[ F . A . Q . ]
All your most frequently asked questions in one place!
Ok, so I want a tattoo, where do I start?
Well, you’re in the right place! Both artists Torsten and Kristin require you to fill out a pre-consultation questionnaire, located in the top right-hand menu under “Booking”. This form is to ensure all bases are covered and we have a straightforward reference when consulting and designing your tattoo!
I submitted my form, now what?
Nice. You should receive a reply within one week if we are currently accepting new clients. Please be patient as some times (tax return season, holidays, etc. ) are busier than others and we do not have a secretary!
You replied! …and asked for a deposit, whats up with that?
Ok, so we’ve agreed on a tattoo design and all the little details, you’ve come in for your consultation and now its time to book a date. Here’s the science and fine print behind our deposit policy:
The deposit ($50-$100) is meant to safeguard 3 things: the shop, the client, and the artist.
Upon placing your deposit, a percentage (typically 40%-60%) is surrendered to the house, or in this case, the shop. It ensures that if you don’t show up, they have a small bit of compensation for losing business. It also impresses upon the client the importance of showing up, by making it a real transaction that has consequences if ignored just like any other appointment.
On the clients side, there is also an advantage. You know you’re going to show up. You’re ready to get started and you can’t wait to see the art! But what if the artist forgot you, or didn’t take you seriously? A deposit shows your artist that you’re serious, and not just coming in to talk about an amazing, complex, otherworldly tattoo …and then disappearing into the void never to be seen again after an hour of unpaid consulting. This monetary exchange symbolizes your commitment to the appointment date, and we respect that. Not to mention that it comes off your tattoo total if you show up.
And last but not least, the artist. The artist is benefited much in the same way the shop and client are. The deposit shows the artist you are serious. However, it also puts pressure on the artist to deliver, as they have now been served with undeniable proof that you are serious. But more often than not, if you’re not willing to show us you’re serious and respect us, we may not be the best match anyway!
With that out of the way, here is the policy itself:
For all appointments, a $50-$100 one-time deposit fee is required to book your date. This is a booking deposit and is NOT an art fee. The art is done for free in the artist’s personal time at home and out of the shop. This deposit comes off you total during your last appointment. If your appointment is only one session, it will be taken off immediately.
If you are over 20 minutes late with no contact, fail to cancel or reschedule within 48 hours of your appointment (typically around 1pm, 2 days before your date ) or don’t show up at all, your deposit is forfeited, and you will need to place a new one in order to reschedule.
All deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE. This is a typical shop policy. No exceptions. We are unfortunately not able to do this as half of all tattoo transactions, giftcards included, are paid out to the shop immediately when received. We are not retailers, we are considered independent contractors, so keep in mind every artist and shop has the right to establish their own individual policies regarding booking, and this is common procedure. If you cannot afford the loss, should an emergency happen or you fail to show for any reason, please reconsider booking with us.
We are human too and understand that life changing events happen. Communication is key to keeping your deposit intact. We allow up to 2 reschedules, 48 hours ahead of time, before your deposit is forfeited to the artist for income loss. If you are unsure of when you will be able to book, please do not set a deposit! We often book out months ahead of time!
What is your hourly rate?
Current hourly rates are :
Torsten - 200/hr
Kristin - 150/hr standard, 500/half day, 1000/full day
Hourly rates are based on experience and skill, and are comparable to the average market rate for the area. We do not compromise on price unless its a special circumstance, such as a giant piece with full artistic liberty on the tattooer’s side, or something we just REALLY wanna do. Please respect our prices and realize you’re not just paying for the materials, you’re paying for years of unpaid apprenticeship work with no student aid, countless hours at home working on your art, researching your tattoo elements, and answering emails instead of eating dinner with the family or showering before bed, and a lifetime of experience in creating the style of art you love. You’re paying for all of that with a smile. Its not about just “day-of” work, its everything we do before, after, and in-between without you ever knowing. We aren’t getting rich off tattooing, we probably can’t even retire off of it, so keep in mind that our prices reflect the amount that we need to continue doing what we love on a daily basis for you. If you do not respect this, please do not submit a consultation form.
How far in advance do you book, and how can I pay?
This is honestly very dependent upon the season, but on average anywhere from 1-3 months out from the current date! You can pay for your appt and deposit via Cashapp, Venmo, Paypal, or Cash in person. We DO NOT accept cards!
What kind of tattoos do you do?
While both artists like to do a little bit of everything Torsten typically tattoos custom photorealism, comic book/anime style, and neotraditional, and is open to anything except traditional tattoos. Kristin typically tattoos custom kawaii, anime, manga, neotraditional, and blackwork, but is open to other work!
So I’ve left a deposit and booked my date, when do I get to see my art?
This is one of the great mysteries of life, isn’t it? And rightly so, as each tattoo is a 100% unique case. Some can take minutes to mock up and hours to tattoo. Others quite the opposite. The answer you want to hear is optimistically a few days before your appointment so you have time to review any changes. Realistically, most tattoo shops will give you your art the day before or the day-of. Unless you specifically request to see your art ahead of time, we are no different. This allows time for cancellations, in case we need to book a new client in your place overnight. It also stops artist and clients alike from overthinking the process and picking at little details. If you book with us, please trust your artist with the process and do not ask us in our free time for your work while we are working on other client’s projects! And we will respect your art the same way and not put someone else’s artwork in front of yours! Typically, will send it when its done. If you are uncomfortable with this process, please do not book.
How do I prepare for my tattoo?
Well this is an easy one! we have a handy tab at the top right, titled “Tattoo Care” ! It tells you how to prepare before and after!
How does it work when I need a break?
You do get as many breaks as you need, so don’t worry! We are not charging you for eating lunch or using the bathroom! We need breaks too and the only thing we ask is that they do not impede to terribly upon the next client’s appointment time! If you don’t handle pain well, PLEASE mention this in your consultation form so we can schedule enough time for you!
How does it work when I need a break?
You do get as many breaks as you need, so don’t worry! We are not charging you for eating lunch or using the bathroom! We need breaks too and the only thing we ask is that they do not impede to terribly upon the next client’s appointment time! If you don’t handle pain well, PLEASE mention this in your consultation form so we can schedule enough time for you!
What should I do if my tattoo isn’t healing well?
Shoot us an email before doing ANYTHING at home. Do not apply any salves, balms, lotions, soaps, NOT EVEN A BANDAID, before contacting us first! We will troubleshoot your every step since leaving the shop in order to help you make the right decision for continuing to care for your tattoo! If it is an emergency, or your condition is deteriorating rapidly, please call a doctor or take a trip to your local ER for advice and care from a licensed medical professional. You may also consult our “Tattoo Care” tab in the upper right corner for possible causes, under the section titled “After Care”.
What is your touch-up policy?
Kristin offers a free touch up on any tattoo within the first year! Torsten offers touch ups on a case-by-case basis!
I have a question that isn’t here..
No worries, shoot us an email under the “Contact” link in the bottom left corner of the page! We’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Or email us at: DISORDERLYTATTOOINQUIRIES@GMAIL.COM