Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're planning your first tattoo or a large-scale multi-session project, you'll probably have a few questions along the way.

I've answered the questions I'm asked most often below. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to get in touch or visit the Booking Information page for current rates, availability, and studio policies.

Booking & Consultation

  • After you have researched my work and are happy to commit to me being your artist the start of the process begins with a consultation,

    within the consultation you will have the time to fire all questions you need answered and I will provide the answers.

    Once we have both agreed to work with each other then we arrange dates for your sessions and if required; design will start a couple days before your tattoo appointment to show you either a day before the booking or on the day of.

  • you can find updated booking availability on my bookings page, however if you’d like a live up to date availability feel free to email me.

  • anything symmetrical of any size

    Sleeves

    Backpieces (especially those that connect to the glutes and upper hamstrings)

    Bodysuits

    Torso pieces

    Leg sleeves

    Ornamental work

    Shoulder armour

    Japanese-inspired projects

    everything else with creative freedom!

  • As much as you're comfortable giving me.

    Every project begins with your ideas, preferences, and goals. During the consultation we'll discuss the subject matter, placement, size, and overall feel of the tattoo so we're both working towards the same vision.

    From there, I use my experience to design a piece that complements your body's natural shape and movement, while staying true to my artistic style. Rather than copying existing tattoos or forcing a design to fit, I create artwork specifically for you with a focus on composition, body flow, and long-term longevity.

    The more creative freedom I'm given, the more I can refine the design to achieve the strongest overall result. That said, this is always a collaborative process. Your input is important, and I want you to feel confident and excited about wearing your tattoo for the rest of your life.

    At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to create an original tattoo that feels like it was designed specifically for your body, not just placed on it.

  • No. I don't replicate another artist's work or create direct copies of existing tattoos.

    Reference images are always welcome and are encouraged as a way to communicate the style, mood, composition, or elements you're drawn to. They help me understand your vision, but they're used as inspiration rather than something to duplicate.

    Every tattoo I create is custom designed to suit your individual anatomy, taking into consideration body flow, placement, and longevity. This allows me to create a piece that feels unique to you while remaining true to my artistic style.

    If you have an existing tattoo you'd like to build around, or you're inspired by a particular theme, artwork, or subject matter, I'd be happy to work with you to develop an original design that captures the essence of what you're looking for without copying someone else's work.

  • This varies depending on my current workload and booking availability.

    If you're considering a sleeve, backpiece, bodysuit, or another large-scale project, I recommend enquiring as early as possible. Larger projects often require multiple appointments, and booking ahead allows us to maintain good momentum throughout the tattoo.

    Current availability can always be found on my Booking Information page.

  • For most large-scale projects, I generally recommend booking sessions every 2-4 weeks, depending on the area being tattooed, how your skin heals, and your availability.

    however there are clients that are happy to do 4-6 weeks in between each session which I am happy to support also.

    This timeframe gives your body enough time to recover while keeping good momentum throughout the project. It also allows us to assess how each session has healed before continuing, ensuring every stage of the tattoo is completed to the highest standard.

    That said, everyone's circumstances are different. Work, travel, finances, and personal commitments all play a part, and I'm always happy to work with you to create a schedule that suits your lifestyle.

    There's no need to rush a large-scale tattoo. I'd much rather complete a project over time with consistently well-healed sessions than try to force too much into a short period. Great tattoos are built through patience, consistency, and collaboration, and I'll guide you through the process every step of the way.

  • Absolutely. In fact, I often recommend it.

    While some clients enjoy full-day sessions, I've found that breaking larger projects into shorter appointments can often lead to a better overall experience for both the client and the tattoo itself.

    Tattooing is physically demanding. As your body becomes fatigued, the skin naturally becomes more sensitive, and it can be more difficult to sit comfortably for extended periods. By working in shorter sessions, we're able to stay focused, work more comfortably, and maintain a high standard of quality throughout the entire appointment.

    Spacing sessions a few weeks apart also gives your body the opportunity to heal properly before we continue. This allows us to assess how the tattoo has settled, make any adjustments if needed, and approach each session with fresh energy rather than pushing through unnecessary fatigue.

    I believe large-scale tattoos are best viewed as a journey rather than a race. Taking our time allows us to focus on creating the strongest possible result, ensuring every session contributes to a tattoo you'll be proud to wear for a lifetime.

    If shorter sessions suit your schedule, pain tolerance, or lifestyle, I'm more than happy to structure your project that way.

  • The number of sessions required varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the size of the design, the placement on your body, your ability to sit comfortably for longer sessions, and how your skin heals and retains ink. Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or ichthyosis, may also influence how the tattoo heals and whether additional work is needed.

