FAQ

How would you describe your tattoo style?

I would describe my tattoo style as illustrative. I like to combine line weights and different textures of shading. I enjoy doing blackwork, dot work, color, lettering, illustrative, traditional, and new traditional pieces.

Do you do cover-ups?/ Is there anything/style you won’t tattoo?

Yes! I love to do cover ups. I will say cover ups are a case-by-case basis type of thing so before setting up a coverup I need to meet in person for a consultation so we can check out your tattoo and brainstorm possible cover ups. I will ask about the tattoo and the new design and from there if it is a piece I can take on we can set up an appointment. I currently do not do portraits or realism but maybe in a few years, it will be something I can offer! 

Do you do cosmetic tattoos? 

Yes! I offer eyebrows, birthmarks, and freckles. However, currently, I’m taking a bit of time away from cosmetic tattooing to figure out a better schedule to balance both cosmetic and regular tattooing. As soon as I can figure out a good system I will absolutely be resuming and possibly having artists in the shop who offer the service as well!

How do I book a Tattoo? 

You must be 18 years or older with a valid I.D. to get tattooed. Most tattoos require a scheduled consultation. Consultations can be booked directly from my website. Consultations are always free. During your consultation, we will discuss whether or not it’s a piece I can take on, your desired design, location, pricing, and any other questions you may have. Once we have agreed on a design and price, you’re all set to book your appointment! Appointments can be booked directly on my site at your convenience.  

Do I have to have a consultation to book a Tattoo?/ What if I’m a returning client?

All tattoos require some form of consultation, whether it’s through a scheduled appointment or conversation via email or DM. Booking a tattoo appointment that was not approved by myself or my assistant will result in your appointment being canceled and the deposit forfeited. If you are unable to make one of my consultation days because of schedule conflicts, reach out via email to jessabigelowart@gmail.com. Virtual consultation appointments are available for anyone who lives over an hour away and would be traveling to come to get tattooed. Return clients still need to consult with me about new tattoos, every design is different. If you have multiple ideas and want to get more than one tattoo/ larger designs like sleeves etc. we can discuss that during the consultation and I will let you know what type of appointment/s will best suit your needs.

Can I get a consultation via IG dm/email/website?/ What’s the best way to contact you?

The best way to get a consultation is to book one on my site, they are always free. If you can’t make it to a consultation because of schedule conflicts, you can email me at jessabigelowart@gmail.com. Virtual consultations can be set up for anyone traveling to get tattooed. Occasionally, I can give a consultation via dm for smaller pieces, however, my DMS get backed up very quickly and it’s easy for your messages to get lost. If you have dm’d me about a tattoo idea, and have not heard back please go on my website and book a consultation for the fastest and easiest way to discuss your ideas. You can contact me by emailing me directly, using the contact form on my site, calling Gallery of Ink directly, and IG dm. Please do not attempt to contact me by sending multiple messages to multiple places. It causes a lot of confusion and backs up all my inboxes. One message through one platform please! I or my assistant will get back to you as soon as we are able.

Do you accept walk-ins?/ Do you have any flash pieces available? 

While I am primarily an appointment-based artist, there are a few very rare occasions that I may be free in the shop due to a last-minute cancellation, or I have a free day and come in just for a bit to take walk-ins. While it does not happen often, you are welcome to call ahead to the shop and see if I’m accepting walk-ins for the day. If you stop by and I’m tattooing, we do have other amazing artists at the shop who can take walk-ins as well. I will always post up available flash designs or fun flash pieces I’m looking to do!

How do you determine the price/ what is my tattoo going to cost? 

Pricing is determined based on several factors like size, design, the time required, etc. which is why it's so important to consult with me prior to booking. Any tattoos that are 3 hours or less are priced and scheduled hourly, 4-hour pieces are priced and booked at the half-day rate and any tattoos requiring up to an 8-hour session are priced and booked at the full day rate. All bookings require a deposit that will be redeemed toward the final price of the tattoo. 

 Current rates are as follows:

-       Shop Minimum: $100

-       1 Hour: $175

-       2 Hours: $350

-       3 Hours: $525

            **All 1-3 hour tattoos require a $100 deposit to book. 

-       4 Hours (Half Day Session): $700

**Half Day sessions require a deposit of $150

-       8 Hours ( Full Day Session): $1200

**Full Day sessions require a deposit of $200

Why do I need to pay a deposit to book an appointment?

A deposit serves to secure your appointment date and time in my schedule compensates me for the artwork I created, and also functions as an incentive to follow through with your scheduled appointment. A lot of preparation goes into every piece I create and therefore deposits are 100% non-refundable.

When will I see my tattoo design?

I draw in order of my appointments. Usually, I try to have the rough sketch ready about a week before and the finalized design about 1-2 days beforehand. A large part of choosing me as your artist is trusting me to give you a design that meets your criteria and will last and be a beautiful tattoo you’ll love forever. I understand that the excitement is usually a lot to handle and the suspense can get to you so in occasions where I have extra time if you request it I can sometimes send out designs the night before however it isn’t guaranteed. If you arrive at your appointment and do not like your design we can spend time to make sure your design is exactly what you want before we begin. In the event that you change the tattoo idea altogether we will need to discuss it further. 

What’s your cancellation policy?

Gallery of Ink and its affiliated artists require at least 24 HOURS notice of cancellation in order to reschedule you using your existing deposit. If you leave a deposit and no longer wish to get the tattoo done, your deposit will NOT be refunded. No call / no shows / same day cancellations forfeit your deposit and require you to leave a new deposit to make any future appointments. If your tattoo appointment takes more than one session, your deposited amount will be deducted from the price of the final session. A deposit is valid for 1 year from the date the deposit was made. This deposit is for the tattoo described in the intake form/during the consultation and any dramatic changes to your design idea is not covered by this deposit and will result in a change of the estimated price given during the initial consultation. Please keep in mind we depend on appointments and put hard work into drawing for you and securing a set schedule. Deposits are 100% non-refundable and no exceptions will be made.

