Ink & Feather · Custom Tattoos
Frequently Asked Questions
& Tattoo Etiquette
We know you have them, we've tried to answer them.
What is your Minimum?
My minimum is $75, this is also the amount for a deposit to start the process of designing a tattoo or booking. We accept Debit, Visa/Mastercard, Cash or E-Transfers. The final price of a tattoo depends on the size and complexity, a small tattoo may cost more than the minimum and some simple, slightly larger pieces may fall within that minimum.
Why so cheap?!?!
I don't have a lot of overhead, I can afford to offer affordable services. A big part of that is I have an at home tattoo studio, which is a huge cost savings, leasing a space can costs business owners $3K+ a month (that's a lot of tattooing just to pay the bills!) Read the ABOUT section for more information about my at home studio.
Tattoos from home?
If you still haven't, go and read the ABOUT section... My Studio is Inspected and Ottawa Public Health approved. I have a wife and 2 kids, I don't need the drama and I don't have the energy to be anything but friendly and professional. I'm welcoming you into my home (well the front part of it, that's the business side)... maybe make an appointment to come by and see before you commit to a tattoo.
Will it hurt?
Yes, how much... that's a personal thing, some people find it quite painful others not at all, some enjoy it! There are charts that approximate the level of discomfort for different areas. Personally I don't find it painful at all, a doctors needle is worse.
I've booked an appointment, I have to cancel, now what?
Things happen, my policy depends on the situation. I'm happy to re-schedule, once, given 24 hours notice, after which, further cancellation forfeits your deposit, a reschedule requires a new additional deposit. 48 hours are required for a cancellation otherwise you forfeit your deposit. If I have spent my time drawing up a design for you and you choose not to go ahead with the tattoo, your deposit will be considered my artists fee. I respect your time and I expect the same from you.
I'm self-conscious about "XYZ"...
If you finally got around to reading the ABOUT section, it should be apparent that in my "job" I've been around almost every "XYZ" there is as a regulated health professional. If I can do something to make you comfortable so your tattoo can become a reality, I will.
I have other questions...
Keep reading, they may be answered in the Etiquette section below. If not, send me an e-mail!
Etiquette
1. Come In Well-Rested
Without a decent sleep you will likely be more sensitive and your tattoo may be more painful than usual, also being restless will make it difficult for the Artist to do their work to the best of their ability.
2. Stay Hydrated
24 hours before your appointment you should be drinking a lot of water this will make sure that your skin is hydrated and will take ink a lot better and improve your tattoo experience, we also recommend keeping a water bottle with you during your session.
3. Shave
If the area you will be getting tattooed has significant amount of hair on it we suggest shaving a few times in the weeks leading up to your tattoo. This will help minimize the potential skin irritation for your tattoo session. If you do (or are likely to) experience cuts or razor burns, leave the area alone for at least a week to heal,your artist needs to have an undamaged area to tattoo. If you aren't able to, don't worry we will also do that prior to your tattoo.
4. Shower
Remember to do so before your appointment. You want to keep your skin as clean as possible since tattooing opens the skin up and could become an infection site. Do not plan on going to the gym or a playing a sport before (or after) your session, working up a sweat is the exact opposite of what you want before a tattoo.
5. Moisturize!
Leading up to your session we recommend that you moisturize your skin 1-2 times a day for around a week before your tattoo. Just as drinking water, this will help improve your experience! However...
Do NOT moisturize your skin on the day of your tattoo!
6. Eat Before and Bring Snacks
During your tattoo your session you will likely experience sensations from the adrenaline your body is releasing, this could be an endorphin rush or you could become light-headed, an empty stomach is going to make these sensations hard to deal with, so don't skip any meals before your appointment. If you have some favourite snacks, please bring them, especially if you are someone who deals with low blood sugar.
7. Dress for your Session
You want to be as comfortable as possible during your tattoo you don't want to be itchy, feel restricted or overheat and it should allow access to the area you are getting tattooed.
8. Do not show up Under the Influence
You will be turned away if you show up under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this can be extremely dangerous as it thins your blood and puts you in danger for complications.
This also goes for aspirin and any medication that thins your blood. If you are taking prescription medication please talk to your health care provider to find out if you should be getting tattooed.
This circumstance is exempt from our rescheduling policy, you will forfeit your deposit!
9. Do not show up with Damaged Skin
If you have any cuts, bruises, burns, peeling or fresh tans, in the area you are getting the tattoo, let us know ASAP so we can get your tattoo appointment rescheduled.
10. Do not touch your tattoo or station
Your artist will have all their equipment and work station in a sanitary setting. Touching your tattoo or the workstation/equipment could contaminate them and cause an infection. If you are not feeling well during your session please let us know immediately and we will take the proper steps.
12. Canceling last minute
We understand that emergencies come up and that is completely fine. Cancelling last minute on your artist costs them time and money, your artist set that time aside specifically for you.
13. Entertainment
It helps to bring your phone and headphones to watch/listen to something, but refrain from bringing anything that would cause you to move around or disrupt your artist.
14. Bringing a friend
We ask that you do NOT bring a guest with you for space restrictions and health & safety reasons, if you feel it is necessary to have someone for support, please clear this with your artist prior to your visit.
15. Ask Questions
If you are unsure or are not comfortable about the tattoo process (before or during), you need to speak up or ask questions. It is expected that you will have questions and we want to make sure that they all get addressed.