I want to book a tattoo appointment, how do I get one?

Please submit an application form in order to give us all the information we need to get a clear understanding of your tattoo idea. You will be contacted via email within two weeks regarding whether your project will be taken on or not. Note- if your requested artists books are closed you will be added to their wait list.

If your project is taken on, you'll be able to go over any questions and design details with your artist. This can be done via email or in an person consult.

When you come in for your tattoo appointment you'll have lots of time to go over your drawing, make adjustments to both design and size. As we draw all designs digitally they can be easily adjusted if need be. If you would like to see your drawing in advance, request a drawing consult to come and see your drawing in person. Drawings and artwork are not sent out in advance unless discussed with your artist.

Where can I find tattoo references?

If you're getting a tattoo, especially as an expression of your individuality, why would you want a tattoo just like someone else's? Instead, find other pictures of what you're looking for and have it drawn custom for you. Even if the pictures don't show exactly what you want, share them with your artist as guidelines and tell them what elements are important to you. It's best to have a few references, in fact it helps your artist get a better sense of your taste.

Example: If you are wanting a tattoo of a realistic flower boquet, google flower photography of the individual flowers you'd want included. They can then be digitally altered and used as primary references to create your desired look. If you're looking to have script done check out www.dafont.com as you can view thousands of fonts while using the words you wish to have tattooed.

Are consultations complimentary?

Yes! There is no charge. If you're interested in a consultation or if your artist deems it necessary, you can schedule a 30 minute appointment to sit down and iron out the details together. Keep in mind, if you're hoping to book the tattoo appointment at your consultation, you'll need to place a deposit either with cash, debit or e-transfer.

Do I need to put down a deposit to have a drawing done or book a tattoo?

You will need to pay a service-fee in order to book an appointment and for your artist to begin designing a project for you. The entire fee will be deducted from the overall cost of your tattoo at the completion of the project. It covers your artists time spent on any drawings, and the time you're booked for. Service fees and down payments are non-refundable. Service fees may be withheld if guidelines aren't followed.

To keep your service-fee in tact, these are the guidelines NO EXCEPTIONS:

• 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule your tattoo appointment.
• Major design changes must be submitted no less than a week before your tattoo appointment.
• If your artist has already worked on your design and you change your mind to a different concept, you will need to place an additional service fee.
• You will not recieve your tattoo if you show up to your appointment under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if you are sick, breastfeeding or pregnant.
• You must disclose before your appointment if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or have other health concerns that would affect your artists ability to tattoo you safely.
• If you do not show up to your appointment and do not give us any notice, you will not be rescheduled.

*UPDATED* Is it okay to get a tattoo if i'm sick?

Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn't at 100% is not a good idea. You need a healthy immune system to properly heal your tattoo, which becomes compromised if you're already battling against any virus or bacteria. Whether its Covid, the flu or a minor cold, your body is not in ideal shape to recieve a tattoo. Please do not bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing anything onto others in the studio, particularly your artist. We, along with many others, have immunocompromised families and ask that you take our health as seriously as your own. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you're feeling well again (minimum 14 days later). If you show up sick we will not tattoo you and unless notice is given your service fee would be deducted.

How can I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Making sure your in a good state all around will help keep your pain tolerance managable. As far as, your skin goes we take care of necessary preperation at your tattoo appointment. It doesnt hurt to gently exfoliate the area in the days leading up to your tattoo appointment and keep it moisturized. Do not wear any creams, ointments or tanner on your skin the day of your appointment. If you want numbing options you will need to ask your artist for more information before the day of your appointment. Have a full nights sleep the day before your appointment. Eat a healthy breakfast and bring snacks and lunch to your tattoo appointment. Keeping your blood sugar regulated during your tattoo is imperative, no matter who you are.
Wear clothing you don't particularly care about, just incase it gets stained or needs to be cut. Make sure your clothing exposes the area to be tattooed, if it's loose it's easy to move out of the way. For women string tie bikinis are ideal for many discreet placements. If you're still unsure what to wear, ask your artist.

Does the sun/tanning and the time of year affect getting a tattoo?

Although you can get a tattoo any time of the year, your skin gets a lot more abuse during the summer with swimming, tanning and just being exposed to the elements more. Winter time is really the best season to get a tattoo. This is a non-issue for many people, consider what the best timing is for you. It might be really tempting to get some rays during the summer months, but you're asking for a faded sundamaged tattoo if you don't take proper precautions.

Summer Precautions:
>Don't expose your fresh tattoo to direct sunlight for the first 6 weeks. Your tattoo will be very vulnerable during its delicate healing period.
> Once healed, use a high SPF suncreen to help prevent fading. Cream sunscreens go on the skin more evenly, covering your tattoos with a thicker, more protective layer. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming.

