What is the cost of getting a tattoo done ?

The price varies depending on the piece you’re hoping to get done. In order to estimate pricing, you must submit reference images, approximate sizing & the desired location of your tattoo. This information allows me to consider factors like compositional complexity, ink usage, as well as time / labor spent on a piece. The reference(s) you provide regarding what and where you want tattooed ensures that I execute the piece as envisioned. The more details, the better.

Why do your tattoos cost more ?

Short answer: more accuracy, more detail, more time.

The practice of single needle tattooing is unlike traditional tattooing. Traditional tattooing utilizes anywhere between 7 and 20 needles to render images. This hefty amount of needles creates the heavy, thick lines more synonymously recognized with tattooing. Even 3 to 5 needle tattoos are still considered “fine needle” tattoos, but the more needles used, the easier it is to cover up mistakes. 

That’s a good thing right? Not necessarily. Easy correction with heavier needling creates potential for disproportional and harsher line work to be drawn, threatening to stray from the intended design. As a tattoo artist, I can tell when there are inconsistencies in tattoos. Use of a single needle when tattooing gives me, as an artist, access to finer details and depth that you wouldn’t be able to get at a traditional tattoo parlor. This meticulous craft requires an incredible attention to detail, a steady hand, and strong experience in order to execute well. With these factors in order, I am able to create pieces of art that maintain strong detail and don’t blow out (a technical term used to describe tattoos that are more commonly referred to as “smudging” or “blurry”). 

Finally, a single needle tattoo takes twice as much time to complete than a traditional tattoo. This time spent is an investment into something that is highly rewarding; the results speak for itself.

Single needle tattoos are like couture. The time and dedication devoted to a piece produces intricate tattoos, unlike anything done at a local parlor. If your budget is tight, I recommend you going to a traditional tattoo parlor.

Do you do cover-ups ?

I get this question quite a bit and unfortunately, I do not. Given the relatively new attention single needle tattoos are receiving, covering up preexisting tattoos is not so simple. This is because—generally speaking—the clients that approach me seeking a cover-up, are trying to cover up a traditionally inked piece. This is like asking to cover up a painting mistake with pencils. You won’t get the same clean and crisp effect that single needle tattoos are known for, as the underlying art will overwhelm the line work. Hypothetically, we could work to come up with some art to cover your existing tattoo, but I would not recommend this, especially with single needle. This is purely because tattooing over any tattoo requires having to go in darker / bigger than the preexisting ink. I avoid tattoo cover-ups because not only is this not ideal for the type of work I do (clean, fine lines), but it might actually draw more attention to the area you are trying to resolve. Where people may not have noticed your tattoo before, the eye is now drawn, due to the resulting thick, contrasted composition of a congested and busy cover-up. Therefore, I would recommend investing in laser removal or seeking help at a local parlor. Laser removal treatment has improved greatly, and its noninvasive nature makes it a very good option for those who no longer want an existing tattoo.

Why did you stop offering finger tattoos ?

Finger tattoos require several retouch sessions in order to maintain. The skin on our hands is unlike the skin on other parts of our body, because of its unique texture and position. Our hands (especially our fingers) have a unique jerky-like consistency, so tattooing the skin can be difficult. It’s like drawing on an uneven surface. 

We also work with our hands everyday. We do things like move, touch, wash, greet, communicate, and care with our hands. This hyperactivity around the area of a tattoo can compromise the ink, leading to faded lines and / or blown out ink. Thus, finger tattoos are more prone to experience wear-and-tear caused by day-to-day rituals and routines. While finger tattoos are possible with single needle, the result of the fine line wont be as refined as other areas. In order to achieve the best results with single needle, you would need to go over the ink multiple times, as well as invest in several retouch sessions. The best route could be to get a traditional tattoo inked on your finger, but the results wouldn’t be the same as something you might be seeking out as a client of mine.

Can I bring moral support ?

Getting a tattoo for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. I completely understand that. At Feather & Mink, I strive to promote an environment in which my clients feel comfortable and safe. With that being said, I ask that you limit your moral support to one (1) person. As I work, it can be distracting when there is a sizable group of people in the studio while I am trying to focus. During the tattooing process your designated moral support can sit and wait in the waiting area for hygienic / productivity purposes.