FAQs
FAQs
When do your books open?
My up-to-date booking status will always be in my insta bio! I book every 2-3 months and typically open them 1-2 weeks before the months I am looking to fill. Example: If I’m booking for June and July, I will open my books mid-May :)
I have a newsletter that will keep you up-to-date on when my books open via email. Those subscribed to my newsletter will have earlier access to my open books, exclusive flash designs, giveaways, and more!
What is the booking process like?
When my books open, the link will be live in my insta bio. It will take you to a google form in which you will need to provide your name, pronouns, email, phone number, and instagram handle. I will then ask if you want a flash or a custom. If submitting for custom, please have 3-5 reference photos on hand to submit. You will also have the opportunity to describe in detail your tattoo idea! Please be as descriptive as possible as this helps me get a sense of what you would like! You will then choose a rough size and placement.
Submissions are not first come first serve and are selected based on my own personal interests of what I would like to tattoo/what I think I can tattoo within my skill set. Please allow at least 2 weeks for a reply, and please reply back to me even if your interests have changed! I always really appreciate the honesty of where you’re at, mentally, financially, or wherever! I will try to be as respectful with your time and efforts as possible and email you either way, whether you’ve been accepted or not!
I typically take around 35-45 appointments each booking period and choose from 100-200 submissions each time! Please do not take it personally if your tattoo idea was not selected for a certain booking round, it is typically a bandwidth issue so please feel free to submit again!
What are your rates?
My rates vary based on size, placement, complexity of design, and whether or not it is flash or custom. My minimum for flash is $100, custom is $150.
Small (1-2.5in) designs range in price from $100-$350
Medium (2.5-5in) designs range in price from $225-$700
Large (5in+) designs range in price from $600+
Full back pieces or sleeves/pants will start closer to $1000+ and will go up in price with more complexity!
I will send over a rough price estimate during our email correspondence, however, that pricing is subject to change based on complexity of design, final size and placement.
If you have budgetary restraints, please let me know in the initial booking form. I will try my best to accommodate this. Sliding scale pricing accommodations are also available for those who need it, and will be prioritized for BIPOC, non-binary/trans individuals.
Do you require a deposit?
I require a $50 deposit for flash pieces and a $100 deposit for custom pieces in order to secure your appointment time & date. If you are requesting for both a flash and custom, the deposit will be $100. This is to ensure that you are committed to the tattoo session. The deposit will be contributed to your final tattoo price. Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to a rescheduled time if you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. If you move your appt within the 48 hours, you will be required to submit another deposit before confirming the new appointment time & date.
Do you accept tips?
I much prefer a homemade card or a piece of art than a monetary tip! However, if you feel inclined to tip monetarily, I definitely appreciate it!
Do you prefer cash, card, or other?
I actually prefer payment through Venmo! I have a business account @arieltats for your convenience. If you do not have a Venmo, cash is perfect!
Do you send your designs ahead of time?
No, I do not send my designs ahead of time! This is a hard boundary for me. It is incredibly important that you leave a very descriptive paragraph on what you are looking for in the booking form. During our email correspondence, I will ask the clarifying questions I need to have a good understanding of what you would like. I will ask for more reference images if I need them as well.
If at the appointment you do not like the design, I will be happy to make edits. I want to be sure you are leaving with a tattoo you LOVE! Please don’t hesitate to ask for changes! I will do my best to accommodate!
If you do require a completely new drawing, you will be charged an additional $50-$100 and may be asked to reschedule. That is why it is incredibly important that you are as descriptive as possible in the initial intake!
Do you do color work?
I am mostly a black and grey artist. I have started to incorporate some color into my designs but this is not my expertise. If you do decide to book with me, please know that I do not do full color work and my skills are limited to mostly pops of color rather than full color pieces.
Are you doing custom or flash pieces?
Both! My flash designs (pre-drawn designs) are always available to be tattooed. If a flash design has already been tattooed I will make small adjustments so no 2 people have the same design. When my books are open, you will have the opportunity to submit your custom idea.
How do I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
Great question! Being well prepared for your tattoo will greatly affect how your tattoo will feel during the session as well as how it will heal afterwards. Here are some best practices prior to your appointment:
Week of tattoo appt:
Stay well hydrated for a few days before (and especially day of) your tattoo appt
Day before tattoo appt
Do not consume alcohol before your tattoo (at least 24 hours before) as this is a blood thinner and will make you more likely to bleed
Do not take ibuprofen or any blood thinning medication before your tattoo. Please alert me if you do. We may need to reschedule your tattoo appt if the bleeding is too severe.
Get a good night of rest the night before
Day of tattoo appt:
Minimize caffeine intake
Moisturize and gently exfoliate the expected tattoo location the morning of your tattoo
Shower prior to the appointment! You will need to limit your showers while the tattoo is healing!
Plan to allot at least 2 hours for small tattoos, 3 for medium sized tattoos, and at least 5-6+ hours for a large sized tattoo (excluding travel time). Large sized and some medium sized tattoos may also need additional sessions, so please plan accordingly!
What do I bring to my tattoo appointment?
Another great question! You are on a roll!
Comfy and suitable clothing! Something cozy, comfortable, and accessible for the area that is being tattooed!
Snacks and water! There will be some provided but if you have particular allergies or just need a bigger kick of sugar/nutrients, please bring your own!
A form of ID
An activity! An iPad, kindle, headphones, fidget spinner, anything to help you through the appointment is welcome and encouraged! I can also provide you with some of these activities upon request!
Can I bring a support human/friend to my appointment?
You can bring one support human/friend! I always want you to feel supported and well taken care of during your appointment! Please note that the studio space is small, so I will not be able to accommodate more than one support human!
I hate small talk or actually, I hate talking in general! Is that okay?
Of course, friend! You could be feeling anxious, nervous, or maybe you just a had a long f*ckin day and don’t want to expend extra energy chatting with this stranger who is stabbing you with needles! I get it!! We can talk as much or as little as you would like! Just let me know the day of that you would like a silent appt and I will do my best to accommodate!
What is your inclusion policy?
Your safety and comfort is incredibly important to me. At every stage of the tattooing process I promise to check in, so feel free to give your opinion on anything that you would like to adjust, whether that be how I’m speaking to you, moving you, etc. I strive to create an inclusive environment of all genders, ages, races, abilities, etc. I will not tolerate any sort of hate speech and will ask you to leave, even if we are in the middle of a tattoo.
Where are you located?
I am currently tattooing out of Witch of the West Tattoo Collective in Fort Collins, CO!
The address is 706 S College Ave Unit #204, Fort Collins, CO. For detailed instructions on how to get into the building, please refer to the “Location” highlight on Witch of the West’s insta.
What does your logo mean?
It’s literally just my Chinese name :) I was named after a mythical Dragon-Horse guardian called 麒麟 “Qi Lin” meant to guard your home and bring prosperity. My name is 李麟 “Li Lin”. So it’s just my name :)
If I have a question, how do I reach you?
I am available via email at ariel.tats@gmail.com.