Tattoo Policies and Client Affirmations
Affirmations
Your Body Your Choice
As a professional tattooer my goal is to provide as much information about tattoos as an organic medium in living skin so that you can make decisions about what kind of work you’re interested in getting, ultimately any decisions about your tattoo are up to you— it’s your permanent body modification
Speaking Up
It is my goal for you to leave your appointment with a tattoo that you are happy with. If upon seeing your design, and it’s not what you were hoping for, please let me know! We can make adjustments in-person as time allows or we can reschedule
I encourage you to take up space— there is space in my practice for you to voice your needs or concerns
You can request adjustments to the stencil (placement, size, orientation of the design) so you can feel confident about your tattoo before we begin. I consider stenciling to be an important part of the process to get the stencil right. There is no reason to rush. The stencil can always be moved– your permanent body modification cannot!
Tattooing is an intimate craft that will often involve me resting my hands or arms on your body in order to position myself to tattoo well. If there’s ever a position you’re in, or a place I am touching, that makes you uncomfortable please let me know and I can re-adjust as much as is possible
Take breaks
While I do need folks to sit still so I can tattoo well, please don’t feel like you need to push past your limits or pain tolerance– we can always take breaks as needed, including breaking a tattoo up into multiple sessions.
Feel free to bring snacks, drinks, headphones, to make yourself comfortable
No Need To Apologize for your Body
There is no reason to speak negatively or apologize for your body in any way. We live in a world with an entrenched legacy that encourages us to be harsh to our bodies. I invite you to let that go as much as possible within the space of my practice
It’s Okay to Change Your Mind
Hey it totally happens! Sometimes the day of your appointment rolls around and it just doesn’t seem like the right time to get a tattoo, and you don’t need to share a reason. If you’re having any doubts about your permanent body modification please let me know. I do not want you to feel you must push yourself to do something you do not feel ready for.
In order to uphold these client affirmations in my practice I do need clients to understand and follow my policies and deposit policy. Deposits are meant to protect my livelihood as an independent, self-employed artist. The purpose of my deposit policies is to allow for room for these needs described above in a way that doesn’t hugely affect my income & livelihood, which is why deposits are non-refundable and last minute reschedules require payment of an additional deposit. Thank you for your understanding!
Policies
Depending on the needs of staff and clients, you may be asked to wear a mask during your visit. You can bring an N-95 Mask or purchase one for $5.
You will be asked to provide a valid photo ID with your age on it.
One guest is allowed at your tattoo appointment. Please let me know ahead of time if you are brining someone with you so that we can accommodate everyone.
People under the age of 18 are not allowed in the shop in accordance with California state law. The exception is 17-year-olds making an appointment for a tattoo on or after their 18th birthday.
A $100-200 deposit is required to reserve your time slot, depending on the scope of the project. Deposits are applied to the total price of your tattoo on your final session.
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable to other people or to other designs.
Make sure you are clear on your design and tell me all the details I need to know and any reference photos before putting down a deposit.
Any substantial changes made to your design that are different than what we discussed in your consultation or original booking request may be subject to an additional charge. This may be applied to your total at checkout, or I may need additional deposit to continue the design process.
I can take deposits through Venmo @amy-muller. Please only use emojis in the note, and please do NOT select “goods and services”. If it asks for the last 4 of my phone number they are “2761” but you can opt out of that question.
I can also take deposit in cash during your consult or to be arranged for drop off for me.
I can take cash, Venmo, or IBAN bank transfer for the remainder of your balance, due after your tattoo is complete. I do not have a preferred method of payment at this time.
If you need to reschedule your appointment, please let me know 48 hours before your appointment or you forfeit your deposit and will be required to pay an additional one.
If you are sick on the day of your appointment, please do not come to your appointment and let me know you have to reschedule. You will not lose your deposit if you reschedule due to illness, minimum 2 hours before your appointment.
If you are more than 15 minutes late, you may need to be rescheduled depending on my schedule for the day. If we need to reschedule due to lateness, you will need to put a new deposit down.
Deposits are good for up to 3 months and for no more than 2 reschedules.
Typically if you are getting a custom piece: I share custom designs on the day of your appointment. At that time we can review it together and make any changes you might want. Most things are easy for me to change. If the changes are substantial, we may have to reschedule your appointment, depending on my schedule for the day and the size of your tattoo. If I am traveling, I may wish to send your design ahead of time to make sure we are on the same page to make efficient use of our time together. If you want to review the design ahead of time, please request so BEFORE putting down deposit so I can properly arrange my schedule.
One touch up session is included in your price, up to a year from your last session. If anything heals weird with your tattoo please let me know, I want to fix it for you! If you’re not sure if your heal out is normal, feel free to contact me and Ill let you know if I think you could benefit from a touch up session.
About Our Spaces
We are a queer space, please do not assume someone’s pronouns in the shop, whether it be another client or an artist. Feel free to ask me if you’re unsure how to address someone, but using they/them is fine until you get a formal introduction. My pronouns are she/her.
Transportation
Pretty In Ink: Oakland:
If you are driving to the shop, you will need to park on the street. Much of it is metered. Do not leave valuables in your car.
We are closest to 19th St. BART station, about a 10 min walk, one mile away.
We are on 24th st cross street Telegraph, a couple doors down from The Good Hop.
Private Studio Barcelona:
I will send you the address after deposit is received.
First Tattoo?
I do my best to prevent ink from splashing on clothing, though it is always a possibility, so I recommend wearing something you would not mind possibly getting ink on.
Wear something comfortable where we can easily access the are to be tattooed.
Please have something to eat before your tattoo. I recommend something substantial with protein and carbs. Feel free to bring snacks with you. Protein bars, candy, and electrolyte drinks are all good choices.
You may take ibuprofen prior to your appointment if you are able to take ibuprofen. I personally take 800mg before I get tattooed to help with swelling and discomfort.
It helps to be properly hydrated and not hung over!
Please shower before your tattoo. If you are getting your feet or ankles or calves tattooed, please wash your feet and wear clean socks.
You are welcome to wear headphones if it helps you sit for your tattoo. I’m happy to chat with you or let you zone out. Feel free to let me know your preference but I always do a vibe check, so no worries. If there’s anything I can do to help you get through the session, let me know!
I look forward to working with you!