    Our mutual availability will also determine how frequently we can schedule your appointments, but we'll work together to create a realistic timeline that suits both of us while allowing your tattoo to heal properly between sessions.

    Large-scale tattoos aren't something that should be rushed. They require patience, commitment, and collaboration from both artist and client. My priority is always achieving the best possible result, even if that means taking a little longer to get there.

Designing your Tattoo

  • Yes! I accept commission designs if you would like to see a design before commiting to a tattoo session. commission designs are costed at an hourly rate, and depending on how in depth you’d like to see the render or the concept will depend on the cost at the end.

  • Solid black is one of the defining characteristics of my work, but it isn't simply an aesthetic choice.

    I believe a tattoo should look just as strong years from now as it does when it's first completed. Bold contrast and purposeful use of solid black help create designs that remain clear, readable, and visually impactful as they age.

    Rather than relying heavily on soft grey gradients or excessive fine detail, I use solid shading to establish strong focal points and depth within a composition. Combined with carefully placed negative space, this creates balance and allows the design to stand out without feeling overcrowded.

    Every tattoo is different, and I don't believe every piece needs to be completely blacked out. Instead, I use solid black where it serves the design best, creating tattoos that are bold, timeless, and designed to last.

  • Yes, depending on the existing tattoo. Every cover-up or rework is assessed individually, taking into account the age of the tattoo, how dark it is, how it has healed, and what you'd like to achieve.

    In some cases, I may recommend incorporating the existing tattoo into a new composition rather than completely covering it. This often creates a stronger and more natural result, particularly with large-scale projects.

    If you're considering a cover-up, please include clear photos of the existing tattoo in your enquiry so I can determine the best approach.

    OR
    an in person consultation would help alot more!

  • Absolutely.

    Whether you have a single tattoo or several existing pieces, I can often design around them to create a more cohesive overall composition.

    Every situation is different, so I'll assess the placement, style, and condition of your existing tattoos during the consultation before recommending the best approach!

  • For most larger projects, no.

    I prefer to complete the design work before your appointment so I can dedicate my full attention to creating the strongest possible composition. On the day of your appointment, we'll review the design together and make any minor adjustments needed before applying the stencil.

    Some refinements may be made on the day to better suit your anatomy once I see the design on your body, but the creative planning is completed beforehand.

    If there is some freehand work that is required I will let you know before the first session, or during the consultation.

  • In many cases, yes.

    Before tattooing over scar tissue, the scar must be fully healed and mature, which is typically at least 12 months old, although this can vary depending on the individual.

    Because every scar heals differently, I'll assess the area before confirming whether tattooing is suitable. If I don't believe tattooing will achieve a quality result, I'll always explain why and discuss alternative options.

  • Large-scale tattoos allow me to create artwork that works with your body rather than simply filling space.

    With more room to design, I can focus on composition, balance, movement, and the natural flow of your anatomy. Whether it's a sleeve, backpiece, leg sleeve, or bodysuit, the result is a tattoo that feels cohesive from every angle instead of a collection of separate pieces.

    Larger projects also provide the freedom to use contrast and negative space more effectively, allowing each element to breathe and remain readable as your tattoo ages.

    While I still enjoy creating smaller tattoos when they're the right fit, my passion lies in designing complete compositions that tell a story and complement the body as a whole.

  • Large-scale tattoos are a journey rather than a single appointment. Depending on the project and how regularly we're able to schedule sessions, a sleeve or backpiece can take anywhere from several months to over a year to complete.

    This timeline allows each section to heal properly before continuing, gives us flexibility to refine the design as it progresses, and helps ensure the best possible long-term result.

    While I understand it's exciting to see the finished piece, I believe quality should always come before speed. The tattoos that stand the test of time are created through patience, consistency, and a collaborative commitment from both artist and client.

    During your consultation, if you’d like, I'll provide an estimate of how many sessions your project is likely to require so you know what to expect before we begin.

  • Large-scale projects allow me to create cohesive artwork that flows naturally with the body.

    Rather than designing individual tattoos to fit isolated spaces, I enjoy creating complete compositions where every element works together. This approach gives me greater freedom to consider body flow, contrast, negative space, and storytelling, resulting in tattoos that feel balanced from every angle.

    While I still accept smaller projects when they're the right fit, my passion lies in creating work that evolves over multiple sessions into a complete piece of art.

  • Yes! for sure, as long as it fits within my style, simple, bold and tasteful.

  • Usually YES.

