HOW TO BOOK A TATTOO?

CUSTOM DESIGNS

I fully welcome any and all custom designs. A consult, in person or via Zoom, is required for custom designs. The more photo references you bring, the easier our collaboration becomes, so feel free to provide as much reference material as you please.

I welcome all subject matter from the mundane to the fantastical, and am fully comfortable with queer, trans, dark, explicit, and, to a point, violent subject matter. I do not currently do realistic portraits of people, but illustrative traditional pet portraits are most welcome.

CONSULTATIONS/COVER-UPS

A consultation is required for all large scale, custom and cover-up work. If you are traveling from out of town, this can be done virtually via Zoom.

For new inquiries, please fill out the booking form here. I will take cover-ups on a case-by-case basis if I feel strongly that I can accomplish the tattoo to the desired outcome. Often times, some amount of lasering to lighten the original tattoo is necessary to help achieve the best result. If you need a referral to a laser technician, feel free to email me and ask.

While I prefer tattooing my own designs, I’m happy to take a look at unfinished work if it is no longer possible to get tattooed by the original artist.

I do accept reworks, or “make-overs” of existing tattoos that are old, faded or not done to the client’s satisfaction. However, like cover-ups, these require a consultation. If you’re unsure whether your tattoo is a candidate, feel free to email with clear pictures of your existing tattoo and I can advise you.

I also accept scar coverups on a case-by-case basis, and have significant experience tattooing over various types of scar tissue. I strongly prefer to have an in-person consult for any scar coverup inquiries. Again, if you are unsure, please feel free to reach out via email needlesiren@gmail.com and ask, as well as provide clear, well-lit pictures of the area in question for reference.

GETTING A TATTOO: BEST PRACTICES

A tattoo session applies significant stress to your body. For the best experience for the both of us, your preparation is key.

1. Get a good night’s sleep the night before your tattoo, and have a decent meal a minimum of two hours before your appointment. Blood sugar can drop during a tattoo, so I suggest bringing easy to eat snacks like bananas, protein bars, candy, as well as hydrating beverages like water, juice or Gatorade to your session. NSAID medications such as Advil are not recommended prior to a tattoo, and neither is aspirin. However, Tylenol/acetamenophin is fine to take before your session. While I understand that many people use cannabis for pain and stress management, in my experience it is best to save cannabis usage for after the conclusion of your tattoo session.

2. Please notify me if you are on blood thinners or other medications that affect wound healing, as well as any allergies or a history of reactions to tattoos or medical procedures. I frequently use lidocaine (in the form of Bactine) during my tattoos, so please notify me if you have an allergy to lidocaine or other anesthetic drugs. I do not use latex gloves, but please let me know if you have a latex allergy anyway.

3. Come freshly showered in comfortable clothing. The tattooing process can occasionally be messy as it involves ink and bodily fluids, so wear clothing that you don’t mind having to wash in high heat and/or bleach. If your tattoo is in an area that requires you to remove clothing, I will provide you with a barrier cloth or bandages to tape up any areas you wish to cover, such as breasts, genitals, etc. I tattoo in a communal area with nearby tattoo stations, but privacy screens can be provided if needed. A private changing area can be provided upon arrival to your appointments. In my release forms, I ask for consent to photograph your tattoo and share it to social media, but if you would prefer to not have your picture taken and/or posted, please feel free to let me know. Your comfort is my top priority.

TATTOO HEALING AND AFTERCARE

1. Leave your fresh tattoo bandaged for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 24 hours post-session. I suggest you leave the tattoo wrapped overnight and to unwrap and wash the following morning.

2. Wash your tattoo with a mild, non-fragranced soap. Some soaps I recommend are Dial antibacterial, Dove, Hibiclens, or Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild. Wash generously with sterile, clean hands and cool water. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive, however, don't be afraid to lather, foam, and clean your tattoo thoroughly. The more thoroughly you cleanse the plasma, ointment, and ink from your fresh tattoo, the less likely it is to form scabs. Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.

3. Allow the tattoo to air dry for 10 to 15 minutes and follow with a very light layer of lotion or ointment so as to properly allow the tattoo to breathe. Over-moisturizing can contribute to poor healing, so be conservative with your healing ointments. Lotion can be reapplied with CLEAN hands 2-3 times per day to combat itching and flaking. Some brands I suggest are Eucerin, Lubriderm, Cerave or Vanicream non-scented/hypoallergenic ointments.

Do not pick, scratch or otherwise irritate your healing tattoo. If the tattoo becomes itchy, a gentle slap can provide relief without compromising healing.

Once the tattoo is finished flaking and peeling, switch to high-SPF sunscreen. Daily application of sunscreen will extend both the life and vibrancy of your tattoo. Your tattoo is a piece of art that’s unique to your body; Treat it like the treasured adornment it is, and it will stay beautiful for life.