Do you offer touch ups and are they complimentary?

Yes! Provided you took proper care of your tattoo in the healing process, your first touch up is free as to guarantee our work. Touch ups should be completed within 6 months of receiving your tattoo. Any exceptions to that will be agreed upon with your artist. *Note that touch ups delayed to Covid-19 personal services closure are not being held to our standard 6 month touch up limitation.* Free touch ups do not apply to all tattoo placements. Hands, feet and the neck are not guaranteed as they usually have complications when healing and may require multiple touch-ups. Your artist will advise you of the best option, and what the risks are in areas that will have difficulty healing.

What if I want my tattoo smaller then recommended?

Tattoos that are done too small will bleed together over the years. Most types of details have a great chance of aging gracefully, but how close together those details are is what makes the difference. For optimal aging in the long term, listen to your artists size suggestion. Many people with older tattoos say their biggest regret was not going bigger for the detail they wanted. If you choose to go smaller, be advised your design will be made with less detail to accomodate the size adjustment. It may not give you the result you initially desired.

What placements aren't recommended?

Anything on the pads of your hands and feet do not hold ink the same as other areas of the body; this also applies to any areas with lots of creased skin like the inner wrist and back of ankle/heel. Palms can be tattooed but imperfections are a given and they heal at a softened opacity, even the blackest black will turn a slate grey once settled in and fully healed. Some placements that are more common can still have potential setbacks with healing; these placements are the top of the feet, back of the hand, neck, inner and outer elbow, front and back of knee and behind the ear.

Tattoos in placements that don't heal out properly may be refused by an artist. Always ask to be sure if your tattoo placement will have any of these issues. If you're an exception, as per your artists discretion, touch ups will be available but not free; considering the risk of poor healing that's involved.

What products and equipment do you use?

To insure the best quality outcome, we use a variety of top notch products from leading industry distrubutors. All of our tattoo inks are vegan, we primarily use Solid, Silverback, Intenze and Eternal brands. Our machines offer a very pleasant tattoo experience with a near silent application. Each of our four studio stations are set up with an Oros 680 Tatsoul Chairs; with multiple attachments and ways to adjust we are able to accomodate even the trickiest placements with ease and comfort for both client and artist.

Is everything single use?

Yes! All needles and tubes are single use; they come pre-packaged and pre-sterilized from highly reputable distributors and brands. You will be shown an indicator confirming they were properly sterilized before packages are opened. They are immediately disposed of in a biohazard sharps container after each session.

What can I expect for aftercare?

You will be provided after care instructions at the end of your tattoo appointment, as well as, a pamphlet to take home. Aftercare may be customized for individual tattoos, your artist will let you know at the time of your appointment if this is the case. We use a second skin product called Saniderm, which was designed for burn victims and aids in the healing of wounds. Saniderm consists of a thin polyurethane membrane coated with a layer of an acrylic adhesive. It’s a clear dressing that’s intended to lock in your body’s natural healing fluids while protecting it from outside contact. Once it’s applied it provides an effective barrier to external contamination and is impermeable to micro-organisms. The dressing allows your tattoo to “breathe” as it is both water vapour and oxygen permeable. While using Saniderm, scab formation is prevented and epidermal regeneration takes place at an enhanced rate.

Can I get a tattoo when i'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

We will not do tattoos on pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. We also do not recommend getting tattooed 6 months post-partum. During and after pregancy you're at an increased risk for infection that could harm you or potentially your baby. There are many unknowns when it comes to recieving tattoos during pregnancy and breastfeeding; there is not sufficient evidence to allow professional artists to safely proceed. Though the risk is potentially minimal, it's not a risk we're willing to take. Yours and your babies health are the priority.

What payment methods do you accept? Hint: Yes we still take cash!

We accept e-transfer, cash and debit . You can send e-transfers off your credit card, it will be categorized as a cash withdrawl. Every bank is different, check if this is possible with yours.

Can you tattoo over scar tissue?

Yes! Scar tissue can be tattooed although its case by case as far as design flexibility. In order to effectively cover a scar there can be design limitations depending on placement and severity of scars. If your considering having a tattoo cover your scar, make sure to let your artist know. Send pictures and a description regarding age of scar, if its raised and its color.

*NEW* Do I have to bring a fabric or a disposable medical mask, if so what kind?

Please note that if you bring fabric or disposable masks to bring a few, you may not want to be wearing the same mask all day if you are sitting for a 4+ hour session. If your mask is removed to eat it is recommended to put on a clean mask. If you do not provide your own mask(s) you will be charged $4.00 per piece for any required masks used during the duration of your tattoo.

