F.A.Q.

6406 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd Suite 1900, Austin, TX 78752

I am located in Austin ,Texas, and can be found working alongside some of the best artist in Austin at Aura IV. The gallery is open to the public and we welcome everyone to stop in and see what we are all about, in an enviroment where the artistic experience is key.

our rotating gallery is unique to our studio and features art for sale from local artists, and tattooers across the country. keep up with us via our shop site and instagram to see what we are up to in the community.

https://aura4tattoo.com/

I work in an appointment based setup, where i’m contacted by someone through my submission form on my site. Once contacted, I will normally set up a consultation to discuss more details, gather a deposit to secure the appointment date, and answer any questions that either of us may have. This can also be done via email through my submission form. however I do prefer in-person consults to be more efficient overall. (out of town clients, we can do a consult by phone or simply handle this via email: no need to make a trip to meet.)

each project differs vastly based on size, detail, placement and the final look we are trying to achieve. several tattoos could be similar in size yet differ in price and thats based off specifics and the complexity of the tattoo. I typically work on larger scale work, my hourly rate is $200 an hour. However, schedule permitting, for smaller projects which I also enjoy doing I simply charge my minimum of $200.

My day rate is $1200 (roughly 6 hours) or half day $600 (roughly 3 hours) that allows both my client and I to work efficiently and effectively without the clock ticking; so to speak. most of my appointments are booked from 2PM- 9PM unless otherwise discussed.

This is a good question. Often I am approached for various tattoos (ribs, “under-boob”/sternum, torso, hip, back, etc.) and not everyone comes quite prepared for these areas. Some areas maybe be simple and for a foot tattoo for example, may simply require the removal of footwear. Other areas like the torso or hip are generally less accessible in daily clothing and require the removal of excess clothing to easily work on a designated area.

I have no desire to make myself or my clients uncomfortable in my studio. In fact, I have worked hard to keep a comfortable, high end studio setting allowing for a very easy-going experience. There are times with difficult to reach tattoos where some clothing, rarely all, will need to be removed. I will do my best to ensure you are comfortable, covered, and not overly exposed. Please be sure to wear clothing appropriate for the tattoo or understand that torso (front or back), for example, (on men and women) may require the removal of a shirt, etc.

Discuss this with me prior to the appointment for questions or concerns.

small tattoos are welcome! I do have a minimum of $200, but do not mind doing this at all. I don’t commonly do small tattoos, but when I have them I try to fit them in small pockets of my schedule. I think when done well, small tattoos can be just as great as large tattoos especially when playing with small details. Contact me for more information on your “small” tattoo idea and if I can’t help; one of my studio mates can surely assist you!

we have no problem with you bringing a friend or loved one. I do prefer to keep this to a minimum (1-2 guests max, unless otherwise discussed for multiple tattoo subjects.) We also ask to be courteous of others in the studio who may also be tattooing or getting tattooed and keep a reasonable volume amongst yourselves. I enjoy meeting and talking to people throughout the tattoo process and encourage socializing, while being respectful to my studio mates. We are all focused in creating a memorable experience for our clients and unless prompted, outside distractions can be disruptive for artists and clients who may be working alongside us.

Every time I start a tattoo, even on a first-timer, it’s almost always the same: “This isn’t nearly as tough as I thought!”. You’ll hear all kinds of stuff from friends about tattoos. Either they don’t hurt, or they’re the worst. I personally think they’re both exaggerations and while some discomfort is expected with any sort of skin trauma, for the most part tattoos are tolerable and usually described as more “annoying” than painful. Some areas, on the other hand, do tend to be quite sensitive, most notoriously the feet and ribs are examples of some more tender areas and I RARELY take on projects in those areas.

There is nothing specific you NEED to bring to the studio. I always recommend that you eat and sleep well before hand to help ensure your body and immune system are ready for the appointment. Staying hydrated and bringing a snack for blood sugar is also helpful for longer sittings. Feel free to ask me about this ahead of time, but as long as you are ready and have your creature comforts, I will take care of the rest!

For large projects I do request a timely reoccurring appointment so that we can finish a piece, and generally book multiple appointments to begin.

After we have met for a consultation and discussed the requested concept in depth, I will gather a deposit for a booked appointment(s).

This deposit is $100 and serves as a booking fee.

The deposit is non-refundable. The deposit simply guarantees that my time leading up to the appointment is not a loss should a client not show for a scheduled appointment or plan accordingly.

I start working on concepts once an appointment is booked. I research, create preliminary design(s), digital concepts and layouts; all leading up to the appointment. There is a lot of behind the scene time and effort that every tattooer puts into their work and I pride myself on the hours I put into a piece no matter the size. I generally say the prep work leading up to that point is 2-3x the actual tattoo time. Ex. a single sitting 6hr tattoo usually takes 6-12 hours of emails, conceptualizing, research, and draw time leading up to the appointment.

That being said, I am fairly lenient and understand that things happen. Given enough notice, I do not mind re-scheduling a current appointment should something occur. I require at LEAST a 48-hour notice, if not more, for a successful reschedule. Otherwise I will need a new deposit to secure a new appointment with the current deposit forfeited.

In the event I have to reschedule for some reason, we will discuss and the above will not be appicable of course.

Simply put, this is how I make a living for myself. My time is valuable and tightly allocated. I do understand things happen and each situation will be handled at my discretion.

I have two healing methods (see “Aftercare” tab on website) which explains the healing process thoroughly. I will also go over the method needed for the tattoo after our appointment as well as send the instructions needed.

For longevity, I use the pigments I trust for my tattoo ink, which over the years have greatly improved. This gives us the best chance at making a long lasting tattoo. Once the tattoo is completed and healed, the rest is up to you. Your skin is constantly exfoliating and regrowing new cells. Taking care of your skin by regularly moisturizing it and using sunscreen or avoiding heavy sun exposure are things you can do in your daily life to ensure the tattoo lasts as long as possible.

White ink works similarly to the above finger tattoo question. These are considered a “temporary” tattoo and tend to not last. Gathering some healed photos will show a white ink tattoo in a more realistic perspective. Every once in a while the person with perfect skin has been able to get a white ink tattoo and, on a few occasions, even get a larger white ink tattoo that healed well. White ink, most of the time, has the subtle look of a scar and is rarely, if ever “white,” usually appearing as a lighter skin tone.

I try to be as versatile as possible while still keeping my artistic goals in sight. Occasionally I do a piece that isn’t in my norm (ex: Script, Japanese influenced art, Polynesian tribal, etc.). I select these projects based on my current interest. Every once in a while I am approached with a challenging idea, or see something in the process that is useful to me as an artist.

That being said, I do not do every kind of tattoo. For example, a Japanese traditional style tattoo (like the classic koi or dragon tattoo), or script is NOT my forte. Though I have done quite a few, I know plenty of artists in town that do amazing work. Most of this you will find in your research, but I always offer myself as a research tool when direction is needed, and I am happy to help. I would rather get someone in contact with the right person for the job than see another bad tattoo that was easily avoided.

I personally do not trust or believe in this idea. Therefore I myself do not do them but I know a few people who do, and can recommend someone if need be.