You’re looking for work? We’re always looking for guests!
Hey there, I'm Mickey Schlick, and I'm absolutely stoked that you're interested in our shop! I like to keep things relaxed around here while constantly striving to grow, both for myself and the other artists.
We are thrilled to welcome guest artists and new friends into our creative little corner of Montana! Our selection process is thorough, as we strive to find the perfect fit for our team and working environment. However, we have plenty of space and a loyal clientele that we're excited to share with talented and motivated artists. We're all about finding the right fit – artists whose personality aligns with our vibe and whom we have confidence in our ability to sell your work to our audience.
Our arrangements are flexible. Whether you're just passing through and want to test the waters with our local audience, or you're planning a visit for a few days, we've got your back. To kick things off, fill out our form below. If it looks like a good match, we'll set up a quick Zoom chat. If we're on the same page, I’ll send you a link for a second form which will ask everything needed to give you your own page and customized consultation form on our site. From there you can either send us a print portfolio, or we can assist you in creating a poster for our shop and setting up a dedicated webpage with a consultation form. Once that's all set, you're free to plan your visit at your leisure.
We like to think of it as an opportunity to leave your hook in the water so to speak. To streamline the process, interested clients will be able to fill out a consultation form on your dedicated page. Once we reach the minimum requirements as far as meeting financial expectations, we can start organizing clients and booking dates together. Your portfolio will be proudly displayed for all our clients to see, giving you exposure, while we get to promote unique and artistic tattoos to captivate passersby. Furthermore, we aim to keep you busy and booked during your time with us. We understand the importance of maximizing your artistic potential and want to ensure that you have a fulfilling experience. If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your goals, don't hesitate to fill out the form below. We can't wait to meet you!
We are excited you want to move forward with you. This form asks you most of the questions that we need to get going on your page and consultation form on our site. After that Mickey will be in touch to set up a zoom call. If everything goes as well as it has until this point all we will have to do after that is make a plan!
Let's assume we have it worked out so that EVERYTHING gets to you in written form, and no messages get missed. How we operate is that each artist has a consultation form on their own page. This will come to the shop as well as to you (we recommend making a folder or filter in your email if you don't want to use the app). You may tell us your desired dates which we can publish. Only the owner and management have access to all incoming messages, other artists will not have access. If you are working outside of our system you are responsible for keeping track of everyone and all messaging. The following questions are set up for our system which utilizes pre-made responses for certain situations to maintain branding across the board. Additionally we will repost your work to our stories whenever we see them with full credit given to you as well as a push to book with you on our site. If you have an affiliate program going, let us know and we will work that out too.
Hell Yeah! Ok, so we will look at all of that and put a consultation form together that aligns with our company values. We try to go from here into a "Yes/No/Maybe" type of situation. Yes being "let's do the tattoo", Maybe being "ask for an in person consultation", and No being a denial letter in which we try to re-sell them into the work that you want to do. So, we just want to know sort of how you would word an email letting clients know whether or not you will be taking the work. We will make something unique to our business but will remain close to your tone and verbiage.
Awesome! All we have left is an Zoom Interview and a review from management! We have a Guest Calendar that we open up when we have people coming. We will help some with scheduling and will forward any messages with clients. Once things are stable we can get you your own calendar with integration to your own gCal or iCal and we can get you integrated into our CRM software so that everything can be done within the app. If your form has trouble submitting, try with an incognito browser or clearing cookies.
FAQS
What are your Hours?
Normally, artists are here from 11AM-6PM but most of our artists are custom only and all make their own hours, preferring to start at their own pace and stay until the work is done rather than push you out at a specific time. Unfortunately this means our doors are often locked during those hours for the privacy of our clients and the focus of our artists. We recommend having an appointment.
What is the best way to set up an appointment?
You’ll want to start by either filling out a consultation form with a specific artist online . You may also fill out the general (walk-in/no-artist) consultation form online. If you call, you will have the ability to connect directly to your artist or receive this form. It will ask you all the questions that your artist will need to know regardless of what you’re getting. Once the artist can take a look at that, they will wither accept it and send you a link to set up your appointment or they will decline.
I've submitted a consultation form, what now?