    And, ALWAYS :D

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Making sure you are at 100% physical and mental health.

    ● Stay Hydrated: Begin drinking plenty of water days before your appointment and continue on the day itself. Especially if you’re not one to drink much water.

    ● Eat a Proper Meal: Have a satiating meal 1–2 hours before your session. This helps maintain energy and prevent light-headedness.

    ● Avoid Blood Thinners: Do not consume alcohol, recreational drugs, or medications like aspirin for at least 24 hours prior (unless prescribed by your doctor).

    ● Get Rest: A good night’s sleep will help your body handle the tattoo process more comfortably.

    ● Skin Preparation; Moisturise the area daily in the days or weeks leading up to your appointment. The longer the better.


    What to Bring:
    ● Photo ID – A valid ID is required to confirm age.

    ● Appropriate Clothing – Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. For those working on larger pieces/body suits, a robe is quite helpful.

    ● Lunch, Snacks & Water 


    ● Entertainment: You’re welcome to bring headphones, a book, or anything to help pass the time.

  • Never wear your ‘favourite’ clothing or anything that you care about as ink may transfer (and does not wash out)

    for back pieces, a large robe or jacket can be worn backwards for comfort and modesty during the tattoo session. Additionally if we are tattooing your glutes wear stretchy underwear, black is best as most likely there will be ink transfer on it.

    for leg sleeves a very stretchy and loose garments are advised.

    please note not to bring physically dirty clothing (such as if you are coming from work and you work in the trade with dust and dirt on your clothing) this is to prevent infection when you need to put your clothing back on after the session.

    I will provide nipple covers and or disposable underwear if required.

  • No, please don't shave the area before your appointment. I'll take care of any shaving that's required on the day.

    I prefer to see your skin and body hair in its natural state before we begin, as it can influence certain design decisions. For clients with thicker or darker body hair, for example, I may choose to incorporate more negative space or adjust the balance of the composition to help the tattoo remain clear and readable once it's fully healed.

    My goal is always to design with the finished result in mind, taking into account how the tattoo will look not only on the day it's completed, but also as it settles into your skin and becomes part of your everyday appearance.

  • Sure! Though the cleaning and wiping before, during and after the tattoo process will remove your fake tan in the area being tattooed.

  • What you bring will depend on the length of your session, but being comfortable and prepared will always make for a better experience.

    For shorter appointments (2-3 hours), I recommend bringing:

    • A bottle of water.

    • Headphones if you'd like to listen to music or a podcast.

    • Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed.

    For longer sessions (6+ hours), you may also like to bring:

    • Lunch or snacks to keep your energy up.

    • Your preferred drinks.

    • A phone charger or power bank.

    • A book, tablet, or headphones for entertainment.

    • A jumper or light blanket if you tend to get cold.

    • Any medication you may need throughout the day.

    Please avoid wearing your favourite clothing, as there is always a small chance it could come into contact with ink.

    Regardless of your appointment length, arriving well-rested, well-hydrated, and having eaten a good meal beforehand will help you sit more comfortably and contribute to the best possible tattooing experience.

  • while I am working out of public studios until my private studio is back up then each studio will have their own rules about bringing a person with you on your appointment.

    You can find specific information on the Bookings page.

Health & Skin Considerations

  • This is not a standard option for tattoo sessions.

    However, I am not against using numbing cream, however if this is something you are considering please let me know during our consultation.

    Your comfort is important to me, and I'm happy for clients to use numbing cream if it helps make the tattooing process more manageable.

    That said, I believe it's important to understand that numbing cream isn't always the best option for every tattoo or every stage of a large-scale project.

    Depending on the product used and how your skin responds, numbing cream can sometimes affect the texture of the skin, increase sensitivity once it begins to wear off, or influence how comfortably the skin tattoos. While many clients heal without issue, there are occasions where ink retention or healing may be affected.

    If you're considering using numbing cream, please discuss it with me before your appointment. Together, we can decide whether it's appropriate for your tattoo and which areas or sessions may benefit from it.

    If you don't already have numbing cream, I can supply Tattoo Numbing Co. cream for an additional fee. This requires approximately 90 minutes before your appointment for application and activation, so please let me know in advance if you'd like to use this option.

    Ultimately, my priority is achieving the highest quality tattoo possible. If I feel that using numbing cream is likely to compromise the outcome of your tattoo, I'll always explain why and recommend the best approach for your specific project.

    please do not arrive at your session numb, without having spoken to me about it prior.

  • Isotretinion in brands like accutane, dermatane, oratane, rocta10, roaccutane etc will affect the tattoo and healing process.

