FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Booking
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes I am!
How can I schedule an appointment?
To start the booking process, fill out and submit an inquiry form, which is linked here.
What happens after I submit an inquiry form?
After you submit the form, I will reach out to you to schedule a consultation. I require all potential clients to schedule a consultation so that we have the opportunity to get to know each other more, examine your vision for the design in more detail, and discuss what you can expect from the process! From there, we'll continue into scheduling your appointment!
What should I expect during my consultation?
During your consultation, we will discuss a variety of things to ensure that I am the right fit for you and your tattoo! Consultations allow me to provide a more personal and informed tattoo experience for my clients - but they also provide you with an understanding of what to expect from my tattoo process. These meetings are a great opportunity for me to get to know you a bit more personally, discuss the details of your inquiry, and address any questions or concerns you may have about the process.
How far in advance do you book appointments?
I typically schedule tattoo appointments about a month in advance depending on my schedule and client demands. I do the same for consultation appointments, but there is often more flexibility for scheduling.
What kind of clients & projects are you looking for?
As I continue to grow my clientele, my schedule will increasingly cater to my growth as an artist. While I work hard to tattoo as much as I can, my schedule ultimately prioritizes projects that challenge my artistic abilities and allow me more creative freedom.
My ideal client is someone who appreciates my artistic style, trusts my process, and feels comfortable allowing me to have creative liberty over the design.
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I would love to explore these projects & styles of tattooing:
Realism - portraits, animals, and nature!
Illustrative (Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Blackwork, Surrealism) - all subjects!
Ornamental - flowing/organic, porcelain, decorative, and folk patterns!
Pricing, Deposits, & Payments
Do you charge for a consultation?
I currently do not charge a fee for consultations in order to ensure that access to information and my advice is as accessible as possible to those interested in getting tattooed. However - because my time is valuable - any clients who do not show up for one or more scheduled consultations without notifying me prior will be asked to pay a a $50 consultation fee if they wish to reschedule in order to ensure their commitment to the appointment.
What is your rate?
As a tattooer, it can be difficult to predict exactly how many hours or sessions a tattoo will need. Because of this, I schedule appointments on a half-day or full-day basis in order to most efficiently accommodate our time without feeling rushed.
Half-day appointment (est. 1-4 hours): $600 + sales tax
Full-day appointment (est. 4-8 hours): $1,000 + sales tax
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*Please understand that my rates reflect my skills and will grow with me over time.
Do you require a deposit or retainer?
In order to book your appointment, I require a retainer - which is 50% of your total rate per session. Not only does this confirm your commitment, it also ensures that I have time to create custom artwork for you.
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All retainers are non-refundable unless you can provide a minimum of 7 days notice.
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However, if on the day of your appointment your vision doesn't align with mine and we feel that I am not the right fit for you, I'm happy to refund your deposit and refer you to another artist who may be a better fit.
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What forms of payment do you take?
I do not accept any online payments, but this is subject to change over time. Cash is preferred, but I can also take payments through Venmo or Zelle. On Venmo, you can send your payment to @graceeckerttattoos. If you choose to pay though Zelle, contact me and I can request the payment from you.
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What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Life can be unexpected, and I completely understand if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If this is the case, please notify me as soon as possible. If you can give me more than 7 days notice for a cancellation, I'm happy to apply your previous retainer towards rescheduling a make-up appointment. On the rare occasion that I would need to cancel your appointment due to inclement weather or personal illness, I'm happy to reschedule you and apply your original retainer to the new date.
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Location & Parking
Where are you located?
My studio is located at Shag Studios, which is located in Dayton, Ohio.
Our address is 1126 S Main St, Dayton, OH 45409 - a map is linked below!
Where can I park?
Free parking is available in the lots surrounding the building - they are labeled clearly for visitors of Shag Studios!
Health & Safety
Are tattoos safe?
Yes - when done properly by a professional. These safety measures include basic first aid, proper sanitation & cleanliness practices, and bloodborne pathogen training. It is also essential for all clients to be fully honest with their artist about any existing medical conditions or concerns that they may have in order to ensure the best care.
Is numbing cream allowed?
Numbing cream is not recommended because of the way it can effect the skin & potentially impact the quality of the tattoo. Everyone's skin reacts differently, but numbing cream is generally known to cause changes in the surface of the skin - such as swelling. If you are concerned about this, bring it up during your consultation or appointment and I can help make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Can I get tattooed if I'm sick?
No. If you find yourself sick the morning of your appointment, notify me as soon as possible and w we will reschedule. When you are sick, your body is still working overtime to fight bacteria and infections, so getting tattooed on top of this will make it harder for you to recover from both - hence why is not recommended that you get tattooed when you are sick.
Aftercare
How do I care for my tattoo after my appointment?
Visit my aftercare/prep page linked here for directions!
How long does it take to heal a tattoo?
While it only takes two weeks for the surface of the skin to heal, it can take up to 4-6 weeks for a tattoo to be fully healed beneath the surface of the skin.
What should I use on my tattoo during the healing process?
Any products you put on your tattoo during the healing process should be fragrance and alcohol free to avoid causing any unnecessary irritation. Here are some examples of products I often recommend:
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Dial gold antibacterial soap - affordable & great for cleaning your tattoo.
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Aquaphor healing ointment - great moisturizer for extra dry areas or in the beginning of the healing process, remember a little goes a LONG way!
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Eucerin - great long-term moisturizer, moisturized tattoo = happy tattoo!
What should I use on my tattoo after it is healed?
It's important to take care of your tattoos even after they're already healed to ensure the longevity of the artwork. I highly recommend these products for long-term tattoo care:
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Hustle Butter - another great moisturizing butter for your tattoos, a little of this will also go a long way!
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Sunscreen - any sunscreen, any brand - just wear it!!!!!!
Why is sunscreen so important for tattoos?
Sunscreen is important for the overall health and well-being of your skin - as it prevents sun damage and lowers your risk of skin cancer. Over time, it's not uncommon for tattoos to fade and soften with age - however, many forget that the largest cause this is from sun exposure. Therefore, it is highly recommended - for the sake of your health and the longevity of your tattoos - that you use sunscreen on your tattoos anytime you find yourself exposed to the sun.
When can I go swimming?
I strongly recommend that you wait 4-6 weeks to swim with your new tattoo. Doing so sooner can increase your risk of infection significantly. Its not worth the risk!