F.A.Q.

How much do you charge? 

I have 4 blocks you can purchase.  A 4 hour block is $640; and a 6 hour time block is $900, an 8 hour block is $1200 and a 12 hour block is $1600 .  I do this so you know exactly how much you need to bring to your appointment and this approach also helps me manage my schedule. I prefer working longer sessions so I give a discount per hour for the longer blocks. Any tattoo that takes less than 4 hours I charge hourly at $175 an hour.
   If we do not finish your tattoo in the time block we will have to make another appointment to finish your tattoo. 

Do I need a deposit to set up an appointment?

I require a $160 deposit. This deposit is to compensate me for my time in the event an appointment is broken and I am left without work that day.  It does come off the price of the tattoo on the final session if appointments are honored. 

How long does it take for you to respond to emails? 

It typically takes me anywhere from a week to several weeks depending on how busy I am. I  book out per quarter and typically have a waitlist for the next quarter, so emailing back and forth does not need to be rushed. That being said, I do try to get to emails as quickly as I can, but please be patient with me. Harassing the receptionists does not get your emails responded to quicker, so please don't do that. 

How do I book an appointment with you? 

First you fill out the form on my website. In that form, you explain your tattoo concept. The more thorough you are with the description in the request form for your tattoo idea, the quicker the consultation process. Otherwise we will email back and forth for me to get a good idea of what you want. Once I have a good idea we will arrange a time and date for you to get the tattoo. 

How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?

 The state of North Carolina requires you to be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo.

Can I get a tattoo underage if I have parent’s signature? 

No, The state of North Carolina does not honor parental consent for underage people wanting tattoos. 

What do you specialize in? 

I love doing monsters and space related designs and biomechanical. I specialize in coverups and illustrative realism. I like to do things with a solid outline and bold colors but with realistic shading. I specialize in both black and gray and color.  I also like doing portraits. 

Is there any type of tattoo you don’t do? 

I don’t do tattoos that are culturally specific such as Polynesian tribal,  or Celtic Knot-work. I also do not do lettering. There are people who specialize in those types of tattoos who can do them much better than I.

Do you do In-person consultations? 

I do. If you would like to set up an in-person consultation you can do that by calling Self Made Tattoo Company at (910) 238-2009 but I do ask that you fill out my form and send any references to me prior to setting up an in-person because that just makes me more prepared for your consultation.  

What are some suggestions you might have prior to getting tattooed? 

- Eat a hearty meal before getting tattooed. Your body goes through a lot of energy when getting tattooed, it is a traumatic experience and requires energy to deal with it. This also helps avoid passing out. Most people who pass out do so because they got tattooed on an empty stomach.  

      We have snacks and soda at the shop for you to maintain your blood sugar level. You are more than welcome to bring your own, especially if you're a healthier type person. Our snacks are processed sugary goodness, not good for you.  

- Get a good night's rest: The more sleep you have the stronger your mind is. If you are well rested you have a higher pain tolerance.  

- Bring something to entertain yourself. This doesn’t really pertain to people getting small tattoos, but for everything else, bring headphone, a book, a cellphone movie or a video game, anything to keep you entertained while you get tattooed. Audiobooks and podcasts are very popular choices I have noticed. Please bring headphones though, not everyone in the shop wants to hear your favorite podcast. 

- Avoid the sun: We Cannot Tattoo You With a Sunburn If you come into the shop with a sunburn we will have to turn you away, and I will keep your deposit because that is an easily avoidable situation. It’s easy, just don’t go to the beach within a week of your tattoo appointment.  

-   Avoid alcohol the night prior to your tattoo.  Alcohol causes dehydration, which affects pain tolerance, blood flow, and general well being.  Alcohol also affects the quality of rest, which breaks the previous recommendation.  

 - Please avoid any mind altering substances prior to your tattoo.  I find people sit better and move less with a clearer head.  Tattoos hurt, but they are not so bad as to need sedation in order to tolerate the pain.  If you are "under the influence" I will not tattoo on you and I will keep your deposit.  

-  Please shower and wear deodorant prior to your tattoo

-  Do not shave the area to be tattooed yourself.  People often cause more damage than necessary when shaving themselves, and usually miss patches anyway. 

- lotion your skin and drink lots of water. The healthier your skin is before and after your tattoo, the better it will look and the easier it is to tattoo. 

When can I see my design? 

You see your design the day of your appointment. I design based on a queue and the next appointment in that queue is the design I work on, so I typically start a design within a week of the 

appointment.