Frequently Asked Questions
Do you do cover ups?
No - at this time I do not do cover ups.
Can you add onto my existing tattoo?
Only if it is my work - if it is not I would be happy to do a piece near your existing work.
Do you do script tattoos?
At this stage of my career I only take on script tattoos on rare occasions. If you have a large piece booked with me though, I am more than happy to also do a small script depending what it is.
Can I see the design before my appointment?
I do not share designs before the appointment, generally every design is drawn the day of while you are with me. This makes sure that the piece fits your body perfectly and has incredible flow to compliment your body. This also is to insure my work will not be tattooed elsewhere.
Can I bring a friend to my appointment?
At this time I prefer to not have any guests come with you to your appointment. If you wish to have someone attend please contact me before and respect if it is not possible.
Do you use single needles?
I will choose the appropriate needles for your tattoo.
Do you respond to all emails?
Trust me, I WISH I COULD. I am beyond grateful for all my inquiries, truly. BUT, I am only one person.. meaning I can only respond to clients with concepts I will be taking on.
Are your books open?
If my books are open or closed it is ALWAYS in my Instagram bio. If they are closed you may not hear from me as I am focusing on my current clients to give them the best experience. If they are open, you will be able to see the jot form link in my IG bio. If your project is selected you will hear from me as fast as I can. This is always updated as I can to my story.
What is your availability?
Please send me an inquiry providing your availability instead of asking this question. This makes it easier for me to find you a spot in my calendar and avoids back and forth.
Do you allow numbing creams?
NO. I do not allow numbing creams under any circumstances. This is because numbing creams can change the texture of your skin making it difficult to tattoo. Please do not show up to your appointment with numbing cream on the area to be tattooed or you will unfortunately have your appointment cancelled and forfeit your deposit.
Do you do finger tattoos?
Put simply, YES! But, I am extremely picky and blunt when it comes to finger tattoos. A lot of the photos clients send to me of finger tattoos when inquiring are actually photoshopped. This is because all finger tattoos are prone to blowouts OR easy fallouts. I never recommend any finger tattoo to anyone that is a perfectionist; this is because your super cute dainty finger tattoo is likely going to fall out or blow out and you need to be aware of this. If that doesn’t bother you we can definitely discuss your idea and if it does I highly recommend thinking longer on this.
IF you decide to get a hand or finger tattoo touch ups will not be complimentary.
Do you do colour tattoos?
I only do the occasional small red tattoo. At this time I have zero knowledge when it comes to colour, and don’t plan to learn about colour anytime soon.
Is it okay if I make plans for after my appointment?
I will always recommend to not have any set in stone plans for after you get tattooed just incase the appointment runs longer or you are exhausted afterwards! Remember that tattoos take time, and are quite the process for your body to go through especially with large pieces and you may even be too tired to make it to your plans. It also puts pressure on your artists and makes them feel rushed.
How often do your books open?
I open my books every roughly 4-6 months for the following 4-6 months, sometimes longer. For example if my books opened in March, I would be booking for April, May & June. You will be able to request a booking using my jot form link available in my bio.
Do you respond to emails right away?
I now have an assistant and she will respond to booking form inquiries in a timely matter when my bookings are open. When my books open I receive lots of submissions. This is GREAT, just keep in mind I only can fit in a certain amount of appointments for the months I am booking for. I do my best to get every piece I have selected into my calendar though. Your patience during the process helps make this a enjoyable experience for all of us, and you can ALWAYS re inquire when they reopen.
Will you tattoo every variety of flower?
Put simply, no I will not. Not all flowers translate well as a tattoo. I am very knowledgeable with flowers as I was a florist for 5 years, so I can easily help you decide on what is best if you’re unsure. The 2 flowers I will not tattoo are carnations, and marigolds. These are birth flowers that have 2nd birth flowers though that I will tattoo. Carnations - Snowdrops instead which look beautiful mixed in with larger flowers. Marigolds - Cosmo’s instead which are a stunning flower to tattoo.
Can I show up early?
I prefer if you show up right on time to your appointment. Not late, or early. I may be finishing up with a client before you, or finishing setting up if you are early.. or finishing my coffee lol. If you are early and wish to come in please just let me know and you can come wait in our waiting area.
Do you do consults?
No, consults in my opinion are no longer necessary thanks to technology. You can send me all the needed information online when my books are open, and view my large portfolio through my website or Instagram. Then you can make a decision if I am the right artist for you and if everything aligns and we work together creating your perfect piece will happen at the time of your appointment. It is very important to include ALL needed information in your original email.
How do I inquire for flash?
If flash is posted to my story with “DM to book” you can DM me. If flash is posted in my highlight please fill out a proper inquiry form, including a screen shot of the flash you desire following the link in my IG bio.
What is the difference between Fineline & Realism?
Fineline tattoos consist of delicate outlines, with light shading. This is a soft style in which you can see skin throughout your piece. This style is executed using smaller needle groupings, and techniques like whip shading and dotwork.
Realism Tattoos have no outline, and lots of shading between black & greys. For realism, we take a photo of a flower say, and recreate that photo exactly on your skin using larger needle groupings and saturating the tones into your skin.
What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
I get it. Life happens, and please make sure you understand I am human aswell and also may need to reschedule you. If you are needing to reschedule I allow ONE reschedule per deposit. If you need to reschedule a second time you will need to send a new deposit. Reschedules will only be accepted more than 48hrs prior to your appointment, any less than 48hrs will result in a loss of deposit and a last minute cancellation.
Please keep in mind - Artists can also not feel well and need to reschedule the appointment, please be understanding as it is already stressful for us having to reschedule you. As much as it is disappointing that you cannot get your tattoo as soon as you thought it is more important that your artist feels 100% while putting something permanent onto your body. You should respect your artist for choosing to reschedule you to insure you receive the most beautiful tattoo possible.
How do I take care of my fresh tattoo?
I will always send my aftercare information to you and explain it at the end of your appointment. If you misplace it please always remember you can reach out to me at any time with any concerns on the healing process.
THINGS YOU NEVER HAVE TO APOLOGIZE FOR DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT:
MOVING A STENCIL: placement is SO important, this is the time to make sure your tattoo is in the most perfect spot. Take your time and stare at it as long as you want.
NEEDING A BREAK: Never forget to just let me know if a break is needed. You don’t have to feel bad - I understand that tattoos can be painful and I respect that.
BEING IN PAIN: Tattoos can be painful, and every person has a different pain tolerance. Remember that this is your session and I’m here to make sure it’s an enjoyable experience.
What if I need touch ups?
I am always happy to do touch ups within a reasonable amount of time (they must be done within 6 months of the original tattoo) I offer a $25 touch up (if needed) on any tattoos that are done by me at the studio, I always want my projects looking the best as possible. So, if something doesn’t heal properly please let me know.
Please make sure to follow all aftercare instructions to avoid further touch up costs.
I hope this FAQ is helpful to you and answers any questions you may have. If you have any other questions at all please inquire with me.
Much love,
Paige Ponderosa xo