What if I’m late/sick/ an emergency comes up?

It’s imperative to always show up on time for your appointment, preferably at least 15 minutes early to allow time for things like paperwork and getting settled in. Please manage your time and give yourself enough padding for things like traffic, looking for parking, etc. Being late cuts into your tattoo time and could result in an unfinished piece. If you are 15 minutes or more late it will be at my discretion whether or not I will continue with your appointment, should your appointment have to be canceled, your deposit will be forfeited. I understand that sometimes life happens and I will always do my best to be accommodating within reason. I ask that you respect my time and if you’re going to be late you contact me or the shop directly to let us know as early as possible…

If you’re not feeling well or are sick in any way, PLEASE DO NOT COME IN. Please contact me or the shop directly as soon as you become aware of your symptoms and we can reschedule for another time. The health and safety of everyone in the shop is paramount and we ask that you do your part to insure said safety. I just ask that you give as much notice as is possible should you not be feeling well.

What is your policy regarding COVID19?/ How are you complying with regulations?

Currently, we have a few different policies in place for covid. First and foremost masks are required in the shop at all times. You must be wearing a real mask, not a bandana or face shield, etc. 

A few things you can expect from the shop regarding COVID:

-       All of our employees are given a health screening before coming into the shop. Anyone with symptoms is sent home until they’ve quarantined/tested negative.

•  All employees are wearing masks and we have hand sanitizer stations and handwashing stations throughout the shop for your comfort.

•  We are limiting the number of people in the shop at one time. 

• All common areas, door handles, ledges, common touch-points, etc. will be regularly sanitized throughout the day.

• All tattoo stations, chairs, trays, tools, etc. will be sanitized after each client. 

• Many of these things are common standards for our tattoo shop before COVID but we want to make you aware.

• We also keep contact information for everyone in the shop daily in case contact tracing becomes necessary.

• We thoroughly disinfect the shop bi-weekly with a medical-grade disinfecting fogger.

 A few things the shop expects of you as a client regarding COVID :

• You will be expected to wear a mask at all times while in the shop.

• If you have any symptoms or are sick at all (even if it isn’t COVID) Please call to reschedule. We will understand.

• If you’ve come in contact with someone who has tested positive, or live in a household where someone has tested positive in the past 14 days please call to reschedule. We will understand!

Please do not bring a big group to your tattoo appointment. You may call beforehand to see if you can bring a guest.

Do I have to show proof of vaccination to get tattooed?

You do not need to show proof of vaccination to get tattooed in our shop.

Can I bring a friend with me for emotional support?

 I understand that getting tattooed can be a scary time! Normally we do allow you to bring one guest with you and we can usually accommodate a chair or stool for them to sit in with you. Currently, due to Covid-19, we are trying to keep down the number of people in the shop. Please call to see if we have the space to accommodate your guest before your tattoo appointment. Chances are we will, we just like to know ahead of time.

How do I prepare for my tattoo?/ Can I wear numbing cream?

The best way to prepare for your tattoo is to get a good night’s sleep, shower, be well hydrated, and eat a good meal before coming in. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the tattoo area without having to completely undress. In the event that it’s in a private area we will put up privacy screens.

• As far as numbing cream goes, It’s not my favorite product to work with. If you do decide to use it we will add it to your paperwork in case of any adverse reactions. Occasionally it leaves a sticky residue and makes the skin hard to clean. In certain cases, I’ve had to reschedule clients before the tattooing even begins because they had a strange reaction to the numbing cream. Also in some instances, you will feel a bit numb, and then when it wears off you can feel everything. It’s your decision but I recommend that if you choose to use it you should try a small portion on your skin two weeks prior to the tattoo appointment. You can always call the shop with any questions about it as well.

What are the after-care instructions for my tattoo? 

I will provide an aftercare sheet after every tattoo & give you verbal instructions as well. Your aftercare will depend on the way your tattoo is wrapped. I offer two options. A traditional bandage/wrap or Recovery Derm is a newer type of bandage. 

•  If your tattoo is wrapped in the traditional bandage/wrap:

            Remove your bandage after two hours.

            Wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water.

            Pat the tattoo dry and apply a thin layer of A&D ointment.

            After 2 days switch over to unscented moisturizing lotion. 

• If your tattoo is wrapped with Recovery derm:

  After 4 days remove the bandage in the shower under the water by gently picking at one of the corners and slowly stretching the bandage to release it from the skin.

  Once the bandage comes off, wash the tattoo with some antibacterial soap and warm water.

  Pat the tattoo dry and apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizing lotion like Nivea or Aveeno.

•   It will scab, please don’t pick it.

•  It will itch, please don’t scratch it.

My tattoo faded, can you do touch-ups?/ How much do they cost?

I’m sorry to hear that! Yes, I absolutely do touch-ups and always want my work to look its best! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you feel your tattoo needs a touch-up, I’m more than happy to accommodate. If I’ve done the tattoo I always offer a free touch-up. Hands and Fingers have a one-time touch-up guarantee.    In the event that I haven’t done the original tattoo I am still willing to do a touch-up (on a case-by-case basis.) and all pricing for that is done based on the amount of work/time we need to complete it.

Do you currently offer piercings? 

Currently due to COVID and busy tattooing schedules the shop is not offering piercings at this time. When we begin again we will absolutely post about it and keep everyone in the loop!