How do I book a tattoo?

Please read the information here, and fill out my booking form when you are ready.

Do I have to be 18 or older to get a handpoke tattoo?

Yes. In the state of Washington, you have to be 18 or older to consent to a permanent tattoo.

Can I get a color tattoo on dark skin?

Absolutely. Black and brown people have been tattooing and getting tattoos for centuries. All of my designs are customizable and we can figure out what colors you would be comfortable with and where they go. If you’re concerned about how a design will look on you, I am happy to answer any questions you have, just send me an email to dayzepokes@gmail.com including any relevant details. You can also mention any concerns you have in your booking form, and/or at your appointment.

How long have you been tattooing?

I did my first pokes in 2013, and began tattooing full time in 2018. I can tell you the whole story in session, but I believe my ancestors called me to this work.

What happens if we go over the estimated time?

It’s not uncommon to go over the time I estimated in my original booking email. If we are able to continue tattooing, that is my preference, and if not, then we can schedule another session for 2+ weeks away to give your skin time to heal before a second session.

Because my rate is an hourly sliding scale, I will honor the low end of the scale that I originally quoted you, and raise the high end of the scale to the actual amount of time we spent tattooing. For example, if I quoted 2 hours $300-$400 sliding scale, and we actually ended up tattooing for 3 hours, the new price would be $300-$600 sliding scale. I don’t want to put unexpected costs on you. The prices in our original agreement are what I am happy to be paid, even if it takes longer than expected!

Can I have a different artist tattoo your drawing on me?

No please. 😛 I don’t sell my designs or give permission for any other artists to tattoo them. I really hope to travel more in the future, in and out of the U.S. If you really want me to come to you, fill out this form so I can email you if I come to your city or near it.

Will you tattoo someone else’s art on me?

It depends! If a design is aligned with my tattooing techniques: I will tattoo a non-tattoo-artist’s design when you buy a tattoo ticket from them, and I am open to tattooing your own design on you.

Do you teach or have apprentices?

No, I am not currently teaching formal apprentices nor have plans to in the near future. I am always super happy to share my knowledge with you when you book a tattoo session with me! I am self and community taught, and genuinely love being asked questions.

What is the difference between a machine tattoo and a handpoke tattoo?

When handpoking, I use tattoo needles to individually poke tiny dots into the skin to create lines. Handpoke tattoos generally hurt less than a machine tattoo, and sometimes it’s 100% painless. Handpoke tattoos will always take longer to make. Machine tattoos tend to be more intense with higher pain, while the process is much quicker and different techniques can be used. Handpoke tattoos are equally as permanent as machine tattoos with a gentler application and healing process. With either tattoo, the pain levels will differ depending on the artists hand, tools, techniques, and body placements.

When I handpoke, I feel connected to my ancestors who crafted various tools from their local environment to tap ink into skin.

Are your tattoos vegan?

Yes, all my tattoo supplies and inks are vegan. Most of my single-use supplies are also biodegradable. My commitment to environmental sustainability is personal and professional.

What can I do before the tattoo appointment to prepare?

Moisturizing your skin and hydrating your body the week leading up to your appointment is very beneficial to the tattooing process as well as healing. Arrive to your appointment well rested, well fed, and hydrated. Avoid sun tanning, excess caffeine (your usual amount is fine), and alcohol 48 hours prior. Wear comfortable clothes that provide access to the area being tattooed, and bring layers for coziness and warmth. I recommend bringing water and a snack. Inform your artist of any allergies, accessibility concerns, or sensitivities that you may have.

What happens when I arrive at my appointment?

I’ll greet you when you arrive, we’ll settle in the space, and talk about the design, sizing and placement, color elements, adjustments and anything else. I’ll ask you to sign a consent form while I print the stencil. Before any tattooing begins you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have, bring up any concerns, and ground yourself in the space. I will prioritize both of our comforts during the session by checking in periodically and allowing time for breaks. If at any time you need a break to stretch, eat, use the restroom, etc you may do so. Break time does not count towards my hourly rate, and I prefer to have a couple minutes to stretch at least every hour, so please do not hesitate to ask for a break.

Why are tattoos so expensive? What goes into the cost?

Tattoos are expensive to make, and cost of living is high. There are many factors that go into making our tattoo session smooth and safe. I am responsible for the studio costs, all tattooing supplies, and saving 20% for taxes. Additionally; annual license & certification renewals, artist skill (10 years experience), drawing time, email time, marketing, tattooing time, etc. are all included in the cost of your tattoo, a permanent and 100% unique piece of art. I, like many self employed people, do not have sick pay and employer healthcare, so those expenses need to be planned for as well. I am extremely grateful for any amount of support that my clients are able to give, and very often work with budgets whenever I am able.

Do you accept payment plans?

If you are unable to pay all at once but would still like a piece, we can split the tattoo and cost into multiple sessions over however much time is needed. I do not accept payments days or weeks after the tattoo session.

Are there any body placements that you don’t tattoo?

I will not tattoo behind the ear, on the ear, palms of hands or feet, side of fingers, or inside the mouth.

How can I send you healed photos?

I love receiving healed photos in my email inbox dayzepokes@gmail.com !

Please have someone else take the photo for you in indirect natural lighting. These photos are very helpful for me to assess my work so I can always be improving. 🙂