FAQs
Questions from your perspective:
Booking Your Tattoo—
How do I book?
First, please check if my books are open! I only accept booking requests about every 3 months. When my books are open, I will explicitly say so both on my Instagram and here on my website. If my books are open, please read through the “Booking Information” page on my website, then submit a booking form for your desired design(s) with as much booking details as possible!
When are your books open?
I open my books for new tattoo clients about every 2-3 months. The status of my books is usually stated in my Instagram bio.
How do I know when my request is accepted?
I will send you an email in response to your booking request! Often, these can be sent to client’s spam folder so please be diligent in checking your emails! Booking can be unpredictable— I can respond as soon as a few hours later, or can possibly take up to 2 weeks. If over 2 weeks has lapsed and you haven’t heard back from me in regards to a booking request, please feel free to send me an email.
Do you do consultations?
At the moment, I do not. However, I want to begin offering this option for clients in the near future!
What is the difference between “flash” and “custom”?
“Flash design” = A pre-drawn design by an artist that is ready to be chosen by the client and tattooed right away.
“Custom design” = A new design made by the artist special for the client based on themes and ideas the client wants. This process is more involved and takes the artist more time to create a new image.
Is your flash repeatable?
Yes! I like to tattoo my designs more than once because I am still a beginner artist and I find this helps me learn. If you would like the flash design to be unique just for you, I can make small alterations. If you would like many changes, a custom design request (and subsequent drawing fee) would be necessary.
Custom projects are non-repeatable! I see this as a special artwork for the client. If you enjoy a custom design I have made, I am happy to use it as inspiration for a new personalized custom design.
Are you taking custom design projects?
I do not always take custom design project, however, I will be taking custom submissions for return clients this Spring 2023 (and possibly in the summer).
Can I see the custom design before the appointment?
Sometimes. I often am working on the design up until your appointment but I can send you a half-way sketch of the design so you can verify it is going in the right direction. However, you may not be able to see the final product until your appointment time. This does not mean you will have to get this design; if needed, I am happy to make any changes you may want to see before we start tattooing.
Are you open to doing all types of styles?
No— because I am trying to express my creativity through my practice of tattooing, I do not want to take on project I feel are not right for me. Examples of tattoo styles or iconography I will not consider include—but are not limited to: any hate speech or symbols of any type, a language I am not affiliated with, a religion I am not affiliated with, a cultural practice I am not affiliated with (this including tribal designs) and any traditional style designs. I also do want want to accept imagery in which I feel I could not create a great piece with; I would rather refer you to an artist that I think will create your dream piece than try to force it work with me.
Do you do cover-ups and reworks?
It depends on the situation. I have done a few coverups that I felt were doable for my skill level. If it is quite small (like old small handpoke dots) that are easily incorporated, I’m happy to do so! But bigger ones may be out of my skill range. If you are curious about a certain coverup, please reach out with photos and ideas for a possible custom coverup project.
What is your hourly rate and do you only accept cash as payment?
Currently, my hourly rate is $200 an hour. I also have an appointment minimum of $225.
I accept cash only for all appointments— Venmo is accepted only for deposit and custom design fee payments.
Please note: tips are always appreciated, but never expected. I just ask you pay what you can! Also non-monetary gifts are awesome to receive as well! My faves are art and plants :)
How do I know the price range for a design?
I am currently working by the hour which can make price estimation tricky. I am very grateful to clients who are okay with working in a ballpark range. If you would like a solid price range before booking or before your appt, please feel free to ask.
For reference: 3 tiny flash designs usually take 1.5 hours and a 4x4 design usually takes about a 2.5 hours. These are rough estimates— final amount of time depends on placement and design.
Why is there a deposit to book?
Currently, I require a $50 deposit to be sent via Venmo to book a tattoo appointment with me. This entire amount will be put towards the final cost of your tattoo. It is always non-refundable, but once transferable— if you give at least a 48 hour notice before your original appointment time. If these requirement are not met, the deposit is forfeited and a new one would be needed to secure a new time.
What is a custom drawing fee?
In addition to the deposit, if you are booking a custom design appointment, a $100 drawing fee is needed to book the appointment. This fee (unlike the deposit) does not go towards the final cost of the tattoo. Rather, it is to compensate the time it takes to draw a new custom design for your appointment. I hope to get your design right on the first try, but I am happy to make as many changes to your custom design to make it perfect for you!
