FAQ

 
Where are you located?

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

How do I book with you?

Previously, I have booked through text message. While I love saying yes to so many ideas, I currently cannot keep up with new requests and returning clients. New for 2025, I will operate with a limited-time-frame, online tattoo request form. This should help me accept new clients more easily and help you get the best tattoo possible. Please be patient as I work out the bugs.

How does the tattoo request form work?

A tattoo request form will be active on my website Booking page for one week at a time, or until maximum submissions have been received. The next date this form will be active is March 16, 2026. You may submit your tattoo requests via the online form only when it is active. 

After reviewing all of the requests, I will contact select people to book an appointment, based on the projects that I feel most creatively aligned with.

It may take 1-2 weeks for a response from me, but I hope to provide a response, regardless if your request is chosen or not. If I think another artist is better suited for your idea, I may contact you specifically with that information.

What information is needed for the tattoo request form?

When the form is active it will require your name, email, phone number, tattoo idea, size estimation in inches, location of tattoo, color or grayscale shading preference, and whether it’s a cover up (if so, a photo of your current tattoo will be needed). Additionally, there will be an optional image upload space to add inspiration pictures, if relevant to your tattoo. 

When are your books open?

The online tattoo request form will open on March 16 and I will be booking appointments for May 2026 (and potentially June or further).

What days are appointments available?

I take appointments Tuesday-Friday at 11 am. All appointments will end at 5 pm or earlier. 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?

This is a rare occurrence, but when it happens I post about cancellations and reschedules on my Instagram stories.

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 when I reach out to book your appointment; I’m happy to discuss. This discussion is not the guaranteed final price, which could be more or less. My minimum is also $180.

How do you accept payment?

My preferred payment is Zelle or cash, as neither incur a transaction fee. I also 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.

Can I see my design before the appointment?

No, but I show designs on the day of the session and we have time to make adjustments, if needed. I’m very flexible and will never pressure you into a design that you are not happy with. If you really need to see the design before booking, I might not be the best fit for you as an artist.

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. Check my tattoo wishlist page to get an in-depth feel for the things I would love to do.

I tattoo in color and grayscale. I love subject matter like: faces, women, mythical creatures and beings, birds, Pokémon, skulls, fruit, literary references, and anything with an art historical vibe. I like anything from girly to spooky to tough to silly. 

My style is typically considered neotraditional and/or illustrative. To me, the official name of the style isn’t as important as the feeling towards it. If you like what I tattoo, then you like my style!

What styles will you not tattoo?

I do not typically take on hyper-realistic or photo-realistic grayscale, very dainty fine line style, line work only (tattoos with no shading), geometric or graphic patterns, logos, silhouettes, and script tattoos (handwriting is fine). I have tattooed these styles in the past, but am not looking to book them for now - thank you for your interest!

Do you cover up old tattoos? 

Yes; I enjoy the creative challenge. Your existing tattoo should be at least a year old before covering it with a new one. Realistic expectations and flexibility are key to the success of a cover up.

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 decaf coffee.

Can I bring a friend with me on appointment day?

Yes, there is space for one friend in my studio space. No one under 18 is allowed in the shop.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Day of appointment, eat breakfast: you need to raise your blood sugar so you don’t pass out. The weeks prior to your appointment: drink water to help your skin stay hydrated; exfoliate and moisturize your skin for better heal and less pain. Hydrated, moisturized skin accepts ink easier.

Can I use numbing cream?

I would prefer that you do not. It is expensive, inconsistent, and you feel worse when it wears off. I use Bactine, an OTC spray that has 4% lidocaine, on my clients during the appointment. This provides temporary pain relief. 

If it eases your mind, I’ve been told I’m a fairly gentle tattooer. I check in frequently about breaks, snacks, and water. Plus, I love to chat to distract you, as much as possible. Tattoos are tough, but so are you!

Do you use AI?

Absolutely not. Generative AI is lazy, wastes precious resources like fresh water, and wildly inaccurate. My brain is perfectly creative and capable of designing your tattoo without the use of generative AI. On that note, I write all my content and blogs myself. Every word typed by me is entirely my own with absolutely no AI assistance (besides spellcheck).

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.

Scam question: I received a weird email/DM from you to book? Is this you?

Scammers are rampant. I will never pressure you to book something, rush you into a decision, or demand a deposit more than $50 -scammers often do all of these. I will only book appointments in person or during formally announced booking dates. If the message you receive feels off, send me a text 815-345-5219 and I will confirm if it’s me or not.

How do I contact you?

My work number is 815-345-5219, please only text in regard to existing appointments, previous work I’ve tattooed on you, or scam verification. Inquiries can be submitted through the booking form when it is active.