• If you’re using saniderm/second skin, leave it on for 2-4 days.

• It’s normal for there to be some ink and fluid buildup under the bandage, so if it looks “blurry”, don’t panic!

• Saniderm is waterproof, so you can a shower with it on without worrying about it. However, avoid submerging in the water so NO hot tub, swimming, bath, etc.

• If you get a rash around the bandage at any time, it could just be a mild allergic reaction to the bandage so take it off right away and take care of it with the instructions below.

• Remove the bandage in the shower with warm water.

• Peel it off gently, do not rip it off.

• Once the bandage is fully removed, wash it with mild unscented soap.

• If there is any adhesive stuck to your skin that you can’t get off, you can rub it off gently with a cotton ball soaked in either olive oil or coconut oil. Wash the oil off completely afterwards.

• Let your tattoo air dry for at least 10 minutes before applying your unscented lotion that is water-based and natural.

• Only apply a very thin layer!

• After a few days, you may notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing depending on how big your tattoo is. Your tattoo may also begin to itch.

• DO NOT ITCH, SCRATCH, RUB OR PICK at the tattoo.

• Doing so can seriously affect how your tattoo heals.

• The first few days and weeks are the most important for your new tattoo.

• Make sure to take care of it properly.

• Wash your tattoo twice a day for at least a week, applying unscented lotion after each wash and once more during the day as needed. Remember to always use a very thin layer.

• Do not over wash or over moisturize your tattoo.

• Make sure to never touch your tattoo unless you have just washed your hands.

• If you aren’t letting your tattoo airdry, use a paper towel (from a fresh roll) rather than a normal towel. Also, it can be helpful to use clean bed sheets at least the first night after you take the bandages off.

• If you experience any symptoms such as excessive swelling, redness, yellow or green discharge, fever or see streaks running towards the heart, please seek medical help and see a physician. Those are signs of an infection. If you’re not sure you have an infection, you can feel free to contact us with an image of your tattoo and so I can help you decide what to do next.

DO NOT: Use scented soaps, take long showers, baths, saunas, swim in the ocean, pool or hot tub.

DO: Wear loose, clean clothes. Avoid sunlight. Ask me if you have any questions, even if they seem dumb! They aren’t!

• Deposits are non-refundable.

• Each artist takes different deposit amount, usually ranges $30~$150 for all appointments that goes towards the total cost of the tattoo. Every artist has a different minimum and hourly rate.

Times your deposit will forfeit and will not go toward your final cost of the tattoo and how to avoid it:

• At least 48 hrs notice must be given for a reschedule otherwise the deposit will be forfeited.

• If you reschedule more than twice, even if both times were before 48 hours, the deposit will be forfeited and to schedule again, will require a second deposit.

• After the artist have shown you the tattoo design and you decide to change it completely or cancel, your deposit will be forfeited as a design fee. Please make sure we are the right artist for you and properly address what you are looking for during the consultation.

• Deposits will be forfeited when there is a no-show.

• Deposits are to forfeit if you arrive later than 30 minutes past your scheduled time (It will affect the artist’s next appointment and affect tattoo artist’s time so please don't be late!). Let your artist know you are running behind.

• You are able to change through the website/confirmation email we have provided you previously to reschedule or cancel at any time but will not be available to you within 48 hours before your appointment so you will have to email your artist.

• Please let us know the reasoning of your third reschedule, holds that are longer than two months, cancellation if you are comfortable so we can help you! We are not here to just take your money and we want to provide you our best customer service! :)

1. It can be very helpful to make sure to exfoliate and moisturize the skin where you are getting the tattoo for at least a week before your appointment! Dry and rough skin can be more difficult to tattoo.

2. Try to be clean before coming in for your appointment, so no going to the beach or going on a big hike and then coming straight to the studio. I will clean and sanitize your skin no matter what, but just in general it’s probably better for you not to be stinky and sweaty for your appointment!

3. Make sure to eat a big and full meal before coming in! Going to a tattoo appointment without eating beforehand can really increase your chances of feeling sick and passing out during or after your tattoo! Don’t risk it.

4. Wear appropriate clothes for where you are planning on getting the tattoo! For example, don’t wear really tight skinny jeans if you’re getting a tattoo on your thigh (unless you’re ok with being in your underwear in front of me and other people in the shop) and same goes with other placements.

5. If there is any sheets or cloth you don't care about, please bring them to use for your appointment to make our studio closer to being greener! We are going to try to purchase eco-friendly bed sheets but it is not always available for us to purchase.

IMPORTANT: We do not have a receptionist and we do not book any appointments through the shop. Every process is gone through each artist so please check our Instagram (Little Pond Studio) and choose an artist and see their booking process. If their booking is closed, you will just have to wait until they do open or see if there is flash that you like :)

• Each artist has separate booking form! Check their Instagram and contact your artist directly. An artist you want to get a tattoo from might be fully booked therefore not taking any clients.

• Please visit your artist's Instagram/website for flash designs.

• Visiting guest artists may have a different policy, please contact them directly to find out.

• Every artist has different minimum. Your artist will give a price quote after the description of the design, size and placement has been discussed.

• Final price can change depending on the design and the final size you decide on the day of your appointment but it will not be a dramatic change unless the design changes entirely or adding more details and vice versa. If the design becomes simpler and smaller, the price can change to be less than the estimated quote.

• Depending on how much unexpected additions to the design changes, we might have to reschedule you.

• Our shop only takes cash and e-transfer for your final payment.

