TURNINGSHADOW TATTOO is my private tattoo studio in downtown Olympia. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. To book an in-person consultation, review the FAQ below and then email me at [email protected]

FAQ:

I want a tattoo, but I’m not exactly sure what kind of tattoo I want. Is that ok?

That’s great! That's where I come in. In fact, the less fully formed and specific your idea is, the better your tattoo is likely to turn out. As a professional artist since 2009, composition is my strength. I’m not just interested in creating a tattoo, I want to create a unique piece of art, inspired by you, and which fits perfectly on your body. 

What kind of tattoo can I get at Turningshadow Tattoo?

I want to create custom painterly artwork on skin, a process that will take multiple sessions. I might not be the right tattoo artist for you, and that’s ok! But if you have a certain project in mind, it doesn’t hurt to ask. If it’s not a good fit, I might be able to suggest a different artist for you. 

How much does it cost?

I charge $180 per hour of tattoo machine time. Other steps of the process, including the initial design work, freehand drawing on your skin, tattoo prep, breaks etc are all considered free/included. 

Can I bring a friend?

My strong recommendation is that you do not. My space is comfortable but small. We will need space to move around, especially during the drawing phase. Any additional guest may need to find a seat in a common area or hallway. In addition to spatial concerns: excess head turning, hand gesturing, laughing, chatting over my head, etc, will greatly hinder my ability to give you my best work. This is a special day for you and you alone—not a day to have a casual hangout with a friend. Anyone waiting is sure to get bored and restless during a longer session. We don’t want that kind of energy in the studio while both you and I are trying to focus and create art! Under special circumstances I am happy to make exceptions. Please ask in advance.

How does this work?

Step one.
Schedule an in-person consultation which can last up to one hour. This is our chance to discuss your tattoo, and my chance to get to know you and find out what you like. Come prepared with clothing that will allow me to take reference photos of the body part that you want tattooed. I use these photos during the design process to draw something that fits your body. 

Step two.
If by the end of the consultation we have a general plan for the tattoo, we will schedule your first tattoo appointment and you will need to make a non-refundable $100 deposit to hold that time slot. The deposit will be credited to the final session of your tattoo. If you need to reschedule your appointment for any reason, I require 48 hours notice or you will be required to pay another deposit in order to reschedule. The deposit covers the missed appointment. In the time before your first appointment, I will work on designing your unique tattoo. In order to protect my time, I do not send options for client review. You will see the design on your tattoo day! If for any reason you dislike the design, or want major revisions, we will reschedule your tattoo for a future date. 

Step three.
Prepare for your tattoo. For a week (or more) before your first session, avoid direct sun exposure to the area, stay hydrated, and avoid drinking alcohol. Moisturize the skin daily (except for tattoo day). This WILL improve the outcome of your tattoo. On tattoo day, eat a solid breakfast. Please take a shower before your appointment—for the safety of your tattoo. Wear clean, loose, and comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting accidentally stained with ink. Feel free to bring headphones if it’s helpful to you. Please bring your favorite snacks and beverages to keep your energy up throughout the session. Bring a photo ID which will be documented when you sign a consent form.

Step four.
Your first tattoo appointment!
In order to get the best and most custom fit specifically the structure of your body, I’ll typically be drawing with markers directly onto your skin instead of using a printed stencil. This allows me to finalize the design and see how it moves with your body. And it allows you to be more involved with the design process. It takes some time but it is time very well spent (and there’s no charge for any drawing time, just actual tattooing time). It’s arguably the most important part of the process! Depending on the complexity of the design, up to half of the first session will just be drawing before your final approval of the design and the tattooing begins. Sometimes using a printed stencil will be a good approach--if that's the case, we'll do that. 

Step five.
Aftercare. At the end of each session I will provide you with written aftercare instructions. Please follow them! Doing so will protect your health and your investment.

Step six.
The tattoo will need to heal for at least 1 month between sessions. In each subsequent session, the drawing stage will either be faster or unnecessary, and more of the appointment will be tattooing.


Turningshadow Tattoo is located in Suite #12 on the second floor of Beckham Suites. Enter the building on 4th Ave E. There is ample street parking available as well as 2 adjacent parking lots(marked in orange). Street parking is free on evenings (after 5pm) and weekends. For consultations, there are 3hr meters (marked in green). For longer sessions, there are 9hr meters to the north (marked in violet).

TURNINGSHADOW TATTOO PLLC
312 4th Avenue E 
Suite 12 
Olympia, WA  98501