FAQ's and Tattoo Aftercare

How do I book an appointment?

You can submit an application to be tattooed here.

Consultations are generally done via email. Once you have been accepting for a booking, you will need to leave a minimum deposit of $400.00 + GST (it depends on how large the piece you want to get is, and how much drawing is required). Your deposit will hold your spot and be transferred to each upcoming appointment until your tattoo is finished, at which time it will come off the the total for that session. For all payments, I accept cash, credit card (AMEX, VISA, Mastercard) or email money transfer.

Deposits are fully non-refundable, but can be transferred to a later date with 72 hours notice (3 business days).

How much does it cost?

As previously mentioned, the consultation is a good time to get a rough estimate on the cost of your tattoo. I charge $220.00/hour as well as a $75.00 set up fee for each appointment. Rates are not discounted at tattoo conventions or guest spots.

My minimum charge is $200.00 + a set up fee + GST. The set up fee ranges from $25.00 to $75.00 depending on the tattoo design.

How can I prepare for a tattoo?

The best thing you can do is to eat a good meal in advance, and bring something to drink (water is always good, and so is orange juice- it helps to maintain blood sugar levels for a long period of time). Feel free to bring food or snacks like nuts, berries or a granola bar to eat during the tattoo (just nothing messy please!).

Also, don’t be hungover! Your body doesn't handle shock or adrenaline as well when you’re hungover. Think playing sports hungover- not fun.

Do tattoos hurt?

Tattoos feel different for everybody and some are more painful than others, but it’s often not as bad as you think it’s going to be. Some areas of the body are more painful than others, so I recommend that you try somewhere easy for your first (like arms, legs, or upper back).

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.

While I also don’t usually get a chance to do the drawings for appointments too far in advance, I am able to make minor changes to the tattoo at the appointment (although all details are usually settled at the consultation, and this is not needed).

I do not send drawings out in advance of the appointment- no exceptions.

Can you do this design we found on the internet?

No, but I would be happy to draw you something that is original to you. Chances are, if you found it on the internet, ten other people have it.

Will you tattoo my hands/fingers?

No; for a number of reasons. First of all, fingers don’t tend to stay that well and while the internet tells you it’s going to look awesome, it typically falls half out within a couple of months.

Second, hand tattoos are really a job-stopper. There are some exceptions, but I would rather put your tattoo somewhere that you can hide down the road in the event that you really really need to.

What if I forget the appointment, or have to cancel last-minute?

I require a minimum of 72 hours (3 business days) notice of cancellation or any changes to the design. If you are unable to give me 72 hours notice, you will lose your deposit, as it doesn't leave me enough time to fill that time slot and I have likely done a drawing already. The deposit merely compensates me for my time.

What if I I'm running late?

I understand that traffic and weather aren't always ideal, so shoot me a quick email if you're running late. Anyone more than 20 minutes late with no email will be treated as a no-show and lose their deposit.

Where are you located, and where can I park?

I am the proud owner of Magnolia Tattoo Collective, a boutique type tattoo studio and retail space in the heart of Coopers Crossing, Airdrie AB. Our address is Unit 1107, 401 Coopers Boulevard SW. After coming in through the “1000 Lobby” doors, we are on the second floor of the Clock Tower building. There is parking surrounding the building, with no time limits.

Do you do touch-ups?

I offer one free touchup on your tattoo (within a reasonable time frame following completion of the tattoo), but only if you have properly taken care of your tattoo. Picking at scabs, scratching your tattoo, swimming, rebandaging, etc. void the free touchup and you will be charged the minimum rate.

Do you tattoo under 18 years of age (even with parental consent)?

No, I don’t. However, I would be happy to chat with somebody for a consult prior to their 18th birthday in the event that they would like to get tattooed for their birthday.

How do I take care of my new tattoo?

Please leave the bandage on for 24-48 hours unless otherwise specified. This prevents a still seeping tattoo wound from sticking to (and ruining) your sheets at night, and from having to be peeled off of them in the morning. If your tattoo does stick to clothing or sheets, do NOT rip it off. Gently soak it off with warm water, and remove the article gently.
After 24-48 hours, wash the tattooed area with warm soapy water. You need to use a mild unscented soap (brands like Dove, Ivory or Soft Soap, or most baby soaps) to avoid irritating the tattoo. Do not use anything other than your hand to wash the tattoo area off; no loofah, facecloth, or anything abrasive.
Ensure that you have thoroughly washed off all of the plasma, dark fluid and other debris from your tattoo before continuing to the next step.
Pat the tattoo dry with paper towel; do NOT rub the tattoo.
Apply a new layer of the provided SecondSkin bandage as directed (click here for an instructional video) and leave this new bandage on for 4-6 days. You may shower with this on and perform daily activities, but please be sure to treat the tattoo gently. Once you remove this second bandage after the 4-6 days, moisturize as needed (1-2 times daily) with an unscented lotion such as Aveeno or Lubriderm.

WHAT NOT TO DO

Do NOT soak your new tattoo for 2-4 weeks depending on healing. This means no pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, bathtubs, etc. You can still shower normally.

Do NOT go tanning for at least 2 weeks. Sun does major damage to a new tattoo (and to a healed one), so keep it out of the sun. After the tattoo is healed, ensure that you protect it with a high SPF (80-100SPF) to keep is looking great for years to come!

Do NOT work out for 5-7 days. Your newly tattooed skin is fragile, and overworking it or sweating too heavily can damage it and hurt the healing process. You’re not going to lose all your ‘gains’ in 5 days, and besides, once damage is done to a tattoo, it can rarely be fixed.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your new tattoo! :)