Hey, I'm Antonia! 🌸 I've been tattooing since 2015. :)
When I was 18, one of my first tattoo appointments looked like this: I walked into the studio, and the tattoo artist (who was hungover) barely said a word to me. She hadn't drawn my design yet, and once she finished, I felt really intimidated. I knew there was something about it that I didn't like, but in that moment, I couldn't articulate what. Once we put the stencil on, she stood impatiently over my shoulder while I looked in the mirror. I wasn't sure what to say, so I let her rush me into starting the tattoo- I'm not happy with it.
I can't undo this tattoo, but I can create the opposite of this experience for my clients- Your project is my priority. On top of best hygiene practices, I create an easy-going vibe, and book lots of time for us to make sure it's perfect. I will send a preview by the evening before your appointment to review. I ask that you respect my time and make sure that you feel confident about your idea before submitting to avoid making endless revisions. But I want you to feel comfortable communicating with me, so I'm more than happy to make changes to the design or the environment to make sure our session is the best! If you need a snack, stretch break, etc., don't hesitate to tell me.
See my video on what to wear here. Gently exfoliating the skin using a face cloth and applying lotion for a few days leading up to your appointment goes a long way, but a good night's sleep, and staying sober works wonders. Please wear clothing that fully exposes the area getting tattooed. Black is best. Wear a tank top (not a t-shirt!) for ANY upper arm tattoos. Let me know about any concerns or discomfort you might have around nudity so we can make sure you are comfortable. Bring a small pillow/ sweater for extra comfiness and snacks to keep the blood sugar up! Being hungry can make you extra sensitive to pain! (Longer sessions will always have snack breaks.)
Come on time to your appointment. You don't need to come early, and I won't be ready for you!
Please prioritize a good sleep and do not drink the night before! It reduces pain and inflammation by 1000% and allows me to make better tattoos!
❌ DO NOT go to the gym, sauna, pool, lake/ do dirty and sweaty stuff until your tattoo is HEALED! This takes about 1 week for fine line tattoos, and 2 weeks for bolder stuff or colour. Especially for a few days after your appointment, make sure the tattoo only comes into contact with newly washed clothes and put new sheets on the bed. Beware of couches/ surfaces that are unwashed during the first few days and keep the tattoo off of them. Keep animals far away from your tattoo, no cuddles! >:(
When you take risks (apart from getting a nasty infection) you risk improper healing and seriously increase the chance of fading!
Here's what to do after your appointment!
Step 1 - Remove your bandage
Remove your tattoo bandage a minimum of 2, a MAX of 8 hours after your tattoo. Wash your hands before you touch your tattoo! Wait till you are home/ in a clean environment for the rest of the day before removing your bandage. Do not sleep with your bandage. Beware of stains! Your tattoo may ooze blood and ink the night after your appointment. (especially colour and blacked out spots) This is totally normal- don't put your favourite white sheets on the bed. DO not wear tight clothes/ sleep on your tattoo all night- your tattoo may heal into fabric.
Step 2 - Wash the tattoo
Gently and briefly wash the tattoo using your fingers and a small circular motion. Until healed, (~2 weeks) wash 2-3 times a day. Wash anytime that you get sweaty, or may have come into contact with something dirty. Use plain, unscented soap. Do NOT use colored or strongly scented soap. Natural is best, but plain Dove bar soap will work. Use antibacterial soap or polysporin if something really bad touches the tattoo! (Ex. cat litter, your dog's nose, the wall of a port-a-potty or your sweaty boyfriend who just got off of his shift at the mines and is covered in dirt!)
Step 3 - Dry the Tattoo
PAT GENTLY with a fresh PAPER towel, or air dry the tattoo. Don't use your regular towel- your body/ face towel might get bacteria inside the tattoo.
Step 4 - Lotion the Tattoo
WAIT 2 DAYS before applying lotion! Please give it a couple days to heal, then use plain, unscented lotion or tattoo cream 2-3 times a day to keep the tattoo from becoming hard and dry and scabby. Do not use vaseline or coconut oil. (it is too heavy and can suffocate it) Unscented Lubriderm works great. Do this a 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks/ until healed.
Your tattoo will continue to change/ lighten/ soften for a few months as the top layer of skin heals over of the tattoo. Please contact me if you have any concerns or questions!
DO NOT pick the scab on your tattoo! It can cause lines to heal uneven, or spots to fade completely, and I CAN TELL!
That is all. You have a tattoo! ✨
