Frequently Asked Questions

BOOKING QUESTIONS:

Are tattoo walk-ins welcome at Studio 11:11?
No walk-ins at this time. Please Follow on my social media pages linked above to see when I periodically post last-minute openings, cancellations and once in awhile I may offer a walk-in day or even discounted sessions on those platforms.

Can you draw something for me before I book an appointment?

Unfortunately, I can’t. I simply do not have time to do extra drawings for anybody who is not prepared to commit to an appointment.

Precautions and things to consider before booking:

***DO NOT BOOK A TATTOO WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF ANY VACCINATION OR SURGERY PLEASE***

A tattoo is a wound and a stress on the body. It requires a good amount of the body’s energy and resources to heal properly. Avoiding a tattoo while your body is already trying to deal with the affects of a vaccine or surgery can result in less than ideal health outcomes. We want you to heal comfortably and with ease!

Do not book a tattoo if you are on blood-thinners, antibiotics, immune suppressants and any other herbal preparation or supplement, over the counter medication and/or pharmaceutical that may induce excessive bleeding during the tattooing process and/or affect the way your tattoo will heal. If you are unsure, please advise with your healthcare provider first.

Do not book a tattoo if you are pregnant or nursing.

Plan your tattoo accordingly so that you are not going to be going to any events that may affect and disrupt your tattoo healing stages.
If you are taking a medication for a condition, you should consult with your healthcare provider before booking a tattoo.
It is highly recommended you do not get tattooed if the area of skin is sunburnt, has any fresh cuts or rashes or if you are sick.
If you menstruate, planning your tattoo when you are not menstruating can be a less-painful experience then when you are mensurating.

How do I book a tattoo?

Please book through the contact form linked on this website or email at alisonrgh@gmail.com

Be prepared to send a ***Non-Refundable*** booking deposit once I respond to your email/form in order to have your appointment confirmed. The deposit is $180 and is put towards your first hour of tattoo time.

Please think through your tattoo concept prior to filling the form. If you would like to discuss your concept more in depth before your appointment, mention that in the form and we can set up an in-person, video or phone consult. Please do not DM on Social Media to book in as I only get email notifications.

ONCE BOOKED IN - PLAN-AHEAD:

How should I prepare for my appointment?
A good nights sleep the night prior, eating a solid and healthy meal before your appointment, and having a shower are smart steps to prepare for your tattoo. ***AVOID ALCOHOL WITHIN 24 HOURS (preferably 48hours) BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR TATTOO***

I cannot stress enough the importance of NOT consuming alcohol (or any other substance that may thin the blood) before AND after your tattoo. I want to be able to do my best work for you. If you excessively bleed during your tattoo it is more challenging to get the ink to settle correctly in the dermis as the blood flow pushes the ink out. This creates more pain for you, a longer session - so more money out of your pocket as well as a tattoo that may not heal ideally and heal poorly - needing major touch-up work. I ONLY COVER FREE TOUCH-UPS IF ALL PROTOCALS ARE FOLLOWED ACCORDINGLY so to avoid extra costs in your investment, please adhere to ALL the protocols as suggested.

Applying lotion to the area to be tattooed for two weeks prior (but not the day of the tattoo please), and drinking A LOT of water contributes to much success in the way the skin takes ink! Some herbs/supplements have blood-thinning affects as well as some over the counter medications and some prescription medications. Please check with your healthcare provider if these contribute to blood-thinning affects and if it is safe to avoid them for the two weeks prior to your tattoo appointment.

***DO NOT COME IN FOR A TATTOO WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF ANY VACCINATION OR SURGERY***

Do not proceed with your tattoo if you are sick.

What should I bring and wear for my tattoo session?
Something that is comfortable for you to sit for the duration of the tattoo, and also something that is easy to expose the area being tattooed. Feel free to bring in some snacks or drinks, especially if you are coming in for a longer session.

We can get cold while being tattooed, as it is a stress on the body so bring yourself some layers, warm socks, hat, etc. Tattoo ink can sometimes spray from the needle and it does NOT wash out, so don’t wear any clothes that you don’t want to see marked up. Please come in with clean socks and feet if we’re tattooing near them!

I’m always happy to chat while tattooing, but you’re welcome to bring something in to keep you entertained/distracted if you’d like! book, headphones for a movie or podcast, etc).

Can I bring a friend with me?

Typically yes, however if you keep it to one or two people, as there isn't tons of space for extra people in the Studio.

THE INVESTMENT:

How much does it cost? Is there a minimum?

The minimum shop charge for 15 min or less with one needle is $120.

The minimum shop charge for 15-45 min is $150.

Anything beyond 45 min is charged at the hourly rate of $180, starting once you’ve entered the Studio and ending when they machine turns off. ***Any design changes made at your appointment will be charged as tattoo time.

How do I pay?

