FAQ

 
Where are you located?

I tattoo at Bone and Blossom Tattoo Studio in Lombard, Illinois.

How do I book with you?

Send me a text message. If I don’t respond within 3 days, please reach out again, as ignoring your request is never intentional. If my books are currently full, I’ll ask that you join my waitlist (enter your email at bottom of this website) until they reopen. Information is available on my booking page.

When are your books open?

To balance demand, I am moving to a quarterly booking system that will open four times a year on a rolling basis (open until all appointments are booked). Schedule as follows:

• March 21, 2025 - May-July 2025 appointments open
• June 20, 2025 - Aug-Oct 2025 appointments open
  
• September 19, 2025 - Nov 2025, Dec 2025, Jan 2026 appointments open
• Dec 19,  2025 - Feb-Apr 2026 appointments open

Email subscribers get early access! Sign up at the bottom of my website.

What days do you take appointments?

I take appointments various dates Tuesday-Friday at 11 am. I do not start tattoos in the evening. I know many lovely tattoo artists who may be able to accommodate your schedule if mine doesn’t match yours - happy to recommend a friend.

If someone cancels, can I get in sooner?

I post about cancellations and reschedules on my Instagram. They get snagged fast so keep checking my stories regularly and my account will pop up more often, meaning you’re less likely to miss last minute openings.

Do you need a deposit?

Yes, it’s just $50, which is paid upfront. I apply this toward the final cost of the tattoo. 

What is your deposit policy?

Deposits can be returned if the appointment is canceled with one week or more of notice before the appointment date.

What is your rate?

I charge $180/hr. You can always ask me for an estimate of time prior to booking, I’m happy to discuss. This discussion is not the guaranteed final price, which could be a bit more or less. My minimum is also $180.

How do you accept payment?

I use PayPal Business which allows me to create a digital invoice that can be paid with: Venmo, PayPal (and PayPal Pay in 4), credit/debit card, ApplePay, and Afterpay. I do not have control over split payment options like Afterpay; PayPal determines your approval status. There is a 3% card fee for these payments. I also accept cash and Zelle, both are free of fees.

Can I see my design before the appointment?

No, but I show designs on the day of the session and we have plenty of time to make adjustments, if needed. I’m very flexible and will never pressure you into a design that you are not happy with.

Why won’t you show me early? 

• Designs are stolen and taken to other artists. I’ve seen in happen in real life. I only charge for tattoo time, not drawing, so I’d be getting ripped off for my custom drawing for you.

• Texting is the least expressive way to communicate and easiest to misinterpret. I don’t want you to misunderstand my communication style and vice versa. It’s just easier to talk in person. 

• If you show the design to your family and friends, they’ll give their unprofessional opinion on the design until you don’t even like it anymore. The design is on YOUR body, and you are the expert decision maker of your own body, not them.

Should I get a sketch of the tattoo design done before coming to you?

That is not necessary. I love to design from scratch without a sketch that limits our options. Sketches to show placement are totally fine. Also, do not pay another person, purchase a “tattoo ticket” for your design, or generate an AI image. These are not drawn by a tattoo expert and will have to be redrawn by me anyways. Save your time and money and let me do the thing I’m excited to do!

What kind of tattoos are you best at?

Check my Instagram & portfolio to see my past work. I tattoo in color or grayscale. I love subject matter like: faces, women, gemstones, jewelry, bugs, mythical creatures, birds, Pokémon and anime, skulls, fruit, vintage illustrations, stained glass, glitter, and anything with an art historical vibe.

What styles will you not tattoo?

I do not typically take on hyper-realistic grayscale, fine line style, line work only (tattoos with no shading), geometric or graphic patterns, and script tattoos (handwriting is fine) — but thank you for your interest!

Do you cover up old tattoos? 

Yes, for clients with realistic expectations. I have quite a bit of experience with cover up tattoos and think the most successful ones are colorful and larger than the original tattoo.

Do you accept tips?

Tips are a nice gesture, but never required. I also love homemade gifts, bakery treats, salty snacks, and any type of iced coffee.

Can I bring a friend with me on appointment day?

Yes, there is space for one friend in my studio space. I rarely have time for an unplanned tattoo, though, so if your friend wants one, I’ll suggest they make a separate appointment. 

No one under 18 is allowed in the shop.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Eat breakfast: you need to raise your blood sugar so you don’t pass out. Drink water, not caffeine, which is not great for anxiety and adrenaline. Exfoliate and moisturize your skin for the weeks prior for a better heal and less pain. Moisturized skin accepts ink easier.

Can I use numbing cream?

I wouldn’t recommend it. It is expensive, inconsistent, and you feel worse when it wears off. I use Bactine on my clients during the appointment, and it provides temporary pain relief. It does not play well with numbing cream. Pro tip: bring a sugary snack like candy or fruit snacks to keep your blood sugar up and to distract yourself from pain.

How do I care for my new tattoo with the clear sticker bandage?

Keep the bandage on for 3 to 5+ days. When you take it off, peel gently in the shower with soap and water. You may have a little sticky residue or plasma left behind; you can scrub it off in the shower with more soap and water and your finger pads (not nails). You can wash it each morning and evening for the next 3-7 days, and let air dry - no lotion is needed. However, if you are especially dry skinned or itchy, you may use a lightweight lotion that absorbs quickly. Do not use heavy ointment like Aquaphor after removing Dermshield bandage, no matter your skin type.

I have a question that you didn’t answer here…

You may text my work number found on my booking page.