Tattoo FAQ -

(booking, Pricing, Aftercare & Policies)

Here you’ll find answers to common tattoo questions I get here in Colorado Springs: booking details, session pricing, deposits, rescheduling, custom design process, cover-ups, and healing basics.

Booking & studio policies

  • Yes! I originally started tattooing in Dallas, Texas, and I’m now based in Colorado Springs. I work out of a private studio called Black Dahlia Tattoo, located near downtown Colorado Springs.

  • I’m usually booked out a few weeks, depending on the project. Smaller tattoos and single-session pieces can sometimes fit in sooner. If you’ve got a quick idea or flexible timing, shoot it over and I’ll let you know what my availability looks like.

  • I work appointment-only, as I operate out of a private studio.

    That said, I do regularly have availability to squeeze in small tattoos, often the same day. If you’re hoping to come in, the best way is to message me on Instagram or text my business umber (listed below)

    (719) 623-7591

    Text only

  • Please communicate as soon as possible. A short delay is usually manageable, but significant lateness may shorten the session or require rescheduling depending on the day’s schedule.

  • A deposit is required to book. Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferable with proper notice. One reschedule is permitted per deposit with a minimum 48 hr notice before the appointment time

  • Nope!

Pricing, Sessions & Payments

  • Most tattoos are priced by the session, based on the size, placement, and complexity of the project.

    Custom tattoo sessions start at $300

    • Half-day session (3 hours) $600

    • Full-day session (6 hours) $1,200

    For very small, straightforward tattoos (for example: a simple name, date, or letter using a standard font), minimums may be lower. Those typically start at $100, depending on placement and time required.

    If you have a budget in mind, feel free to share it. That helps both of us save time and plan appropriately.

  • Yes! Larger or more detailed tattoos are often best completed over multiple sessions to allow for proper healing and better results.

  • I accept cash and card payments. Please note that processing fees apply when using a card.

    Deposits are paid by card through my website at the time of booking.

Custom design & tattoo style

  • Yes. All tattoos are custom and designed specifically for the client, their anatomy, and the placement.

  • Final designs are typically created close to or on the day of the appointment. This allows me to account for exact placement, body flow, and any last-minute adjustments that matter for the final result.

  • Yes. Minor adjustments are expected and part of the process. We’ll dial in size, flow, and details together before we start tattooing.

  • No. Reference images are welcome for inspiration, but I don’t copy other artists’ work. Every tattoo I do is original and designed specifically for you.

  • I primarily work in custom illustrative and Neo-traditional -leaning styles, with a strong focus on composition, flow, and longevity.

    I enjoy doing dot-work or stipple shading as well as buttery black and gray blends.

    I take on both single-session tattoos and large-scale, multi-session projects.

  • Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Cover-ups and reworks depend on the existing tattoo, placement, and how much flexibility the design allows. Clear photos are required to determine what’s possible.

    I’m always down for blast-overs as well.

Placement, Longevity & visibility

  • I design tattoos with longevity in mind—this includes appropriate sizing, line weight, spacing, and placement. Not every idea works at every size, and part of my job is guiding those decisions so the tattoo still looks good years down the road.

  • Small tattoos can age well, but they require careful planning. Extremely fine details may blur over time depending on placement and skin type. If something won’t age well, I’ll be honest about it and suggest alternatives.

  • Generally, more detail requires more space. Medium to larger sizes allow for cleaner lines, better contrast, and longer-lasting clarity. We’ll talk through this before committing to a design.

  • Yes—with consideration.

    • Hands: Yes. I don’t have an issue tattooing hands, including designs that flow onto the fingers. This does not include ultra-fine, inside-the-finger fine-line tattoos.

    • Necks: Yes, most of the time.

    • Faces: Very rarely, and only in specific circumstances.

    All visible placements are discussed carefully to make sure the decision makes sense long-term.

Travel & Guest spots

  • Yes. I actively guest spot and travel for tattooing, especially for larger, ongoing projects.

    Dallas is a regular location for me, and I travel there consistently for multi-session work. I’ve also guest spotted and tattooed at conventions in Virginia Beach, Austin and Denver.

    I am always looking for new places to travel and tattoo so let me know where you are from!

    I’m open to guest spots in cities such as Salt Lake City, throughout Oregon and Washington, San Diego, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Seattle. Travel announcements are shared on Instagram.

Healing & aftercare basics

  • Healing varies by person, placement, and size, and it’s important to understand that there are different stages of healing.

    When most people say a tattoo is “healed,” they’re usually referring to surface healing. Typically 3-4 weeks. At this stage, the skin is closed, the risk of infection is minimal, hair has grown back, and the tattoo may still appear slightly shiny as new skin finishes settling.

  • Full aftercare instructions, including second skin and standard healing are available in my tattoo aftercare page

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out through instagram, email or the booking page.