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Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours?
Always & Forever Tattoo is a private, by-appointment-only studio. There are no set hours except the hours that I have already scheduled for tattoos and consultations.
Do you accept walk-ins? Can I stop by and talk about my ideas?
I DO NOT accept walk-ins. The private environment of A&F allows me to focus on my client and their overall experience while providing a kickass tattoo. Dropping by to chat means that you will be interrupting someone’s scheduled tattoo time. Please be considerate of others’ time and email before stopping by. I will guide you on what steps to take next.
How much do you charge? Can I get a price quote if I email you a photo?
Each tattoo created is a unique, 100% custom piece. Until we have a sit-down consultation together, there is no way to provide an accurate price estimate. If you have a budget you are trying to stay within, please communicate that in your consultation request so that it can be factored into your tattoo plan. But make sure you don’t cut yourself short or let your budget hinder you from getting what you truly want. Please keep in mind my specialty is mainly large-scale tattoos, I only book one client a day (5 hours per session) so I can remain focused on them and maximize our time together.
How do I get started and set up a consultation?
I am now openly accepting consultation requests through the website, no secret password required! On the Consultation Requests page, you will find links to various consult forms set up for each specific request type. These pre-consult forms allow you to organize your thoughts, explain your tattoo ideas in more detail, and also let you attach reference photos. With this information provided, I am able to have the info I need to get started if I feel it is something I would be able to accommodate. Availabilities will vary, so be sure to sign up for the mailing list to be the first to know. In addition, with your provided information I have time to bounce ideas around in my head before we meet in-person and we have covered the basics so our time together in the consult is the most productive. The pre-consult form is really where your tattoo ideas begin to come to life! When I put consultations on hold due to volume, adding yourself to the mailing list will ensure you get info about any tattoo appointment openings and studio news.
What is involved in the consultation?
The first step is filling out the pre-consultation form. Filling out this form in its entirety is very important! There’s space to elaborate on your tattoo ideas, and space to attach reference photos, telling me what inspires you about each one. After the form is submitted and I have a chance to properly review it, I will have a better idea of if I can accommodate your tattoo; if so, you will be moved to an in-person consultation. This is where I go over ALL your questions (including location, size, style, budget, etc.) and the two of us then formulate a tattoo plan together. At the end of your consult, if both of us are confident with moving forward, then you will place a tattoo retainer equal to half of my full day rate to reserve your place on the waiting list. The waiting list is booked chronologically, and when booking day comes I will contact you with the next availability. If you are ready to proceed at that point you will leave the second half of the retainer to solidify your place in the tattoo schedule. I have refined this booking system to keep it fair for all clients, old and new, and allow me to keep a good balance of what I take on compared to what I am finishing.
How can I be better prepared for my in-person consult?
Filling out the pre-consult form in its entirety ensures you will have a rewarding and comprehensive in-person consult! If you have more ideas or reference photos than the consult form allows, you are welcome to email any additional photos ahead of your consultation. *Please do not email me links to Pinterest boards or other links to folders with files online. Please sort through them first and email what is relevant.* Together, we will create a plan for your tattoo. To proceed with the tattoo, your consultation deposit and an additional retainer are combined at end of your in-person consultation and solidifies your place on the waitlist. All retainers and payments are non-refundable. Cash is preferred, large transaction fees from the use of Paypal or Venmo will be covered by the client.
I want a larger scale tattoo, but don’t know where to start…?
Larger scale tattoos - like sleeves and back pieces - are made up of different components weaved together to create a cohesive, and gorgeous work of art. It is my job to create your custom piece with you, and I will guide you through combining or simplifying ideas to fit your body in the most flattering way. Start by brainstorming and outlining your subject matter ideas, personal inspirations, and styles you like, and I can help you refine these into a great tattoo plan. Don't get overwhelmed with figuring out exactly how all your ideas will work together, that part will evolve during the in-person consultation and I think is one of the most exciting parts. If you are not sure about the subject matter or theme and would prefer to “Let the artist run with it!”, I am not your girl and will not be able to accommodate you.
Do you do cover-ups?
Yes! Lots of them and I love the challenge!! For fixing or reworking older tattoos, I suggests focusing on 5 themes (think nautical, animals, flowers and plants, goddesses, skulls, etc) and being a little flexible. The more open minded you are and the more subjects you have to work with, the better the cover up will be. I will work with your ideas to formulate a plan for a beautiful, lasting fresh tattoo. Many of my portfolio pieces are actually coverups! They aren’t labeled because because you’re not suppose to know, right!?!
If you cannot accommodate my tattoo request, can I get a referral?
Researching your tattoo artist is something I feel very strongly about. If I cannot accommodate your tattoo project, and we have never worked together before I recommend continuing to research artists that have similar subject matter and style to what you are looking for. A tattoo is very personal, and only you can decide which artist has the technique you like, who you communicate well with, and who you feel the most comfortable with! Take your time and do your own research, it will be rewarding!
Do you only create large-scale tattoos?
Yes and No… However, larger scale, full-body part tattoos (like back pieces, sleeves, bodysuits, etc) are more my specialty and conducive to how my eyes and brain work with the body. My experience in fashion design prior to tattooing gives me a good eye for fit, flow, and form to really tailor your tattoo to your body specifically, and enjoy being able to do that for my clients. I do enjoy creating medium, small and single-session custom tattoos as well and love to take them on when the schedule permits. See the tattoo galleries for an idea of the scope and style of tattoos I find I am better suited with.
Do you do portraits?
I LOOOVEE doing pet portraits, and also will consider vintage portraits (old photos, celebrity photos etc) of humans. If you are looking for a portrait of a human that is not of a vintage nature, I strongly suggest researching specialized portrait tattooers. If you are wanting a pet portrait, please see the Fancy pet Portrait Promotion for info regarding fundraising for Lucky Cats Rescue.
Will you create a watercolor, biomechanical, landscape, Celtic knot, patriotic, or dragon tattoo for me?
Sorry friends, that’s going to be a hard pass. I might have a very diverse portfolio, and will take on many different kinds of projects, however, there are certain subject matters and styles I just do not feel I am the right artist for. I want to see you get the best tattoo you can, even when I may not be best suited for your project. In those cases, I will recommend that you research other artists. It’s a pretty good rule of thumb when researching tattooists, if you don’t see it in their portfolio or they tell you they don’t feel they are the best at a certain style, you probably don’t want them doing it for you.
How should I prepare for my tattoo session? What should I wear?
Be clean, and wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing that makes access to the tattooed area on your body easy. Be sure to eat a good meal beforehand to keep your energy up. Feel free to also bring a picnic with you (beverages and snacks). I also have some snacks and water at the studio. It is also wise to not drink too heavily the day before - trust us on this one! If you are traveling to get tattooed and do not plan on staying locally after your session, we suggest bringing a friend with you that may help drive home.