Frequently Asked Questions

What types of tattoos do you specialize in?

Currently, I am focusing on blackwork pieces with the possibility of small color accents. My favorite categories at the moment include:

❀ Large-scale illustrative scenes

❀ Scientific illustration and field guide sketching

❀ Flora & fauna

❀ Abstract clouds and shapes

❀ Dot work pieces

❀ Unclaimed artwork and flash posted to my Instagram

Please note that while these are my favorites, I am not limited to these categories and will explore other styles as well.

Are there any tattoos you won’t do?

There are certain styles that I may not feel best equipped for or have interest in at the moment. Some of these include:

❁ photo-realism

❁ Calligraphy/typography

❁ Full color

I will never create tattoos that involve symbols, phrases, or words rooted in racism, sexism, transphobia, xenophobia, or any other hateful or discriminatory origins. I also refrain from doing script in languages that neither you nor I are capable of speaking, reading, or writing.

Additionally, I do not replicate artwork by other artists unless explicit permission (such as a tattoo ticket or custom art by a good friend) has been previously granted.

Are there any areas of the body you won’t tattoo?

Currently I do not tattoo areas on the face, or genitals.

Will I get to see my custom tattoo design prior to the appointment?

Final versions of designs will be provided on the day of your appointment, per industry standards. This approach protects the time and effort invested in creating your unique design and ensures its exclusivity. In most cases, I will send a few drafts of your design in the week leading up to your appointment, to clarify if any specific questions arise.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Before your appointment you can take a few helpful steps:

☆ Gently exfoliate the skin in the tattoo area up to 2 days before your appointment.

☆ Shave the tattoo area the morning of your appointment. While we can take care of this at the shop, using your own razor at home reduces the need for single-use, disposable razors.

☆ Eat a good meal before your appointment to avoid arriving hungry. Pack snacks and water, or a meal for full day sessions.

☆ Refrain from heavy drinking the night before your appointment, as it can thin the blood and potentially make the process more messy.

Additionally, please do not apply numbing cream without discussing with me beforehand

How do I take care of my tattoo afterward?

After your appointment, you will receive a copy of aftercare instructions that we will go over together. You can also find more information on aftercare above.

What are your Rates?

I currently offer sliding-scale rates of $175-$200/hr with a $200 hour minimum for all custom designs. I require a $100 non-refundable deposit per anticipated session at the time of booking, which will go toward the total cost of your tattoo. Some designs such as those on flash sheets may have set or discounted rates. Working within a client’s budget and aligning our expectations is very important to me. In some cases I may offer “fixed” rate pricing for large scale pieces, this allows us to move at a pace that feels comfortable without the stress of a fluctuating price.

Should I tip/are tips standard?

Tipping in the tattoo industry is similar to any other customer service based industry. It is standard to tip anywhere from 15%-20%, but is never required. Most tattoo artists pay anywhere from 30%-50% of their hourly rate to the shop they work in, and are responsible for supplying their own inks, needles, and tattoo machine supplies. 100% of tips go to the artist and are a great way to show your appreciation for the art and experience your artist gives you. Other offerings such as trades for service and personalized gifts are always appreciated as well!

Where are you located?

I am currently tattooing at Thousand Cranes Tattoo located at 2446 Almaden Rd. San Jose CA 95125.

Do you provide scar cover-ups?

If you are interested in working on a scar cover-up, please reach out so we can determine the best approach based on the nature and age of the scarring.

Will getting a tattoo hurt?

Most likely, yes. Everyone has a different level of pain tolerance, but tattooing involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles so discomfort or pain should be expected. Having a good meal and getting restful sleep before your appointment can help alleviate some of the discomfort.

Is your Space Accessible?

The building is ADA accessible with parking available directly outside. Some tattoos may require the use of a tattoo table/bed which is typically set at a height to best support my posture while I work. However, this can require the use of a stool to get up onto the procedure bed. I am happy to adjust the height to create a more comfortable experience for you, though I appreciate a heads up whenever possible! It is a manual process and can take a bit of time so I prefer to make the change before the start of our appointment so you do not have to wait for me to make the changes.

Can I bring my Service animal or ESA?

Service animals are welcome! In compliance with the department of environmental health, emotional support animals and pets will not be permitted in the studio. It is crucial for both your safety and the safety of your animal that we maintain proper sanitization and cleanliness during your appointment. If there is any perceived risk of contamination or infection due to the behavior or inability to control a service animal, I may choose to stop the session and resume at a later date.

Other Sensory info:

I am located in a shop with an open floor plan that puts other artists and clients in direct proximity to us. Because of this, there will typically be music playing and plenty of conversation in the room. The space utilizes a mix of bright overhead lighting and stronger more targeted spot lights at each chair to allow artists to work. We do not frequently use scented candles or other strong smelling items, though the germicidal agents required to clean a studio may have a lingering chemical smell. I encourage folks to bring their own sleep masks, noise cancelling headphones, or any other comfort tools that you may deem necessary to have the most relaxing experience. Feel free to reach out ahead of time or stop by the shop to get a feel for the environment if you’d like to get an idea of the space!

How Do I book?

Whether you are ready to book now or would just like to talk through an idea, submit a booking request form! This will help me gather helpful information and give us a jumping off point!