Waxwings are a group of birds with red tips on their wings that resemble sealing wax, which is how they got their name. They are known for their smooth, silky plumage, black and white eye stripe, crest and square-cut tail.

Waxwings are often seen as a symbol of balance since these birds are known to live in harmony with their surroundings. Often found in large flocks, they also symbolize community, sharing and the importance of connections within our own lives.

These birds are known for their unique behavior of passing berries from one bird to another in a line until the fruit is consumed, illustrating the value of generosity and mutual support.

We strive to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible, ideally within 1-14 days.

There are several factors that can impact response time including:

✦ Our studio is in high demand and we often have a large volume of inquiries and appointments to manage. We prioritize providing personalized attention to each client and this can sometimes lead to delays in replying to new inquiries as we focus on current client needs.

✦ Each artist is self-employed and we handle a variety of roles beyond tattooing. Managing a small business means wearing many hats and handling everything from the artistic side of tattooing to the operational aspects.

We appreciate your patience and understanding. If you haven’t received a reply within 14 days, please feel free to follow up!

Our schedules can vary depending on the time of year and the demand for each artist.

On average, for smaller tattoos, we are typically booking anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months advance.

For larger pieces or custom designs, waits can range anywhere from 2 to 8 months in advance. For pieces requiring more than 1 session, you can book multiple sessions in advance to avoid long wait times in between sessions!

It’s always best to schedule your appointment as early as possible to secure your spot, especially if you have a specific date in mind.

We price by the piece and hourly depending on the specific tattoo. To get an accurate price estimate, filling out an Appointment Request Form is the best way to start. If you need more information or would like to discuss details before booking, we also offer consultations to help address any questions you might have.

The price of a tattoo depends on several factors, including:

1. Size of the tattoo: Larger tattoos require more time and ink, so they generally cost more. Small tattoos are priced at a flat rate, while larger pieces are often charged by the hour.

2. Design complexity: Intricate designs with fine details, advanced shading or color variations take more time and expertise, which can increase the price.

3. Placement on the body: Some areas are more time consuming to tattoo, either because of the skin’s condition, the shape of the area or how much it moves (like ribs, hands or feet). More challenging placements may require more time and careful attention.

4. Color usage: Adding colors can increase the price, especially for tattoos with multiple shades or complex color gradients.

5. Artist’s experience and skill level: More experienced or in-demand artists often charge higher rates because of their skill and expertise. You’re paying for their talent, precision, and attention to detail, which ultimately reflects in the quality of your tattoo.

Absolutely! You’re welcome to bring your own design or we can help create a custom piece tailored just for you. We also offer a selection of flash designs that you can choose from if you prefer something pre-drawn by the artist. We specialize in various styles, so whether you bring in references, ideas or select from our flash, we’ll collaborate with you to design what you're looking for.

To get the best results and have a smooth tattoo experience:

✦ Get a good night’s sleep

✦ Stay hydrated

✦ Eat a healthy meal: Eating before your appointment will help to stabilize your blood sugar levels. This helps prevent lightheadedness, nausea or fainting.

✦ Avoid alcohol and drugs: Some substances can thin your blood, increasing bleeding during the session.

✦ Moisturize your skin: Well moisturized skin is generally easier to tattoo, so applying lotion to the area in the days before your session can be helpful.

✦ Dress appropriately: Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area you're having tattooed.

Yes! You can bring one guest who is 16 years or older to your appointment. Since we are a small private studio, we strive to keep the environment focused by limiting the number of people coming and going. We appreciate your understanding in helping us create a positive experience for everyone.

✦ Please ensure your guest is prepared to stay comfortably for the entire duration of your session.

✦ To avoid interruptions during the tattoo session, we cannot accommodate constant in-and-out traffic during the appointment.

