SHELTER TATTOO
booking
I only schedule appointments four times per year and in cycles. This way I can make things manageable and not book too far out ahead and overwhelm myself and the schedule. If you need or are looking for an expedited appointment, click here
Emails will only be accepted:
1/1 - 1/2: January / Spring cycle (to book an appt for February-April)
4/1 - 4/2: April / Summer cycle (to book an appt for May-July)
7/1 - 7/2: July / Fall cycle (to book an appt for August- October)
10/1 - 10/2: October / Winter cycle (to book an appt for November-January)
Due to the large volume of requests, I have shortened the booking window to 2 days. This way it helps to keep things manageable, but also keeps the waitlist shorter initially. Please consider these cycles/booking windows, as if you are looking to schedule something for the winter cycle and send an email in the spring, it won't be possible.
In the past, I would only take on specific pieces or work, but I feel as though that was somewhat limiting. Regardless of the tattoo or style, please feel free to submit your idea during the booking cycles, and if its something I can’t do or know a local artist who would be better suited for that piece, I will send you their contact info asap! With the referrals, I would be able to reach out within a few days max so that you aren’t waiting long for the response.
The only caveat with the subject matter or ideas, is that I don’t do more than 3-4 hrs per appt, so regardless of design or idea, that is the only limitation in regards to scheduling. In the case that multiple sessions are needed, we can discuss that further and schedule accordingly, that’s no problem!
How do I book an appointment?
All you need to do, is submit an email within the specified booking days of that cycle. NOT a DM on Instagram, Facebook message, email through my personal email, text, email through the contact form on this site, voicemail for the shop, etc as the shops email is the only way bookings will be accepted. I have tried many different ways, but this will be the easiest to keep up with to have it all in one location, but also easier for people to keep track of as well, and proof that they sent an email or any communication (if needed).
I will accept all submissions during those two days only, and then I will filter through all the emails to pick and choose appointments for the upcoming cycle. It will not be first come first serve; as this will ensure that both repeat clients and out of town guests can be taken care of, while still including new clients and requests. It won’t matter if you send at 12:01am on the first day or 11:59pm on the last day, all emails will be considered and valid (as long as sent within the 2 day window).
When sending your email, you MUST include:
- IDEA / DESIGN
-SIZING (exact as possible in inches; not: small, medium or large)
-PLACEMENT
-SPECIFICS (if flowers, what kind? if lettering, what font? etc)
You should include reference images if you have any, but that isn't mandatory. Failing to include the important information will probably lead to not being able to schedule due to the large number of requests. It is pretty difficult to filter through 500+ submissions on its own; but then also having to go back and forth when i'm not sure about what you are specifically wanting is almost impossible to keep up with.
To make it easier as well, I would suggest to include a good description in your subject line, rather than just "tattoo" or "appt". Things like:
- 2nd, 3rd or 4th attempt
- previous/returning client
- traveling/out of state client
These won't get any specific priority, but it will help when filtering through all the submissions. When theres no specifics in the subject it might get overlooked (especially if a repeat submission or traveling from out of state with a specific time frame in mind).
If you are trying or planning to book an appointment for more than one person (small group, friend, partner, etc), please just send one email with each persons specifics within that email. Sending separate emails will prolong the process and can sometimes lead to not being able to book them together if the emails are all sent separately.
Please allow up to 1 week for a reply; I will be getting back to everyone as soon as I can, but keep in mind I do all of this by myself, on top of the current tattoo schedule and life outside of the shop. I take a few days off in order to handle all the booking emails, but if you don’t get a reply after 1 week, please send a new email (not a reply on the same thread) and I will be sure to get back as soon as I can.
Regardless of outcome though, each person will receive a reply. Whether it's to confirm the selection/booking, to let you know it wasn’t selected for this cycle or that it isn’t something I can do. If its a tattoo I don’t do or know someone better suited, I will send a list of artists and shops who I know personally and can recommend, just so you are in the best hands possible either way.
Those who arent selected or send emails after those 2 days however, can be added to the current cancellation / waitlist (anyone can be added to the list outside of booking cycles).