TATTOO

HOW TO BOOK

My books are currently closed, most likely re-opening sometime in Winter of 2025.

I am currently tattooing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at Black Thistle Tattoo studio, by appointment only.

When my books are open, I will make an announcement on my Instagram page. All announcements are usually made on Instagram first, so please follow me to be kept up to date!

When I’m open for submissions, I’ll post a link here at the bottom of this page to my Online Consultation Form. This form will be open for a limited time and then taken down once spots are filled. I’ll announce openings on Instagram.

Spots are not first come, first serve—I choose projects based on the concepts that speak to me most. A non-refundable deposit of $250 (+tax) is required for all sessions and covers one hour of tattooing, and design time.

Please fill out the form in detail and include all ideas in one submission. If you have a clear idea, be specific; if you’d like me to have creative freedom, I’m always happy to do that. If your idea is too vague, it’s best to wait until you’re more certain.

I only respond to projects I plan to book. If you’re not chosen, it doesn’t mean your idea isn’t good—it just means I can’t take it on this round. This process helps keep wait times shorter, and you’re always welcome to submit again in the future. I also post flash and cancellations regularly on my Instagram.

Right now I am giving priority to designs in my Indigenous Woodland style. Other projects I would enjoy taking on would be insects, reptiles, ocean animals, mythical creatures, pets, florals, mushrooms, skulls, witchy/spooky themes, and dot-work.

Things I’m not focusing on include large coverups (though I’ll consider small ones or reworks if you’re open to creative freedom), large-scale photo realism, and realistic people portraits.

Thank you so much to everyone who gets tattooed by me. I love what I do, and I couldn’t do it without you.

GENERAL BOOKING/RATE INFO

My rate is $200/hour (+GST) with a minimum $50 design fee (+GST) (this may increase depending on complexity). To book an appointment, a $200 deposit (+GST) is required to hold your spot, along with the design fee for custom The deposit goes toward your tattoo session, and the design fee covers the time I spend drawing your piece outside of tattooing hours. For example, if your tattoo takes 3 hours, your deposit covers the first hour, and on the day of your appointment you’ll pay for the remaining 2 hours. Deposits are non-refundable, even if you change your mind, as they confirm your commitment to the booking. Please note I have a 72-hour cancellation policy—if you cancel with less notice, your deposit is forfeited and a new one will be required to rebook.

Consultations
Consultations are free! Most are done by email, though sometimes I’ll request a call, Zoom, or in-person meeting. I can’t start designing or book your appointment until both the deposit and design fee are paid. Artwork is sent about 5–7 days before your appointment, and you’ll have time to request changes if needed.

Touch-Ups
Tattoos sometimes need touch-ups, even if they heal well. Pieces must be healed for 4–6 weeks before I can touch them up. Touch-ups are free if you contact me and get booked in within 3 months of your tattoo being done. (excluding coverups, hands, feet, and face). After this time frame, or if proper aftercare wasn’t followed (sun exposure, water damage, unmentioned medications, etc.), a charge will apply.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TATTOO

Here are a few things to keep in mind leading up to your tattoo, what to bring, and what to expect on the day:

❀ Sleep well! A good night’s rest is very important.
❀ No alcohol the night before.
❀ Let me know if you’re on medications that have to do with skin, heart, blood, immune system, or healing. Let me know if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as I cannot tattoo you in those cases.
❀ Plan to be with me for the whole day (unless your piece is very small). Stenciling, placement, and unexpected delays can add time, and it’s best not to have other commitments later.
❀ Bring food and drinks. A meal beforehand is great, and snacks like granola bars or sandwiches help keep your energy up. Water and Gatorade are highly recommended.
❀ Wear comfy clothes that allow access to the tattoo area, and don’t mind if they get ink on them. Shoes come off in the shop, so bring socks or slippers if you like.
❀ You’re welcome to bring entertainment (music, movies, reading, studying). Just make sure it doesn’t interfere with the tattoo. Outlets are available for charging.
❀ Avoid sunburns or tanning before your tattoo. I can’t tattoo sunburnt or peeling skin, and showing up sunburnt means rescheduling and losing your deposit.
❀ If you’re traveling soon, let me know. Tattoos can’t have sun exposure or be submerged in water for at least 2 weeks after, and trips can sometimes complicate healing.
❀ Be excited! Tattoos can hurt or feel uncomfortable, but I’ve never had a client not finish because of pain. If you’re worried, we can always break it into multiple sessions.

AFTERCARE

A tattoo takes about 6 weeks to fully heal, though daily care is needed mostly for the first 2 weeks.

Bandage & Washing:
I’ll let you know at your appointment how long to keep the bandage on (sometimes overnight, depending on placement/size). When it’s time to remove it:

Wash your hands well.
Gently wash the tattoo with mild, unscented soap and warm water using only your hands.
Rinse thoroughly, then either air dry or pat gently with a clean towel.
Don’t cover it with clothing right away—let it breathe. If it is still wet/oozy when it’s time to sleep, cover it with clothing to sleep, so it doesn’t get stuck to bedsheets.
No lotion yet while the tattoo is still open.

Wash the tattoo morning and night for about 2 weeks (showers count as a wash—no need to double up).

What to Avoid:

No submerging in water (baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes) for ~2 weeks.
Showers are fine, but keep the tattoo out of direct spray until the end, then wash/rinse well.
Avoid sweating/working out for at least 5 days (longer for bigger pieces).
Keep the tattoo completely out of the sun while healing, then use sunscreen afterward to help it age well.

What to Expect:

First few days: warmth, redness, fluid, bruising, and sensitivity are normal.
Days 3–5: tattoo feels tight, then starts to scab and flake. Itchiness, redness, and even cracking scabs can happen—this is normal.
Apply lotion (I’ll provide it) after each wash to help with dryness, cracking, and comfort.

Important: Don’t pick scabs or let tight clothing rub them off—this can pull out ink and increase risk of infection. Loose clothing is best. Colored tattoos can make scabs look strange, but that’s normal too. If you’re unsure, feel free to send me a photo.

Watch for Infection/Allergic Reaction
Infection and reactions are rare, but contact me if you notice: