OTTAWA Tattooer
Studio Policies
The studio is 18+ only.
I cannot tattoo a person who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
I usually open my books every 3 months, but I check my correspondence regularly, so please reach out anytime via e mail or DM.
BOOKS OPEN MONDAY SEPT 8th 2025
The design process:
Before making a booking, I like to chat with potential clients about the project to make sure I am the right artist. I like to ask questions such as the subject matter, the style, the placement, the size, and any other thoughts or details regarding your idea. I also welcome reference although when it comes to realism, I will usually find my own, and together we will decide on the final photos.
I take a deposit via E transfer, which comes off the price of the tattoo the day of. Deposits for ongoing projects are carried over until the last session.
I start creating my designs the week of the actual appointment, and I like to reach out, usually the Monday or Wednesday before, to discuss any specific details, and go over photographs and options. I prefer to do this in real time versus over email, and this can be achieved either over WhatsApp, Instagram, or phone. I will ask your preference at the time of the booking.
Client expectations:
Please eat and drink before the appointment, and feel free to bring a drink/snack to consume during our break. (Some clients choose to bring their own pillow or blanket for extra comfort.)
I usually contact my clients at the start of the week to confirm appointment times and go over design details.
If a client no-shows, or repeatedly cancels/reschedules, I may not offer to rebook them in the future.
Pricing:
The consulting, designing, and drawing time are all included in my hourly tattooing rate - there is no additional charge for the time spent creating your design. Please feel free to ask about my hourly rate.
I typically do not charge for touch ups required on pieces within the first three months. Sleeves and ongoing work can be touched up during any ongoing session. If you feel you require a touch up, please let me know as soon as you are healed, so we can complete the touch up in a timely manner.
Factors that will determine how long a piece will take to tattoo are:
⁃ the style of the tattoo
⁃ The size of the tattoo
⁃ The placement/location
⁃ The condition of the skin
⁃ How well the client sits
Deposit disclaimer:
The amount of the deposit is determined by the length of the appointment.
I require a deposit in order to confirm an appointment. When an appointment is booked, the deposit is credited to my clients account, and comes off the price of the tattoo the day of. This is not a booking fee, or added charge - it is a non-refundable/non-transferable down payment towards your tattoo.
A deposit will be lost if:
⁃ Someone no-shows, or cancels/reschedules their appointment without sufficient notice
⁃ A request to reschedule is made more than once, further than 3 months out, or rescheduled indefinitely
⁃ The tattoo idea is completely changed after the design process has started
Please make sure you are financially committed to your tattoo at the time of your booking. The deposit covers my administrative costs only, and is meant to ensure a client’s commitment.
Lastly, thank you for your continued interest and support. 2025 will mark my 18th year in the industry. I am committed to all my clients, new and returning. I respond to all my inquiries personally, and occasionally it might take a few days, so patience is appreciated!
Custom FAQ
1. Does it matter which artist I book for my tattoo?
Definitely. There are many simple tattoo ideas that could easily be applied by any of our artists, but for a custom piece, you want to make sure that the artist you choose is proficient in the style you want. A good rule of thumb is to look at the artist's portfolio. If the style in question isn't present, it usually means it's not what they typically do. While different artists can tackle a multitude of styles (ie. neo traditional, realism, old school, Japanese, water colour, etc.) they don't necessarily do them all.
2. Do I need a consultation? What is the consultation for?
Not everyone will require a consultation to book an appointment. However if the tattoo is custom, large, and complex, the artist may need to sit down with you to discuss ideas and make sure you are both on the same page. The artist will let you know what works, what doesn't, and help guide you towards the best outcome possible.
If an artist books far in advance, it may be beneficial to book your consult and your tattoo appointment only a few weeks apart. That way things will stay fresh in the artists mind. If you choose this option, e mail the artist you are looking to book with first, to make sure your initial idea is something they would want to do.
Once the actual tattoo has been booked, it is not appropriate to completely change the tattoo concept via e mail. While minor changes to a design are accepted, a tattoo appointment should not be booked until the client is completely settled on a particular theme/idea. The actual tattoo appointment may be booked months in advance, with the idea and theme being discussed at your consult. Completely changing an idea once already booked can confuse things, and may require a new consultation altogether.
It is wise to book an appointment once you have already committed to your tattoo 100% and you know what you want. If you aren't sure you want a tattoo, or what the tattoo will be of, it is best to wait to book the appointment until you are ready.