This custom drawing fee is also non-refundable but transferable.
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?
If you have set up an appointment and want to reschedule, please let me know 48 hours before your appointment time for your deposit to be transferable. If you do not notify me before 48 hours prior, the deposit cannot be moved. If you would like to reschedule, please do so within the current booking period or else the deposit cannot be transferred any longer. Deposits can only be transferred to another date once. If you need to reschedule a second time, another deposit is needed. Please note, the $50 deposit is always non-refundable but will go towards the final cost of your tattoo.
Your Tattoo Appt—
How do I prepare to get a tattoo?
In the few days prior to your appointment, please make sure to moisturize the skin we will be tattooing. This helps the skin receive the tattoo with ease, as well as helps the healing process. In addition, please prepare for your appointment with a substantial meal, plenty of water, comfortable clothing allows easy access to the placement, and please be sober for the appointment.
What should I plan for?
Please bring with you anything you’d like to use to distract yourself (i.e. a video game, phone w headphones, fidget toys) you may want to have. As well, I advise that you bring clothing layering options, water, snacks, and any other items that may make you more comfortable. Receiving tattoos can be very painful so please do whatever you need to mitigate this pain; and I will help do the same.
What is the tattoo studio like?
Belly Fruit is a privately owned and operated queer tattoo studio in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The space is full of curated art local art, plants, and immaculate vibes! The space is about 600 sq. ft and has a pretty decent view to match.
I am not the only artist working in the studio. I work along side another nonbinary artist names Meg (they/them) who does handpoke tattoos. They are a wonderful person who makes all feel immediately welcome! They usually only have one person at their appointments and are in the studio with me on Wednesdays and Fridays. They bring their dog Loki in with them sometimes, but not when I’m working in the studio.
Accessibility: Getting into the building, there are often parking spots out front with clear access to a well maintained and wide sidewalk. If you need access to a handicap parking spot, please contact me beforehand and I can let you into the parking garage. Once inside, there is a large elevator that you can use to reach the studio on the second floor. In the studio, we have hydraulic lift tattooing tables which allows ease of getting onto the table. The table can also be altered to be a chair if you'd prefer to sit upright (if the placement allows). The suggested weight limit of the table is 450 lbs— if this is a concern, please contact me before your appointment, or if you have any further questions or requests regarding accessibility.
Can I bring a friend with me?
Unfortunately, no. I am neuro-divergent and because of this, multiple sources of noise overstimulates me, causing me to feel panicked; I kindly ask you do not bring anyone but yourself to the tattoo appoitment. If there are special circumstances, please reach out to see if I can accommodate you.
Can I make changes to my design?
Always! I am happy to make changes to the design that you may see fit during any point in the tattooing process. I am here to follow your vision!
Can I ask questions about tattooing during my appt?
Yes, definitely! The tattooing process can be tedious and confusing, but I never want you to feel in the dark about what is happening to your body. So please do not hesitate to ask. Demystifying the process can be empowering and make getting tattoos a lot less intimidating.
What if I don’t want my tattoo to be photographed?
No problem at all. I completely understand if you do not want me to post pictures of your new tattoo or of your body to social media. However, I kindly ask for at least one photo of the tattoo for the sake of my book keeping. This allows me to track my work and income. If you still do not consent to any photographs of any kind, I will respect your choice.
What are your ethical standards and boundaries with clients?
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What is your COVID protocol?
*MASKS STILL REQUIRED & MUST BE WORN*
To create airflow there are usually open windows; masks are always required and social distancing is practiced. The tattoo tables we practice on are more than 6 feet apart and the large studio allows for personal space. Also, all artists are vaccinated and most require proof of vaccination from their clients.
After Your Appt—
Aftercare
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When do I know the tattoo is healed?
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What is your touch-up policy?
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Why and when should I send healed pictures?
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Can I give you a review or feedback?
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General Questions—
How long have you been tattooing?
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How did you start?
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How do I start tattooing?
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Are you taking an apprentice?
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What days of the week are you working?
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Why aren’t you replying to my DM or email?
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Why machine tattoos? What type of machine do you use?
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Are your tattooing supplies vegan?
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What allergens are in your tattooing supplies?
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