Frequently asked questions

✩ Can I bring a friend?

I have no issue with you bringing a support person to your appointment, however this will be case by case as it’ll depend on how busy the studio is on the day of your scheduled booking. If the shop is full then there is a chance we won’t have the space to accommodate to any additional people

✩ Can I see the design before the day of the appointment?

Typically no. Because my schedule remains quite busy, it can be difficult for me to be working too far in advance. I usually prepare each design the night before the appointment - with there being time on the day to make changes to the design if necessary. Please try before you ask to see your design ahead of your appointment date, to firstly; have trust in me as the artist, and secondly; provide as much information on your end as possible - this will help me to meet the brief

If you would like to see your design before your appointment I am usually happy to accomodate, I understand it can be daunting especially if it happens to be your first tattoo - please state in your initial enquiry if you’d like to see the design ahead of time. I’ll send it through a few days in advance & we can work back & forth from there. Because this is not my standard practice, I ask that you please practice patience while awaiting your design, and bear in mind that you may not be the only person I am accomodating to that week

✩ What should I do to prepare for my appointment?

Ensure you’re well-rested, hydrated & have eaten a good meal

The less your immune system is already battling the better your body will deal with getting tattooed

✩ How should I care for my tattoo?

Remove plastic wrap after 1-2 hours

Clean with hot water & mild soap, removing any excess vaseline & plasma (use liquid soap, not bar - bar soaps carry bacteria that you do not want to cross over to your fresh tattoo)

Pat dry with a clean paper towel

Apply a small amount of cream, such as Antiseptic Bepanthen or Kawakawa balm 2-3 times a day. Ensure your hands are clean before you touch your tattoo

Your tattoo will take about 2 weeks to fully heal

Do not pick or scratch your new tattoo

Do not expose to sun, sea water, swimming pools, baths or saunas for 2 weeks. You may shower as normal

Touch ups are always free, please get in touch if you feel as though a tattoo you have from me needs one

✩ How much is a tattoo?

Prices vary depending on size, final design & placement. Feel free to get in touch & ask for a quote

if you have a budget you’d like to work with I’m happy to accommodate

For full day sessions (typically 11am-5/6pm) a day rate of $1000-$1200 will apply

To secure a tattoo appointment you are required to pay a $100 deposit. Deposits are non refundable and are taken off the total cost of your tattoo. Cancelling or rescheduling requires 48 hours notice - if you postpone your tattoo within the required timeframe then the deposit will be transferred to your rescheduled appointment

If you provide less than 48 hours notice your deposit will be forfeited

The deposit system is in place for my personal security, as I have booked time out for you and spent time working on your design

✩ Parking

I suggest parking on neighbouring streets or on the main road - though directly outside the shop is a clearway from 4pm Monday-Friday. Finding all-day free parking directly on Ponsonby Road is nearly impossible due to time restrictions and resident-only zones. For free all-day parking, you will need to park on residential side streets just outside the central Ponsonby area, such as parts of Albany Road, Wanganui Avenue, Ardmore Road (near Jervois Road), or Richmond Road - this will involve a walk for you from the parking space to the studio.