✦ Let us know in advance if you plan to bring multiple guests so we can make the necessary arrangements

The healing process typically takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks, but it can vary depending on your skin type, the size and location of the tattoo, as well as attention to proper aftercare. Healing times are alse influenced by your immune system and general health. While the surface of the skin may appear healed after 1-2 weeks, deeper layers can continue healing for a while longer. Your artist will give you an aftercare sheet as well as discuss how to care for your new tattoo at your appointment.

Healing Stages

✦ Days 1-3: Initial clotting

✦ Days 4-14: Inflammation and cell repair

✦ Days 15+: Tissue remodeling

We use high-quality, professional-grade inks that are specifically designed for tattooing. Our inks are made from a blend of pigments (organic and inorganic, sourced from plants and minerals) and carriers (such as water or glycerin). The pigments provide the color, while the carriers help to deliver the pigments evenly and safely into the skin.

We use only reputable brands that adhere to stringent safety and quality standards. Our inks are vegan, free from harmful substances and are tested to ensure they meet worldwide industry regulations. Our suppliers are members of the Coalition for Tattoo Safety (CTS) and Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT). If you have any specific concerns or allergies, please let us know so we can assist you in choosing the best options for your tattoo.

Yes, getting a tattoo is safe if done in a professional and reputable studio with proper hygiene practices. Our studio prides itself in going above & beyond and uses strict sterilization protocols, single-use needles, disposable medical barriers and adheres to Oregon's health regulations. We only use the highest quality suppliers.

Tattoos do involve some level of discomfort, but the pain varies from person to person and depends on the location of the tattoo. Pain is subjective and factors such as your tolerance, the size of the tattoo and your mental state all play a role. Areas with more nerve endings or thinner skin (like the ribs or feet) tend to feel more sensitive than other areas (like the upper arm or thigh).

Pain is caused by the activation of nociceptors, pain receptors in the skin. Your brain’s response to this is what we perceive as pain. Stress or anxiety can heighten your sensitivity to pain, so the best thing you can do is try and stay relaxed during your session.

Depending on the size, color and age of the existing tattoo, we can work to design something that covers or integrates it to the best of our ability. Sometimes, a few sessions of laser tattoo removal may be recommended to lighten the old tattoo and create a better base for the new design. We offer consultations to discuss cover ups.

It's important to give your new tattoo time to heal before resuming strenuous physical activities. Typically, we recommend waiting at least 72 hours before engaging in any light exercise. For more intense workouts or activities that cause heavy sweating, you should wait 2-3 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo.

✦ Sweat and bacteria: Excessive sweating can introduce bacteria to the open wound, increasing the risk of infection. It can also irritate the healing tattoo, leading to scabbing, slower healing or fading/loss of pigment.

✦ Stretching the skin: Exercises that involve stretching or pulling the skin near the tattoo can cause it to heal unevenly.

✦ Friction and rubbing: Be mindful of clothing or equipment that might rub against your tattoo. This can irritate the area, pull off scabs prematurely or cause ink fallout.

If you must work out, opt for low-impact exercises that don’t engage the tattooed area or cause excessive sweating. Always clean the tattooed area gently after your workout.

It’s generally advised to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to get a tattoo. This is because pregnancy weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. Additionally, while no studies definitively show that tattoo ink harms breast milk, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid long sessions introducing foreign substances into your body during these times.

All tattoos fade somewhat over time, but proper care can help maintain vibrancy. Sun exposure is the biggest cause of fading, so once healed, be sure to apply sunblock regularly. Over time, your skin naturally regenerates, which causes your immune cells to slowly break down the ink particles over the years. Exposure to UV light accelerates this process by causing the ink particles to break down more quickly resulting in some fading, but high-quality ink and our skilled artists will ensure that your tattoo lasts as long as possible.

Tattoo blowout occurs when the ink spreads with the capillary bed beneath the skin, causing a blurry or smudged appearance. This happens when the ink is deposited too deeply into the skin, when excessive pressure is applied during the tattoo or the tissue has thinned due to scarring, stretch marks or the natural process of aging. Certain areas on the body can be more prone to blowout than others.