    If you are on acne medication, blood thinners, antibiotics, or have chronic skin conditions and are immunocompromised this may prevent you from getting tattooed, chat to your doctor, dermatologist first before getting tattooed just to be safe!

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding we will need to cancel the appointment or reschedule until you are no longer breastfeeding.

    There is a very low risk of any tattoo ink passing to the baby through the breast milk. Since Tattoo ink mainly has large particles, but! there might be some very small particles in the ink and it is not known how they can affect the breast milk.

    Since there aren’t enough studies about it, it is safer to avoid tattoos until your body is ready to receive them without the chance of harming your child.

  • People who have eczema and are considering getting a tattoo should be aware of several important factors:

    1. Consultation with a dermatologist: It is highly recommended that clients with eczema consult with a dermatologist before getting a tattoo. The dermatologist can assess the severity and location of the eczema and provide specific advice and recommendations.

    2. Healing complications: Eczema can cause the skin to be more sensitive, dry, and prone to flare-ups. Tattooing over eczema may cause additional irritation and potentially worsen the condition. The healing process could be delayed, and the tattoo may not heal properly or may become infected.

    3. Risk of allergic reactions: People with eczema often have sensitive skin that is prone to allergic reactions. Tattoo pigments, ink, or even the tattoo process itself can trigger an allergic response. Allergic reactions can cause itching, redness, swelling, and other discomfort. This risk is higher for individuals with eczema.

    4. Location considerations: The location of the eczema should be taken into account. Tattooing over active eczema patches is generally not recommended. Additionally, areas prone to frequent flare-ups or excessive sweating, such as the inner elbows or behind the knees, may not be suitable for tattoos.

    5. Moisturizing and aftercare: It is crucial to keep the tattooed area moisturized and follow proper aftercare instructions provided by the tattoo artist. However, eczema requires specific skincare routines, and certain moisturizers or ointments may not be suitable for both eczema and tattoo healing. Clients should discuss this with their dermatologist and tattoo artist to find the best approach.

    6. Potential impact on eczema management: Tattooing can potentially complicate the management of eczema. The tattooing process may aggravate existing eczema symptoms or trigger new flare-ups. Clients should consider the impact it may have on their overall eczema treatment and maintenance.

  • If you're looking for a custom large-scale tattoo with bold contrast, strong body flow and a collaborative design process, we're probably a great fit. My work is best suited to clients who appreciate artistic freedom and are looking to invest in a tattoo designed to last for decades.

  • Not necessarily.

    Every stage of a large-scale project is different, and some sessions are better suited to numbing cream than others.

    We'll discuss each appointment individually and decide whether numbing cream is likely to benefit the session while maintaining the best possible tattoo quality.

Aftercare

  • Most tattoo sessions require a minimum of two weeks before the skin has healed enough to be tattooed over again. During this time, it's important to follow your aftercare instructions and avoid anything that may interfere with healing or increase the risk of infection.

    For at least the first two weeks, you should avoid:

    • Direct sun exposure.

    • Swimming (including pools, oceans, spas, and hot tubs).

    • Soaking the tattoo in baths.

    • Fake tanning.

    • Activities that involve excessive friction, sweating, or expose the tattoo to dirt and bacteria.

    It's important to remember that two weeks is only the minimum healing period, not necessarily when your tattoo is fully healed.

    Healing times vary depending on the individual and the location of the tattoo. Areas with better circulation, such as the torso, often heal more quickly than the hands, feet, or lower legs. Tattoos on the feet, ankles, or other extremities can take one to two months, or sometimes longer, to fully settle due to slower circulation, movement, and everyday wear.

    you can find specific information regarding your aftercare here.

Pricing

  • I don’t have a day rate; only hourly

    Costs are dependant on: size, detail, colour, placement, time, how you sit etc.

  • My hourly rate is $200ph

    (Hourly rate applies to all tattoos done at my own private studio -Temporarily closed. while Guest spots/Interstate/international rates will vary)

    As my private studio is currently out of service ai am guesting from 3 locations, each with different hourly rates:


    Black Blossom Springvale $220 ph.

    Kamar-Taj $200 ph.

    The Studio Berwick $195ph

  • Minimum charge is 200.

    This applies to tattoos that take less than/up to 1 hour or sessions that stop abruply within the first hour.

    (To cover initial setup costs)

  • Tattoos that fit within an A4 or A3 paper size can be quoted as a set cost.

    Bigger tattoos or tattoos that wrap will be charged at my current hourly rate of 200ph additional to a set cost of lines

    (Hourly rate may vary between Guest spot Studios/Interstate/international)