Frequently Asked Questions | Tyranicorn Tattoo

Booking Your Tattoo Appointment

HOW DO I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT?

Take a look at my portfolio and see if my art meshes with the style of tattoo that you are looking for.
Review my "No List" to see that your project will align with what I do.
Look online for reference photos for tattoos you like/want for yourself, or check out my available premade designs for discounted tattoos!
Have a deposit ready (deposits range from $50-100).
Send me a consultation form to book an appointment!

Once a consultation form is received, I will reach out to you via email to confirm/decline your request.

If your piece is confirmed, I will communicate how much the tattoo will cost, how many sessions it will be, and review my calendar for any available appointment dates.

After you respond to me with the date and time that works for you, I will send a deposit form and instructions on sending your deposit. You will need to respond to the email with your signed deposit form and send payment within 24 hours.

Without a consultation form, signed deposit form, and deposit in-hand, your appointment is not confirmed and will be made available to the next person in line. All new appointments are booked this way to ensure no one is missed or forgotten.

How/When do I get to see my tattoo design?

All artwork exchanges will be conducted via email attached to your consult form. All first-draft artwork will be distributed within 24 hours of your tattoo appointment (else, day of, for reschedules, cancellations, and random chance walk-ins) along with some helpful tips/reminders for your session. If you want any changes to the piece, please respond with those before your tattoo appointment.

Due to my daily tattoo schedule, I do not and cannot send any mashups, sketches, previews, etc. any earlier. Sorry!

Is there anything you won't tattoo?

Though I appreciate all consultations that come through, and your interest in my tattooing, I want this to be a beneficial and enjoyable experience for both of us! With that being said, I specialize in neo traditional linework with bright colors, glittery dot work, and watercolor backgrounds. I’m also expanding my horizons into shadow realism with sunset or galaxy backgrounds. Check out my portfolio to gauge a better understanding of the style I work in.

In regards to tattoo locations, each will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. However, in all instances, I am not comfortable tattooing faces, palms of hands, or soles of feet.

Before submitting a consult form, please review my “No” List.

If you are looking for a black and grey realism or color infusion piece, check out my mentor and friend, Brandon Blackwood.

Please be mindful of these notations when filling out a consultation form. Additionally, I reserve the right as the tattoo artist to decline any design that does not inspire me. However, I will do my best to point you in the right direction!

I want to get a tattoo of _____. How many sessions will that take?

Most small designs (3" or less) will be completed in one session.

My small to medium tattoos (4"x6 to 5"x7") can either be completed in one full day session, or split into two half day sessions (one linework/initial color, one color layering/final details).

My medium to large tattoos (full forearms, calves, upper arms, and thighs) are either two full day sessions (one linework/base shading/base color, and one color layering/final details), or three half day sessions (one linework, one color, and one color layering/final details).

My XXL tattoos (sleeves, chest pieces, back pieces) are six or more sessions.

All forearm, calf, upper arm, and thigh pieces must be completed within 6 months of the first booked session. All sleeve, chest piece, and back piece projects must be completed within 12 months of the first booked session. Please plan accordingly.

Payment-Related Questions

What are your tattoo rates?

Short sits (1-2 hours of tattooing) are $250.
Half day sits (3-4 hours of tattooing) are $500.
Full day sits (5-6 hours of tattooing) are $750.
Extended session (multi-day sits) start at $900.

How much will my tattoo cost?

I am able to work with most budgets. My prices vary based on size, placement/location, and design itself.

$250 - $750 (single-day sessions, small to medium sized designs / fillers)
$750 - $1,500 (two-day sessions, medium to large designs / forearms, calves)
$1,500 - $3,000 (three-day sessions, large designs / upper arms, thighs)
$3,000+ (four-or-more-day sessions, XXL designs / chest pieces, back pieces)

I also offer premade designs that I want to do at a discount. Consider getting one of my available designs!

For all coverup work, please fill out a consultation form to get a more accurate quote.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes, I require a deposit to book an appointment. Deposits range from $50-$100.

Once you fill out a consultation form and communicate with me via email, I will send you a deposit form to fill, sign, and return.

The deposit is to be sent via CashApp or Venmo. I do not accept any other P2P money transfer services.

Do not send any money until you have received and filled out your form.

What is your deposit policy?

All deposits are for booking your time slot. None of the tattoo deposit goes towards holding premade artwork or creating custom artwork for your piece. The deposit is included in the price of your tattoo. For multi-session pieces, a deposit is required for each session, as they are all separate appointments.

