FAQ

Getting a tattoo is an important thing that can raise a lot of questions, so, let me answer the most common ones...

1. First step is to quote your project. I recommend that you first review the designs and concepts that I have available on my website. You can click on the "Quote" Button in each designs and fill out a small form with the information I need to send you the price of that particular design. If none of the projects is what you're  looking for, you can fill out my "booking form" with all of the necessary information. Remember to add a picture of the area of the body where you want to get tattooed.


2. From there, I will email you back with a quote and next steps. Also, I will provide you my availability (Usually the month I am scheduling) and the way for secure your spot. Always check your spam folder or contact me on Instagram if you don't hear back. I respond to all inquiries.


3. Once you submit your deposit, I will send you a confirmation email where you can view my calendar and select a time slot on a day that suits you best, you will receive an automatic notification with your appointment booked. Don't forget to add your appointment to your calendar.

I prefer to charge per piece (or sessions for large projects) since it's very complicated to know exactly how many hours a project will take. My minimum is $400 but the average project cost is around $800 - $1200 per session. The price is driven by the tattoo size, complexity, design & placement.

Each project is unique and the time can varies a lot from project to project, I like my clients have a very close idea of how much it will cost them so I usually give a fixed rate per piece or per session in the first email.

Yes, I require a deposit to secure your appointment. The amount of the deposit will be applied towards the total cost of the service and depends on the size and complexity of your tattoo, usually $100 and $200 for large projects.

I am always open to custom designs as long as they fit my style. Send me your idea with reference images, along with references from my portfolio and I will very happy to bring your idea to life.

The price shown on my website is the equivalent of the deposit, usually $100 for flashes and $200 for large projects. Please quote your project first before make a deposit.

I am based in Los Angeles and work as a residence artist at Proud of You. I also work as a regular guest artist in San Francisco and New York.

I only tattoo unique pieces designed by me. However, you can send me your idea along with sketches and if it fits within my style I can redraw a version with my style. The only exception to this rule, is with antique/classic prints, engravings, or art pieces that are not copyrighted, those I prefer to tattoo literally to keep the original essence and quality of the images.

For custom ideas, the design process varies from project to project. Sometimes, I will have the design ready for you by the time you arrive at the studio. However, for more complex designs, I prefer to discuss them in person to fine-tune the last details. During our meeting, we can go over everything about the design and make any necessary changes. Under no circumstances do I send designs before the appointment.

Please no, all my designs are made especially for my clients, I invest many hours designing exclusive projects for a single person. Each tattooer must make designs according to their own skills, either custom or flash. Copying/Plagiarizing designs from other tattooers is disrespectful to both artists and clients.

I dedicate a lot of time, effort and love to create new designs and concepts for unique and special tattoos, so I am very happy and grateful when my clients choose those designs and trust my creative vision for their tattoos. This is why my favorite projects are always the ones I have in my design catalog.

To make the process of quoting and creating your project as smooth and successful as possible, keep in mind that the clearer and more direct your concept is, the better I can understand it and bring it to life. Avoid overly complicated ideas, as they can be difficult to explain and translate to images. I feel more comfortable working on projects that are understandable and avoid those that I feel may seem like a jigsaw puzzle or a hodgepodge of unrelated things. I'm aware that this can be a bit ambiguous, if you're not sure if your design falls into this category, feel free to ask me, you can even do it by private message on Instagram and I'll gladly answer you if it's in line with my style or not. 

Besides that, pictures speak louder than words! Attach reference images of your idea and also of my portfolio, that will be of great help. That way I can make sure we are on the same page in terms of style. Don't forget to take a look at my previous work and available designs to make sure my style is right for your project. I'm really excited to work together and create something amazing together.

I prefer to take all previous communication by email so I have a record of the conversation and can review it the day before the appointment, for me it is impractical to have a conversation in person or by call because I am not able to remember a conversation for weeks of so many clients.

I know it can be difficult to explain a visual idea with words, but you can use sketches, reference images etc. Remember that we will have a meeting prior to your tattoo on the day of your appointment where we can see, discuss the design, fine tune the details and even make changes if required.

I prefer to take appointments a month in advance maximum, I don't like to have so many months committed because it doesn't offer me much flexibility to plan anything else, anyway if you don't live in LA and want to plan a trip in advance you can always ask me directly about availability on a future date and I can give you an idea if I will be in town on that date.

I love to travel and visit tattoo studios, make new friends, learn and see new places. I am currently based in Los Angeles, California and regularly travel as a guest artist to New York and San Francisco. Not as often, but I do eventually visit other cities/countries so keep an eye on my Instagram for updates, you can also subscribe to my newsletter and I'll let you know when I have a confirmed guest spot in your city. Also on my website I have a section always updated with the guest spot dates.

