What is a consult and is it free?
Consultations are free of charge and usually take about 15-30 minutes. It is a great time to talk about the tattoo design, ask any questions about the tattoo process, get a cost estimate and just meet to get know one another.
Some consultations are best done in person at the shop, however I am open to consulting over the phone or on face time depending on your project.
Bring or send reference photos with you if you’d like.
There is no obligation to book if we have a consult. If you would like to book at this time we take a deposit. Check out the deposit section for more info.
Please direct message me on Instagram.com/melissatattooine or email me at melissatattoos@yahoo.com to schedule a consultation and I’ll be happy to meet with you.
Seeing the artwork prior to your appointment
If you would like to see the artwork for your tattoo prior to your appointment, we would need to set up a separate appointment for an art check a week prior to your tattoo appointment. I will never send artwork to you digitally.
The typical process of getting a custom tattoo is that we do a solid consultation and on the day of the tattoo appointment you love the design! I leave time in the appointment for minor changes, if needed. I pride myself on my design ability and take good notes that I share with you during the consultation. Most every time it works out to be just what you want or better than you imagined. However, I do understand that some folks would like to look at things ahead of time and offer the option to make an additional appointment if needed.
*If we are doing a larger project that we are piecing together, like a sleeve or back piece, I will plan and compose the whole piece but may not render the entire piece ahead of time.
Cost of a tattoo?
The cost of the tattoo will depend on many elements including size, style, placement, whether it’s color or black and grey or a cover-up.
At our consultation I can give you an estimate of what your cost will be. I’m not able to give you an exact price without having drawn or sized your tattoo, however if we’ve had a good consultation the estimate should not be too far off.
The minimum for any tattoo is $100. Generally I charge by the piece, not by the hour. Theoretically I charge $120 per hour, but considering the nature of the styles I do, the size and the inconsistency of my speed, I usually charge by the piece, especially for longer sessions. This leans to favor the client.
Can’t afford your tattoo or have a budget?
I recommend saving up and scheduling later. However, if you have a budget, I can try to work with you on staying in that price range, as long as it does not compromise the design. I will always recommend what will look best and what will be best for the longevity of the tattoo.
Oftentimes clients will go to a cheaper place and end up spending more coming back to have me fix the tattoo. This ends up costing you more in the long run.
What if your tattoo is several sessions?
If your tattoo is multiple sessions you have two options. You are welcome to pay for the whole thing up front or you can split the payment over several sessions. Please note that your deposit will be taken off of your last session and you may be paying for more of your tattoo at the initial session.
Gratuity?
People often ask me about tipping. While it is never expected, it is appreciated! I’d compare tattoo tipping as similar to salon tipping.
Thank you!
Every artist is different. These are my guidelines and subject to change.