All tattoo deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE.
If you do not show up for your appointment, you forfeit your deposit and you will have to pay a new deposit to schedule a new appointment.
If you need to reschedule an appointment, we require a minimum of 24 hour notice, or you will forfeit your deposit.
If you provide at least 24 hour notice to reschedule, we will transfer your deposit to hold a new appointment date, once. If you reschedule a second time, you forfeit your deposit and have to put down a new deposit to schedule a new appointment.
If you choose to not reschedule your appointment when you cancel, and you choose not to rebook, you forfeit your deposit.
Deposits are non-transferable and cannot be given to another person.
If you approve your artwork in advance of your appointment slot, and you choose not to get it tattooed (ex: significant color changes, redrawing, or declining the piece), we reserve the right to keep your full deposit and resell the artwork as a premade.
If you arrive 30 minutes late without contacting us, you will forfeit your deposit.
Touch up appointments do not need a deposit and are free for up to six months. If you no-call-no-show your touch up appointment, you may be subject to studio minimum charge and a deposit for rebooking.

DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS?

At the moment, I only accept cash. Please visit an ATM prior to coming in to the shop and bring an adequate amount of funds. I will tell you the cost of your tattoo prior to your visit, so you will have an ample amount of time to save for your new tattoo.

Getting Your Tattoo

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY TATTOO APPOINTMENT?

You will need to bring the following items to your tattoo appointment:

A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport
Cash
A positive attitude!

Optional, but highly recommended advice:

Please wear comfortable, loose clothing that has easy access to the tattooable area. (We have a privacy divider if your tattoo is in a sensitive area.)
You may want to bring a light snack, as your blood sugar levels may vary as the tattoo progresses.
Stay hydrated. Bring a sealable beverage container, such as a bottle of water or thermos.
Charge your phone and/or bring a portable battery. We have WiFi available to our guests, but if your phone is like mine, your battery will drain significantly while on it for long periods of time!
Please leave your children (under 18), friends, partners, guests, and pets at home. Our shop capacity is small, and can get loud quickly. To make every client feel comfortable, and to keep the noise level down, only bring who/what is necessary.
If it will help you relax, bring headphones to listen to music/podcasts/audiobooks or to watch a video. Our tattoo artists will play music that fancies them that day, so you'll may hear anything from alternative rock, to rap, to dubstep (my personal favorite). If you're not a fan of a variety of genres, headphones come highly recommended.
Light movement activities such as reading a book/magazine, coloring, or knitting are encouraged for longer sits. However, most of my tattoos can/will be accomplished before boredom occurs. If you deem it necessary to bring an activity kit along, you're welcome to do so, but be mindful of the location of your tattoo and the space allotted on the tattoo bed for your activity to take place.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF GETTING A TATTOO LIKE?

Here is a rough example of how your tattoo process will be conducted, start to finish.

Arrival & Prep

Please bring cash to your appointment! You will be provided a quote prior to your tattoo session, as part of your deposit form. If you do not carry cash, ATMs nearby include Tobacco Plus, Neuhauser Pharmacy, UW Credit Union, or Associated Bank. I highly recommend using a fee-free ATM through your financial institution prior to our appointment.
Once you get to our studio, you will be welcomed into the tattoo shop. If I am currently with a client, you are welcome to wait on the comfy couches up front until I am able to bring you back to my station.
All artwork will be verbally confirmed once more, prior to a stencil being made.
I will scan your government-issued photo ID for record keeping purposes and you will fill out a consent form.
If the tattoo station is not already set up, I will complete the finishing touches. (This is a great time to use the restroom, if you haven't already.)
Once confirmed, I will make the stencil, and will shave any hair around the area. Note: If you are getting a behind the neck tattoo, I will be shaving a decent chunk of your hair out. You have been warned! :)
I will lay the stencil until you are in agreement with the placement. The stencil will need to sit on your skin for 10-15 minutes (slightly longer for larger pieces).
We will select the final colors and get the ink set up for tattooing.

Tattoo Time

I will run a test line to see how the ink takes to your skin and make adjustments accordingly.
All black outlining will be completed first (or black under-shading for color realism/galaxy).
I will conduct a quality check and make any touch-ups.
If inspection passes, then we will move to black/grey shading (if there is any in your piece).
I will conduct a quality check and make any touch-ups.
For full color and watercolor tattoos, we will end with color stacking and packing.
I will conduct a quality check and make any touch-ups.
Last but not least, I will add any white highlights and finishing touches.
I will conduct a quality check and make any touch-ups.

