What is your studio like?

I work out of a licensed personal private studio in Chippendale, Sydney.

I see only one client a day in a minimal one-on-one setting.

The tattoo area featuring an XL bed is on one side of the room and my work station is on the other, with a waiting area, wall flash, and full length mirror inbetween.

Where is your studio located?

The studio is located in Chippendale, Sydney.

The exact address is only given to booked clients to maintain its privacy.

The closest train stations are Central Station and Redfern Station, with the closest bus stop being Railway Square.

Although there is 2-Hour Metered street parking in the area, public transport or Uber is recommended so you don’t have to keep hopping out to refill parking.

Do you take walk ins?

The studio is strictly appointment only. If you want to do an in-person consultation please get in contact via Instagram DM or the Booking Form to arrange a time.

How many artists are in your studio?

Only I work in the studio as I want to offer a peaceful and private one-on-one experience free from distractions.

Do you do cover ups?

Yes, I can do cover ups, blast-overs (when it doesn’t matter if part of the existing tattoo can be seen), or I can modifying existing tattoos.

Please remember with cover ups we can only add, not subtract, and there are limitations to what can be achieved.

If you have a particularly detailed, saturated tattoo I would recommend a few sessions of laser removal to knock the image back prior to getting a touch up, for this I recommend Paramount Tattoo Removal.

What time do you do sessions?

I do sessions at 12pm and see only one client per day.

Do you do sessions on weekends and public holidays?

Yes, as these are often the only days most people are available, they get booked out in advance fairly quickly so get in quick!

I do not charge extra for weekends or public holidays.

How painful is a tattoo?

I’ve done a lot of people’s first tattoos and every single one of them was surprised at how much less the tattoo hurt than they expected.

Most people say it feels ‘scratchy’ or like someone is pressing a fingernail into their skin and dragging it.

Different areas hurt more than others, with ribs, stomachs, backs, calves and tops of feet being the most painful.

I’d recommend for a first tattoo doing a really easy spot like the arm or leg so you get to know the pain.

Can you draw something and if I like it I’ll book in?

If you’re after a pre-drawn design please refer to the flash.

All custom designs require a non-refundable deposit to begin.

Are your inks vegan?

I strictly use Eclipse Black Tattoo Ink which is vegan, hypoallergenic, sterile, and REACH 2022 Compliant.

The only colour I use is Fusion Really Red, which is an organic vegan ink.

How do I book in a tattoo appointment with you?

You can use the Booking Form or simply send me a Direct Message on Instagram, I’m on social media constantly so I typically respond very quickly!

Let me know your design idea , rough sizing (palm size, hand sized, bigger?), and an idea of the placement on the body (inner forearm, rib, etc.) and any reference images you might have.

From there I will let you know how much it will roughly be and my availabilities and we can lock it in with a deposit.

Is this particular flash still available?

I do not retire designs so all flash is available. I have a tendency to update the designs as I go or to fit specific areas of the body so let me know in advance which one you are interested in getting.

Can I bring an idea to you?

Absolutely! I do custom work and the more reference you have the better. If I’m unable to do what you have in mind I can always point you in the direction of a tattooer I know of who I think could do it justice.

Do you do in person consultations?

Out of convenience for everyone I mostly do consultations via Instagram DM, but if you’re more comfortable explaining your ideas in person, or if we need to fit the design within existing tattoos, I can do in-person consultations at my studio for no charge.

Can I see the design before the session?

I will generally be in touch with the design closer to the date of the tattoo, typically a week or two prior to the session.

If the design calls for it I will have options for you to choose from before I move onto subsequent stages of drawing, so keep an eye on your DMs.

If I haven’t sent you an update, there is no need to follow it up with me, I do not forget, I just prioritize designs that are due more immediately.

Can I get a tattoo of an image I found off Pinterest / Instagram / Google ?

Absolutely! Especially in the case of very general imagery, public domain imagery, or something based off a font.

If you’re after a design by a particular artist but they live overseas I’d recommend getting in touch with them to see if you can pay a fee to use the design, many artists are fine with this and will supply a hi-resolution image to use. 

I generally recommend doing our own version so you get something unique though.

Do I need to pay a deposit? How much is a deposit?

Deposits are typically $200, or $300 in the case of complex custom designs, payable via PayID or Bank Transfer.

Deposits are a sign of mutual respect that I will reserve my availability for you that day and you will show up. They are non-refundable.

Deposits are deducted from the total cost of the piece which I will let you know beforehand.

Deposits are forfeited for no-shows or cancelling/changing the artwork the night before a session, and a new deposit will need to be paid.

Cancelling a session within 48 hours will incur a new deposit.

Deposits will lapse after a month if the the design has been started but an appointment isn’t made.

If you have not paid a deposit, you are not guaranteed a session.

What payment methods do you take?

Deposits can be paid by PayID or Bank Transfer and the remaining amount can be brought to the session in cash (preferred).

There are multiple ATMs in the area but they have withdrawal limits where you will need to pay a fee each time so I recommend you come prepared with cash withdrawn from the ATM of your bank.

AFTERPAY is available, as well as credit card payments and in some cased Crypto in the form of Ethereum or Bitcoin only.

What is your hourly rate?

I charge per piece rather than an hourly rate and only see one client per day even for a small piece.

I find that letting clients know what they’re expected to pay upfront lessens anxieties if the session is taking longer than expected, or if we need to take breaks.

This cost takes into account any drawing time prior to the session and the session itself.

My minimum is $250.

Depending on complexity, typically palm sized pieces range from $300 to $500.

Hand sized pieces $500-$900.

Larger pieces range from $900-$1500.

Even larger projects like backpieces can be multiple day sessions ($1500 per day session) but I usually do discounts on those.

It is always best to get in touch with your idea and I can let you know more accurately the cost.