Prepare for your tattoo session with these tips for a more comfortable and satisfying experience:

  1. Get Adequate Sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep before your appointment to be relaxed during the session.
  2. Eat a healthy meal: Eat a nutritious meal before your appointment to give you the energy you need.
  3. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to help your skin absorb the dye and make the experience more comfortable.
  4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Do not consume alcohol or caffeine in excess before the session so as not to increase sensitivity.
  5. Bring water and snacks: Pack water and light snacks to keep your energy levels up during the long tattoo session.
  6. Dress comfortably: Wear loose-fitting, black clothing; avoid tight-fitting.
  7. Bring distractions: A book, music, headphones or something to keep you entertained.
  8. Take breaks: Take short breaks to stretch and rest.
    Communicate with your tattoo artist: Talk about any questions or discomfort during the session.
  9. Follow post-tattoo instructions: Care for the tattoo as directed for optimal healing.

    Remember that a long session can be demanding, so take care of yourself before and during the process for a more positive experience.

Tattooing in consecutive sessions can be challenging, especially if the tattoo is extensive or complicated but it is possible. I try my best to tattoo different areas of the skin but it is not always possible due to the nature of the design, but these tips can help you have a better experience and achieve our goal in a satisfactory way: 

  1. Get plenty of rest: Make sure you get enough sleep before your appointment to be relaxed during the session.
  2. Eat a healthy meal: Eat a nutritious meal before your appointment to give you the energy you need.
  3. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days prior to the tattoo so that the skin absorbs the ink better and the experience is more comfortable.
  4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Do not consume alcohol or caffeine in excess before the session so as not to increase sensitivity.
  5. Bring water and snacks: Pack water and light snacks to keep your energy levels up during the long tattoo session.
  6. Dress comfortably: Wear loose-fitting, black clothing; avoid tight-fitting.
  7. Bring distractions: A book, music, headphones or something to keep you entertained.
  8. Take breaks: Take short breaks to stretch and rest.
  9. Communicate with your tattoo artist: Talk about any questions or discomfort during the session.
  10. Follow post-tattoo instructions: Care for the tattoo as directed for optimal healing.

Preparing for back-to-back tattoo sessions, especially with large or complex designs, can be challenging. Here are some key tips:

  1. Sleep well before each session to better endure the pain.
  2. Stay well hydrated in the days before to have more pliable skin.
  3. Eat something good to eat before each appointment to have plenty of energy.
  4. Take short breaks during the sessions to relax, stretch and snack.
  5. Dress comfortably and loosely to facilitate access to the work area.
  6. Don't forget to bring entertainment: books, music, movies, whatever!
  7. If you need a break during the session, let the artist know.
  8. Follow the aftercare instructions to promote excellent healing.
  9. Relax with techniques such as deep breathing during the process.
  10. Listen to your body and if something isn't right, let your artist know.

Remember that consecutive tattoo sessions can be demanding, so prioritize your well-being. Communicate any concerns with your artist to ensure a positive experience.

Recovery from a tattoo can vary depending on factors such as size, personal healing process and adherence to post-tattoo instructions. Generally speaking, a large tattoo can heal in approximately 2 to 4 weeks, but it is vital to recognize that the healing experience differs between individuals.

The stages of healing for a large tattoo:

Initial phase (first week): tenderness, redness and possible swelling. Follow the artist's instructions for aftercare. This is the part where you need to be more thorough with care to prevent infection. 

Peeling and crusting (days 3-7): The tattooed area peels and scabs, a normal part of the process. In this part the tattoo is very itchy, almost uncontrollable, but you will not be able to scratch it in any way. We recommend you to moisturize the skin to control the itching. 

Healing and settling (Week 2): Decreased flaking and crusting, the tattoo may look dull and faded as it settles. This is normal and continues to moisturize the skin. 

Final Stages (Weeks 3-4): Expect the tattoo to be almost completely healed, with the skin and colors more natural and vibrant. Continue to use sunscreen and moisturizer. 

Complete Healing (Weeks 4 and up): The sleeve should be mostly healed. You can still see how the lines are protruding and may have some texture that will diminish over the next few weeks. Continue to apply moisturizer and protect from the sun for the best long-term results. 

Remember that recovery varies and, as tattoos are permanent, it can take months for the skin to fully settle.

The deposit applies to one appointment and is non-transferable, cumulative, or refundable. Any cancellation, absence, or last-minute changes will result in the loss of the deposit, and you will need to make a new deposit to reserve another date. Before confirming your date, be sure that you are available on that day and mark the appointment in your calendar. If you need to reschedule, let me know as soon as possible, and I'll check if there are any other available slots.

The recommendations for proper healing seem like a science but are actually quite simple. The keys are:

1. Keep it CLEAN, wash your tattoo 2 times per day with gentle products that do not contain perfumes or alcohol. 

2. Do not rub it with anything or scratch it. 

3. Keep it out of the sun. 

4. Do not submerge in pools, jacuzzi or any watery surface where you can catch an infection.

5. Moisturize the skin 2 times per day after a couple of days, Just the right amount so that the skin does not dry out. Don't overdo this or it may be counterproductive. 