You will be asked for a deposit to book your appointment via e-transfer. The deposit is ***non-refundable*** and will come off your tattoo session. Cash is preferred for your appointment, so please plan accordingly.

Non-refundable means that under no circumstances will your deposit be refunded if the tattoo has not been 100% completed.

Why is the deposit non-refundable?

A tattoo deposit demonstrates your seriousness in working with me and insures that you are committed to your appointment. When you initiate a tattoo booking with me, a lot of time can be spent in the tossing around ideas to come up with a finalized project for you, as well as planning and doing the design draw-up. A lot of behind the scenes work goes into the process. A deposit insures my time was not wasted if someone back peddles and changes their mind due to various reasons. So please make 100% sure you are settled in wanting your appointment and understand that that deposit will not be returned under any circumstances.

What if I’m late to the appointment or need to cancel?
I appreciate notice if you’re going to be late, and will accommodate if I can, however some days there are more than one appointment, so I cannot guarantee you will still get tattooed that day.
I am happy to reschedule your appointment with at least 48hours notice. Less notice than this will be considered a cancelation.
***Cancelations result in the loss of the deposit for that day***
Clients later than 30minutes will automatically be considered a cancelation.

DESIGN DRAW UP AND PLANNING:

When will I see my design?

Any draw-ups/Designs needed are done up in order of when they’re being tattooed, and often designs are finished in the day or two before your appointment. This is to ensure the design is fresh in my mind. I will send out the design within 2-3 days of your tattoo appointment for your approval. If a re-draw up is needed, extra charges will be applied so please keep that in mind when explaining the initial idea.

Minor changes to the design can be made on the day of the appointment. More time consuming or complex design changes may have a charge attached. Keep this in mind when you are presenting your design idea and include ALL thorough details that you want to be sure to see!

I can’t decide what I want! Any ideas?
I am happy to come up with a vision for your idea, but I need a theme, or general concept/word to go off of.

What should I consider when designing my tattoo?
Composition, size, bodily placement, colour or black and grey, are all good things to think about.

MY METHODS TO SUCCESS:

What sterilization steps are taken at the shop?

Handwashing is a priority in the Studio and before the tattoo session begins. Your skin will be properly cleaned, shaved and disinfected before we begin. Gloves are worn by the artist at all times during your session, and changed periodically throughout to avoid cross-contaminations. All disposables are in unopened packaging. Expiry dates on needles, tubes, disinfectants, bleaches and inks are monitored and replaced accordingly. Cavicide, a regularly used hospital disinfectant is used to do wipe downs.

Find out more info on Cavicide here: CaviCide™ | Metrex

How often is the shop cleaned?

The station is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after every tattoo.

Is the equipment reused and cleaned?

Only the wash bottles are removed from their protective barriers and wiped down with Cavicide as well as the tattoo machine after each use. All other components are single use, pre-sanitized and disposable only.

What kind of ink do you use?

At this time, I am using Eternal Ink because it is water-based, non-toxic, vegan and doesn’t contain glycerol. It’s also not tested on animals. It has a smooth consistency. It’s pre-dispersed and ready to use right out of the bottle.

Learn more here: Eternal Ink (eternaltattooink.com)

TATTOO AFTERCARE:

*Please see the Aftercare form for precise instructions here:

Can I get a new tattoo wet?
It is fine to shower with the tattoo
ABOSUTELY DO NOT bathe with your tattoo
NO hot tubs, baths, pools, swimming in rivers, creeks, ocean etc.

Can I be in the sun after getting a tattoo?
Yes as long as you protect your tattoo. Your tattoo should not get sun exposure for at least 3 weeks as the skin heals. You can get sun but your tattoo should stay covered by a shirt or pants. Always use sunscreen ( but not within 3 weeks of a fresh tattoo).

Can I exercise with a new tattoo? That really depends on the tattoo and where you got it. check with your artist to be sure.

TOUCH-UPS:

Do you offer free touch ups?

I offer one free touch up on your tattoo, but ONLY IF YOU HAVE PROPERLY TAKEN CARE OF YOUR TATTOO AND FOLLOWED THE ALCOHOL ABSTINANCE RECCOMMENDATIONS and this can be determined - so please take this seriously! The included touch up for a tattoo is offered up to 3 MONTHS of the initial appointment date.
While the touch up is absolutely free of charge (the artist do not get paid for touch up services of their work) there is always a non-refundable $35 setup fee for all touch ups and will be required as an etransfer deposit to book your touch-up appointment.

48 hours notice is required to cancel and rebook a touch up appointment once it is booked.
Failure to notify of a cancellation in a timely manner, or in the event of a no-show will forfeit the free touch up offered and the $35 deposit is not refundable.

You may certainly re-book for a touch up if you no showed or cancelled last minute, but the touch up will be subject to the minimum tattoo charges.

Thanks for your understanding