will be tired- you might need extra rest, carbs and sugar, especially if it was a longer session.
If you got tattooed in an area close to the bone, you may experience extra swelling- this is normal for a few days (Eg: elbow, knee, top of the foot, ankle).