How much for a cybersigilism/dark ornamental backpiece/sleeve?

Depending on the size and complexity of the design, these can range from $800 to $1500 or more if multiple day sessions are required.

This largely depends on the design though as some designs can be very simple but very big. Or very detailed but small.

Can I add on a smaller tattoo during a session? A small word or a line down my finger etc.

As my minimum is $250, I generally recommend if you want something really small, to either get multiple small tattoos in the one session, or in most cases I throw it in for free at the end of a bigger session.

I’ve found someone who can do it cheaper, do you price match?

Not all tattooers charge the same and not all artists are made equal.

I offer a very specific style and way of doing things, bringing the years of experience I have.

If you have a budget in mind we can work out an idea that will fit your budget.

I’ve had to touch up or cover up plenty of cheap tattoos where clients have ended up paying more than if they just went to a decent artist in the first place.

I do recommend for something permanent like a tattoo to remember that you get what you pay for.

How do I prepare for my tattoo session?

You must avoid alcohol, Paracetamol/Aspirin/Ibuprofen, or Fish Oil, 24 hours prior to the tattoo session as these thin the blood and can cause excessive bleeding which can reject the tattoo.

I have seen it happen and you would be undergoing all that pain for nothing.

Remember to have a decent meal beforehand as it helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent lightheadedness. Low blood sugar can increase the pain sensitivity.

Do I need to bring anything?

Remember to wear comfortable loose clothes (not white). Bring water and snacks. Headphones or an Ipad are welcome, they help you zone out and get comfortable. 

Treat the session almost as if you are about to catch a plane.

You are also welcome to order Uber Eats to the studio!

And of course bring the remainder of the payment in cash.

What If I get sick before my session?

In the case of rescheduling due to sickness or extenuating circumstances, with enough notice I will carry over your deposit to the next available session, which is not typical at tattoo studios, but a grace I offer my clients.

Constant multiple reschedules though will forfeit your initial deposit and you will have to pay a new one.

What happens if I don’t want a tattoo anymore?

Please let me know in advance so I am not opening the studio and waiting around for a no show.

If you have paid a deposit then that deposit is non-refundable, but please discuss it with me so we can find a solution.

What can I expect at the session?

At the start of the session I start with measuring out roughly the area getting tattooed and print out various size options to try on to see which works best and what the client is comfortable with.

I tend to take my time with this and edit the design if needed to get a perfect fit to flow with a client’s particular body shape. 

Once a size is determined and the artwork finalised comes the stencilling. 

It’s always best not to rush through this part, a stencil can be repositioned but a tattoo cannot. I’ve been told that I tend to be pretty pedantic about it, which my clients value.

After the stencil is on the tattooing begins. Depending on which area is getting tattooed the client will either be laying on the XL tattoo bed or just sitting with their arm resting on a smaller bed.

We take as meany breaks a required for the client to have a stretch or have a snack.

Once the tattoo is finished, we photograph the tattoo and a ‘second skin’ bandage is applied and aftercare instructions given and they’re on their way.

Can I bring a friend?

Understandably you might want to bring a friend for support, but I can tell you 9 times out of 10 that that person gets very bored and agitated.

You can definitely arrive with a friend for the start of the session, but you wouldn’t make a friend wait for you at the dentist and a tattoo takes longer than that.

Making you talk, move, laugh, showing you memes on their phone, knocking the bed during the tattoo, leaning over the tattoo I’m trying to do, asking how much longer the tattoo will take, breaking my focus, are all ways that can make my job unnecessarily difficult and impact your tattoo. 

Can I use numbing cream?

The reason why tattooers generally don’t like numbing cream is because it makes the skin texture bad to work with and more difficult to tattoo and also heal weird.

I have had clients use numbing creams in the past though.

During a tattoo session your adrenaline goes up which acts as your body’s pain relief, often called the ‘tattoo high’ or ‘tattoo euphoria’.

After about an hour and a half this goes down and it the session becomes more painful, in which case I can use Bactine MAX, a pain relieving spray.

Numbing cream needs to be applied before a session, left on and sealed in cling wrap for about an hour or an hour and a half, and there is no guarantee to how long it lasts. I have had clients wait around for an hour and a half only for the numbing cream to last 20 minutes.

Also when it wears off, the pain is worse than if you hadn’t used numbing cream because it becomes a very sudden rush of pain.

If you’re going to get a tattoo that will take an hour or two I really do not recommend it at all.

The best approach is to use a numbing spray like Bactine MAX after that first hour and a half when the adrenaline goes down.

What if I tap out during my session?

It happens! Once we get the outlining stage done, depending on how much we get through we can finish it off the next day (if available) or in three weeks time once the tattoo has settled, I count these as a free touch up session usually.

In the case of a project booked for multiple sessions then we can just work on it more in the next session.

How do I take care of my new tattoo?

At the end of the session I always use a ‘second skin’ bandage to protect the tattoo. How long you need to leave this on depends on the tattoo itself and the specific instructions I give.

After the second skin bandage comes off I highly recommend using Ink Nurse (available at Chemist Warehouse) as an aftercare cream.

Please see my section on Aftercare for more information, if in any doubt feel free to ask me via DM, there is no such thing as a stupid question!

What if parts of my tattoo drop out or heal weird?

I offer free touch ups on all my tattoos and would much rather touch something up for you than to have a piece of work walking around in the world not looking it’s best!

Once the tattoo has settled (about three weeks) just get in touch!

What if my tattoo gets infected?

It is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to possible infections. 

Get a script for an oral or topical antibiotic ASAP via Telehealth or an online script if the tattoo is remaining hot to the touch or red after a few days or continues to weep.

If an infection results in any drop outs with the tattoo please contact me and I can touch it up free of charge.