Miscellaneous Questions
Where do you work?
I work at a private studio named Swan - located in Jacksonville, Florida.
Who works with you?
Many talented people! Myra Oh (@myraoh) owns, tattoos in, and designed the studio, Luna (@moongirl.ink) is my station neighbor, Ivy Ton (@ivytontattoo), Stacey Koo (@staceykootattoo), Gavin Clark (@gavinclark.tattoos), Katie Ryan (@katieryantattoo) and Ali (@ali.ferna) along with occasional guest artists traveling through.
Is there anything I should do before my appointment?
Take care of yourself! I recommend eating good (whatever that means to you) the entire day before and especially the morning before your tattoo appointment. Staying hydrated the days leading up to it as well as getting a good rest the night before will do wonders for your comfort and pain-processing. Moisturizing the area consistently a few days before your tattoo also helps the process!
What should I wear to my appointment?
Something comfortable that allows access to the area we are tattooing. For sternum/torso pieces and back pieces, zip up jackets and button ups are perfect for exposing just the necessary areas of skin. For most other placements, tank tops and shorts are perfect! The shop has a bathroom to change in and provides pasties, if necessary. Worst case, I’m used to getting creative with tape to hold clothing and drapery in place - I’m confident we’ll be able to make it work and for you to feel comfortable getting tattooed.
Can I bring a guest?
Sure! There’s a comfortable couch that they can relax on during your appointment or we can roll a chair over. I ask that you keep your guests to one, maybe two, people. The couch is a space shared by other clients and I’m usually more focused on tattooing than conversing. The length of a tattoo appointment can get pretty boring for a guest so I recommend they bring something to do or have access to transportation to get food or do another activity in the city if they want.
What are your thoughts on numbing cream?
I think numbing cream can be an extremely useful tool! It does come with some nuance though. In my experience it has shortened my endurance in the session. While it may be wonderful while the area is numb, as the effect wears off the full pain of the tattoo can be jarring as your body hasn't given you the same endorphins to manage that pain as it does when you start the session without numbing cream. With that being said, there are some areas that I know I couldn't bare without it. I trust that you know your body and your tolerance for pain - if you think it’s necessary for you please mention it in your request and we can discuss how to best approach your tattoo. The brand I use and recommend is Hush and it requires sitting on your skin for an hour before your appointment - I ask that you do this before your appointment time. PLEASE read the instructions and ingredients and do a patch test before using any numbing cream for your tattoo! I am not responsible for any reactions they may cause and might have to reschedule your tattoo if your skin is having an adverse reaction to the lidocaine cream.
Can you tattoo over scars?
Most of the time, yes! The scar must be fully healed, which usually takes a year but can depend on the severity of the wound. If you’re interested in getting a tattoo over a scar please send a photo of the scar and note its age with your request and we’ll talk through how best to approach it.
Do you still have a vegan set-up?
I do! Occasionally I’ll use A+D ointment which can contain lanolin, please let me know if you’d like me to avoid it for your piece.
Will you guest in ______ soon?
Currently I have no plans to guest anywhere anytime soon. I have an older dog and a big garden to tend to, so for now I am rooted. Who knows what the future holds though!
What about touch-ups?
Occasionally touch-ups can be necessary in the first year of your tattoo. The gray wash may have lightened more than expected, something could have fallen out during healing, or you may have noticed something you want adjusted. Please reach out! I want you to live with the best healed version of my art possible. Much of the time these touch-ups are quick and free. We can even tack them on to your next appointment if you’re coming in again.
While I design and tattoo for longevity, touch-ups past the first year can be necessary as the body processes your tattoo ink more over time. I cannot offer these as free sessions as they usually involve more time commitment. Please send a photo of your tattoo and we can discuss what it needs!
I do not touch-up tattoos I did not do
Any other question not covered by my FAQ? Let’s talk: