FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions here. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out via my contact form :)

  • I mainly focus on color projects that are Illustrative, and surrealism but i'm always open for fun new projects <3

    Projects I would LOVE to take on for 2025:

    • Surrealism animals, surrealism people, and fantasy creatures

    • Bold line work with some surrealism/illustrative aspects

    • Florals & Plants Medium/Large scale, Florals & Plant mashup with some pop art or illustrative features or realism

    • Realism Animals/Insects/Marine life

    • and on some occasion color micro-realism work

    • Garden Party Theme and items for example Tea pots, Tea party food/Bakery goods, tea cups, etc

    • Cutesy Kawaii, cute illustrative

    • Food theme

    • Videogames

    • Origami

    • Caricature style

    • Bold Outline with simple color blocks

    • Pet Portraits (realism as they are in provided photograph, or fun mashups)

    • Requests for any of my original art that I've drawn such as: Spill the tea, Medusa Cup O'Noodles, The limit does not exist, and more to come.

  • Every tattoo is different, and timing depends on size, detail, style, and how your skin reacts. Because of this, I can't give exact time estimates or compare your session time to someone else's.

    I always recommend planning for a full day session, even if it may take less time. My priority is quality, not speed.

    In some cases, we may need to split the work into multiple sessions—especially if your skin becomes irritated or the design requires extra precision. I won’t rush the process to ensure the best possible result.

    • Finger Tattoos

    • Cover-ups (Unless really small and faded or if it’s a project I feel comfortable enough covering. Send me an email with photos)

    • Script

    • Tribal

    • Anime (I can recommend some really great artists who specialize in this field)

  • I must approve projects before I allow you to book an appointment. I will need to meet with you to discuss the project in detail. You can self book a zoom video consultation here

  • How do your session rates work?

    Jo charges a flat rate per session. This includes more than just tattoo time—it also covers design adjustments, stenciling, setup, and prep. While most prep is done before your appointment to avoid taking up too much unnecessary time away from tattooing, it’s all part of the session and factored into the rate.
    (See the Rates page for full pricing.)

    Why is a booking fee required?

    The booking fee secures your appointment and protects my time. It helps prevent no-shows, last-minute cancellations, repeated rescheduling, and deters those who aren't serious or who intend to waste my time.

    This policy is built & based on past negative experiences and is essential to maintaining a respectful and efficient booking process.

    The fee also goes toward the cost of your tattoo.

    What happens if I cancel?

    The $400 booking fee is non-refundable under any circumstance. Cancel your appointment, and the fee is forfeited. No exceptions.

    Why is the booking fee so high?

    The $400 fee reflects the time, energy, and prep Jo invests into each tattoo—often well before the appointment day. Last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and repeat reschedules take up valuable space that could go to serious clients, and they result in lost income and wasted effort.

    This fee helps ensure her time is respected so she can focus on committed clients and quality work. Jo understands it’s a significant commitment and appreciates your understanding.

    What if I need to reschedule?

    You must reschedule at least 72 hours in advance to keep your booking fee. Anything less (except for serious illness or emergencies) will result in the fee being forfeited.

    If you reschedule more than twice in a row, Jo will ask you to cancel for now and reach out again when you’re ready to fully commit. In that case, your deposit will be forfeited, and a new one will be required to rebook.

    I changed my mind. Can I get a refund on my deposit?

    No. Booking fees are non-refundable under any circumstance, no matter the reason for cancellation. Jo does not make exceptions—whether you've changed your mind or have a personal excuse, the result is the same.

    These policies are in place for a reason: to protect my time, energy, and business. You must agree to these terms before paying the booking fee.

    Important:
    Bullying, pressuring, guilt-tripping, stalking, or using any form of manipulation to obtain a refund will not be tolerated. This kind of behavior crosses a boundary and will result in being permanently banned from booking with me in the future. My policies are firm for a reason due to experience from past unpleasant situations—please respect them and me.

  • Jo creates your custom tattoo design based on the details discussed during your consultation. Each design is her artistic interpretation of your story and vision.

    Option 1 – Design Reveal at Appointment (Free)

    • You'll meet with Jo via Zoom to discuss your idea.

    • She will design your tattoo on her own time, and you’ll see it for the first time on the day of your appointment.

    • This option is free, but please note: Any design changes made during your appointment will be included in your paid session time. If the revisions are significant and Jo is unable to complete the tattoo within the scheduled time, the appointment may need to be rescheduled to the next available date.

      If you prefer to be more involved in the design process or would like to review the artwork ahead of time—avoiding the risk of spending your session on redesigns rather than tattooing—Jo recommends selecting Design Process Option 2 instead.

    Option 2 – Design Preview Before Appointment ($250 Fee)

    • After your Zoom consultation, Jo will send you a rough draft one week before your appointment.

    • You’ll have a chance to give input or request changes. The final design will be revealed on your appointment day.

    • This option is $250, non-refundable, and does not count toward your tattoo balance.

    • Any further edits on appointment day will affect session time and pricing.

    This fee covers the time, creativity, and early access to your design—even if you decide not to go through with the tattoo.

  • Pre-Tattoo Skin Prep

    Hydration:
    Drink plenty of water in the weeks leading up to your appointment. It helps prevent feeling faint and keeps your skin in better condition for tattooing.

    Moisturizing:
    Start moisturizing the area 1–2 weeks before your appointment to improve ink application and healing.
    Do not moisturize on the day of your appointment.

    Rest:
    Get a good night's sleep before your session—being well-rested makes the experience much easier.

