F.A.Q.
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Q: how do i book an appointment?
A: Books are always open and you can request any date up to two months from the day you apply ~ submit an application here!
Q: where is your studio?
A: Daisy Chain Tattoo in Kingston, New York.
Q: do you take walk ins?
A: I usually book in advance but sometimes we do walk in flash days :)
Q: is there anything i need to do before i come in for a tattoo?
A: bring a form of ID and be well rested, fed, and clean. take a shower before the appointment. good hygiene is appreciated plus It’s not a good idea to soak or steam your new tattoo. You do NOT need to shave- all prep will be done by me. wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access the spot you want tattooed. bring removable layers in case you get cold, things that zip or button up are ideal so arms can stay covered while layers are open. tie back your beautiful hair. Do not show up intoxicated.
Q: how do I take care of my new tattoo?
A: Check out my very extensive AFTERCARE GUIDE. The idea is to keep it clean, moisturized, and protected. For two weeks, wash and moisturize about twice a day. Avoid swimming, soaking, sun, scratching, intense physical activity, and abrasive garments.
Q: I want a tattoo but live far away and need to arrange travel plans in advance. How can I make an appointment with you?
A: I usually don’t book more than 2 months in advance. i’ll try to accommodate you if you let me know your needs!
Q: is your ink vegan? are your supplies eco friendly?
A: my ink is vegan! I make an effort to stock environmentally friendly and cruelty free and eco friendly materials whenever possible. With the exception of Aquaphor (which contains lanolin) all my supplies are vegan. You can request a vegan alternative.
Q: do you use numbing cream?
A: i do not provide numbing cream. you are welcome to use your own numbing cream, but time for application and setting will be added to the appointment’s hourly rate. To save time and money I recommend applying the cream an hour (or whatever is recommended by brand) before the appointment, cover the area with saran wrap, and wear the wrap to the studio. ill remove the saran wrap when you arrive and we begin prep. If you decide to use a numbing cream and it compromises some aspect of the tattoo procedure or healing I am not responsible! Historically i have had good experiences with Zensa numb cream but i don’t have a lot of other brand knowledge and experience.
Q: what if i want a touch up?
A: i want you to love your tattoo so i provide free touch ups within 6 months of the day you got your tattoo. I recommend waiting at least a month before deciding to get a touch ups so you can see exactly how the tattoo changes as it heals.
Q: i want my tattoo done in this size/technique/shape because i know that will be easier for you and cheaper for me.
A: this makes no sense and people say it all the time! just tell me how you want it to look and dont tell me how to do it. if you have a budget let me know. contrary to popular belief it is NOT easier to make things really really small.
Q: my skin is dark can i still get tattooed?
A: YES EVERYONE CAN GET A TATTOO. darker tones may not show ink in the same bright contrast that lighter tones do (especially in color tattoos) but that doesnt mean you “can't “ get one. If you are concerned about how ink will heal on your skin tone you can ask for a color swatch test! Swatch testing entails tattooing small dots or lines in a variety of colored inks and allowing them to heal. When the test heals you’ll be able to see which colors work best for your tone, and plan a color palette that you’ll love. I don’t personally do color work and i recommend getting a swatch test from an artist you will actually get a color tattoo from.
Q: will you tattoo on my scars?
A: YES! :) you may need to adjust expectations because sometimes tattoos on scarred skin don’t heal the same way tattoos on unscarred skin do. I love doing freehand scar coverups because we can work along the specific shape of your scars to really camouflage them instead of simply tattooing over them. the scars should be at least a year old. Ive also had good luck tattooing on psoriasis and eczema prone skin (not while youre having a flare up tho!) as well as areas with Keratosis Pilaris and other common skin anomalies. tattoos are for every body.
Q: I have a blood transmissible infection/disease, can I get a tattoo?
A: YES! IT IS ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION TO REFUSE TO TATTOO SOMEONE BASED ON THIS STATUS. Individuals living with HIV are protected from this type of discrimination by US law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA.) According to the law you DO NOT have to disclose your status to your tattoo artist. if you want to disclose to me that’s great! but I exercise medically safe tattoo procedures for every single client so it doesnt really matter. everyone can get a tattoo :) and check it out HepC is curable!
Q: can i get a tattoo i’m 15 my mom says it’s cool
A: okay i lied about everyone being able to get a tattoo. that’s illegal in New York. no one under 18 no
Q: im pregnant, can i get a tattoo?
