FAQ
Thank you for your interest in my work. Finding a tattooer that resonates with you, and that you feel comfortable with, is of the utmost importance. I appreciate your trust. I have been tattooing since 2009. My books are open for new clients four times a year, and I schedule three months in advance. I do have to give first priority to existing clients and ongoing projects which is why I have adopted this booking system.
When you contact me, I ask for detailed information about the project before my books open. I am a solo artist and have come to a place where I can only focus on custom work, and pieces that I am excited to create. I cannot accommodate requests from new clients for very simple or small tattoos at this time.
DO YOU ACCEPT EVERY PROJECT?
I do my best! All tattoos are important, and I approach my work without judgment. I try to prioritize tattoo concepts that resonate with my style and allow me to grow as a tattooer and artist. But, I love creating tattoos of all kinds and try my hardest to accommodate everyone.
I also (hopefully, obviously) will not tattoo anything racist, hateful, or gang affiliated.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET AN APPOINTMENT?
My books are technically always open, but as Gemstone is a small studio, I do tend to book in advance. For new projects I save appointments and put out an open call for new clients/tattoos on 1/1, 4/1, 7/1, 10/1. On those dates I book three months out. I do this because I cannot book a whole year in advance. In general, the most one would have to wait would be three months. As I mentioned, it is only me, and I have to manage my time in a healthy and fulfilling way. My style is rooted in tradition. I focus on clean lines, and solid color. My work is illustrative and whimsical. I do not work with any Asian traditional styles, human portraiture, biomechanical, or hyper realism. If I am not the right person for your project, I will let you know. Please email if you’d like to set something up!
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
Once you’re scheduled we will meet about your ideas in the week or two prior to your appointment. I generally do consultations via Zoom. This is usually a very smooth and straightforward process. If needed, we can schedule a meeting in person at the studio. Coverups often require an in person consultation.
I do not email drawings prior to your session, and I cannot make exceptions to this rule. I work on designs as they come up in my calendar, and not weeks in advance. I will likely be finalizing and refining your design in the days prior to your session. When you arrive at the shop your drawing will be ready for you. I allow plenty of time for each session so we can have a discussion about the drawing and make any necessary adjustments while you are at the shop.
When we begin the process of discussing your design, you will receive an email with my policies and booking info. Please read through it carefully. Please do not put down a deposit unless you are completely committed to your tattoo. Your deposit is non refundable.
Every appointment requires a non-refundable $100.00 deposit. This money will be credited towards your tattoo. In the case of multiple sessions it will be applied to the final appointment. In the event that you are unable to give me 48 hours notice to cancel your appointment your deposit will be forfeited. In the event of a no-show/no-call the deposit is forfeited. If you repeatedly cancel or reschedule you may not be invited to rebook my time, or you may be asked to prepay for your session. I require deposits from my good friends, old clients, everyone. It’s a contractual agreement and motivates you to show up! I put lots of time and effort into drawing and design and a deposit is your end of the deal. We do, of course, also understand that life is unpredictable and things happen.
Once we have received your deposit, we will set up your first appointment and any other sessions if we are working on a multiple session piece.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED IN MAINE?
In the State of Maine you must be 18 years old on the date you get tattooed and must be able to prove that with a government issued photo I.D. No exceptions.
DOES IT HURT?
In a word, yes. But, not nearly as bad as you might be thinking. I find for most people it is a manageable and slightly annoying type of discomfort. The sensation and experience of getting tattooed are so short lived. Once you have your finished piece you will not remember how it felt, you will just be happy to have it.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
I charge strictly by the hour. I cannot give accurate price quotes without a design concept and a consultation via email. I outline efficiently and quickly. If you have specific questions about cost, please email. I am always happy to answer to help you plan.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE?
In the State of Maine you must be 18 years old on the date you get tattooed and must be able to prove that with a government issued photo I.D. No exceptions!
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
I work by appointment only, as it gives me time to draw for your session. It allows planning and forethought and I think that makes for a better tattoo.
CAN YOU COVER UP MY OLD TATTOO?
Probably? But, seriously, yes, I most likely can. Coverups definitely require a consultation. It’s incredibly important to see what I need to cover and discuss what is possible with you. I can’t cover your giant black ink ’90’s armband with white and light yellow flowers. There are limitations posed by covering an existing tattoo. However, you’d be surprised at what I can make disappear. I do not accept every coverup inquiry, and I give priority to projects that resonate with me.
CAN YOU COVER SCARS OR BIRTHMARKS?
As with covering existing tattoos, I need to meet with you to take a look at the area to be covered. If the scar is still fresh, or pink I will not be able to tattoo you.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW TATTOO?
I will provide you with a detailed copy of healing instructions that you will take with you when you leave the shop after your session. You will keep the tattoo wrapped for a minimum of three hours after your tattoo appointment. You then wash with antibacterial soap, allow the tattoo to dry, and then apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion. The lotion is used twice a day for the next two weeks. During that two weeks it is your job to not pick at the tattoo. You will also not get sunburned, go swimming, or take long soaking baths.