Once you’ve filled out a consultation form, your artist specifically will let you know that your project has been accepted or not. They will then send you a link to either set up a consultation or an appointment depending on what your situation calls for. An in person consultation may not always be necessary depending on how straightforward your design is and how much creative liberty you’ve given to the artist. If you have an in person consultation setup, you’ll come in to discuss your ideas & plans with your artist and then set up an appointment, pay your deposit (if necessary) and you’ll be good to go for your next scheduled time. If you don’t have an in person consultation set up, just arrive at your appointment on time & the artist will have your design ready so you’ll be able to sit down to collaborate and make any necessary changes to the design before getting tattooed.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Each artist has their own deposit policy and they are generally non-refundable. Some will ask for a deposit to cover the final session of a larger tattoo and some will require a deposit on the appointment time due at the time the appointment is made. You can ask for your artists personal policy on this either through email or text. Once you are assigned to an artists your calls and texts to us should go directly to them. Please be certain that your artist has approved your design. Your artist will also collect the deposit within specific timeframe, otherwise you risk forfeiting that appointment time to a person ready to make the commitment. - we take card, cash, paypal or venmo.
Tattoo is done, how do I take care of it?
-Your new tattoo is an open pathway for pathogens into your body. Once you remove your bandage, allow it to breathe but protect it from bacteria and also the elements. Do not allow your tattoo to be in direct sunlight as this will be the cause of any deterioration of the tattoo over time. Keeping the tattoo out of the sun during the healing process and later using sunscreen is vital. After you are done healing, continuing this will help the longevity of your tattoo. -Do not swim or soak your tattoo, however the running water of a shower faucet is fine. Use unscented liquid soap, preferably with antibacterial properties. We like Dr. Bronners castile soap.-Dry your tattoo with a clean towel in a patting motion.-Any ointment, oil or lotion should be applied in very thin layers and allow them to dry completely. Remember that this is not a barrier, if your clothes can stick to it, so can bacteria. Keeping the tattoo moisturized will minimize the itching and peeling effects of the healing process.-Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Use liquid soap and war water. Use a soapy hand to rub the tattoo and break up any material that may have dried on top.
How will my tattoo look & heal over time?
Days 1-2: The tattoo will be new and fresh at this time. Leave the bandage for the time set by your artist. After removal of the bandage, it is essential that the tattoo remain clean and protected from the elements. Wash your tattoo 3-5 times a day at this point. We recommend coconut oil a couple times a day in very light layers. Days 3-7: This is the first healing stage. The new skin will be growing in and as the dead skin dries out, it will start itching. Do not itch your new tattoo! Some alternatives to help with itching are slapping the tattoo or using a cool compress. The itching should subside within 1-2 weeks. It is now ok to start using a light, unscented lotion or continue with coconut oil. Days 7-14: This is the second stage of the healing process. Your tattoo may continue to itch and flake. You will still need plenty of cleaning and lotion, but the risk of infection has greatly decreased. After two weeks, the tattoo should have its finished appearance. You will be free to return to a normal routine such as soaking and swimming, but it is recommended that you continue to lotion it and keep sunscreen on while in the sun.
I don't live in Missoula/Montana, what is the best way to talk to an artist about a tattoo?
Go ahead and start with the consultation form and just include somewhere in there that you will need to do a consultation via zoom, Facebook Messenger or Google Duo. We are pretty flexible and can work around most out of state situations for planning tattoos. Additionally you may request an area guide if you are travelling to get your work done or looking for accommodations.
Will I be able able to see my art before my appointment?
Sort of…. Each artist works in a different way. The very first thing they have to do is transfer a design so they usually come ready for that with a line drawing that will guide the remainder of their work but sometimes they will have a pretty good idea worked up and sometimes they will draw it on you. It will depend on the artist you're scheduled with as far as how that process goes. Most of our artists have a work schedule that is constant enough to have them working on their work pieces as they are due (appointment time) and not as they are requested. So, day of you should be able to get a pretty good idea of where you’re headed. Some of our artists offer VIP consultations and will draw with you present for their regular hourly rate. This may or may not go towards the cost of the tattoo depending on how close it is to the appointment date. Preferring to collaborate about the design in person to mitigate any miscommunication, we set aside time out to talk when you come in for your appointment.
Do I need to come early to do paperwork?
No, definintely not. Our artists are set to discuss your project at the appointment start time. Once the artwork is agreed upon, you can do the paperwork while they set up their station. Our new system allows us to send the paperwork directly to your phone so even if you are late, no worries. As we have been going appointment only we have been locking the doors and request that most communications come through text or email channels for tracking and that you make the appointment generally on time or let us know the change of plans. Most of our artists only work on one client a day so we have some flexibility here.
