Tattoo Booking Policy & Client Preparation Guide 1. Booking & Deposits * Appointment Request: Please note that submitting an appointment request does not guarantee acceptance. We review all requests to ensure the project aligns with our artistic style and availability. * Securing Your Spot: Once your appointment is accepted, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date. * Timeframe: This deposit must be received within 48 hours of acceptance. Failure to submit the deposit within this window will result in the automatic cancellation of your hold, and the date will be opened to other clients. 2. Cancellation & Rescheduling * Deposit Policy: All deposits are strictly non-refundable. The deposit compensates the artist for the design time and the blocked-out calendar slot. * Rescheduling: If you need to reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. Failure to do so may require a new deposit to book a future date. 3. Late Arrival * Grace Period: We respect your time and ask that you respect ours. We allow a 15-minute grace period for unforeseen delays. * Consequences: Arriving more than 15 minutes late creates a domino effect on our schedule. Therefore, late arrival may result in the immediate cancellation of your appointment and forfeiture of your deposit. 4. Health & Safety: The Zero-Tolerance Policy Your health and safety are our highest priorities. We strictly adhere to sanitation protocols to maintain a sterile environment. * Medical Disclosure: Please inform us of any medical conditions, skin sensitivities, or allergies (especially to latex, ointments, or adhesives) prior to your appointment. Substance Use: The Pros & Cons (Why We Require Sobriety) We strictly enforce a policy of no alcohol or drug use prior to your appointment. While some clients believe substances help, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Perceived "Pros" (Myths) / The Reality (Cons & Risks) "It takes the edge off." | Alcohol and many drugs act as blood thinners. This causes excessive bleeding, which pushes the ink out of the skin as fast as we put it in. "It helps with pain." | Being under the influence can actually heighten your sensitivity or make you restless, making the process more painful and difficult for the artist. "I'll be more relaxed." | It impairs your judgment and ability to legally consent to a permanent modification. It also compromises the sterile environment and the artist's focus. Policy Note: If you arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be turned away immediately, and your deposit will be forfeited. Pre-Appointment Guide: Dos & Don'ts To ensure your tattoo session goes smoothly and heals perfectly, please follow this preparation guide. The Dos (What you SHOULD do) * DO Eat a Good Meal: Have a solid, carb-heavy meal 1–2 hours before coming in. This keeps your blood sugar stable and prevents passing out. * DO Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water starting 24 hours before your appointment. Hydrated skin accepts ink much easier. * DO Dress for Comfort: Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed (e.g., shorts for a leg tattoo, a tank top for an arm tattoo). Ink can stain, so don't wear your favorite white shirt! * DO Shower: Please arrive clean. We are in close proximity for hours; good hygiene is appreciated. * DO Bring Entertainment: Feel free to bring headphones, a tablet, or a book to keep yourself distracted. The Don'ts (What you SHOULD NOT do) * DON'T Drink Heavy Caffeine: Avoid energy drinks or excessive coffee right before the appointment. It can make you jittery and increase bleeding. * DON'T Sunbathe or Tanning Bed: We cannot tattoo over sunburned or peeling skin. It damages the skin trauma and the ink will not hold. * DON'T Exercise Immediately Before: Heavy workouts can cause muscle swelling and temporary skin stretching, which may affect the stencil placement. * DON'T Shave the Area Yourself: Unless you are very experienced, you might cause razor burn or small cuts. Let the artist shave the area for you at the shop to ensure it is sterile and cut-free. Warm & Reassuring (Best for first-timers) (NOV) Why we do this: This option acknowledges that strict policies exist to protect the quality of the experience, helping the client feel cared for rather than restricted. We Can’t Wait to Work With You! We know that reading through policies can feel formal, but these guidelines exist to ensure that your session is calm, safe, and focused entirely on you. We are truly honored that you’ve chosen us to be a part of your tattoo journey. Whether this is your first tattoo or your fiftieth, our goal is to provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel comfortable and confident. We look forward to seeing you soon and creating a piece of art that you will love for a lifetime! Artistic & Collaborative (Best for custom/large scale work) (ADV) Why we do this: This option shifts the focus from the rules to the excitement of the creative collaboration. Let’s Create Something Beautiful Thank you for trusting us with your skin and your ideas. We take that trust seriously. By preparing well and following these guidelines, you are helping us give you the absolute best version of ourselves as artists. We are excited to collaborate with you and bring your vision to life. Rest up, hydrate, and get ready—we can’t wait to make some magic happen! Ready to Get Inked? (PROS) We are hyped to have you in the chair! Our team is dedicated to giving you a clean, safe, and awesome tattoo experience. We appreciate your cooperation with our policies—it helps us keep the shop running smoothly so we can focus on what matters most: giving you a killer tattoo. See you at your appointment! Yours truly, Tattsbygxd