FAQ | My Site

What do you charge?

Right now my hourly rate for custom work is $150. I post a lot of flash/pre-drawns on my Instagram, and those pieces are priced by the size and range from $200 to $800! I ask for a $100 deposit to reserve your appointment date (this retainer is non-refundable in the event of a no-show or cancellation) and it will be included towards the total cost of your tattoo. Tipping is not necessary, but always appreciated.

Where are you located?

I am located in a private studio in Nashua, New Hampshire. I send all my clients the address, directions, and parking info once we've booked an appointment. :)

Does it hurt?

Yes, its tiny needles poking you for hours. That being said, a lot of first timers are surprised when the agony they envisioned feels more like an annoying sunburn than anything else.

If you're curious about pain management during your session you've come to the right place! I'm a big advocate of using Bactine, taking breaks, and having snacks and distractions available to help keep your session as stress-free as possible. My stance on numbing cream is open and changing- the FDA released recent research about it potentially being harmful when used across large portions of the skin at once, especially when higher doses of the active ingredients are used. I am open to navigating the use of it on a situational basis, so don't hesitate to ask!

I am always willing to break up a tattoo into multiple sessions at the client's request. The process of receiving a tattoo is inherently uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be miserable.

Is it safe?

Relatively speaking, yes! A tattoo is a shallow wound and any open wound on the body creates opportunity for tiny invaders to cause infection. I go above and beyond state guidelines of health and safety required from tattoo shops to keep myself, my clients, and my coworkers safe.

Reducing cross-contamination is very important to me. All needle cartridges and razors are immediately disposed of in a biohazard sharps container after an appointment, all trash removed between appointments, all surfaces and tools disinfected. I use a product called Optim which is similar to other medical grade disinfectants like Madacide or Cavicide. It has a one minute kill-time for viruses, bacteria and fungi including HIV and Hepatitis B and C. It is hydrogen-peroxide based and safer for human contact than other similar products.

At the beginning and end of every appointment I wash my hands, put on fresh nitrile gloves, clean and sanitize all of my equipment, my work station, and all surfaces in the shop. I follow all state guidelines for waste disposal.

I recommend my clients leave the shop with a flexible, clear bandage over their tattoo (RecoveryDerm) which can remain on the skin for the first handful of days after their appointment. This is completely optional, but I'm still going to recommend it for the benefit of your healing skin.

I'm very passionate about continual education on safe practices and cross-contamination with body art. Keeping my clients, myself, and anyone in the vicinity safe is a top priority for me. I love tattooing and believe that creating a clean and relaxing environment goes hand in hand with the artform. If you have any questions about my process I am happy to answer!

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Eat and hydrate before your appointment! You will feel and sit much better for your tattoo when your body has the fuel to do so. Bring snacks, water, a blanket, and dress in layers. It's fairly common to experience some sort of body reaction during or immediately after getting tattooed (sometimes called the "tattoo flu") and its nice to be able to accommodate for that. Bring some entertainment (depending on the tattoo placement)- earbuds, a switch, a book, a puzzle-distractions go a long way in this business. It's also important to get a good night sleep.

Can I bring a friend?

Usually the answer is yes! Please contact me before your appointment to confirm if its okay to do so (tis a slightly-post-Covid world after all).

How do I heal my tattoo?

Your goal is to keep your new tattoo clean from debris and bacteria and moisturized so that the drying plasma doesn't form a scab. Scabbing can cause your healed tattoo to look patchy at best, and can cause lasting skin damage/scarring for particularly gnarly scabs. You should never scratch or pick at a healing tattoo. I'll know if you do. We always know.

Healing with a bandage

I offer all of my clients a clear, flexible adhesive bandage as part of their aftercare. The brand I use is RecoveryDerm, but there are many others on the market. This bandage goes on your new tattoo before you leave the shop and can stay on for the next several days to protect it while it heals (you can shower per usual with it). Sometimes blood, ink, and plasma can accumulate under the bandage (dont worry, your tattoo isnt coming off), and for particularly juicy tattoos or in the event of a bandage springing a leak (it happens!) it is recommended to remove the first bandage in the shower, gently working out any plasma on the tattooed area with a mild unscented soap, pat dry with a clean paper towel upon exiting the shower, and apply a second bandage over the tattooed area (I will provide you with a backup bandage as well!).

After 3-5 days (or whenever you've lost your tolerance for the bandage), gently remove the bandage in the shower, pat dry with a clean paper towel upon exiting the shower, and apply a thin layer of unmedicated ointment to the tattoo. Aquaphor, Ink-Eeze, Tattoo Goo, and (my fav) Wild Rose Ink Balm are all great options. Repeat this at least until the tattoo has gone through its inital healing process (about 7-10 days) and has completely finished shedding.

Healing without a bandage

If you prefer a more traditional healing method, I will apply ointment to your clean tattoo and wrap it in saran wrap after your appointment. When you arrive home, wash your hands, remove the saran wrap and clean the tattoo, gently working out any plasma, blood or ink with water and a mild unscented soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and apply a thin layer of unmedicated ointment to the tattoo. Aquaphor, Ink-Eeze, Tattoo Goo, and (my fav) Wild Rose Ink Balm are all great options. Repeat this two or three times a day at least until the tattoo has gone through its initial healing process (about 7-10 days) and has completely finished shedding. I recommend using a moisturizer (or even keeping up with the ointment for another week or two) to help keep your newly healed skin supple and hydrated.

You can keep your tattoo looking as vibrant as possible by moisturizing it regularly, staying in the shade and applying sunscreen. If you notice any areas in need of touch up after your tattoo has fully healed (about one month post-appointment), feel free to reach out!