Are these all the tattoos you have?
There is a large selection of designs at the shop for you to choose from. If I don't have
what you are looking for, there are other resources. For example, it may be possible that I
can create a custom piece for you. Another option might be searching the Internet, or even
some of my magazines.
Are You Any Good At This?
The short answer is Yes! That being said, the proof of my skills as a Tattoo Artist are in
the tattoos that I've done. If you want to see my work please click here and decide for yourself.
If you want to know more about me or how long I've been tattooing, then please click here.
Another option would be to come into the shop to talk with me and look at my portfolio, in person.
Can you numb the area?
I do not currently use numbing agents of any kind. The good news, however, is that after a few minutes the
pain decreases quite a bit. I will also work with you to make it as comfortable as possible. People are
always very surprised when they find out that most of the horror stories are only myths. There are
some new products on the market that claim to numb the area topically. I am a little skeptical but may
be testing them out in the future.
Does it hurt?
No tattoo is completely pain free. Many people have said that for the first 10 minutes or so it feels like
a burning cat scratch. After that you start to tolerate it. Some people actually become very relaxed and
are able to deal with the sensation quite easily
Can it be smaller?
Tattoos can be extremely small. The bad news is that if you go too small, the tattoo will only look good for
a very short time. Over the years, a small tattoo closes in on itself. Also, the smaller the tattoo, the less
detail I can put into it. Many people getting an extremely small tattoo regret it later.
Do you reuse the ink?
No...Never. In fact I reuse NOTHING that might touch your skin. You will never have anything used on you that has
been used on someone else.
Can I use Vaseline?
I believe that Vaseline or any other petroleum based product is a poor choice. I would advise that you use a
product that has been designed specifically for healing a tattoo. Our shop chooses a product called H2Ocean.
It not only has proven ingredients but is the ONLY product that is STERILE and dispensed in such a manner as to
prevent cross contamination.
What’s the cheapest?
We all want to save money when we can. However, when it comes to tattoos, price isn't the only consideration.
There are other, equally important considerations. When possible, find out about the artist. Does the artist
have a portfolio that demonstrates their work to your satisfaction? If you're not able to view a portfolio of
recent work from the artist, it may be an indication that you should seek another artist. Moreover, sometimes a
"cheap tattoo" is a hint that the artist is desperate for work or can not get any work unless they practically give
it away. Most competent and sought after artists will charge a fee that may average around $80.00 to $100.00 dollars
an hour. Remember, when you ask an artist to tattoo you, you're asking someone to create a piece of art on your
body that you will love for the rest of your life.
How much does a tattoo cost?
There are no set prices. I charge "by the piece". This just means that after we have discussed what you want, where
you want it, size, colors, etc...I then tell you what I think a fair price might be. I base my prices on difficulty,
size and time required to complete the tattoo (sometimes placement also comes into the price). After I tell you my
price, if all agree, we proceed with the work.
Do you have any crosses?
Yes I do. I have designs you can choose from or I can draw you a custom design. Remember though, you can also bring
in your own design that I'd be happy to work with.
Can you outline my tattoo with a color other than black?
Yes we can, but only after we discuss the potential outcome. A tattoo without a black outline will not have the look
that most people are looking for. It sounds like a unique idea but many people are disappointed after a while. The
tattoo does not have a distinct/crisp look to it. It is more like a soft watercolor painting. The other consideration
would be when I do portraits. That is when black outlines are not used for the entire project.
Can you write my name in kanji?
I can not translate. I never know for sure what the Kanji actually means. I have Kanji available here that has been
purchased from reputable flash (art designs) companies. However, there is no guarantee with any language that I do
not speak or read.
Do I need an appointment?
I do walk-ins and appointments. If I'm too busy for a walk-in at that moment, I'm more than happy to schedule you for
an alternative time that will suit your busy schedule before you leave.
Do you teach people to tattoo?
No I don't do that. In Oregon you are required to attend a Tattoo Career school approved by the State Health Licensing
Office. Contact them for a list of approved schools.
