General FAQS:

What is a handpoked tattoo?

Handpoked tattoos are basically the same thing as a machine tattoo, minus the machine. I use the same kind of needle as a machine, and move my hand in the same motion a machine would. Handpoked tattoos are created by pricking the skin with a series of dots, until they make a line. Many of my clients have reported that handpoked tattoos tend to hurt less than machine tattoos, because it is less impact to the skin.

What is a flash tattoo?

Flash is a pre- drawn design. I am open to slight alterations on flash pieces, if I consider the alterations to be more than slight, it would fall into the custom realm. I do repeat flash. All of my available flash is located on the “flash” section of my website and the “highlights” on my Instagram profile. All of this flash is in my physical flash book at my studio as well. Clients may pick flash from my flash book day of their appointment or ahead of time.

What is a custom tattoo?

A custom tattoo is a unique design that you commission me to draw and tattoo onto you. I enjoy doing custom tattoos, because I get to collaborate with my client, and create a beautiful tattoo, which I never would’ve thought of myself! I am particularly picky with what kind of custom ideas I will take on.

I will only tattoo things in my own style, I will not reproduce another artists work. Imagery that I enjoy is: anything in art nouveau, printmaking designs, ornament, people, floral imagery, antiques, animals, occult imagery, fairytale inspired designs and anything vintage inspired. Chances are, if you don't see anything similar to what you were requesting on my instagram profile, it is likely that I will not accept your custom request.

I find it best to work with my client in person for a custom piece. I will have a design ready for you when you come in, and we can make changes together. If I am required to redraw the design, I will charge a $50 redraw fee.

I understand that there is a power dynamic when we are creating a custom tattoo. I make room for collaboration and prioritizing your vision, but also state my boundaries and opinions clearly.

Very occasionally it seems that a client and my visions for the piece are just not lining up, so then I may suggest we not do the tattoo, and I can recommend another tattoo artist who may be able execute your vision better.

Why do you not send custom designs ahead of time?

I’ve been going back and forth over the years trying to figure out what the best way is. I understand wanting to see your design ahead of time, so you can be prepared and know what you’re getting yourself into! There are a couple things I’ve found that don’t work for me going about it that way:

I’ve sent designs ahead of time and had long back and forth exchanges of changes that my client wants to be made to the design. I feel it can be difficult to understand each other and collaborate over email. There can be misunderstandings, and it can take up a lot of my time outside of work. Also if there is something I need to completely redraw, I am not being compensated for my time doing that at home. I find it’s best to work in person, so that we can look at the design together and communicate clearer with each other.

I’ve sent the design ahead of time, and right after, my client has cancelled the appointment or decided to no show me. If a client does not like the design day of when they see it, we can try our best to create what they are wanting together. Or if that doesn’t work out, we can figure out in person if we are a good match to create a tattoo or not. I’m okay if it turns out that we cannot create the vision you are looking for, but I’d rather figure that out and discuss that in person, rather than get no showed or cancelled on last minute. I’ve also had clients cancel their appointment once they’ve gotten the design, and then take my design to another artist, without compensating or crediting me.

I totally understand if it is your preference to see your design ahead of time, it makes sense to want to be prepared before making a big decision to get a tattoo! But I have just found this way works better for me and my business. If this doesn’t work for you, there are plenty of artists out there who will send designs ahead of time, and that may be a better fit. I may change my mind some day and begin sending designs ahead of time again, but for now this is how I will be doing it.

A consultation may be right for you if you’d like to get more of an idea about a custom design ahead of time.

Do you do consultations?

Yes, I offer free 15 minute consultations. Consultations are a good option if you have a more complicated custom tattoo you'd like done. We can discuss design options, and create a simple sketch together. We can then work in person, together to make changes/ come to a clearer understanding of the design you are wanting. We will end the appointment with you sending me a deposit, and booking a date to get the tattoo done. If you are wanting to book a consultation, please fill out the "custom" section of this form, with details about the tattoo you are envisioning. 

Will you tattoo any skin or body type?

Yes, I will tattoo any skin tone or body type!

I am aware of how most of the tattoos I do and post are on white skin. I know how discriminating and exclusionary the tattoo world can be to people of color. I want anyone to be able to get my tattoos. With this in mind, I offer a lower sliding scale rate for people of color.

I am open to receiving feedback on this.

Do you do coverups?

No, I do not do coverups, because my linework is very fine and dotty, and I don’t do much black fill, my tattoos would not make a good coverup.

Are there any places on the body you don’t tattoo?

I tattoo most parts of the body. But for torso placements (chest, neck, ribs, sternum, stomach), I would like notice ahead of time if you’d like that spot tattooed. I have chronic pain and these spots can hurt my body, so I like to adequately prepare and make sure I make enough time in my day. I do not tattoo faces or palms.

Do you use colored ink?

No, I just use black ink.

Can I pay you to get my design tattooed by someone else?

No, sorry! It’s something I don’t feel comfortable with at this moment in time.

What kind of covering do you put on the tattoo when it is finished?

I usually use second skin (it has many names: Tagiderm, Saniderm, etc.) Second skin is a clear adhesive covering. Second skin is nice because it is a non- bulky covering that allows you to still see the tattoo through the bandage while it is still covered. Some people do not like second skin, or have adhesive allergies or sensitivities. So I also offer a non- adhesive bandage. This is a soaker pad that I put on top of the tattoo, and then wrap cohesive bandage around it so that it stays in place.

