TATTOO DESIGN/CONSULTATIONS
Sam's tattoos are custom, which means we will work together to create something meaningful and unique. It’s recommended for the consultation for you to bring in any reference material and ideas to help the artist create something original and special just for you! If you would like to bring your own design that is also fine, however, please be open to the possibility that some designs need to be adjusted to work effectively. The artist might also make suggestions to better fit your budget, make it fit your body, and create a meaningful piece of artwork that you will treasure and look great for a long time!
ARTWORK
Tattoo artists work tirelessly to create unique artwork for each of client. In order to have your design drawn up, and to secure your spot on the appointment calendar we do require a minimum one hour deposit ($200). This amount is taken off the bill of your last session. Please understand that a tattoo appointment is a charge for a service; all drawings remain the property of the artist. Deposits are non-refundable and are valid for only up to 1 year after booking. Deposits will be held until completion.
MISSED APPOINTMENTS
We do our best to call and remind you of your appointment as a courtesy, but remembering your appointment is your responsibility. Please note that we require 72 hours notice to cancel/ reschedule your appointment. Please be courteous – Sam has already invested many hours on your behalf for your consult and drawing. NO SHOWS and short notice cancellations will forfeit the deposit.
GENERAL RULES
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Tattoos are $200/hour + gst at the end of your session.
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Consultations are free and generally take 10-30 minutes.
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Quoted times for your tattoo are an estimate.
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Clients must be 18 to get a tattoo
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ID may be required to prove age.
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Make sure you eat something before you get your tattoo! Bring snacks if you wish but the shop does have a variety of snacks for free.
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Clients must be sober to get a tattoo.
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Please make sure you arrive clean, as the artist will be touching you and in your personal space.
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DO NOT apply numbing cream that is not pre-approved. Doing so may result in refusal of service and the deposit for the scheduled appointment being forfeited. Sam works with numbing creams often but not all brands and products are created equal.
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A NOTE ON HANDS, FEET AND NECKS
On body parts that move a great deal or have extra rough or extra thin skin, the healed images are less predictable than on more stable areas of the body. Many tattoo artists refuse to tattoo these areas for this reason. If you choose to proceed with having the following areas tattooed, you understand that the artist cannot be held responsible for fading or uneven healing. Often a single quick touchup is needed on these areas.
TOUCH-UPS
Because tattoos are on living bodies and bodies are diverse, sometimes a line will fade or come out in the healing process. If that situation arises Sam offers touch-ups within 4 months of getting the tattoo as needed. These appointments are quick (15-20 minutes) and we can get you in and out and on your way in no time. There is a $30 touchup fee which pays for the supplies and time to set up and clean after your short appointment.
Touch-ups are not a fix for poor practices during the healing phase such as irresponsible drinking, picking, swimming, sun tanning or fading due to lifestyle such as heavy duty work, excessive exposure to the elements and potential contaminants. It is also not an on-going service to keep your tattoo looking “fresh.” If you would like a 'freshening' tattoo session after the initial 4 month period, it will be an hourly charge.
You can mitigate fading with proper after care of your tattoo. Please read the aftercare instructions you are given at the time of your appointment, and call or email Sam if you have any questions.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
We do accept cash, e-transfer, as well as credit. As stated before, if your tattoo is complete then your deposit will come off the final price of your tattoo! It’s common practice to tip your tattoo artist if you are happy with your tattoo, or feel you got extra attention. If you can afford it, a good tip is 15-20%, just like a restaurant, but all tattoo shops and artists welcomes whatever you are comfortable with. Keep in mind that the custom design as well as drawings that are done up, are commonly done after hours, unpaid and at home. Some drawings can take many hours to complete or redrawing may be done at no additional cost as well.
TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
SECOND SKIN BANDAGE
After 24-48 hours, you can gently remove the bandage. For best results slowly remove in the shower/underwater. Next, gently clean the area with a mild unscented soap and use paper towel to pat dry the new tattoo and surrounding skin.
Apply a scent-free lotion as needed (dry or itchy) 1-2 times daily with clean hands.
A tattoo is an open wound, keeping it clean and safe from bacteria is crucial!
DO NOT:
● Do not itch, pick at, or tear off scabs.
● Do not over hydrate tattoo with aftercare cream or unscented lotions.
● Do not apply scented lotions or medicated ointments such as polysporin during healing.
● Do not use a bath towel to dry tattoo after cleaning (bacteria), simply let the tattoo air dry.
● Do not swim, hot tub or soak for a minimum of three weeks.
● Do not exercise causing sweat build up while using the second skin bandage.
● Do not apply any additional bandaging after the second skin process has been completed.
● Do not tan or expose tattoo to direct sunlight until fully healed (about three weeks minimum).
● Do not wear tight clothing that may irritate the tattoo during healing. We strongly recommend applying sunblock to HEALED tattoos to prevent fading.
TRADITIONAL BANDAGES
Leave the traditional bandage applied on for 3-5 hours or as otherwise recommended by the artist. Immediately after removing the bandage, gently clean the area with a mild unscented soap and use paper towel to pat dry. A tattoo is an open wound, keeping it clean and safe from bacteria is crucial.
Throughout the healing process, Approved aftercare cream can be applied as needed (if it is dry or itchy) 1-2 times daily with clean hands. Follow instructions until your tattoo is 100% healed (approx. 3 weeks).
DO NOT:
● Do not itch, pick at, or tear off scabs.
● Do not over hydrate tattoo with aftercare cream or unscented lotions.
● Do not apply scented lotions or medicated ointments such as polysporin during healing.
● Do not use a bath towel to dry tattoo after cleaning (bacteria).
● Do not swim, hot tub or soak for a minimum of three weeks.
● Do not apply any additional bandaging after the initial bandage has been removed.
● Do not tan or expose tattoo to direct sunlight until fully healed.
● Do not wear tight clothing that may irritate the tattoo during healing. We strongly recommend applying sunblock to HEALED tattoos to prevent fading.