FAQs
Current Covid-19 policy
If you would like me to wear a mask during our appointment I am happy to do so. Notify me before our appointment if you want me to be wearing it when you arrive.
Does it hurt?
Everyone feels pain differently, which leads to very different answers to that question; but the short answer is yes. Some people say it is mildly uncomfortable, while others have to work to handle it. If it’s worth having the tattoo, it’s worth doing what it takes to get it.
How much do tattoos cost?
It is impossible to answer that question in a generalized way. Once I have an understanding of what you want the final product to be I can give you an estimate. The larger the project the less precise the estimate.
On more elaborate projects I may charge a separate artwork fee that is not included in the per hour price of the tattoo. This will be determined up front and will not be a surprise, but if you are planning larger work, it may be something to keep in mind.
I am aware that you have many choices in who you get your tattoo from, and I honor that by doing my absolute best to give you a unique and personal experience. Your experience, much like your new tattoo, will last a lifetime!
How do I take care of my new tattoo?
I offer detailed care sheets to each of my clients when we are done tattooing them. If you would like to read or print what is on that care sheet, click HERE
What is the legal age to get a tattoo
In Washington state you must be 18. Parents cannot give permission for minors to get tattooed. State law: RCW 26.28.085 [1995 c 373 § 1]
How do I make an appointment?
The best way to start is to fill out the form on my contact page. This will generate an email to begin the conversation. We will determine how best to proceed and when we are ready we will schedule a time to do the tattoo.
Do you take walk ins?
Yes, I am open to taking walk ins as time allows. Being a one man show, I cannot guarantee my availability at any given time unless you make an appointment.
What is a consultation?
Most of the tattoos that I do start with a conversation where we discuss your ideas, review reference material and answer questions. At the end we can discuss time/price estimates as well as deposits and scheduling. this is best done in person but in some cases It is easier to do it over email, phone or video chat.
I have a picture of what I want, do I still need a consultation?
You can email the photo to me at tattoogarden.net@gmail.com. Please include approximately what size you want the tattoo (ex: “3 inches by 4 inches,” not “medium” or “large”) where on your body you want the tattoo, and if there are any changes you’d like to have made. I may still ask a few questions before I can answer you but I will do my best.
I don’t have a picture of what I want, can you still help me?
Absolutely, all you really need is a desire to get a tattoo. Once you have an idea of what you want please use the button below to go to the contact form. We can start the conversation about how best to meet your needs.
What is a design fee?
I generally only ask for a design fee for large projects or if you want a lot of input into the design. The design fee is an agreed upon amount of money to cover the cost of designing your tattoo. Depending on the complexity of your request, drawing the tattoo sometimes takes longer than actually doing the tattoo. This fee is separate from the cost of doing the tattoo.
What is the deposit for?
The deposit secures a spot on my calendar. The size of the deposit depends on the work we are scheduling. Larger tattoos require more sessions, which in turn requires a larger deposit. I do not make appointments without deposits. The deposit for each session will be applied to the cost of the tattoo.
Missed appointments result in loss of deposit. All deposits are non-refundable.
What if I need to reschedule my tattoo appointment?
Rescheduling without adequate notice will result in the loss of a portion of, or in some cases all of, your deposit!
7 days or more - no penalty, thank you for the notice.
3-6 days - 25% of deposit
1-2 days - 50% of deposit lost
same day or no show - 100% of deposit lost
All deposits are non refundable.
Changing the tattoo design or scope of the appointment may result in a rescheduling. This policy will still apply in those cases.
No rescheduling without replenishing deposit to 100%.
The deposit will be applied to the final price of your tattoo session. In the event of a tattoo not being completed during the session, a portion of the deposit will be reserved for your next session..
If you choose to be temporarily removed from the schedule your deposit will be held for 90 days, after which it will be forfeit unless we have made other arrangements.
What should I do to prepare for my tattoo appointment?
A good nights sleep and a good meal will do wonders when it comes to a comfortable tattoo session. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that will allow access to the area to be tattooed. Please make sure to bring your ID as well.
Do you do cover ups?
Yes, it’s actually something I specialize in. I cover up scars, most birth marks, or older tattoos quite often. I will generally need to do an in person consultation or have a clear photo in order to see what we are covering up before I can answer any questions about the cover up.
I need a touch up of an older tattoo, can you do that?
Yes, but I will need to see it first, unless it’s a tattoo that I did it within the last few years.
Do you copy other peoples tattoos?
I do not replicate tattoos that are on another person without their consent. If you have a photo of a tattoo on someone, even if it’s from the internet, then I will not attempt to duplicate it. I am willing to use such pictures as inspiration for original work. If the tattoo is on a friend or family member then I will do my best to duplicate it with their permission.
What’s in the tattoo ink?
Non-toxic mineral based pigment
Distilled water
Alcohol &
Witch hazel
I use Fusion brand inks and they are proudly vegan friendly.
Are there any health conditions that might prevent me from getting a tattoo?
Any health problem that weakens your immune system, such as Diabetes, HIV/AIDS etc. may potentially make your healing much slower or impossible. Furthermore, if you were to get an infection, it could be much more difficult to deal with. I may ask for your doctor’s approval before scheduling an appointment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also reasons not to be tattooed as they introduce risk to the infant. I will wait for you.
If you do have questions about health issues and tattoos I encourage you to ask your physician directly. I am always happy to answer any questions I feel qualified to answer.
Do you re-use needles?
No. I run a “disposable” shop, which means that anything that comes into contact with open skin is disposed of after your session. This includes needles, ink, gloves, etc. It all gets thrown away.