What are your aftercare instructions? And is hand poke aftercare any different than machine aftercare?

I will verbally give these instructions in person, and you may use the “aftercare” section on my website as reference afterwards. You may also email me any questions you have.

Aftercare for hand poke and machine tattoos is the same.

Do you do touchups?

Yes! I can touch up anything that heals light, or fill in gaps. I like to do a touchup at least 3 months after the initial appointment. You can email me to schedule a touchup appointment. Touchups are free for a year, but I will always offer them.

What are your COVID precautions?

I am vaccinated and boosted. Masking is optional in my shop, let me know if you’d prefer me to wear a mask.

Booking:

How do I book a tattoo?

I book once every 2 (ish) months, and will post about it on my Instagram, with a link to my booking form.

Do you have a rescheduling/ cancellation policy?

I require a $100 non- refundable deposit, my deposit covers most cancellations and my booking process.

I charge a $50 cancellation fee if you cancel on me within 24 hours. The reason why I charge this is because it is very hard to find last minute replacement appointments within 24 hours/ day of. It costs me money to miss that work. There are certain situations in which I will play it by ear and let you know if I will require a cancellation fee or not.

I am fine with rescheduling, I would like to be given at least a 48 hour notice. If you no call no show me (you do not show up to your appointment, without any notice) I will not reschedule or book you again. If you cancel within 24 hours more than once I will not reschedule again.

How long will my tattoo take?

Because handpoked tattoos are manually done, they sometimes take longer than machine tattoos. There are many factors that contribute to how long a tattoo will take, such as placement, size, detail, how my body is feeling that day, etc., so it is hard to give a good estimate unfortunately. But I will generally say that most of my tattoos take around 3 hours. It is important to me that I do not have to rush a tattoo, so please leave enough time in your day.

What will my appointment look like?

When my client comes in, I will have them fill out a consent form. Then I will take their ID and make a copy. I will confirm what flash piece my client is wanting to get- they can look through the physical flash book, or tell me what they decided ahead of time. Then I will print out all of the tattooable sizes of the design they are requesting on printer paper. We will hold these designs up to the skin in the mirror to determine size and placement. Once we have picked a size and placement, I will print out a stencil. We will apply the stencil- we can move the stencil as many times as needed until we find the exact right spot. Then we will begin the tattooing process. My client is welcome to take a break whenever is needed, and I will take a break at some point during the session as well. Once the tattoo is done, I will cover it up with a bandage and verbally recite aftercare instructions. Then I will calculate a price, the client will pay me, and I will send them on their way.

Where do you work?

I have a private studio located at 710 SE Grand Ave. Unit 14 Portland, OR 97214

Please buzz me (Freida) or press 12 through the call box to the left of the door when you arrive, I will buzz you in!

*Buzz 12, but we are unit 14

What are your rates?

I charge a sliding scale of $120-$150 per hour, with a $250 minimum. And I charge a lower sliding scale rate for people of color, which is $90-$120 per hour, with a $200 minimum. I charge a $50 drawing fee for all custom tattoos.
Again, it is hard for me to estimate how long a tattoo will take, so estimating a price for your tattoo is difficult. I generally would say to budget for a 2-3 hour tattoo. Keep in mind, the $100 deposit will be taken off of the total the day of.

If a tattoo exceeds 3.5 hours, I will generally charge a lower rate.

When I am traveling, I charge a higher rate of $150 per hour.

What should I bring to an appointment?

• A valid photo ID

• Water and snacks

• Wear comfy clothes, that can be easily moved to access the tattoo location. Or bring a change of clothes that access the tattoo location more easily.

Do you like to talk during a tattoo appointment?

I do like to talk to my clients! I love making connections with people, it’s one of the most special things about the job. But sometimes I’m feeling quiet, having a bad day, or I’m feeling sleepy, or my chronic pain is flaring up. If so, I’ll let you know that I’m dealing with something and am not feeling up to conversation. It’s never anything personal if I’m being quiet.

Can I have a silent appointment if I’m not feeling up to talking?

Of course! Just let me know if you’d prefer not to talk, that’s totally okay with me.

Can I bring a friend with me?

No, I’m sorry! I get easily overwhelmed, especially while tattooing, and prefer interacting with one person at a time. If you need a person with you for accessibility reasons, that’s okay! Just let me know ahead of time.

Will you post a photo of my tattoo on Instagram?

I do like taking photos of all the tattoos I do, to document my progress and showcase my work to prospective clients. I will always ask for permission before taking a photo of your tattoo. It is totally okay if you decline. I don’t always post every tattoo that I do. I repeat flash, so I will often just post one or two pictures of the same piece. And sometimes I’m trying to promote a certain style of tattoo over another. If I don’t post your tattoo, it is never anything personal.

Do you take cash or venmo payments?

I take cash only, there is no ATM in the building. However, there is an ATM at the Jackson’s market across the street. Please come prepared.

Do you accept tips?

I very much appreciate tips, but don’t need or require them. Tips are pretty customary in the tattoo world, 20% is great, but if you need to tip less, that is alright with me. I very much appreciate money tips, but also like being tipped with chocolate-y sweets.