A tattoo stays with you, and so does the memory of how you felt while getting it.
Getting tattooed can be a very personal and intimate experience. For me, creating a safe space means making room for different needs, boundaries and ways of being.
As someone who is neurodivergent, I know how much overstimulation, masking, anxiety and unfamiliar situations can affect an experience. This has shaped the way I work and the environment I want to create in my studio.
There is no right way to be a client here. You don’t have to be talkative, hide that you’re nervous or push through discomfort to make my job easier.
A private studio
My studio is a private space created for a calmer and more intimate tattoo experience.
Only one client is tattooed at a time, so during your appointment the space is yours. There are no other appointments happening around you and no expectation to interact with other clients.
This gives us the time and privacy to work at your pace, without unnecessary pressure or distractions.
During your appointment
You can always say no or change your mind. Whether it’s about the design, size, placement or something happening during the appointment, I want you to feel comfortable speaking up.
We can move the placement as many times as needed and make adjustments to the design before we begin. I’ll always give you my professional advice, but I never want you to agree to something simply because you feel awkward saying no.
Breaks are always okay. If you need to change position, take a moment or something simply doesn’t feel right, tell me.
Quiet appointment
You never have to spend energy being social for my sake.
If talking feels draining, distracting or overstimulating, you are always welcome to have a quiet appointment. We can keep conversation to what is necessary for the tattoo while you listen to music, wear headphones, watch something, read or simply zone out.
You can ask for this beforehand or tell me on the day. No explanation needed.
Consent & Your body
Your body is yours throughout the entire appointment.
I will communicate clearly around touch and positioning, especially when tattooing more intimate areas. We can also talk beforehand about clothing, coverage and privacy so you know what to expect.
I sometimes take photos or videos during the process and of the finished tattoo for my portfolio and social media. If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed, just let me know. Your choice will always be respected and will never affect your appointment.
You are also always welcome to tell me the name and pronouns you would like me to use.
Sensory & Individual needs
Tattoo appointments can involve a lot at once. Touch, pain, sounds, lighting, smells, temperature, conversation and sitting still for a long time can all become overwhelming.
There are many small things we can adjust to make your appointment more comfortable. This could mean:
• dimmer or brighter lighting
• less noise or wearing your own headphones
• no diffuser or strong scents
• adjusting the room temperature
• having the tattoo process explained step by step, or not at all
• watching something on the TV as a distraction
• bringing fidget toys, comfort items or other sensory tools
• no photos or videos
If you have accessibility requirements or other needs that aren’t listed here, you are always welcome to ask.
You don’t need a diagnosis or a specific reason to ask for an adjustment. Let me know when booking if there is anything you need, and I’ll do my best to accommodate it.
Safe space goes both ways
Creating a safe space is something we do together.
I ask for the same openness and respect from you that I will always give you. Please respect my boundaries, my time and the studio. Discrimination, harassment or disrespect will not be accepted.
I also believe in being transparent about my own needs. If something on the day affects our appointment, I will communicate it with you as openly as I can.
If there is anything that could make your experience feel safer or more comfortable, you are always welcome to tell me when booking or at any point during your appointment. You don’t need to have the perfect words for it or explain more than you feel comfortable sharing.
Come as you are. We’ll figure out the rest together.