James Strickland Tattoo

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.

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.

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.

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.

-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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.