• Moisturize the area to be tattooed for a few days before the appointment, but NOT the night before or day of the appointment.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Eat a meal 1 hour beforehand.
• Please come clean and showered.
• Pre-shave the area if possible - it helps to prevent plastic waste with disposable razors!
• Wear loose clothes that give easy access to the area.
• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water. Well-hydrated skin takes ink better and heals faster.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking ibuprofen 24hrs before the appointment.
• Avoid tanning, sunburn, or applying tanning lotion and bronzers prior to getting a tattoo.

Bring a valid photo ID. Feel free to bring anything that will make you more comfortable including water, a snack, tablet, headphones, a blanket, a book, etc. 

You are totally welcome to bring people to support you during your appointment. There is space in the studio to hangout and we are centrally located along the art gallery strip of Laguna Beach and beautiful walking paths to the ocean if your companions wish to explore.

I don’t send designs before the appointment for a number of reasons, foremost because it is easiest to do edits during the appointment with direct, in-person feedback. The artistic process of designing your piece often comes most naturally as a collaboration, and I love creating the piece together while you guide me on your preferences and style.

At the beginning of your appointment, there is plenty of time built-in for you to see the initial design drafts and concepts and for us to tweak it as much as necessary until you completely love it! We will print a couple size options and take a look at placement on the body before we stencil and tattoo. I’m totally open to your feedback, so don’t be shy or nervous if there are things you want to add or change. It’s your tattoo and I want to make sure you are 100% happy with it from start to finish. 

If you are extra anxious about the design and want to see several options and give more feedback ahead of time, I offer Advanced Consultation/Design service for an additional $100 in which I can draw and show you design options up to a week in advance of your tattoo. Just let me know if you want to add this option when booking, otherwise all designs will be shown on the day of your appointment. 

I do take cover-up and scar projects! I recommend an in-person or online consultation to discuss what is possible for these pieces.

Yes! Vegan tattoo inks are used for both black and color tattoos.

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but in general arm and leg placements are a bit less painful than areas on the torso. Small linework tattoos are less painful than tattoos with large amounts of color or shading. 

If you know you have a low pain tolerance for tattoos, we can schedule larger pieces in separate sessions in order to give you and your skin a rest.

I always want to take the tattoo at your pace, so I welcome open communication! If you need a break at any time, I’m happy to stop and let you rest, and I will check in periodically with your during the process to make sure you’re doing alright!

Numbing Cream Policy: Using a topical numbing cream is generally safe, but it must be discussed with me prior to your appointment. I can recommend trusted brands that are effective and safe for tattooing. Clients are responsible for applying the numbing cream themselves before arriving at the studio - I do not provide or apply numbing cream during sessions. Please follow all instructions on the product packaging, and avoid using excessive amounts. Keep in mind that numbing can slightly affect skin texture, which may influence how the tattoo ink settles.

• Deposit: A $100 deposit is required to book your tattoo appointment. This deposit secures your session time and ensures commitment.
• Non-Refundable: Deposits are non-refundable, but they can be applied toward a rescheduled session with advance notice.
• Rescheduling: If you need to reschedule, please contact the studio at least 48 hours before your appointment to transfer your deposit to a new date.
• No-Shows & Late Cancellations: Deposits for missed appointments or cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice are forfeited.

I understand that life happens and am happy to work with you to find a new time that fits your schedule, as long as you provide notice.

All major payment methods are accepted, including cash and credit/debit cards.

All tattoos include one complimentary touch-up after the initial healing period (typically 6–8 weeks) if the client desires. This can be booked under the "Free Touch-Up" selection in the booking form.