Can I bring in my own design?
Yes! I can use your design and ideas. Actually I like to get as much input from you as possible before doing your
tattoo. Ideas from you or actual designs are great.
Can I go smoke a cigarette?
I never say no to this, however, for several reasons I'd like you to take as few breaks as possible. Not only is it
practical to stick with it and get it done, but if you take breaks, the tattoo hurts all over again when you come back.
Plus the more you leave the operatory, the more chances of contaminating the tattooed area in the outside environment.
I may cover it during the break, but the smoking are is not as clean as the tattoo room.
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Did you draw all the designs that we choose from?
No. What you may see on the walls is likely to be purchased flash art. There are photos of actual tattoos that I've done
and there may be art that I've drawn on the walls, too. Primarily, however, the designs on the walls and in some of the
books are to help you with ideas. Or, you can actually use the exact picture for your tattoo.
Can I drink alcohol before the tattoo?
NO! Not only is it prohibited by law to consume alcohol before a tattoo, it is believed to have adverse effects on the tattoo.
I think that you bleed more and that makes it harder to do the tattoo properly.
How long will it take to do tattoo?
It depends on the size, detail, and number of breaks.
Do you sell supplies, like the ink and needles?
No. It is a violation to tattoo without a state license in Oregon. If you have a license, then you know the proper
channels to obtain professional grade tattoo supplies. Supplying the non-professional, unlicensed public with these
materials is irresponsible and promotes a dangerous practice.
How long does it take to heal?
Usually the skin takes about 28 days to produce epidermal dust. So, under absolute ideal conditions, your tattoo could
look pretty good in about a month. In reality, though, give it about 6-8 weeks. This is because the tattoo will sustain
some unintentional abuse during that time or you may be tempted to do something that is not advised in my aftercare
instructions. Aftercare instruction will go over all of this.
How long have you been tattooing?
The proof of my skills as a Tattoo Artist are in the tattoos that I've done. If you want to see my work please click here and see for yourself. If you want to know more about me or how long I've been
tattooing, then please click here. Another option would be to come into the shop to talk
with me and look at my portfolio, in person.
How many tattoos do you do in a day?
It isn't so much how many individual tattoos but how many actual hours of tattooing can I do in a day. On average most
artists can tattoo for 5 - 6 continuous hours in a day. After that it would be wise to stop for the day. You wouldn't
want an over-tired tattoo artist working on your tattoo.
Where does it hurt the least?
Actually, everyone is different. What hurts me may not hurt you. Just remember, it is very tolerable and for some,
after about 10 minutes, not much of a problem at all. Everyone survives and leaves happy.
How old do you have to be to get tattooed?
In Oregon you must be at least 18 years old. The only exception is if your tattoo is a medical tattoo and ordered by a
doctor. This is for things like scar camouflage, areola tattoo after breast surgery, pigmentation after skin grafts,
etc...By the way, I do not have the specific training for medical tattoos.
What if I want something original?
I do that all the time. With your ideas to get me started, I can put something together that should satisfy your
desire for a one-of-a-kind tattoo.
When can I remove my bandage?
After at least 2 hours. I will go over the entire aftercare process with you after the tattoo.
How much is a small tattoo?
Each tattoo is individually priced after I discuss it with you in detail. I need a lot of information about your
tattoo before I can give you a price. I need to know how much detail is in your design, how much color you want,
how difficult the design is and an idea of how long it will take. I price my tattoos as fairly as possible. Currently,
my minimum charge is $ 50.00.
Are there any tattoos that you don't do?
Yes there are: I don't do tattoos on the inside of the lip. I don't do gang related tattoos. I don't do racial tattoos,
such as "White Power", "Black Power", or any other such inflamatory tattoos. If you're under 35 years of age, I will not
tattoo your hands, face, front or side of the neck. The back of the neck is Ok since it can be covered. Moreover, I
reserve the right to add to this list as I see fit. |