3. Can you design me something before I book? If not, then how will I know if I will like it?
The artist only starts designing once a deposit has been left and the appointment booked. We are creating for client's appointments daily and our designs are prioritized by whose appointments are coming up. A deposit guarantees the time we put into a design. The amount of the deposit depends on how long the appointment is booked for, and will come off the price of the tattoo the day of the appointment. Every shop is different, but many tattooers don't charge for drawing/creating time or consults, they pay for their own gear, and supplies. When they don't tattoo, they don't get paid. If someone doesn't show up for their appointment, the artist suffers the lost wages, and also the time they spent on the design.
If you have researched the artists credentials and portfolio, and perhaps had a consultation, that should be enough to make you feel confident with their capabilities or not. There is definitely an element of trust that goes into booking your tattoo with someone, and if you don't feel it, don't book it. If you do trust them, then you have to do just that, and let them do their work. As long as you like the artist's previous work, and are clear about your concept, there should be no reason to worry.
4. The artist said no to my idea. It's my body, isn't it my choice?
When a professional tattooer gives you their opinion on whether or not something is a good idea, please take it into consideration. "My body, my choice" may be true, it is also up to the tattooer whether or not they choose to do it. There is a middle ground between a pushy tattooer, and "the customer is always right". You don't want to feel bullied into getting something you didn't want, but you also have to respect the fact that if you are dealing with an experienced professional, they know what they're talking about. If an artist tells you that size of the tattoo is too small to get the detail, or that the side of the finger wont stand the test of time, they say it because they know better, not because they want to upset you.
That being said, if there is something you do not love about your design, please say tell your artist. It is going on your body forever, not theirs.
Not every artist will feel comfortable "finishing" a piece that was started by another tattooer. Some shops wont tattoo peoples' hands, face, or neck. It all depends on the circumstances, but it is up to each individual artist to do what they feel comfortable with.
Some cover-ups can be done easily in one session, and others may require laser removal to fade it first (black can only be covered with black). If an artist can't accommodate your request, the best they can offer are some alternatives, or referrals.
5. Can you tattoo something I drew myself? What about a tattoo I found on the internet? I don't want any changes.
Reference is always welcomed, but the more creative your custom artist can be, the more original and awesome your tattoo can be. Remember, we are professionals, and we want to give you the most flattering job possible, and part of our job is letting the client know if something doesn't flow.
If you are bringing in reference of another person's custom tattoo, prepare yourself not to get completely attached to that specific image. If your tattoo is going to be custom, that also means it will be original. A professional would not copy someone else's work, and in turn would not replicate your tattoo on anyone else. If it is the style of the tattoo that you find yourself attached to, then make sure you find an artist who projects a similar style. Tattoo references are a great way to let your artist know the style and colour pallet you are looking for, as long as you understand it will be modified to be different. (Even with colour realism florals, reference is welcomed, but your tattoo will be based off of a real-life photo, not a tattoo photo.)
6. I have a vision in my head, and I am very picky. Will this drive you crazy?
Some clients are completely open to however their artist thinks they should move forward with the project, while others find it difficult to give up on the exact vision they pictured in their mind coming into the studio. There is nothing wrong with knowing what you want, but keep in mind that tattooers aren't mind readers. If you pictured the hair on your pin up flowing in a different direction, consider that maybe your artist drew it this way because it looked better. It might look different, but does it still look good?
Custom tattooers can spend hours (if not days) on their weekly designs. If there are elements that are must haves in your piece, or you are not willing to budge on a change, let your artist know in advance so that they don't waste their time, and yours. That being said, a professional wont bat an eye if you request small changes when you see the design, as long as the changes wont compromise the drawing.
7. Why is proper reference important?
When you are getting a custom designed tattoo, your tattoo will be original. However, providing reference lets the artist see samples of what you like so we know what you are looking for.
Good reference for a realism or portrait tattoo is most important because you are essentially having the photo replicated on to your skin. The subject in the photo must be large enough, high resolution, properly lit, and provide a good likeness for optimal results.
The reason a photo of a photo (or a photo of your computer screen) can not be used is because it distorts the subject. This is even true with lettering.
8. How are tattoos priced?
Most shops have a minimum charge for even the smallest of tattoos. The pricing is based on how long the tattoo is going to take, its size, placement, and the detail involved. Larger tattoos are priced by the hour and tiny tattoos are priced by the piece. If your artist charges an hourly rate, make sure to ask what it is beforehand. Don't forget that if you are visiting a legitimate business there will be HST.
9. How do I take care of the tattoo once it is completed?
Our shop will provide you with an aftercare sheet and ointment, along with our contact information incase you have further questions. Feel free to reach out if you aren't sure about something. That's what we're here for!