*NEW* What if I have allergies or a non contagious illness that presents Covid-like symptoms?

If you have a recurring illness that may display the appearance of Covid-19 symptoms we may have to deny your service for our staff and client protection. We, along with many others, have immune compromised families and ask that you take our health as seriously as your own. To be best prepared we recommend to any of our clients with an illness of concern such as allergies, to bring either a doctors note or verification of your illness. This is not a requirement. We want to provide a safe environment for all of our clients and this measure will assist our ability to take appropriate precautions based on the individual needs of each client. Will still take all symptoms into consideration with your verification and may require you to make private studio arrangements.

*NEW* What if I am immunocompromised? Can I still get tattooed?

For clients who have an at risk immune system, we encourage complete honesty considering we are providing a service that may further weaken your immune system. If you are compromised but still wish to continue getting tattooed we will walk you through any measures you may need to take to assure your health and safety in the process of acquiring and healing your tattoo. It is advised to discuss tattoos with your doctor before proceeding. If you require further measures we can arrange private appointments for immunocompromised clients as needed; special rates may apply in this scenario.

*NEW* Will you be allowing guests?

We will not be allowing any guests to accompany clients, to keep the studio to the minimum required bodies. If you wish to get tattooed at the same time as your partner/friend you may book multiple artists for the same time block. If you absolutely require a guest or caretaker in your presence during your tattoo we are offering private appointments; special rates may apply in this scenerio.

*NEW* Do you tattoo minors?

Since minors require guardian review we are ceasing tattoos on those who are not 18+ to keep the number of patrons in the studio to a minimum. Prior to our Covid closure in March 2020 we offered our services to those over 16 with guardian consent. Crimson Oath has moved strictly to an 18+ studio as of June 2020; previously booked minors with approved paperwork and designs will be honoured until project completion.

*NEW* Will you still do consultations in person?

Yes! In person consultations are essential to our process when required, particularly for in-depth large scale pieces. For those that require consultations we have adjusted our consultation area to allow for more distancing. You will be asked to wear a mask for the duration of your consultation; if you are unable to bring your own mask, one will be provided at $4.00 per mask.

*NEW* What can I bring to my tattoo appointment?

You will need to remember to bring a mask if you do not wish to purchase one, or multiple, in studio at $4.00 per piece. Belongings that are permitted — ID, keys, payment card, cellphone —must be sanitized at the door. Items not permitted in studio — large bags/purses, jackets, extra clothing etc — must be left in your vehicle or bagged at the door. At this time we are no longer allowing clients to bring items like blankets, books, pillows etc We understand your comfort is important during your tattoo, this policy is only temporary and will be lifted as soon as possible.

*NEW* What happens to my service-fee (deposit) if I cancel short notice because I’m sick?

We require 48 hours notice for all cancellations or rescheduling. If you are sick please stay home and try to give us as much notice as you can! We, along with many others, have immunocompromised family members and ask that you take our health as seriously as your own. We are enforcing a STRICT No-Show policy. If you do not cancel your appointment in advance you will not be rescheduled. If you cancel due to being ill or concerned you're presenting symptoms we will not require you to place an additional service fee to reschedule. We continue to ask for as much notice as possible, as we book in advance and only see one or two clients per day finding a client to come in at the last minute, can leave us without any income that day. Please be considerate of your artist; if you need to cancel at 1 am via email it’s better than 15 minutes before your appointment!

What is a service fee?

We charge a variable non-refundable service fee for each project booked; this is directly related to variables such as design detail and scale. This is primarily to ensure the drawing time for your artist is covered and that you will be present at your scheduled appointment.

*NEW* How easily can I reschedule?

If you need to reschedule your appointment please contact us via email contact@crimsonoathtattoo.com You may need to place an additional service fee in order to reschedule if you do not consider our policies. Many of our clients have been impacted by Covid-19 and we understand that you may not be able to maintain your project at this time. If you need to postpone you can either select a future date or wait until you have a better idea of when you would like to resume. We require 48 hours notice for cancellations or to be rescheduled with few exceptions. Please review “what happens to my service fee (deposit) if I cancel short notice because I’m sick?” for more information.

*NEW* What if somebody else in my household is sick but I do not present symptoms?

With the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 we are asking anybody who thinks they may have been exposed to any contagious illnesses, including Covid-19, to reschedule their appointment as if you are also sick. We, along with many others, have immunocompromised families and ask that you take our health as seriously as your own.

*NEW* What if me or somebody in my household has travelled in the previous 14 days?

With the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 we are asking anybody who thinks they may have been exposed to any contagious illness including Covid-19 to reschedule their appointment as if you are also sick. We, along with many others, have immunocompromised families and ask that you take our health as seriously as your own.