    Shaving & Exfoliating:
    Shave the area 2–3 times a week leading up to your appointment. Exfoliate gently and moisturize to prep the skin.
    Avoid cuts—tattooing over damaged skin can affect healing.

  • Appointment Day: Do’s & Don’ts

    Please Do:

    • Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete paperwork

    • Bring a valid ID

    • Eat a good meal beforehand

    • Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks

    • Dress comfortably and bring a sweater (some clients get cold)

    • Bring headphones if you'd like to listen to music, podcasts, or watch something

    • Be ready to sit for the full day

    Please Don’t:

    • Arriving Too Early or Late.

      • Please do not arrive too early. Jo dedicates the time before your appointment to prepping the station and finalizing your design as well as stenciling—this process requires focus and cannot be interrupted. If you arrive early, kindly wait in your car until your scheduled appointment time.

      • Please also do not arrive late. A 15-minute grace period is allowed, but you must communicate with Jo if you're running behind. Failure to show up within 30 minutes of your scheduled time will be considered a no-show, and your appointment will be canceled. Booking fee will also be forfeited.

    • Show up with sunburns, chemical peels, cuts, or fresh damage on the tattoo area.

      • We cannot tattoo over damaged skin. Your appointment will be rescheduled and deposit forfeited.

    • Do intense workouts 1–2 days before or after—this can cause swelling or irritation.

    • Bring a group. Only one guest is allowed for support.

    • Do not apply numbing creams before your appointment.
      Numbing creams can affect ink saturation and make the skin harder to tattoo—often making the process longer, not easier. Not to mention there have been cases where the creams affect the way the color heals.

    • Arrive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You’ll be sent home and lose your deposit.

    • Come in with poor hygiene. You’ll be sitting close together—please be mindful and come clean.

  • One complimentary touch-up is offered on my work after at least 2 months of healing.

    (I do not touch up work from other artists)

    Free touch-ups are not guaranteed for areas prone to high fading or improper aftercare.

Aftercare

How Do I Care for a New Tattoo?

  • I like to use the second-skin from the brand, Recoveryderm Shield.

    I typically recommend my clients to wear this between 1-5 days.

    24 hours — You might notice the bandage may have filled up with plasma creating an ink sac. This is totally normal. After the 24 hours are up, (with clean hands) carefully remove the second skin, gently clean the area of all plasma and blood. Pat dry and allow the tattoo a few minutes to breathe, then apply a new second skin bandage.

    Wear the replacement bandage for another 3-4 days.

    Removing the Replacement — With clean hands remove the bandage and gently clean away any plasma and blood. Pat dry.

    Moisturize the skin — Here you can switch to using unscented lotion. Continue this over the next couple of weeks. The hydration will help your skin heal.

    Allergic to Second Skin—If you have seriously sensitive skin or allergies to adhesives or bandages I would advise against using any second skin bandages as it can irritate the tattoo and may affect the way the tattoo heals. (please read the next section on how to take care of your tattoo)

  • Saran-Wrap— If you chose to opt out of using second skin, I will wrap you with good-old-fashioned, Saran Wrap, please only wear this for up to 1 hour. You will then proceed with the aftercare.

    Wash Your Tattoo—After wearing the wrap for an hour, use a gentle, fragrance-free, anti-bacterial liquid soap and with lukewarm water, gently wash your tattoo of all plasma and blood, then pat it dry with a clean towel

    Do not scrub the skin or rub it dry, as this can damage the healing area.

    • Avoid harsh soaps or exfoliating products.

    • Lukewarm water is ideal. Hot water may irritate the skin, while ice-cold water can slow the healing process.

    • Wash your tattoo gently twice a day for the first two weeks to remove plasma, excess ink, and bacteria.

    Make sure to Moisturize—After cleaning your tattoo, using a moisturizer is a crucial step in tattoo aftercare.

    Please only apply a thin layer of moisturizer two to three times daily, as over-applying can suffocate the skin, trap excess moisture, and slow the healing process.

    • Avoid petroleum-based products, as they can trap bacteria and hinder healing. Instead, opt for tattoo-specific balms or products containing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, or aloe vera, which are safe, nourishing, and effective for the healing process.

    Recommended brands for ointment— Madrabbit, HustleButter, Aquaphor, TattooGoo

    Once your tattoo is healed (usually after two to four weeks), switch to using lotion - Madrabbit has lotions, Lubriderm is another great brand too

  • Harsh Aftercare Products — Vaseline, Petroleum Jelly, A&D

    Apply Chemicals to the tattoo — Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine, Alcohol-based products

    Swimming and Submersion — Pools, Hot Tubs, Baths, and natural bodies of water expose your fresh tattoo to bacteria and chemicals, which can lead to infection. Avoid swimming for the first two to three weeks or until the scabs have fully healed. Showering is safe as long as you’re gentle and avoid soaking the area.

    Workout — Working out can introduce bacteria to your fresh tattoo through sweat, overstretch healing skin, and cause scabs to tear. Wait 48 hours before doing light activities like walking or cycling. For the first four to six weeks, avoid strenuous exercises and clean your tattoo immediately after any physical activity.

    Tanning & Sun exposure — Your new tattoo is fragile and sensitive to UV rays. Sun exposure can cause fading and interfere with healing. Avoid direct sunlight for the first two to four weeks, and cover your tattoo with loose clothing if you need to be outdoors.

    Picking your scabs & peeling tattoo —Scabbing is a natural part of the healing process. Picking at scabs can pull ink out of your skin, leading to patchy spots and scarring. Resist the urge to scratch, and use your moisturizer to calm any itching.

If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to ask me

You can send me an email to

ContactJo@inkedbyjo.com