If at any time during the tattoo you need a break, please let me know and I will make any final lines or sweeps before finding a good stopping point. There may be an area that does not take well, or that may require additional time. To ensure the quality of the tattoo, check points will be made throughout the duration of your tattoo process. To avoid tattoo blowouts and cuts, I will not run over the area more than a certain amount of times. I want your tattoo to look good and feel good, so, a free touch-up scheduled at a later may be required.

Final steps

Once we've passed the quality inspection, you'll get to take a final look at your tattoo.
I'll get you cleaned up and snap some photos of your finished tattoo for my personal records, portfolio, and social media platforms.
If any other weeping occurs, I will clean you once more and bandage you up for departure.
Payment will be exchanged for an aftercare sheet with instructions to keep your tattoo clean and safe.
If you don't already have my contact information, it will be provided via business card.

You're welcome to text/message/email any questions you may have regarding your tattoo. I look forward to creating a lasting relationship with you as a tattoo client. Please, don't be shy!

How long does it take?

Each tattoo is unique, so the time will vary per design. Please set aside a minimum of 4 hours, even if it's for a small piece, to account for paperwork, set-up, stencil laying, physical tattooing, clean-up, and photography. Humans also need to use the restroom, eat, and stretch. ;)

For medium tattoos, please plan on being here for 6-7 hours.

For large tattoos, please plan on being here for 10-12 hours. (You are welcome to bring or order food for long tattoo sessions.)

Aftercare Instructions

I lost my aftercare sheet, help?!

I likely wrapped you up in Recovery, a clear film bandage. Please follow the "If used as part of the aftercare process" steps below. If your bandage is leaking/peeling and you can't make it the full 3-5 days of wear, please use the "If worn as a bandage" steps. If you are allergic to adhesive, please follow the traditional aftercare procedures. Make sure your hands are cleaned thoroughly before removing the bandage and cleaning your tattoo.

Clear Film Bandage Aftercare

If worn as a bandage:

Leave on for 8-24 hours. BANDAGE MUST REMAIN INTACT.
To remove bandage: Peel it back SLOWLY, starting from an edge or a corner. Stretch the bandage with the skin (like a command strip), TAKE YOUR TIME. Do not rip off quickly.
Once bandage is removed, clean and wash the tattoo and surrounding area with antibacterial unscented soap and water. Using just your fingers to clean the area is sufficient. Do not use a loofa or washcloth! Rinse the tattoo and surrounding area with cool water. Keep your tattoo out of the direct spray of the shower head or faucet.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel. (A clean towel fresh out of the laundry is okay. As long as there is no pet hair/dander, bodily fluids, or dirt/grime on the fabric, it is okay to use.) Be CAREFUL not to rub the tattoo.
Before applying any aftercare (tattoo balm or ointment), allow the tattoo to air dry for 3-5 minutes, then dab with a clean, wet paper towel to remove any weeping. Then pat dry completely, again.
Apply a thin coat of tattoo balm (InkAura) or antibacterial ointment (Aquaphor, Bacitracin, A&D) to the tattoo. Dab off any excess ointment. You should NOT look overly shiny or goopy (thin layer like Chapstick). Clean and apply a new coat of tattoo balm or ointment 3-4 times a day.
Switch to applying an unscented lotion (InkAura, Lubriderm, Jergens, Eucerin) to the tattoo. Clean the tattoo and close surrounding area with soap and water 3-4 times a day for the first 3-4 days the bandage has been off.
Apply the lotion 6-8 times a day (approximately every 1-2 hours). The lotion should be applied at least 2 times after a cleaning before the next cleaning. Once you start, apply lotion for 10-14 days.

If used as part of the aftercare process:

Leave on for 3-5 days as directed by your tattoo artist
If redness occurs outside the tattoo (itching, burning, hives, etc.), take the bandage off and discontinue use. Redness will clear up during tattoo healing process once bandage is removed.
To remove bandage: Peel it back SLOWLY, starting from an edge or a corner. Stretch the bandage with the skin (like a command strip), TAKE YOUR TIME. Do not rip off quickly.
Once bandage is removed, clean and wash the tattoo and surrounding area with antibacterial unscented soap and water. Using just your fingers to clean the area is sufficient. Do not use a loofa or washcloth! Rinse the tattoo and surrounding area with cool water. Keep your tattoo out of the direct spray of the shower head or faucet.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel. (A clean towel fresh out of the laundry is okay. As long as there is no pet hair/dander, bodily fluids, or dirt/grime on the fabric, it is okay to use.) Be CAREFUL not to rub the tattoo.
Before applying any aftercare (tattoo balm or ointment), allow the tattoo to air dry for 3-5 minutes, then dab with a clean, wet paper towel to remove any weeping. Then pat dry completely, again.
Apply an unscented lotion (InkAura, Lubriderm, Jergens, Eucerin) to the tattoo. Clean the tattoo and close surrounding area with soap and water 3-4 times a day for the first 3-4 days the bandage has been off.
Apply the lotion 6-8 times a day (approximately every 1-2 hours). The lotion should be applied at least 2 times after a cleaning before the next cleaning. Once you start, apply lotion for 10-14 days.