Our artists are heavily trained in understanding proper needle depth and will advise you on the best areas for your design if we have any concerns about skin tissue.

Tattoo fallout refers to areas where the ink fades or doesn’t hold properly during the healing process, leaving gaps or uneven spots in your tattoo. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including improper aftercare, certain skin types or heavy friction in the tattooed area (like hands or feet). The most common causes are picking/scratching the tattoo as it heals or letting your tattoo dry out too much (forming a thick scab which can result in ink coming out with the scab).

As your tattoo heals, new skin cells form over the tattooed area and the body works to eliminate foreign particles (including ink), which is why strict aftercare helps the tattoo "set" and minimize fallout.

Yes, we do offer group bookings for those wanting to get tattooed together! Whether it’s a special occasion or just a fun group experience, we can accommodate small groups. However, we have specific guidelines to ensure the best experience for everyone involved. Remember that each tattoo is a personal decision, so ensure everyone in the group is 100% ready for their new tattoo!

Group Booking Policy:

✦ Advanced booking required: Group bookings must be scheduled at least 2-4 weeks in advance to ensure availability of our artists and to provide time for proper consultation and design preparation.

✦ Group size: We typically accommodate groups of up to 4 people. For larger groups, please contact us directly to discuss options.

✦ Consultation process: Each person in the group will need a separate consultation (either via email or in person at the time of the appointment) to discuss their tattoo idea, design and placement. This helps ensure that each tattoo fits your vision.

✦ Duration: It is not uncommon for group sessions to take several hours and even most of the day (even for small designs). We will provide you with an estimated timeline.

It’s generally advised to wait until you have finished your course of antibiotics and are fully recovered from any illness before getting tattooed. Antibiotics can affect your body’s immune response, which may impact how your skin heals after a tattoo. If you're on antibiotics or have recently finished a course, it’s best to consult with your doctor and notify us. We may recommend you to wait a week or more after your course of medication ends.

✦ When you're on antibiotics, your body is fighting off an infection or illness, which can reduce its ability to properly heal a new tattoo. This increases the risk of complications, including slower healing or even infection at the tattoo site.

✦ Some antibiotics may increase skin sensitivity, which could lead to adverse reactions during the tattoo process, such as rashes or excessive redness.

✦ When on antibiotics, your body may not be in optimal condition to heal a fresh tattoo properly.

If you’re trying to get pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s generally recommended to schedule your tattoo well in advance of conception or after childbirth. This allows you to avoid any complications and ensures that your tattoo experience is as smooth as possible.

✦ While getting a tattoo is safe, pregnancy is a time when extra caution is advisable. There’s limited research on the effects of tattooing during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid any potential risks to you or your baby.

✦ Pregnancy can cause significant changes to your skin, including stretch marks, which might affect how your tattoo heals and looks.

✦ Proper aftercare is crucial for tattoo healing. During pregnancy, you may experience changes in your skin’s sensitivity or have other concerns that could make tattoo aftercare more challenging.

Deposit Policy:

- Non-refundable deposit: When booking a tattoo appointment, a deposit is required to secure your spot. If you are planning to become pregnant or discover you are pregnant, please inform us as soon as possible.

- Rescheduling due to pregnancy: If you need to reschedule your appointment due to pregnancy, we understand and will work with you to find a new date. However, please note that the initial deposit may not be transferable to a new appointment date if it falls within a time frame that doesn’t allow us to fill your original slot. We’ll do our best to accommodate rescheduling, but the deposit policy remains in effect.

In Oregon, you must be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo. State regulations prohibit anyone under 18 from getting a tattoo, regardless of parental approval or consent.

If you are under 18, you are still welcome to schedule a consultation to meet with our artists to discuss your tattoo ideas. We can answer any questions you may have, go through the planning process and give you a price estimate. You can even schedule your first tattoo session (as long as it is on or after your 18th birthday)!