FAQs
Payment and Cost
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$1300 for the first hour and $700 for every additional hour
Pricing differs greatly depending on the size, color, placement, idea, and detail. Due to that reason, I won't be able to give an estimate for prices without a specific idea. On average, a small-size pet portrait tattoo takes about 1.5 hours (1~2 hours). This depends on the color or pattern of the fur on your pet. A big-size or full-body tattoo takes at least 2.5 hours.
Estimated times for flowers and other designs vary drastically, so please ask me about your specific ideas. :)
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I only charge for the actual tattoo time, and I do not count the time it takes to stencil the design, break times, etc.
However, if the pre-tattoo steps including stenciling and preparing for your tattoo takes too long, please note that I may not be able to finish your tattoo during your allocated time, so you may have to reserve an additional session.
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I accept cash, Zelle, and most credit cards. If you are paying by Zelle, please have the app ready and the limit checked before our appointment. Credit cards will have a 3.5% processing fee, for the amount NOT INCLUDING the deposit amount, as that is just a flat, prior payment.
Please note I do not use Venmo.
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Ack! I hate this question, because I get it so often and it’s awkward to answer! Generally, people tip for tattoos like they do at any other service industry, such as a restaurant or hair salon. I can tell you that the industry standard is about 20%, but there is no set rate. Please tip however you see fit! 😅
About Your Appointment
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Unfortunately, I only work through private appointments and do not accept walk-ins.
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I don't provide in-person consultation. All consultations will be done via email. That said, I am very responsive to my clients. Once your tattoo session is reserved, please feel free to email me any questions you may have.
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Please note that deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable and will be applied to the final price of your tattoo. If you reschedule your appointment with less than 14 days' notice, you are forfeiting your deposit. We ask that you please reschedule or cancel at least 2 weeks before the beginning of your appointment.
You are allowed to reschedule once. Any additional rescheduling will necessitate a new deposit and the forfeiture of the initial one.
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California state law requires me to record your government-issued ID info, so please bring a valid form of identification with you. Also, your body condition leading up to your tattoo session is very important. I recommend that you eat well before you come in, and remember to stay hydrated.
Please refrain from drinking alcohol the day before your tattoo session. Alcohol can increase bleeding for up to 24 hours. Blood also dilutes out pigments, affecting both the appearance of your tattoo as well as the healing process.
Make sure you have had a good night’s rest so that your skin will accept the ink more easily.
And if you have hair on the area where you want to get your tattoo, please shave that area prior to your session.
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Please do not bring any guests to your appointment. Strangers are distracting to tattoo artists who should be focusing on their work.
If you bring friends who chat loudly or come into my workspace throughout your session to check out your tattoo, this breaks my concentration Because your tattoo will be something you cherish for the rest of your life, I would like to focus 100% on working on making it perfect. <3
Plus, my clients enjoy the intimacy and privacy of having the whole studio to themselves!
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If you plan on being late, please let me know as soon as you can! If you do not let me know in advance and/or do not reply to my email for 10 minutes, I will consider this a no-show appointment and your reservation will be automatically canceled. In this case, you may not book an appointment with me in the future.
Also, even if you let me know in advance, if you are more than 10 minutes late, a late fee will be added. The late fee will be counted just like the rate for your tattoo and will be added to your final cost.
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Sorry, but no. Please do not use numbing cream. Numbing cream may be fine to use for eyebrow tattoos, but it should not be used for a tattoo that requires a lot of detail.
However, we will take breaks as needed, and during our break time, I will apply a numbing spray to help with the pain. This will only be used after the skin has been opened up, and will not affect the quality of the tattoo. I take a very gentle approach, and you will be able to handle the pain!
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I'll give you specific and detailed aftercare instructions after your session is over. In my aftercare sheet, I tell you to use Aquaphor to treat your tattoo, but if your skin type is oily, there is a possibility that the Aquaphor could absorb the tattoo ink. So if you have oily skin, I strongly recommend buying this before your tattoo session.
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No - I always prioritize return clients. If you would like additional tattoos, you don’t need to wait for the booking form to reopen, and you can email me anytime to schedule a date! I will try to squeeze you in if I am booked up.
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In my experience, 97-98% of clients did not need touch-ups, as the colors stayed pigmented.
It is natural for the color of your tattoo to fade a little bit as time goes by, especially compared to the very first day you get your tattoo (I personally love the way the color naturally blends in with the color of the skin!). I can also recommend colors that will best suit your skin color.
However, if there are sections of your tattoo where the ink is missing right after you get your tattoo, then you need to get a touch-up. In the case where I find that it is needed, the first touch-up will be free within one year of your first appointment. Please send me a photo of your current tattoo and I will let you know if a touch-up is necessary.
Design and Idea
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First – yay! I can’t wait to work with you. In the case of a pet or animal tattoo, I do not create mock-up designs because I work from photographs. Therefore, please choose your favorite photo of your pet to use for your tattoo.
The quality of your photo will determine the quality of your tattoo. If the photo you send is blurry or low in quality, there is a limit to how much detail I can tattoo. The best photo is one where I can clearly see the eyes, nose, and mouth when I zoom in.
For flowers or other tattoos, your design will be seen in person when you come in for your appointment (sorry – no exceptions). I don't provide the design before your appointment date due to copyright infringement. We will spend around 10~20 minutes editing and discussing your design together before we get started.
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I do not allow changes on the day of your appointment.
*For animal tattoos: If you would like to change your photo, please send me your new photo at least one day before your appointment.
*For any other tattoos: If you would like to change your tattoo idea, please let me know at least 14 days in advance. If the design requires more time than the original time duration, you may have to reschedule your appointment.
Please note that changing your tattoo idea, adding objects to the design, or making any other changes to your design on the day of your appointment may delay the process, and we may not be able to finish within your allotted time frame.
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Unfortunately, no. Currently, I work alone, and do all the photo editing and uploading myself. Therefore, I only have time to upload a few of the photos I take onto Instagram, and it is very difficult for me to send everyone their photos.
I apologize in advance. I can’t wait to hire a photographer, so I will be able to send my clients all their photos. In the meantime, I will do my best to take photos with your phone, by request.
More Questions?
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Feel free to email me at pawtattoo.sf@gmail.com if you have any questions that are not covered in the FAQs. However, please note that due to high volumes, I may not be able to respond to questions that are already addressed in the FAQs. Thank you for your understanding.
Ready to memorialize your pet?
WE CAN’T WAIT TO CHAT ABOUT YOUR TATTOO NEEDS