Traditional Aftercare

Unwrap your tattoo after 2 hours.
Immediately clean and wash the tattoo and surrounding area with antibacterial soap and water. Using just your fingers to clean the area is sufficient. Do not use a loofa or washcloth! Rinse the tattoo and surrounding area with cool water. Keep your tattoo out of the direct spray of the shower head or faucet.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel. (A clean towel fresh out of the laundry is okay. As long as there is no pet hair/dander, bodily fluids, or dirt/grime on the fabric, it is okay to use.) Be CAREFUL not to rub the tattoo.
Before applying any aftercare (tattoo balm or ointment), allow the tattoo to air dry for 3-5 minutes, then dab with a clean, wet paper towel to remove any weeping. Then pat dry completely, again.
Apply a thin coat of tattoo balm (InkAura) or antibacterial ointment (Aquaphor, Bacitracin, A&D) to the tattoo. Dab off any excess ointment. You should NOT look overly shiny or goopy (thin layer like Chapstick). Clean and apply a new coat of tattoo balm or ointment 3-4 times a day.
For the first 3-4 days of your tattoo healing, you should be repeating steps 2-4. (Clean your tattoo 3-4 times per day, and applying ointment after the cleaning).
After your fourth day of ointment, you can switch to unscented lotion (InkAura, Lubriderm, Jergens, Eucerin) to the tattoo. Clean the tattoo and close surrounding area with soap and water 3-4 times a day. Apply the lotion 6-8 times a day (approximately every 1-2 hours). The lotion should be applied at least 2 times after a cleaning before the next cleaning. Once you start, apply lotion for 10-14 days.

During the healing process, your tattoo will peal or flake, similar to a sunburn. DO NOT pick, itch or scratch at these flakes. When you clean, some of these flakes will come off the tattoo and the rest will be removed from the tattoo in additional cleanings. Wearing loose fitting clothing around the tattoo area can reduce the amount the tattoo is rubbed unnecessarily. Tattoos generally take 10-14 days to heal completely, but this may vary from person to person.

If at any time you notice that your tattoo is dry and starting to scab, it needs more moisture. Thoroughly apply ointment/lotion to your piece, depending on what stage you are at in the healing process.

A touch up is a small amount of ink or imperfection due to the healing process. NOT ALL TATTOOS NEED TOUCH UPS. After your tattoo is healed, contact your artist with any questions regarding a touch up. If a touch up is needed there is no charge within the first 6 months of receiving a tattoo.

Our studio is sponsored by InkAura, and we recommend using their products for the aftercare process. InkAura products can be purchased from EpiQue Tattoo Supply: epiquesupply.com.

I have an ink sack! What do I do?!

Most ink sacks are normal. You are healing in your own plasma, so it's to be expected that you will have some bodily fluids sloshing around under your bandage. It will not harm your tattoo.

When you should be concerned about an ink sack is if it leaking or about to burst.
You will be given some "patches" with your aftercare sheet. You can use a mildly sharp object (tweezers, back of an earing, etc.) to poke a hole in your bandage and drain the liquid. PLEASE CLEAN YOUR "POKING" ITEM OFF WITH RUBBING ALCOHOL BEFORE USING IT AGAIN. Pull off the back white layer of your "patch" and stick it over the hole.

If your bandage is leaking from the top/middle/bottom, you can drain the liquid and use your patch to hold the bandage up.

If you do not have any patches left, please contact me via email explaining the situation so I can help!

How do I book my touch up?

By getting tattooed by me, you are entitled to one, free touch up , up to 6 months since your last tattoo session. If your tattoo is over one year old, there may be additional charges. All touch ups are done on weekdays/weeknights, by appointment only. I do not offer touch ups on weekends.

Please fill out a touch up form, attaching a photo of your tattoo, and selecting the days and time that work for you. I will email you back with my availability.

YOUR CART

Booking Your Tattoo Appointment

Payment-Related Questions

Getting Your Tattoo

Aftercare Instructions

Other Frequently Asked Questions

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