Tattoo FAQ & Aftercare

Prepare for your consult, your tattoo sessions, and learn how to heal your new tattoo.
The more you know!

Frequently Asked Questions

Confused, concerned, curious, and confounded about the tattoo process? Read on!

How do I choose my tattoo?

Getting a tattoo is an exciting and personal choice. There are many reasons people choose to permanently adorn their bodies. It is easier than before to inform yourself about what is possible and what styles you are drawn to. My suggestion is that you go with your gut and the informed support of a professional tattoo artist whose style you like. Getting tattooed for a symbolic or momentous reason is just as valid as getting tattooed for aesthetic purposes. Both have been reasons humans have chosen to tattoo themselves, for thousands of years. Remember that what is meaningful today may not be so in 20 years, aesthetic choices will change, but a well done tattoo is forever!

Does it Hurt?

Yes, tattooing hurts. Sensation varies depending on placement, size, and your individual tolerance.
Tolerance can change over time, and depending on your stress level, how well you slept, and so many other factors. Most clients find the experience manageable. Breaks are always available. There is value in learning that you can sit with temporary discomfort in service of something lasting. You have survived a lot to arrive here at the precipice of your soon to be tattooed body, you can survive this too!

Where do we begin? What is the process like?

All tattoo appointments begin with a consultation — usually in person, sometimes over video for flash or travel sessions. Consultations are free. A non-refundable deposit of $100–300 is required to schedule your tattoo appointment. The deposit is applied to the final session. For multi-session tattoos, it is credited toward the last appointment.
I typically do not charge separately for design time. I often spend as long designing as I do tattooing, and the deposit secures dedicated time for your custom work.

How much does it cost?

My current rate is:
• $175 per hour for Portland appointments
• $225 per hour for guest artist appointments
Travel rates reflect additional expenses.
Sessions can be scheduled over time to work within your budget and project scope.

Should I get a tattoo?

I know that as a tattoo artist, I should tell everyone to get tattooed.. but tattoos are not for everyone! Tattooing was once an art solely enjoyed by indigenous tribal cultures followed by outcasts, criminals, elite royalty, and circus freaks. In our current culture it has become mainstream. It seems like everyone and their grandmother has a tattoo! Just because your friends are tattooed doesn’t mean it is for you, though if you are reading this you have perhaps decided that it is your time to go under the needle. While your design choices and aesthetics may change, it is highly unlikely you will regret a well done, well placed tattoo. Choose wisely and work with a professional top quality artist and you will likely love your tattoo for life! If your still worried about it being forever, remember that it is only as permanent as you are!

Conducting life as a human policy

I advocate for acceptance and compassion for people of all kinds. All are welcome, and any oppressive conversations, jokes, or other language that exhibits racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ageism, body shaming, or anything just plain rude, will not be tolerated. I reserve the absolute right to refuse to work with anyone that does not comply with these policies. These types of communication are outdated, uneducated, and unacceptable.

No Show and Late Policies

I require a 72 hour notice to change or cancel appointments.
If you miss your appointment without texting, calling, or emailing at least 72 hours prior to your appointment time, you will be charged a No Show Fee, which will come out of your deposit or may forfeit your deposit entirely. You may be required to make an additional deposit for any future appointments. Repeated cancellations may result in forfeiture of deposit and require an additional deposit to reschedule. Repeated no-shows will result in forfeiture of deposits and refusal to complete the tattoo. Rescheduling your appointment more than twice may require you to pay another deposit.

If you arrive more than 30 minutes late to your appointment without calling ahead, it will be considered a No Show. I understand that life happens, if you are running late and still plan to make your appointment please call or text ahead. If I decide there is still time to tattoo, you will be responsible for payment from the initial booked appointment time.

Still have a question?

Additional questions can be addressed at your consultation or by email.

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Tattoo Aftercare

First 12–48 Hours

Your new tattoo may be sore for the rest of the day, or for the next few days. It may look red and swollen, and the area will also likely feel warm to the touch due to the increased blood flow to the area. This is your body’s way of healing itself by flooding the area with oxygenated blood and nutrients. There is no going back in time with tattoo aftercare!

Leave the bandage overnight or 12 hours, *you can leave the adhesive film (Second Skin/Saniderm/etc) for 24-48 hours. Your film bandage may fill with fluid. This is normal. The liquid is a mix of lymph, a small amount of blood, and excess ink. If the bandage leaks, lifts significantly, or tears, you may remove it early. To loosen the adhesive, apply a small amount of coconut oil around the edges of the bandage and let it sit for 10–20 minutes. Removal is easiest in the shower. Let warm water run over the bandage for several minutes to soften it. When removing, peel it slowly and gently. Pull the bandage down and parallel to your skin, not upward and away from it.

After removing the bandage:

• Wash with clean hands, warm water, and gentle unscented liquid soap
• Lather in your hands and cleanse using circular motions
• Remove all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid
• Rinse thoroughly
• Allow the tattoo to fully air dry

When tattoo is fully dry, apply a small amount of alcohol-free, unscented salve or moisturizer
(H2Ocean, Aquaphor, Lubriderm, Hustle Butter, or plain coconut oil)

Do not use Vaseline, petroleum-heavy products, CeraVe, or facial moisturizers.

Days 2–5 Post Tattoo Healing

Wash your tattoo at least 3 times per day for the first 48 hours in the method described above.
After that, wash and moisturize lightly twice daily.

Do Not over-moisturize. There should no shiny goo on your tattoo.

Do Not scrub off flaky skin or scabs. Do Not pick or scratch.

Do wear loose, clean, breathable clothing.

Do keep your tattoo clean, treat it as an open would that is healing, allow peeling to occur naturally, and just let it be.

The First Two Weeks Post Tattoo

Keep your new tattoo clean and lightly moisturized
Avoid Direct sun for 2 weeks
No Hot tubs, baths, steams, or saunas for 2 weeks (showers are fine)
Do not shave over the tattoo until there is no peeling, scabbing, or shininess

Exercise After Your Tattoo

Your tattoo is an open wound and needs time to heal.
Wait at least 48 hours before exercising. For larger, heavily shaded, or highly detailed pieces, wait 1–2 weeks, especially if the area bends or stretches (elbows, knees, stomach, shoulders).
Avoid workouts that:
• Stretch or contract the tattooed area
• Cause heavy sweating
• Create friction from clothing or equipment
Bacteria, movement, and sweat can interfere with healing and affect how your tattoo settles.
When in doubt, give it more time.

Contact a medical professional if you experience:

• Increasing redness spreading outward
• Severe swelling
• Fever
• Pus or unusual discharge

Proper aftercare directly impacts healing, clarity, and longevity. If you have questions about the healing process after getting your tattoo, please contact me.