However, I have prepared a full guide with all the details you should take into account, the proper way to clean your tattoo, the dos and don'ts, and the way to do it with the healing patch in this link: 

https://ulisesindio.com/blogs/news/tattoo-aftercare-guide

Take the time to read it and follow it to the letter, so that your tattoos will look beautiful for a long time.  

Tipping your tattoo artist is a common practice in the tattoo industry and is a way to show appreciation for their hard work and good service. If you are satisfied with the tattoo and the service provided, leaving a tip is a great gesture that is always appreciated however tipping is not mandatory. Tipping is just another gesture of gratitude, so don't feel obligated if you really can't afford it, don’t fit with your budget or just don't want to.

Standard Percentage: While there is no set rule on how much to tip, a common guideline is to tip between 10% and 20% of the total cost of the session. However, this can vary depending on your satisfaction and budget.

Yes, you can bring a companion if your appointment is in L.A (some others shops don’t allow companions), but sometimes it can be a bit uncomfortable if the project is large and we need privacy as we have to use screens and this can reduce the space. Also keep in mind that projects are sometimes very long and it can be boring for your companion to have to wait all day without doing anything.

Although tattoos are a common expression of individuality, they are not appropriate for everyone. Some groups should consider refraining from tattooing due to medical, health or personal reasons. Here are several groups that should think carefully before deciding on a tattoo:

People with medical conditions: Those with conditions such as hemophilia, diabetes, compromised immune systems or skin problems should consult a health care professional before getting a tattoo to avoid complications in the healing process.

Allergic persons: Those with allergies to the ink or the metals in the needles should be cautious to avoid possible allergic reactions and complications. It might be recommended to do a tolerance test first.

People with weakened immune systems: Individuals with weakened immune systems, either from medical conditions or medications, may have difficulty healing after a tattoo and be more susceptible to infections.

Pregnant or lactating women: Tattooing during pregnancy or breastfeeding is discouraged due to hormonal changes that affect healing and increase the risk of infections.

Minors: California state law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from being tattooed under any circumstance, regardless of whether they have consent from their parents. The shop always asks for a valid form of identification, like a driver’s license or passport, to verify their age. 

People under the influence of substances: It is not advisable to get tattooed under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as they can impair judgment and increase the risk of complications.

People prone to keloid scars: Those prone to raised scars should exercise caution, as they may develop keloids as a result of tattooing. It might be recommended to do a tolerance test first.

Individuals with temporary health problems: If you are sick with a fever, cold or other temporary problem, it is best to postpone tattooing until you fully recover.

If you are considering a tattoo and belong to any of these groups, it is essential to consult a health professional or accredited tattoo artist to make an informed decision about the safety and appropriateness of the tattoo. Always prioritize your health when deciding on body modifications such as tattoos.

You can reserve a tattoo design through my online store with credit card, debit card, Paypal or Zelle. Deposits for custom projects are made through Zelle or Venmo.

The remaining payments on the day of the appointment are made by cash or through Venmo.

Yes, tattoos hurt. It is true that tattoos involve a certain degree of discomfort, however many people consider the pain to be bearable and worth the end result. Also consider that the pain threshold is different for each person and this can also vary according to factors such as the type of tattoo, the tattoo artist's technique, the size of the piece, the area of the body, fatigue, not having eaten well, having a hangover, being sick or even being on your period can affect the way in which you perceive the pain.
So to make your appointment as comfortable as possible remember these recommendations and prepare yourself physically and mentally for your appointment:
- Get plenty of sleep and eat well, bring snacks.
- Relax and bring entertainment with you such as books, music, etc.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs the days before your date.

Sometimes tattoos lose ink somewhere, especially if they are in areas with a lot of rubbing such as knuckles or elbows, but it is always something that can happen. In these cases I offer free retouching to my clients for the first 6 months after the tattoo has been done. This in no way means that you can be negligent with the care of your tattoo because in this case, the whole tattoo will be affected by a bad healing which is not something at all frequent and in this case you will have to cover the corresponding to retouch the whole tattoo, and in many occasions the damage in the skin is irreversible, so taking all the necessary care for a correct healing is totally unavoidable. 

But if you took good care of your tattoo and you noticed that some part of it is not completely pigmented please don't hesitate to write to me! I will be happy to keep your tattoo looking beautiful.

No. California state law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from being tattooed under any circumstance, regardless of whether they have consent from their parents. The tattoo shop will always ask for a valid form of identification, like a driver’s license or passport, to verify your age prior to get a tattoo.

I always use Dynamic Ink, which is “Vegan and Never Tested on Animals: Dynamic Color products contain zero animal products and are never tested on any furry friends. Our tattoo inks are safe on the skin, better for the environment, and ultimately preferred for your overall health”

I think I don’t have a specific style of tattooing, but a combination of ornamental, engraving and blackwork.

I tried very hard to answer every possible question I could think of and have been asked over the years, but since each circumstance is unique and personal, feel free to ask me any other questions you may have by ulisesindio.tattoo@gmail.com or via direct message on Instagram.