FAQ Page

Below you will find my frequently asked questions. Please review this FAQ page before submitting a request.

I am currently taking requests for tattoos in small and large scale with subject matter of floral, birds, insects, nature, lady faces (mythology). Please review my work on my Instagram page if you are not already familiar with it.

How do I submit a tattoo request?

I only accept inquiries/requests through my tattoo request form. I do not respond to DM’s, sorry!

Where are you located?

I own a licensed, private studio in downtown Santa Ynez California, just a couple of blocks from downtown Sagunto street. I do not hold regular hours, I am open by appointment only. Because the shop is located at a private residence and to avoid walk-in traffic, the shop location is sent a week before all confirmed appointments.

Do you do consultations?

Mallory does not offer in person consultations. Once your request is approved, any design requests can be done via email that way all of the information is documented and easily referenced. Because I do mostly floral tattoos meant to flow with the shape of the body, often times I will freehand at least part of the tattoo, while the detailed parts of flowers or butterflies and birds are stenciled. For this reason the design is shown the day of and in person at the appointment (designs are not emailed out to client before appointment). Once the design is mapped out on the skin, you will have the opportunity to make any tweaks or changes. If a whole new concept is proposed at the time of the appointment, a new appointment will have to be made as well as a new deposit as the first deposit made would be forfeited.

Pricing

Please submit a request through my booking form for an estimate!

I want to get a tattoo but I’m undecided about what to get.

I have premade designs which can be viewed in my “projects” page as well as on my Instagram in the highlights. Premade designs are also often set at a discounted flat rate or discounted hourly rate. Additionally, if you need some inspiration just know that I love to do floral tattoos that help to accentuate the body, so large-scale hip/thigh tattoos, backpieces, and chest pieces are right up my alley and would be considered a first priority request. Think simple because when you are venturing into large-scale work, less is more in terms of detail. Flowers such as peonies are full and cover a large amount of area and have very attractive leaves. Their free-form shape help to fit into any area.

Don’t hesitate to get tattooed on an area of the body you least like or appreciate as tattoos can be a great way to love the body you are in.

I want to get a sleeve, how does this work?

I typically like to finish what I start in a day (such as outline and shading), as much as I can. I don’t like to send out my clients with just outlines because I know things can come up in life that make it hard to schedule follow up appointments. For sleeves I like to ask where on the arm you would like to start and complete one section at a time. For color tattoos I can complete about roughly a handsized amount in one 5 hr session. This is as opposed to outlining the entire arm and filling in as we go. Also, when doing sleeves I like to allow skin to show through in between the pieces instead of doing a background UNLESS of course you are down to do a solid black background behind light colored flowers (think Dutch still life’s) which I love as well. I am not currently doing sacred geometry at this time.

What requests do you not take?

I’m not currently taking on geometric designs, wording, or symbols.

Do you do cover-ups or re-work existing pieces?

Yes! I do take on select cover-up and re-work projects.

Do I have to have outlines on my tattoo?

I get some requests to do tattoos without outlines, usually, the thought in this is that without them the tattoo will appear more feminine. Outlines are a way to give the tattoo structure, a clean edge, and contrast. It is always my goal to make a tattoo appear feminine and realistic and the use of outlines is an important part of this process as well as the longevity of the tattoo. Once the tattoo is finished you will see that the outline is not that noticeable but it allows me to work with softer, more pastel colors while still being able to make them stand out. The one type of flower that I don’t use outlines on is roses, because of the strong contrast in the center of the flower. This does not include wild roses or English roses with heart-shaped petals.

What is your deposit policy?

Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you need to reschedule or postpone your appointment your deposit is good for 6 months from the time of your original appointment. Deposits are taken off of the price of your tattoo the day of (if you have multiple appts the deposit is taken off at your last appt).

Any appointments rescheduled with less than seven days’ notice, more than one time, or if you are 20+ minutes late to your session will forfeit your existing deposit and a new one will be required to rebook.

How long will you hold my appointment time without a deposit?

When we respond to your initial booking form we will provide a date and time for your appointment based on your availability - this spot will be held for 24 hours until we hear back from you. If you confirm the appointment date, your appointment will be held for a further 24 hours until a deposit is sent. When this deposit has been sent within that time frame you will receive a confirmation email from us and your appointment is considered confirmed!

What if I don’t hear back from my booking form?

We aim to get back to requests within 5 business days, however, sometimes it may be a little longer. Please note that not all requests will get approved. I try to focus on subject matter and style that matches my expertise and interest. However, we will respond to all requests though so you haven’t heard back and feel your request may have been missed - feel free to send a follow-up email after 2 weeks have elapsed.

When do I get to see the design?

ALL designs will be shown on the day of your appointment. I do include extra time for minor changes on the day of your appointment. Please familiarize yourself with my body of work on my Instagram to ensure my style matches what you are looking for.

What can I do to prepare for my tattoo?

Make sure to get a good night’s sleep, drink lots of water, and have a good meal before your appointment. Please feel free to bring snacks and water. Headphones and a charged device are also great ideas to keep you occupied. Please also avoid alcohol 24 hours before your tattoo - alcohol thins the blood significantly, and after a big night, can affect the tattoo process the following day often resulting in a less-than-ideal heal.

Please wear comfortable clothing that you wouldn’t mind getting ink on.

You may take Ibuprofen for pain but please let the artist know if there is anything else you are taking. We ask that you do not come in with numbing cream on your skin. Artist will use Bactine during the procedure if necessary.

If you are feeling any signs of illness please cancel your appointment ASAP to avoid losing your deposit. If you come in with a fever or other symptoms you will be turned away and your deposit will be forfeited.

Can I apply numbing cream before my session?

Please, do not apply any numbing cream before your session. If you do, I will not be able to tattoo you and your appt would be canceled and your deposit would be forfeited.

What if I am not feeling well?

Please let us know as soon as possible if you are not feeling well and need to reschedule your appointment. Any appointments rescheduled due to illness must be rescheduled within two-months or the deposit may be forfeited.

Can I bring a guest?

The studio is too small to accommodate friends of clients (there is no waiting room). It can also be distracting and awkward because tattoos take many hours and oftentimes guests can get bored. If you had a friend drive you they come in briefly for moral support and during the appointment, they can go to a coffee shop nearby or shop in the area.

What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy?

Please give as much notice as you can if you cannot make your appointment. Deposits may be forfeited with less than seven days notice, rescheduling an appt more than once, or if you are 20+ minutes late for your appt (with exceptions).

Where can I find aftercare information?

You can find aftercare information linked here.