Frequently Asked Questions:

-What is the best way to set up an appointment?

Currently I’m unable to take on new clients. I have a lot of in-progress pieces going at the moment and I need to make sure I have availability to finish those projects before I open my books up.
If you already have a piece in progress with me, email me to set up an appointment! (jesslocketattoo@outlook.com)

-When will you open your books?

Unfortunately I don’t currently have an answer to this question! So sorry about that. I’m pacing myself depending on how crazy my schedule is with my current pieces. But I will be sure to post on Instagram (@lockejessmonster) and Facebook (Jess Locke Tattoos) in advance of opening up my schedule to new pieces!

-What is the best way to reach you (also- why didn’t you respond to my DM/private message on social media?)

I ONLY handle work related inquiries through email or in-person at the shop. I have notifications turned off for all other messaging so I didn’t respond because I likely don’t know that you attempted to reach me that way lol The only way I can keep my ADHD brain organized is to have everything in one spot, so I don’t pay attention to any other form of contact if it’s related to work.

My email is jesslocketattoo@outlook.com I only check my email when I’m at the shop and have my schedule handy so that often only ends up being once or twice a week. If I take a while to get back to you, it is absolutely not personal!!

-Do I need to schedule a consultation first?

Usually, no! I think this surprises a lot of people. I always prefer to talk to you in person if I haven’t tattooed you before so I can get a read on what you like and ask you questions. This generally takes about 10-15 minutes, and we can do it any time I’m in the shop! If I’m currently working on a tattoo I can usually take a quick break to talk to you, so don’t stress about bugging me, you’re not!

If your piece is particularly complex I may ask to schedule a consultation so we have more time to sit and talk about the design (there is no charge for this).

-Do you require a deposit?

Yes! I take a $60 deposit which goes towards the cost of your tattoo, and is usually applied to the last session of your piece.

-Is the deposit refundable?

Short answer: no. There are some outstanding occasions where it may be, but that is on a case by case basis. I require 24 hr notice to reschedule without losing your deposit. If I have an emergency come up on the day of your appointment and need to reschedule, you will not lose your deposit.

-Do you charge for drawing time?

Nope! I love drawing custom pieces for my clients, and I never charge for that time. You will only be charged for the time the tattoo takes to be applied.

-Will I get to see the design beforehand?

Usually, no. I know this may cause some anxiety for some people, but I hope that you’ve chosen me as your artist because you like the work I do and trust that I can do the same for you! Because of how I stack clients in my books I spend my drawing time on what is coming up next in my schedule. Usually this means I won’t start working on your piece until the day or two before (and I’m often making final tweaks the morning of your appointment.)

I will have a design ready for the day of your appointment. If there’s anything you don’t like about it, that leads to the next question…

-What if I don’t like the design?

TELL ME!! I see this tattoo when it’s in the shop and that’s it. You have to live with it forever. Please tell me how you feel about it! I want you to love it; that’s my job! If there’s anything you don’t like about the design I will either: 1-fix it on the spot if it’s a small change or 2- reschedule you if it’s a big design change. If we need to reschedule, you will not be charged for the reschedule and you will not lose your deposit.

-I haven’t heard back from you; is our appointment still good?

Yes! Sometimes it’s hard for me to find time to get through my scheduling messages. If you don’t hear from me, just assume we’re still on!

-What do I need to do to prep for my appointment?

Eat a big meal. Get enough rest. Don’t go on a drunken rager the night before. Basically, be nice to your body! Give it the best chance to heal nicely. Feel free to bring a snack or a soda; something in case your body needs some sugar.

I also recommend buying your after-care products beforehand so you’re not stressed about getting them after. Get an unscented liquid soap (any brand works) and an unscented lotion. Fragrances hurt and can irritate your skin, so go with the mildest things you can find. I also make and sell my own all-natural tattoo aftercare at the shop!

-Can I bring a friend?

-Yes! Try not to bring a whole posse with you as space is limited; but a friend or two is fine.

-Can I listen to headphones during the tattoo?

If I’m totally honest, I love talking with my clients! It makes the time pass faster, and I like to get to know the people I’m tattooing. That being said, if you’re more comfortable distracting yourself, do it! This is about your comfort. So if you want to listen to music, watch a show or movie on your phone, read a book, etc, feel free to!

-Cash or Card?

Either works! I don’t have a preference. (But if it’s a card, I only have a chip-reader, so it must have a chip)

-How much will it cost?

I charge $160/hr. I can usually give a rough estimate of how long I think a piece will take, but that’s just an estimate and can fluctuate. Please let me know if you have a set budget to stick to for a session. I don’t want to go over that and stress you out.

-Do I need a touch up?

Possibly! Skin is weird. Sometimes a little bit falls out in healing, or can be patchy-looking. Touch-ups are free! So give it 3-4 weeks to heal and then let me know if there’s anything that needs to be gone-over again.

-Do you tattoo over scars?

It really depends on the scar. I’d need to see it in person to say for sure, but usually the answer is yes! It does need to be fully healed though before you tattoo it (no pink or red still present in the scar)

-Do you do cover-ups?

Same as scars, it totally depends on what needs to be covered, and I’d have to see it in person to say for sure.

-Is there a way to numb the skin beforehand?

I don’t have a way to numb your skin, but there are some options out there! I usually recommend “Hush” brand numbing agents. You can buy them online. I’ve had several clients use them and the results are hit and miss. They work great for some people, and don’t work at all for others, so no guarantees. If that’s a route you want to go, please let me know beforehand so I know what you’re using, and I might be able to give you some tips.