A: I personally do not tattoo pregnant people. Come back after the baby comes out!
Q: what is flash/do you have flash?
A: flash is a drawing i’ve already made and want to tattoo. all my available drawings can be seen here. flash designs will be repeated on anyone who wants them. if you like a flash piece but want it to be unique we may be able to change it a bit, it’s easy to subtly change the shape, curve or length of some of the flash to custom fit a part of your body and make it feel more special. usually it’s no problem to enlarge a design but I CANT MAKE SOME THINGS SMALLER. check on the size before you book.
Q: can I see my custom drawing before the day of my appointment?
A: NOPE. I draw all my custom designs on the spot with the client present. Freehand tattoos are made by drawing directly on your skin with a marker so there’s no way to show a design before.
Q: how much do your tattoos cost?
A: i price all pieces individually. estimates will be provided after you submit an application (which you can only do when my books are open.) size, placement, level of detail, and subject matter all determine prices. i have an estimated rate of $200 per hour for custom pieces. The hourly rate is applied to the whole appointment time (not just the needle on skin time) which allows me to be compensated while you take as long as you want to consider design details and placement options. on average, most pieces shown on my instagram take between 2-5 hours. I keep a $100 minimum and have a $100 non refundable deposit fee. All prices are subject to change.
Q: why does it cost that much and am i supposed to tip on top of that?
A: traditionally it is customary to tip your tattoo artist! generally a tip might be 10-20% of the overall cost of a tattoo, the lower end being used for more expensive pieces. Everyone has their own take but it is my personal practice to provide complete pricing at what the tattoo is worth, meaning you do not have to tip if it is not achievable. i offer a tip waive in the hopes that people who can afford to tip will, while people who can’t will have more access to getting tattooed.
Q: I love your work but money is an issue :( do i have options?
A: I take credit cards and Klarna! and beyond that I encourage all my clients to be upfront about their budget restrictions. I’m likely to offer sliding scale to all marginalized folks, trauma recovery work, fat bodies that may need greater coverage to fill certain areas, my own personal experiments or work that will build my portfolio. I will not offer sliding scale to people who are momentarily broke because of recreational travel, lavish self care, education, or otherwise privileged expenses. If you would like to receive a discount or sliding scale pricing, this must be discussed BEFORE i book you, NOT after our appointment is over.
Q: i need to cancel can i have my deposit back?
A: the deposit is non refundable. it exists because i’ve set aside time for you and i’ve been doing work well before the day of your appointment. if you cancel an appointment, i loose an opportunity to make money that i may have been counting on. PLEASE don’t drag out a cancellation if you get cold feet/run out of money/etc. You DO NOT need to give me a reason for cancelling. don’t feel bad but DO COMMUNICATE.
Q: can you tattoo my/someone else’s drawing?
A: I like tattooing from old art! if you want to get a tattoo of something based on the work of a living artist, you need to get permission from them before you apply for the tattoo.
Q: can you tattoo another tattoo artist’s design on me? they live far away/i can’t afford them/etc etc
A: no never dont even bother asking that will send me straight to tattoo hell
Q: i live too far away to get a tattoo from you! can you make a drawing so i can have another tattoo artist do it?
A: no thank you
Q: do you do cover ups?
A: Yes! i can usually disguise a little linework piece easily and im cool with blastovers :)
Q: how do i start tattooing?
A: draw A LOT. If you don’t have a strong drawing portfolio no one will take you seriously. Apprenticeships are meant to teach you how to tattoo, NOT how to draw. TAKE THIS FRICKING CLASS SO YOU DON’T HURT YOURSELF OR ANYONE ELSE! I used YouTube and willing friends to learn, and instagram to promote my work. It was all free and that was my only option but to this day I STILL wish i had an apprenticeship. Try to get an apprenticeship with an artist you admire by approaching them respectfully with a very very strong portfolio of drawing work.
Q: can i be your apprentice?
A: im beyonored but no. i am not taking apprentices now.
Q: i think tattoos are so cool but i’m not sure if i want one omg i’m scared what should i get will it hurt is it gonna get jacked up when im old is it okay if i message you a lot with my fears thoughts dreams and feelings lol?
A: you’re probably great but i’m really busy! it’s my job to give you a tattoo, not to convince you to get one. talk to your friends that already have tattoos or check out the video I made with Allure!