General InfOrmAtion/FAQ

Below I have laid out some helpful info, rules, and boundaries. This may seem like overkill but it helps me to provide the best tattoos/experience for my clients and will explain why I do things in certain ways! Keeping organized is vital to the quality of my work as well as my mental health. :)

Booking!

I book one or two months in advance using a booking form, which is accessible during the open booking period. Books typically open on the 1st of each month. I usually keep my books open for a few days to allow everyone the chance to submit proposals. After that period my books will close and I will sort through and select as many proposals as I can - books will then remain closed until the following round. Example: If you want to book an appointment for a day in September or October, you should fill out the booking form in the first few days of August. This helps me stay organized and prepared for each appointment!

All designs are custom!

I will collaborate with you to create something awesome, and all of the information on the booking form is important to that process. References are very helpful/necessary! This is how I understand your aesthetic and helps me to be successful in creating your custom design. It’s ok to send other artist’s work as a reference, but understand that I do not copy any other existing work, and my style/version of the design may look different than the references (I will communicate about what I am/not able to do). The only exceptions to tattooing another artist’s work is on occasion, I will tattoo classic work/old illustrations, or newer illustrations with the artist’s approval. I will never tattoo someone else’s custom tattoo work. 

How do consultations work? 

I do not do in-person, phone, or Skype/FaceTime consultations, and I do not make exceptions to this rule. There is a good reason for this: I won’t remember anything we talked about. I need everything in writing and easily referenced while I’m working on the design. Once your proposal has been accepted/an appointment date has been confirmed, I am happy to discuss your tattoo via that email thread if you’d like to send additional reference photos, or specific details that weren’t included in your booking form. I draw day before or morning of appointments, so you have up until then to fine-tune your idea. 

When will I see my design? 

I don't show drawings ahead of time (except occasionally for very large pieces) and I appreciate your trust in me. I sometimes freehand aspects of the tattoo/the entire tattoo depending on placement and subject matter! This means there is sometimes no “mock-up” or finished-looking drawing to show you, as I will draw directly onto the area to be tattooed. This helps designs to flow with your anatomy.
Most of the time, designs will be shown, discussed, and adjusted at the time of your appointment. It is VERY rare that larger revisions are necessary - this is usually a result of insufficient reference images, poor communication, or last minute design changes - in this situation we will need to book a new date to allow for a complete revision of the design. I will not redraw an entire design/different design during your appointment. A new deposit will be required to hold this space. I understand that this process requires a lot of trust on your end - please don’t book with me if you don’t trust that my style is what you’re looking for. Not everyone will like this style of collaboration - if you’re not comfortable with this process, I understand - there are many other artists in New York who might suit you better! Thank you for understanding.

Pricing/Rates

My hourly rate is $250. My minimum for any tattoo is equal to one hour - $250. However for single session tattoos I will often charge by the piece rather than by the hour - this sometimes means more than 250/hour depending on design time, complexity, revisions, difficult placement, etc. Hourly rates are mainly for larger, multi-session pieces and to give you a general idea of what to expect. Most tattoos take between 1 and 3 hours, and the majority of the tattoos I do are finished in one session. I work very fast and try to keep my rates fair, while also compensating myself for my time, energy, and years of experience. 

Once I’ve accepted a proposal/booked your appointment, and I have a clear idea of what you’re looking for, I can give you a solid estimate. This is just an estimate, because for the final price, drawing time/revisions/actual tattoo time will be factored in. If budget is a factor, I will always work within the range you are comfortable with and I will communicate to you what I can do within that. Coverups, certain placements (chest, ribs, etc), and color tattoos are more time consuming and difficult, and will be priced accordingly. The size of the tattoo is much less of a factor than complexity. 

Travel/Guest spots

I typically travel to other cities 3-4 times a year to tattoo! This has been put on hold due to Covid and having my baby in 2021. If I’m going to travel for work, I announce everything on Instagram at least 1-2 months in advance, and will let you know when to submit a form for appointments! I don’t plan my whole year at once so I can’t say for sure where I’ll be in 6 months but I do my best to go to cities where I have clientele (places I’ve been and new places!). When I’m not traveling I am based in Kingston, NY.

I submitted a request but didn’t get an appointment, why??

