Process to Book Tattoo
What is the process to start my next tattoo?
The process to get tattooed by me varies based on what you want to get done, if you are looking for a custom Nlaka’pamux Blackwork tribal tattoo look below. For everything else head over to the consultation form and fill out the appropriate fields. If we are doing a blastover of something attach photos of your current tattoos and let me know if you want to keep any of them. If you are looking a specific style send a reference photo of the style that inspired your desire to be tattooed.
· You must be 18 years of age or older to be tattooed at HFX Tattoo Company
· All my work detailed on this site is open to Non-Indigenous and Indigenous people
What is the Process to book my own custom tribal Nlaka’pamux Blackwork tattoo?
Nlaka'pamux Blackwork is a contemporary customary skin marking practice, making it different from other forms of tattooing . In this form of skin marking your tattoo is developed as I review your consultation form and come to understand who you are. This will determine what might be appropriate for you to wear according to my understanding of your life's journey, hopes, and aspirations, so make sure you give me as much information as you deem appropriate and sufficient. Each pattern will be chosen for you based on my guided intuitive creative process, this work requires your trust in the process.
I will carefully read your initial consultation form and if necessary I may request a brief in person or virtual conversation to explore any questions in order to find clarity in terms of the appropriate designs to be included in your tattoo. Once I have a clear vision I will begin to develop your design and once it is created you will have the ability to agree to receive it or not. I generally do not share designs beforehand, if you require to see a design beforehand a full day rate non-refundable deposit will be requested.
This process is part of the contemporary customary skin marking practice that I have come to understand as a spiritual pathway to healing and understanding self. It is an intuitive practice that has developed as I have worked with clients and collaborators, through conversations with elders and knowledge keepers from many communities and ancestral guidance. It has transformed and will continue to transform as I continue along this journey. This process, this ceremony is developed, strengthened and evolves through processes of observation and experience.
What is the process to book one of your custom Nlaka'pamux or Non-symbolic blackwork designs?
Available designs can be reserved with a $200 non-refundable deposit, and are open to any person from all communities, cultures, ethnicities and walks of life. Many times the designs contained in available designs end up fitting with the wearers life story. Every Nlaka'pamux and transformative blackwork piece whether a custom design or an available design ultimately becomes an expression of the wearer's soul. If your see a leg or arm sleeve and it is part of a bodysuit design I am always open to isolating that design for you, just let me know and we can do just the sleeve or torso suit.
What will happen on the day of your appointment?
On the day of tattooing you will arrive at our agreed upon time, we will sit down together and have a conversation about what to expect for the day, what my plans are and goals. We will take some time to prepare for the tattooing session which will include a variety of ceremonial elements appropriate for your session. You will receive a thorough informed consent email at least one week before your first session with all instructions for this part of the process.
We will tattoo each day for as long as we are reasonably able. The acquiring of a large tattoo will at times test your pain threshold, I believe this is part of the experience. I will closely and constantly monitor your well being through out the process and make sure you are doing, ok. I feel it will be important to try and push yourself throughout this process, however acknowledge that each of us has a different pain threshold and will honor your willingness and consent to continue through the pain.
The larger design elements and framework will be drawn directly onto your skin using sharpie markers, and tattoo pens, and more intricate designs, patterns and motifs will be applied using stencils. The final design drawn on your body may be slightly modified from the agreed upon initial sketch to allow for optimal fit and flow with your body. Once it is drawn on I will ask you to look at the design in the mirror and ask for your consent to proceed to tattooing.
The process of receiving large tattoos including full sleeves, backpeices, torso suits and bodysuits can be a long, painful process that will require your full participation as artistic collaborator, and client which includes, commitment to appointments, aftercare of your tattoo and patience with the process. Your comfort and personal safety will be considered at every point in the process of receiving your Transformative Blackwork tattoo.
Final Thoughts
I always do my best to create the mark that you require to assist you in your life's journey, it is important to trust the process and understand that the end result will be beautiful, sometimes the journey there can seem rough and difficult. With this in mind it is important to understand these marks are not just tattoos, their perfection comes from the journey and transformation you go through, not just the end result.