FAQ

  • How do I claim flash?

    Some designs are repeatable and some are only available to be claimed once, so it is best to complete a booking form and check your spam folder/inbox frequently to snag the piece! Check the flash tab to see which ones are still up for grabs. 1 of 1 flash are decided in order of who inquired first - so remember that if you don’t have a deposit ready within 24 hours of your booking form, the next person in line will get it. That being said, customs related to flash are open! If you miss out on claiming a flash, I am always interested in custom versions.

  • When are your books open?

    My books open on the 1st of every month, when the monthly flash is released. They will stay open for a couple days and reopen the next 1st of the month. You can always submit a form and request an appointment when my books are closed, however, it may not get approved until next round of booking.

  • Do you do claimed flash twice?

    It depends! Usually if the tattoo says 1 of 1, I will only do it once. However, it depends on the design and I am not always strict on this rule. It doesn't hurt to fill out a form if you are interested in a specific piece.

  • Can I book a consultation if I'm unsure about my design/placement?

    Yes! I’d be happy to do a consultation if you aren’t quite sure about the details of the tattoo. Especially if it’s your first tattoo, it may ease the worry or anxiousness to speak about it with me before committing. Consultations can be virtual or at my studio - a 150$ nonrefundable deposit. If we decide to move forward, half of the consultation fee will count as your next drawing deposit/appointment slot fee.

  • How do deposits work?

    Deposits are crucial to the set up of your appointment and locking in your time slot. It covers all the important pre-details, such as getting the design ready (drawing the artwork and creating a stencil) and having everything set up for you when you arrive. This is the only fee I charge prior to the appointment (no custom drawing fee!) besides the total amount of the tattoo day of. Deposits do not go toward the appointment day of.

  • What do I bring to my appointment?

    Bring your Driver’s License, snacks, water, headphones and wear cozy clothes for your appointment day. Please shower before you arrive! You will be sitting for a couple hours and will need a few things to keep you hydrated and comfortable.

  • How much will my tattoo cost?

    My minimum is 350$.

    I charge by piece. Depending on size and placement, the total cost of your tattoo will vary! I can always provide a rough estimate of price prior to the appointment, this must be done after a booking form is filled out! Please come prepared with cash as I do not take card.

  • How do I prepare for my appointment?

    1. Hydrate! make sure to stay hydrated a few days prior to your scheduled time. This will help your skin take the ink easier during the tattoo.

    2. Shower! Please shower before the appointment. It is best to come with clean skin (no moisturizer) as I recommend not to shower until the next morning in order to keep second skin/bandages secure.

    3. Snack! It's never a good idea to get a tattoo with an empty stomach.

    4. Check your email! Please read through my emailed instructions on how to get to the studio and to complete the consent form before your arrive.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    Deposits are always non-refundable! If you reach out 72 hours prior to your appointment time, rescheduling is an option. If you do not let me know before that 72 hour window, I may require a new deposit to rebook. Thank you so much for understanding!

  • COVID restrictions?

    PLEASE do not come if you have any cold/flu/covid symptoms. We can always reschedule!

    No masks needed! You are welcome to bring a friend or two, however, the studio has limited space so they might have to wait in the lobby.

    PLEASE do not arrive early to your appointment… it is best to arrive on time or wait in your car until appointment time to avoid any overlap exposure.

  • Where are you located?

    I have my own private studio in Costa Mesa, California. Located right in the middle of Southern California, only an hour south of LA, an hour north of San Diego, and 30 minutes from the Riverside area.

    I will provide the address to you once the appointment is booked. Detailing directions and parking instructions will follow!

  • Healing Instructions?

    Healing instructions are on a case per case basis. Second skin should not be used if you have extreme sensitive skin or an allergy to medical adhesives.

    I am currently not using second skin on any of my clients! If that is your preferred healing method, please bring some to your appointment and I can put it on your tattoo before you leave.

    TEMPORARY BANDAGE- Please leave on the temporary wrap for the remainder of the day after your tattoo is done. Then in the evening, take it off and wash your tattoo with Gold Dial Soap and pat dry with a clean paper towel. After, with clean hands, apply a thin layer of Macondo Supply Salve (find it on Instagram) or Aquaphor and let it breathe. If your tattoo is still very sensitive and oozing, you can use a clean paper towel to protect your tattoo overnight and wrap with the medical wrap I’ve provided. Morning of day two, wash the tattoo again and apply a thin layer of moisturizer and make sure not to wear any restrictive clothing over your tattoo for the full two weeks. I would use minimal moisturizer and do more of a dry heal until you notice it becoming really scabby and itchy. Then, apply a thin layer of moisturizer when needed. This allows the skin to breathe and heal naturally! You do not want to over do it with the moisturizer for fine line and detailed tattoos. Do not go into any saunas, baths, pools, oceans until its been 14 days and done scabbing. Keep out of direct sunlight during the healing process and use sunscreen when it’s done scabbing to keep your tattoo vibrant. If you have any questions, please reach out!

    SECOND SKIN- Please leave it on for 3 to 5 days. I suggest waiting the full 5 days! If the edges start to peel and your tattoo becomes exposed, TAKE IT OFF! If you get sweaty and see tiny bubbles of sweat pockets under the bandage, TAKE IT OFF! If you notice some redness, extreme itchiness and irritation from the second skin, TAKE IT OFF!

    Assuming you're had no issues, when you've reached the 3-5 day mark, jump in the shower and allow warm water to loosen the strong adhesive. Slowly start to stretch the second skin off. DO NOT pull or rip it off!! This is very crucial. If you are not gentle, you can rip off a scab too soon or cause micro tears in the surrounding areas and affect the final look of your tattoo and skin. *This could take up to 7 minutes to remove. Once it's removed, use clean hands and Gold Dial soap to clean the tattoo a few times and gently rinse. Air dry or pat dry with a paper towel. Please don't use a bath towel or washcloth to dry your tattoo as it holds dead skin/bacteria and could cause infection. Apply a thin layer of Macondo Supply Salve or Aquaphor and make sure not to wear any restrictive clothing over your tattoo for the full two weeks. I would use minimal moisturizer and do more of a dry heal until you notice it becoming really scabby and itchy. Then, apply a thin layer of moisturizer when needed. This allows the skin to breathe and heal naturally! You do not want to over do it with the moisturizer for fine line and detailed tattoos. Do not go into any saunas, baths, pools, oceans until its been 14 days and done scabbing. Keep out of direct sunlight during the healing process and use sunscreen when it’s done scabbing to keep your tattoo vibrant. If you have any questions, please reach out!

Any Questions?

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NICOLEJACLYNSMITH

NICOLEJACLYNSMITH