faq
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to contact you?
My email: Discordiapdx@gmail.com
Make sure to email me with more information about yourself and what you would like to get, using as much detail as possible.
*Feel free to copy the following to use as your email template :)
_________________________________
Your name:
Your preferred pronouns:
Best ways to contact you:
Tattoo design/Concept:
Design placement and size in inches:
Black and gray or color:
Budget, if any:
Please include some reference photos
***emails that take a lot of back and fourth commonly end up getting lost.
Do you take card?
My studio is cash only. Please remember to bring cash to your appointment! I have the option for financing of your tattoo if agreed upon before your appointment. For a fee, I take payments through my shop, Venmo, zelle and cashapp.
Are deposits refundable?
If we haven’t scheduled yet, but you put a deposit for me to begin working a custom design: Your deposit is nonrefundable. Once your appointment is confirmed, ALL deposits are nonrefundable.
If you need to reschedule your appointment, you must do so at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. You are allowed one reschedule per deposit.
The only circumstance a deposit would be refundable is when I decide that I am not suitable for your tattoo. This could be for any reason and it is completely under my discretion.
If you show up more than 20 minutes late to your scheduled tattoo, you forfeit your time slot and your deposit.
If you show up to an appointment unprepared (i.e. without your ID) it is then considered a last minute reschedule, and you will be required to leave another deposit.
What kind of supplies do you use?
All materials are from reputable manufacturers. I use sterile, single-use, disposable supplies. Everything used in set ups, including the ink, are entirely vegan friendly. The products used are suitable for all skin types, and I do not use any latex in my studio. Please let me know if you have any special needs, sensitivities, or allergies that need to be accommodated.
What should I do to prepare myself for my appointment?
- You must have a valid state ID and be 18 or older to receive a tattoo in the state of Oregon.
- Be sure to get a good night sleep prior. Fatigue will negatively effect your pain tolerance and stamina.
- Heavy alcohol consumption the night before a tattoo appointment is discouraged, as it thins the blood and decreases personal stamina.
- Eat a balanced meal and drink plenty of water before your appointment. If you know you will be sitting for several hours, it's not a bad idea to bring a snack to eat during a break. All beverages must have a resealable lid. Water and tea are available to clients on request.
- Dress appropriately for your tattoo. Wear comfortable clothing and be sure that the artist can reach the tattoo location without hassle. Your clothing should not tighten around or rub against the location of your fresh tattoo.
Can I use numbing cream?
I don’t mind if you numb before your appointment, as long as you let me know and follow these steps.
How to Use Tattoo Numbing Cream:
❕Do the following right before you come to the shop, as the cream takes 30 minutes to an hour to begin to work and stops working 2-4 hours after applying.
1️⃣ Wash the area to before applying the cream.
❌ Do not shave, unless done with clippers for thick hair. I will gently shave the area with a razor prior to tattooing.
‼️If you have cuts or severe razor burn from shaving with a razor, I can’t tattoo this area and you may lose your deposit as a result. ‼️
2️⃣ Apply the numbing cream in a thick layer over the area to be tattooed.
3️⃣ Loosely put plastic wrap over it
Which creams to use:
My favorite is TKTX for palm sized or smaller. Be aware that the epinephrine is hard on your heart (it is essentially adrenaline). Arms and legs only for this one.
Anything with lidocaine 5% or higher
Things to know:
- Tattoo numbing creams are not always reliable. Sometimes it just takes the edge off, other times you won’t feel a thing or it won’t even work at all. Don’t depend on it not hurting.
- Numbing creams with epinephrine work great, but could make you jittery or cause panic attacks in people who are prone to them. Do not use these if you have heart problems
- I have sprays that I use throughout some tattoos. They can only be used once the skin is broken. (I tend to use them after line work is finished)
5 Best Tattoo Numbing Creams: Experience Tattoos, Pain-Free! (Guide + Best Brands) - Saved Tattoo
Can I add more elements or text to a flash design?
Absolutely! Please make sure to let me know (via email) before your appointment.
I booked a design, but I wanted it bigger than the size specified. What do I do?
You checked out the design and paid the deposit to get in my calendar. That is a great first step. After doing that that, send me an email with a better description of how you want this design done differently. It is just a matter of me adding some time to your appointment and adjusting the price quote slightly. No sweat!
How long after my session could I expose my tattoo to the sun?
Tattoos & Sun
BEFORE YOUR SESSION:
-Protect your skin prior to your appointment, with clothing or sunscreen, to prevent burning or sun damage. The area cannot be tattooed if there is a sunburn.
-Lotion your skin days or weeks in advance to your appointment. Preventing dry, flaky skin will offer the best canvas for your tattoo.
AFTER YOUR SESSION:
-Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks to protect from burns or sun damage. The fresh ink does not bode well with UV rays. In fact, the same type of damage is used with laser tattoo removal. Cover the tattoo with clothing. Do not rebandage.
- DO NOT apply sunscreen to a new healing tattoo - it's an open wound that needs time to heal. Wait until tattoo is healed.
- Apply sunscreen (30 SPF+) on your healed tattoos to protect them from UV rays. Sun exposure without protection can fade tattoos over time.
Do you use Saniderm / Second skin? How long should I wear it for?
Yes I generally use Saniderm. Primarily, Saniderm drastically reduces the risk of contaminants entering the wound site of a fresh tattoo. Wearing Saniderm protects the area from unwanted shear/friction and allows the body to keep itself moisturized. Plus, it conveniently eliminates sessions of washing and applying aftercare to a new tattoo. I generally recommend wearing it 3-5 days. Definitely no more than 7 days.
Do you ever heal with something other than Saniderm and why?
When a client has sensitive skin or is allergic to latex or adhesives, I do not recommend using saniderm. In these cases I just heal the old method: with some seran wrap
How do I know if I am having a reaction to my bandage?
In more severe cases, it will look like a burn on the whole bandage area. Blisters and irritation are more common in reactions. If you develop a rash, skin irritation, or other signs of an allergic reaction, immediately remove your Saniderm and wash the area with mild soap. You should first contact me with pictures of what is going on. Consult a physician as well, if necessary. Saniderm is hypoallergenic and while extremely rare, allergic reactions are possible -- especially in cases of very sensitive skin or known adhesive allergies. If you have concerns, you can always wear a small piece of Saniderm a few days prior to your tattoo appointment to see if you have a reaction.
Do you draw your own designs?
Yes I draw my own designs. Some are pre drawn on an iPad, some are freehanded. Sometimes I use a combination of both.