Frequently asked questions!

#1: How do I book a tattoo with Steph?
Begin by sending an email with your request to Steph’s assistant Nichole. Nichole will reach out with further information, and she will send you an online form to fill out. Some tattoos - large work, cover-ups, and reworks - will require a consultation, while other requests can be fulfilled simply via email; we will let you know if a consultation is required for your request. Consultations are typically done via video chat, using either FaceTime (iPhone users) or Google Meet (Android users), although an option for in-person is available. Once Steph has reviewed all of the information or completed a consultation with you, you will be able to schedule your tattoo appointment. A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required; deposit prices vary depending on the size of the tattoo and length of appointment session. Deposits will be applied to the overall cost of the tattoo, and you will only owe the balance of your price quote during your tattoo session.

BOOKS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED. Join the waiting list by emailing your request here.

#2: How much does a tattoo from Steph cost?
It depends on the tattoo - the size, style, and placement.  Most tattoos are priced by the piece at set rates; large custom tattoos are priced at the hourly rate of $200/hour.  Steph currently charges a $150 minimum for all tattoos. Additional charges may apply to areas like feet, ribs, neck (back of neck) or sternum; this has to do with complications in healing in these areas, along with the difficulty involved in tattooing these areas. A $50 fee is added to large freehand tattoos to cover extra draw time. Steph does have a full day, lockout rate available. Ask her directly for details.

#3: How can I get a price quote?
See #1 above to make your booking request. Steph will provide you with a price quote based on your request form or consultation. Price quotes are never given over the phone, via DM, or message on social media.

#4: How long is the wait for an appointment?
It depends, but typically Steph is booked well in advance. She accepts appointments for 60 days in advance, with exceptions for full day sessions/large scale work, and for clients traveling from out of state.

#5: What methods of payment does Steph accept?
Deposits must be paid online with a credit card; you will be provided with a direct link to pay your deposit and book your appointment after going through the client intake process (see #1 above). In person, Steph can accept cash, credit card, Venmo, Apple Pay or Google Pay for your remaining tattoo balance. Cash is always preferred due to high fees on all digital transactions.

#6: Does Steph take walk-ins?
Unfortunately, Steph’s calendar is jam packed and she is typically unable to accommodate walk-in requests, with the exception of flash days, the occasional walk in day, or last minute cancellation openings; you can get advance notice of flash/walk in days by joining her email list! (To join the email list, simply refresh the home page of this website; a pop-up will appear at the bottom of the page where you can enter your email address to join; Steph sends out a maximum of one email per month.). Follow her on Instagram for info on cancellation slots; she posts availability in stories.

Two other tattooists, Dita and Stevie - rent a booth in Steph’s studio and at times can take walk-in requests. Contact these talented ladies directly to inquire about their availability.

#7: Does it hurt?  How much?
Yes, all tattoos hurt to a degree!  It really depends on the scope of the tattoo, but also on the placement on the body.  Some parts hurt more than others, for sure!  (For example, we don’t recommend getting your ribs or sternum tattooed for your first tattoo, mainly because of the degree of pain involved.)

Honestly, tattoos feel more irritating than anything else.  It’s sort of like getting scratched by a cat repeatedly, or the feeling of a bad sunburn.  Definitely is one of those “you won’t know what it feels like until it happens” sort of things!  Most people feel pain for the first 5-10 minutes until their endorphins start to kick in, and they get used to the sensation.

#8: Is it safe?
We do our best to keep you as safe as possible!  All of our needles are used only ONE time, and medical grade sterilization methods are used on all of our equipment.  We use high quality, professional grade inks and tattoo products for our procedures.

If you have ANY questions about sterility, PLEASE ASK.  Any competent tattooist should be completely transparent about his/her sterilization standards!

#9: What kinds/styles of tattoos does Steph do?
Steph works exclusively in the American traditional tattoo style, and all of her tattoos will have a hard, black outline.  She specializes in fineline and single needle work, along with linework-based designs, especially floral and botancial pieces.  She additionally does handpoked/machine-free tattoos.

The reason Steph only uses black ink for outlines: over time, colors fade much more quickly than black pigment; often, over a period of decades, all that is left of a tattoo is the black ink outline and shading.  This is the reason why ONLY traditional, hard-outlined tattoos, truly stand the test of time!

In the case of any tattoo, it’s best to always research an artist’s work before requesting an appointment to make sure it’s a good fit for everyone involved. Steph’s most recent work is on her Instagram account.

Steph reserves the right to say no to tattoos that do not feel like the right fit, but rest assured, if she’s not the right fit for you, she will be happy to refer you to another artist.

#10: Are there any tattoos Steph won’t do?
Stylistically-speaking, Steph does not do all color/no outline tattoos (for reasons of longevity), photo-realistic tattoos, soft black/grey, or portraiture.  There are many talented tattooers in southern California who specialize in these styles.  For portraits especially, we recommend going to someone who exclusively specializes in portraiture!

On first timers, STEPH WILL NEVER TATTOO certain parts of the body such as hands, throats, fingers, behind the ear, or necks.  We do not tattoo faces or genital areas under any circumstances. Additionally, Steph has a personal policy of never performing wedding band tattoos.

#11: What hours/days does Steph work?
Steph tattoos at various hours on Friday, Saturday, Sunday ONLY. Tattoos are typically booked between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm. Consultations are done Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Steph does NOT work late in the evening.

#12: What is your deposit policy?
See our deposits and booking information page here.