FAQs

What is a consultation like?

A consultation is free with no booking obligation. You’ll be able to sit down with me to go over your vision for the tattoo. I want to make sure I provide you with the best tattoo that fits your hopes. A consultation offers us the chance to look over reference images you’re inspired by, talk over the design concept and meaning, and have a clear direction for the final outcome.

How does scheduling work?

You can book with me through my scheduling software (here) or send me an inquiry (here). If your design requires a consult we can set it up, otherwise I’ll provide you with my calendar and you can choose a day that works well for you.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes, a non-refundable deposit is required to book but it counts toward the cost of your tattoo at the time your project is completed.

Do you take walk-ins?

I primarily tattoo based off appointments but I occasionally do have openings for walk-ins. It’s best to call the shop (816-832-8799) before coming in to see what my schedule is like that day.

What is your pricing like?

Most tattoos are priced by an hourly rate however I occasionally quote a flat rate for a tattoo, especially smaller designs. Each tattoo requires a different amount of time and that can be determined at the consult or through our correspondences.

How long are your tattoo sessions?

For larger projects I have two time blocks: three hours and six hours. In order to make the best tattoos I choose not to tattoo more than six hours in a day.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, card, and Venmo are all accepted.

What times are you available?

I tattoo Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-5pm. I break my day into two sections: 9am-1pm and 1pm-5pm. When booking a half-day (three hour) block you can choose morning or afternoon.

Can I get tattooed with parental consent if I’m under 18?

No, all clients must be 18 years or older and provide valid photo ID at the time of their tattoo appointment.

How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

The best things to do leading up to a tattoo session are to be rested, hydrated, and fed. There’s no replacement for a good nights sleep, drinking plenty of water, and having a nutritious meal before your appointment.

What should I bring to my tattoo appointment?

You must bring a valid government photo ID. Besides that, bring what helps you stay comfortable during the tattoo: drinks with lids, snacks, headphones, a jacket in the colder months, etc.

When should I arrive to my appointment?

Arriving at the time we set is perfect.

How long have you been tattooing?

I started my apprenticeship in 2017 and got licensed in 2019. I have been fortunate to work with many skilled artists and have learned many different styles over the course of my career.

What are your favorite styles to tattoo in?

Traditional and neotraditional styles are my bread and butter. I have always loved the look of neotraditional tattoos and went into my apprenticeship only wanting to tattoo in that style. In the onset of my apprenticeship I learned the fundamentals of traditional tattoos and how they form the backbone of all other styles. My interest and appreciation for the complexity in their simplicity has carried on to this day.

What subject matter do you like to tattoo?

I love tattooing designs inspired by the natural world: animals, flowers, people, plants, etc. I have found that organic forms allow more of an opportunity to add motion and create dynamic forms that compliment the natural flow of people’s bodies.

What are your cleanliness procedures?

The best way to avoid any health issue is preventative measures. Before and after each appointment I use a solution to clean my station, client chair, and any accessories (armrest, pillows, etc) used during the tattoo. This solution kills all bacteria, viruses, fungus, and removes all odors. I always wear nitrile gloves while tattooing, setting up, and breaking down. In addition to these routines I am also blood borne pathogen and first aid certified through the American Red Cross.

Do you reuse needles or other equipment?

Each tattoo needle and cartridge is only used for one client’s tattoo and only for that day. After each session each needle is placed in a biohazard container that is properly disposed of. Needles are never saved to be used again on the same person and never used on different people. All poured ink is also disposed of as well as any gloves, barrier film, and other PPE. Keeping clients and myself safe and healthy is my top priority.

What if I hate needles?

If you hate medical needles you’re in the same boat as me. Fortunately for us, tattoo needles are significantly different than medical needles. Medical needles fully penetrate the skin and are hallow to inject their contents. Tattoo needles on the other hand only partially penetrate the skin and do not have an injection mechanism. Instead the ink that surround the pins of the needle is placed into the skin when the needle strikes the area.
If you do end up feeling lightheaded, flushed, or uneasy in any way we always will take a break to make sure you stay safe and comfortable. We have drinks and food to help stabilize blood sugar, fans to help with temperature, and can adjust your chair to find a more comfortable position. While uncommon, I, and everyone at the shop, am familiar and experienced with assisting someone who has fainted while being tattooed. Some people are happy to continue the tattoo afterwards while others prefer to break for the day. I will never pressure you to continue your tattoo if you feel sick and am happy to schedule a follow up session should something like that happen.

What got you into tattooing?

I’ve always loved to draw but I first became interesting in tattoos in college. I started listening to music whose band members were heavily tattooed. As I got more into this music I also wanted to get tattooed and as I got tattooed I started considering becoming a tattooer myself.