As for every service, you can tip your tattoo artist. It shows your gratitude and, for sure, makes the artist happier. Of course, it is your decision, whether you want to tip the master or not. Many people do not know how much they should tip and what if this amount is bigger than they have expected. In this article, we will tell you why it is advisable to tip and answer all your questions.

Why should I tip a tattoo artist?

Tattooers pay a lot of their attention to every client and try to find a personal approach to everyone. Especially if you ask to make a custom design. In this case, artists spend a lot of time drawing the design, searching for references, matching colors, and sometimes redoing all these steps. They are ready to hear and perceive all your wishes.

The second reason is that tattooers do not receive all the money that customers pay them. Up to 70% of the money received goes to pay rent, shop bills, salary for managers and to buy supplies. Also, do not forget about taxes that are quite high.

Your tips will not only financially help your artist, but they will also show your gratitude. Some tattoo designs require multiple sessions, it will be great to say artists “thank you” by tipping them. Show them that you are impressed with their work.

If you want a complicated tattoo, tip a bit your artist after each session so that you and the tattooer are more likely to become friends. Thus, the artist will be more willing to take up the tattoo and put more effort into it.

How much should I tip?

Of course, there is no limit. You can pay as much as you want and think is appropriate. But it is unethical to tip tattooers a few dollars as their service usually costs hundreds of dollars. It is generally accepted to tip 15-20% of total price to your tattoo artist. It means that from a $250 tattoo, you will tip $37.5-50. But not all people can afford to tip the same tips from a $2000 tattoo because tips are here up to $400. In this case, you can tip around 10% or $200.

Some customers do not like to do the math and calculate percentages. They usually just tip $100 regardless of the amount.

There are tattoos that require more than one session. For example, if you want to get sleeves, you will need multiple sessions. A range of designs requires even several months or a year to be completed. As usual, it is your own decision to tip or not but in general tips after each session are appreciated. You can pay as usual 15-20% or a flat amount of money for each session. If you do not have such an opportunity, you can discuss it with the artist, they will understand.

How else can I show my appreciation?

There are some other ways to show your appreciation. Usually, they are used in addition to tipping but sometimes you can use them separately.

• Tag your artist on social media, add a photo and express your feelings. May it be a word of the mouth but an honest review.

• Leave a five-star review if you like it.

• Some artists accept gifts instead of tips. It is a new trend, so it is better to ask your tattooer. You can also present something if your friend gives you a tattoo. But it is not appropriate to offer barter (some of your services to pay for a tattoo).

What if I do not like a tattoo?

First of all, say it to your artist during or immediately after the procedure so that your tattoo can be corrected. No one wants their customers to go out with a bad design that is why the tattooer will not negotiate to add something else to the design. It is your decision whether to tip or not but if the second design is better than the previous one, it is better to leave a tip.

You cannot tip with peace of mind in 2 cases:

1. When you really do not like the design and the artist does not want to correct it.

2. A tattooer was rude to you. It is like in a restaurant: we will not tip waiters if there is a problem with the service or rude to us.

In other cases, your artist does not expect tips but will be glad to get them.

Summary

Tips have never been obligated. Only you decide when and how much to tip. But as getting a tattoo is a service that requires a lot of effort on the part of the tattoo artist, they usually do not expect but will be glad to get tips. Usually, customers leave 15-20% of the tattoo price. However, if you cannot afford that amount, you can leave a 10% tip. Some customers do not like calculating and just tip $100 regardless of the amount. This is out of proportion with big tattoos, for which you pay more than $1000.

You can also tag your artist on social media, leave a comment or present a gift. In two cases you may not tip: when the artist does not want to correct the design which you do not like and when a tattooer was rude to you.

FAQ

💵 How much do you tip tattoo artists?

It is generally accepted to tip 15-20% to your tattoo artist. It means that from a $250 tattoo, you will tip $37.5-50.

🎁 Can I present a gift to a tattoo artist?

Yes, you can present a gift for a tattoo artist instead of tips. But it is better to clarify this information with your tattooer.

💲 How much do you tip for a $500 tattoo?

It depends on the percentage that you are ready to pay. The average percent of tips to a tattoo artist is 15-20%. So, for a $500 tattoo, you can tip $75-100.

💸 Do you tip your tattoo artist after each session?

Yes, it is better to tip your tattoo artist after each session. You can pay as usual 15-20% or a flat amount of money for each session. If you do not have such an opportunity, you can discuss it with the artist, they will understand.

😈 Is it rude not to tip your tattoo artist?

No, it is your choice. Tips have never been obligated and artists usually do not expect but will be glad to get tips. You can show your gratitude to the tattooer by tipping.

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https://ink-match.com/insights/how-much-to-tip-tattoo-artist/

Yes! You are able to bring one-two friends for support but they will have to sit in the front depending on artists preference or how busy the studio is.

• Yes, we provide one free touch up within six months. Depending on the piece, 4 weeks of minimum wait is necessary but 8 weeks are recommended. Please take a picture of your healed tattoo in a bright setting and in a frontal view.

• Most of our artists use fine lines which can heal lightly and that is totally normal. Tattoos cannot be as bright and black when it heals and under your skin as it looks when it is freshly done, same goes with colored tattoos. Everyone's healing process is different depending on your skin type. If there is any gap space between the lines or complete fading, you may need a touch up so email your artist to book for a touch up session!

• There is an exception to hand, finger, foot, toe tattoos as they are more likely to fade or sometimes disappear even after a couple touch ups so we don't recommend getting it in these placements but as long as our clients are aware of the outcome, we are more happy to do so but with no free touch ups. Some artist may not be comfortable doing these placements!