FAQs
Are hand poked tattoos more painful?
Pain is a pretty relative concept and super unique to the individual, placement and size of the tattoo. Generally speaking though, the majority of my clients find it to be less painful due to the lack of vibration. With that being said, deep breathing can be a very helpful tool when getting a bigger or lengthier tattoo. I am also always open to splitting bigger pieces into separate sessions whenever necessary!
Are hand poked tattoos safe?
Absolutely. When done properly! The studio is up to date with inspection under the Prince Edward Island Department of Health for Personal Services. The guidelines to which can be found here. If you have underlying health issues that may affect your obtaining and healing of a tattoo, you should refer to your physician’s advice.
I do not tattoo people who are under the influence of alcohol, who are currently sick, or pregnant, and I also ask that folks who are breast-feeding speak to their physician prior to getting a tattoo.
Can I get tattooed if I am sick?
Nope! Please contact me 48-hours (or as soon as possible) before your appointment if you need to reschedule. I’d also recommend not being hungover and ensuring that you’re well rested and have eaten a good meal beforehand!
How much do you charge?
I currently have a $100 minimum for appointments. (Unless otherwise stated. ie: special flash walk-in days!)
My working rate for flash pieces is $125 an hour and for custom pieces it is generally $130-$150 an hour. (Depending on level of difficulty/design time/materials used etc.)
Generally, tattoos range from 0.5-3.5 hours, and cost anywhere between $100-$525. When requesting a custom tattoo, please include a budget that you will want to try to stick to so that I may design accordingly! Estimations and quotesare subject to change should the size or placement be changed come the day of the appointment, colour be added, etc.
Can I transfer my previous deposit to a new piece if I change my mind?
No, not at this time. Please be certain that you definitely want a piece of flash prior to reserving it. It creates behind the scenes admin work for me, and can get kind of confusing. Much appreciated!
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes! Custom pieces require a $80 deposit prior to any drawing being done, and flash pieces require a $50 deposit in order to reserve the piece for you. Deposits are non-refundable and go toward the final cost of your tattoo. I send the deposit invoice to your email but if other arrangements are needed - don’t hesitate to ask!
Deposits are forfeited when appointment is cancelled within 48-hours and a new one will be required in order to rebook. This policy is in place to protect my time and to ensure folks are serious about getting a tattoo!
Clients may reschedule their appointments
multiple last minute cancellations or “no-showing” may result in you not being invited back to the studio.
What payment options do you offer?
We currently accept Cash, Debit or Credit. Cash or non-monetary tips preferred. In some instances, trading of services is also accepted, but must be discussed prior to tattoo. Subject to change as we continue to grow.
Can I get a tattoo done that I’ve seen on your page?
When I do a flash drop, most flash designs are repeatable (up to 3 times). I typically try to only do each piece once though. Also, I am always happy to ensure a flash piece is unique for you by: adding colour, changing shading, altering it a bit for you per your request! Flash designs in my highlight reel and on my General Flash Request Page may be repeated until I retire it or unless otherwise advertised.
Will you tattoo another artist’s design?
I will not tattoo other artist’s work without their consent. I will tattoo your own designs, and any design that you have permission to get tattooed, so long as it falls within my skill set!
Reference images from the internet can be very helpful for me to get a good grasp of the kind of look you’re going for — but, I always prefer references of my own work than that of others whenever possible! I do ask that if you have a very specific vision for a custom piece, that you provide sufficient reference photos to save on any guesswork on my end.
Should I tip?
Tips are not mandatory, but they do let me know that you were exceptionally satisfied with your experience and your new tattoo!
Monetary tips are not the only ones that fill me with joy though! - tagging and sharing my work, plants, vegetarian snacks, your artwork/prints, jewellery you’ve made, pottery and ceramics, gift cards, etc are all very, very special to me!
Are there any placements that you do not do?
Yes! I do not tattoo: inner finger, palm, bottom of feet, inner lip, armpit or genitalia. There are also limitations to what I will tattoo in the inner bicep, ribs, front lower hip, and some areas on the back.
How can I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
The best thing you can do is drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment as well as moisturizing the skin. If you feel comfortable shaving the area prior to the appointment, that helps us reduce waste in disposable razors, but of course can be done at your appointment should the placement be in an area that is not easy for you to reach!
Eating a substantial meal beforehand is incredibly important, as is wearing comfortable clothing that will allow easy access to the tattoo site.
Remember to bring your photo ID and some water should you need.
I also encourage folks to bring an audiobook, music, headphones should they want to if that is helpful for them!
Where are you located?
93 Pownal Street, Charlottetown, Epekwikt (Prince Edward Island)
Accessibility Note: Unfortunately, our studio is located on the second floor of a historic building, and therefore does not have elevator access. We are happy to assist anyone who may need support walking up the stairs, please do not hesitate to ask! We are also looking into the possibility of being able to do home visits of client’s who are not able to access our studio.
When you walk into the building, we have a shared waiting area that you can sit and wait for us to come down to greet you! When you go upstairs, our studio entrance is the second door on the left.
There are metered parking spots directly in front of our studio, as well as the Pownal Street Parkade. Please factor in time needed to find parking when planning your arrival.
How do I book with you?
There are a couple of different ways.
Requesting Flash:
When requesting flash during a Flash drop, there will be a unique form to fill out. (A special Link will be in my instagram bio). If your request is chosen, you will hear back from me via email with the next steps to booking your appointment.
If you’d like to request a piece of flash not during a flash drop, you can fill out this form anytime to see if a piece is available.
Requesting a Custom:
Please note that I only take new custom requests at certain times of the year. If my custom books are open, there will be a unique link to a form available through my instagram bio. Once you have filled out and submitted that form, I will have your request on file. I work through these requests as quickly as I can, but still, you may be on the list for a while before hearing from me! I take on requests that I feel passionate about, and have time for rather than going in chronological order. Due to the number of requests that I receive for custom projects, you may not hear back from me, but I would still encourage you to submit.
I love taking on custom projects for folks who have a clear vision, and who I can tell really like my style!
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Things you will need to have when planning to request a tattoo:
• Reference images or screenshot of flash
• desired size AND placement(s)
• general availability
Do you tattoo colour?
I primarily work with black and grey - but, I do love to add little pops of colour. Please check out my portfolio or my instragram (@pokey.rae) to see the types of tattoos that I primarily do!
Is there an age requirement?
Clients must be 18+. I do not tattoo people under 18 even with parental consent. Please make sure you bring valid photo ID to your appointment. Arriving without it could result in needing to reschedule your appointment and paying a new deposit.
If your question was not answered above, or you need more information on something specific, you may email me at pokey@pokeyrae.com
Thanks!