MY METHOD:
My working approach is particular to me, as with many artists. It normally starts with a chat, during which time I’ll try to get to know you, your personality and what you are seeking. I strongly invite you to open up to the process, expressing your feelings and emotions, while I will listen to your ideas. This appointment is the time we collaborate. I ask you to prepare for this session by bringing references, doing your research if required etc. After this session, is when my artistic process begins and it’s not effective to add ideas later...so do your homework!
It is with my experience, knowledge in the field, artistic background and eye for design that I take the information from the consult and design your piece. My ultimate goal is to give you a timeless piece of emotional art, not just a tattoo and I've learnt from my own experience, that most of the time my clients just need to be pushed further than they could imagine. The final part of the process is that you accept being guided by my creative instinct for my process to work. Most of the time my clients say that the final piece owned by them is way different from what they’d imagined but they somehow feel it completes them. For all of these reasons, I need you to make the decision of letting me do what I’m good at before you come and meet me and be willing to commit to ‘my’ method.
MY METHOD:
THE CONSULTATION
The reason why I offer a 30 minute consultation in person is because I believe it’s extremely important we ‘feel’ each other out and firstly establish if you want to trust my creative process and method of work.
I strongly request you arrive at the consultation with clear ideas in your mind, size, placement, etc… bring references and examples of my previous work you loved. Why? For all the reasons mentioned above.
During this time I listen, take notes, take photos of your body and ask questions. I will then establish if the piece will be pre-drawn or free handed. If we are both happy to proceed, then you can leave a non refundable deposit and finalise the booking if you wish to do so.
I have dedicated my whole life to art and nearly 25 years to tattooing, please respect that and with that in mind be ready to trust me.
PREPARATION OF ARTWORK:
If you've decided to commission one of my pieces, it means you’ve found something in my work that you love. Please honor that, respect me as an artist, and do not try to control every aspect of the design. Otherwise, you might as well draw it yourself and get someone else to execute it. From the consultation day until your session, I will silently prepare myself for your piece. I will show you the artwork or a draft of it only the day before the appointment. This is part of my process, so please respect it. There's a creative momentum that is part of my personal process, beginning the moment I start conceiving your piece until it goes on your skin.
Please accept this and refrain from asking me if the design is ready.
There is, of course, the possibility that you won't be happy with the design I prepared for you. In that case, I can make minor changes at no additional cost. However, if a whole new design must be prepared, then a new deposit will be required. Drawing and designing can take several hours, sometimes days, to get right as part of the creative process. This is a reminder to be sure during the consult that I am the artist for you.
PRICES:
I’m sure you have shopped around and seen what is available, with so much variety in styles, pricing, experience, and technique. If you’re reading this, you have likely liked my art, and hopefully, after the consultation, if not the session itself, you will realize my value and all the work I have put into your piece of art. Because they are not just tattoos. I do not work by the hour, so my pieces are priced individually, taking into account research, drawing and design, the techniques used, and much more. I may have given you an estimated quote during our consultation, but be aware that the price can vary according to the final placement, size, and the time required to execute the tattoo, based on your skin condition and also how well you sit during the session. Certain pieces can also be quoted at a fixed price, regardless of the number of hours needed.
APPOINTMENT DAY:
Please be on time. This also means don’t arrive too early, as mine is a private studio with no receptionist. I really do my best to keep a reasonable schedule, and I ask you to please be respectful of my time too. Plan ahead and consider parking, traffic, and your coffee. Everything will be ready to go; my work station will be set, and you will be required to fill out a consent form. Then we will go through the final details of your design, I will show you the color scheme that I've hand-picked for you, and then we will start working on the placement. This is one of the most important moments of the process, especially if freehanding is required. Please refrain from using your phone or trying to get the perfect picture to share on social media. Instead, try to be in the moment as we create something beautiful that you will carry with you forever. This moment can also be quite emotional for you, so let your feelings flow. This is when the emotional power comes into action and brings that priceless value to your piece. I also do not allow friends, partners, or children during the tattoo session.
One reason I work differently from others is that I consider the stencil and freehanding of the design into your skin the most important step of the process. The session will start at the beginning of this part, as I believe accuracy and perfectionism are my most valuable skills. I won’t start tattooing until I believe the piece is sitting perfectly on your body. Sometimes, I stencil the whole piece, sometimes just part of it, and other times, I freehand it completely. I will only decide that on the day. My background in painting and collage also reflects in my work and how I organize our sessions together. This could mean having a half-finished piece for a while or scattered pieces that will be joined together towards the end of our sessions.
PREPARING YOUR SKIN
I strongly recommend preparing your skin before your tattoo session, as it plays a crucial role in the outcome of your tattoo. Start moisturizing the area of your body where you’ll be getting tattooed as soon as you book your session. It’s important to avoid using lotions or water-based products, as they are not sufficient. The best results come from regular use of a butter or balm (you can purchase one at my studio after our consultation).
AFTERCARE
Aftercare is absolutely essential for the best healing and long-term appearance of your tattoo. Before you leave my studio, I will go over all the aftercare steps with you and recommend the best products based on your skin type.
You’ll also receive an Aftercare Instruction Bag to take home with everything you need.