There’s a few reasons this happens:
• I literally just don’t have time to tattoo everyone - I can usually only accommodate 20-40 people who submit proposals (that’s less than 1/2 of total submissions during most booking rounds).
• It’s not first come first served - I read every single booking request and try to choose the ideas that are most interesting to me/work that I’d like to focus on more. I often will skip coverups, add-ons/fix ups to other artist’s work, color work, or imagery I’ve tattooed a lot in the past.
• Sometimes people want tattoos that I don’t think I will be able to do well! I have limitations as an artist, like anyone - some imagery or stylistic requests are just not my strength and I don’t want to give you a subpar tattoo.
• Placement! I don’t like tattooing ribs/sides, fingers, or feet. I have a ton of reasons for this, but if your idea wasn’t chosen, sometimes it’s just that simple. If you’re willing to be flexible about placement, sometimes that can make all the difference. If I know you/have worked with you before, sometimes I’ll make exceptions.
• Availability! If you’re only available Saturdays or evenings, join the club! I don’t tattoo in the evening and weekends are in high demand. Try to be flexible and take a day off if you need to. If you’re only available for one day only, it might not line up, but I always try accommodate everyone.

I try to respond to every person even if I don’t choose your idea, but I can’t individually address why due to volume.

Flash

I don’t usually have time to draw flash as I focus on custom work, so I don’t have flash to choose from. However, I have worked from classic Audubon Plates - see more info about this project here. Anytime I do regular flash I will post about it on Instagram!

Deposits

A $150 non-refundable deposit is required to book an appointment, which will secure your spot in my calendar, and be applied to the final cost of your tattoo. This must be sent via PayPal or Venmo within 48 hours of when we offer/you accept an appointment time.

Rescheduling Appointments

Deposits are non-refundable, but if you give me notice (at least 48 hours) I can reschedule you for the following month(s), and apply the existing deposit. Please only reschedule if it is absolutely necessary - I budget my month around each appointment and trust that you will do your best to respect my time. 

Cancellations 

Sometimes for health reasons (physical or mental health), financial reasons, uncertainty, etc, people decide to cancel without intent to reschedule. This is ok and I understand. I’m not mad about it! I do not want anyone to do something (especially get a tattoo!) that they’re not comfortable with.

However if you decide to cancel and not reschedule, or if you no call/no show, the deposit will be forfeited (and in the case of the latter, I will not work with you in the future). This is to protect me and my time. 

Where is your studio? 

I am located in Kingston, New York - 2 hours north of NYC by car or bus. See map below.

My studio is located in a cute, artsy, historic part of town, just a few blocks from the Trailways bus station (direct from Port Authority). There’s LOTS to do in the area, so if you’re coming from NYC plan to walk around a bit and check out the area!

What happens once my appointment is booked?

Once your deposit is paid and your appointment date is confirmed, feel free to use our email thread to communicate, send additional references, etc. I will also reach out to you if I need clarification about anything in relation to your design. A few days before your appointment we send out a confirmation email that includes tips for day-of preparation, studio address and directions. 

What are my payment options? 

I take cash (preferred), cards, and Venmo for payments. There is an ATM nearby but it likely has a limit on withdrawals.

Important note: I will be adding a sales tax charge to all credit card transactions starting January 1st 2020. Tattoo artists are required to pay sales tax (4.5%) and up until now I have been covering all fees and taxes without that effecting my clients. Credit card transactions will now include an additional 7% fee: sales tax (4.5%) and processing fees (2.6%). 

I do not offer payment plans. 

I DO offer sliding scale for scar coverup and for those who would benefit - just mention this in your email/proposal. :) 

Tipping

Tips are always appreciated and never required! I am the sole owner of my studio/business - while I am not paying a percentage of my income to a shop owner (as is the traditional method) I am in charge of paying rent, insurance, supply costs, administrative costs, taxes and licensing fees. If you have a good experience working with your tattoo artist/love your tattoos, tipping is industry standard and encouraged! 15-30% is standard but whatever you feel comfortable with is much appreciated, including non monetary tips such as snacks and plants. :) 

Thank you so much for reading through - this is all important info and will help us both to have the best experience. If you have any additional questions that are not answered here please email me at henwifetattoo@gmail.com

Little moon studio

291 Wall Street, Kingston NY 12401