FAQ’s
Below you will find my frequently asked questions. Please read this page fully before submitting a tattoo request.
Where are you located?
I am the owner of the Dark Ocean Tattoo Studio located at 1683 E 13th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia which is my home shop. I do traveling guest spots often so please check out my Instagram for updates.
What method of payment do you take?
Cash, Credit, Debit, e-transfer, and financing (Canada only but working on offering US). Note, deposits must be made via e-transfer, PayPal or through financing.
What is required for financing?
I offer third-party financing! To apply you will need the following:
Government-issued photo identification
Social Insurance Number
Address for last two years.
Employment details for the last two years.
Approx credit score guidelines:
- EXCELLENT: 740 plus
- GOOD: 690-739
- AVERAGE: 660-689
- FAIR: 575-659
- Below AVERAGE: - 574 or less (will not get financing)
When submitting your tattoo request simply check that you are interested in financing and we will send you more details.
What are your rates?
All rates are quoted for a single session/appointment. If you have multiple sessions booked the rate given is for EACH session/appointment.
Below is an estimate of prices for general sizes:
Stickers start at $250/hr
Small pieces start at $750
Large pieces start at $1500
This includes:
- Drawing time, receiving your drawing at least a week beforehand, and minor changes (major changes require a redraw fee, artist discretion)
- Email & admin time
- Stencil time & tattoo time
- Taxes and supply fees
Please note that the price given for your request is an ESTIMATE only. While Crystal tries to be as accurate as possible when quoting there is a chance that your rate could change on the date of your appointment. If you need to adhere to a strict budget please be clear in your request!
What kind of details do you need in my request description?
You should be SPECIFIC when describing your design and sending references. For example, instead of saying you want 3 flowers, specify the exact type of flowers you want (i.e. roses, peonies, etc). Instead of saying you want patterns, specify that you want all linework geometric patterns with shading or all dotwork patterns or if you’re not sure include reference photos of the style you want and mention that is what you are looking for.
If you are not specific, designs are left up to ARTIST CHOICE. Any major changes to the design after you have confirmed your appointment may be subject to a re-draw fee.
Do you do consultations?
I typically do consults via email only.
Do you do cover-ups?
I do accept some cover-up projects. Just note that often the cover-up has to be open with the piece being bigger and often with a lot of black work and/or color. I can also do a blast over, which is where you put another tattoo right over the old one but expect to see the old one underneath.
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 48-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 an email confirming your appointment.
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 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.
What is your deposit policy?
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions, so please be aware of this before you book. Deposits are taken when we are booking an approved request and will be deducted from the balance of the tattoo at your last scheduled appointment.
What if I need to reschedule?
Please email us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule or reschedule through the confirmation email link sent to you a week before your appointment. If you are rescheduling with less than 7 days’ notice and more than one time or if you are more than 20+ mins late to your appt your deposit will be forfeited (exceptions at the artist’s discretion). A deposit is required to hold all appointments so if you cancel a session without enough notice or multiple times and you have future appointments booked, all sessions will be removed from the schedule unless a new deposit is sent.
All appointments must be rebooked within 30 days for the next available calendar date.
EXCEPTION: If you are booking for a traveling/guest spot all reschedules are subject to a rebooking fee equal to that of your deposit regardless of the notice given.
When do I get to see the design?
ALL designs will be emailed a week before your appointment with the confirmation/waiver email that is sent (if applicable). Continuation pieces or sessions that require the tattoo only to be drawn onto the skin may not have a drawing.
Any minor changes must be emailed back to bookingcrysalexart@gmail.com within 48 hours of receiving the drawing. If changes are received later than this we may have to reschedule your session and if so, you would be subject to a rebooking fee.
A $150-$400 re-draw fee is required if significant changes are required (at the artist's discretion). 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. If you have a longer tattoo session, 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.
Can I put on numbing cream before my appt?
I do not recommend any numbing creams, as they often affect both how the ink goes into the skin, and how the tattoo heals. They can, however, be used at your own discretion just note that touchups will be charged at 100% cost.
How long will my session be?
Session length will vary depending on the client. Generally, a small piece can be done in a half-day. Large pieces depending on size/detail/color can generally be done in 1-5 sessions. (Varies with your size & how you sit) If you do not sit well, it will add to the number of sessions.
Please note that the session fee is the price per session. If you cannot sit for long, it is the same price. If you change your mind about size/details, it is the same price.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
No. At this time we do NOT allow anyone to bring a guest with them into the shop for their appointment. If someone wants to drop you off there are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and of course, the beach where your guest can wait for you.
Do I need to wear a mask for my appointment?
Please look up the local guidelines in your area for updates related to wearing a mask for your appointment. We HIGHLY recommend you bring a mask to all appointments regardless of any local guidelines.
Am I allowed to go into the staff room?
No. Clients are not allowed to go into our staff room. Please stay in the waiting room or at your artist’s station.
Do you tip your tattoo artist?
In North America it is considered the norm to tip your tattoo artist based on their service, however, it is not mandatory. Tips are greatly appreciated and come in all forms (monetary, gift, etc). Monetary tips tend to follow the standard tip guide of anywhere between 15-25+%. I am so, so grateful for my clients and aim to provide the very best service in making my clients feel comfortable, fully informed, and cared for throughout the entire tattoo process.
How do touch-up sessions work?
Touchups are not always necessary. I know how my work heals, so please take care of your tattoo, following the instructions that are sent to you.
After your tattoo session, you need to wait at least 1 month for the tattoo to fully heal. If you feel it needs a touch-up you will be charged the supply fee for the first session after your original tattoo. The supply fees are as follows if booked within the timeframe of original appointment, $20 within 3 month, $50 within 6 months, $150 after 6 months.
After the first touch-up session, any following touch-ups will be charged at 50% rate. If it is apparent that you need a touch-up due to negligent aftercare you will be charged at 100% rate. Please note touch-ups only include touching up what is already there. Adding to a piece, however, small will be subject to additional fees. *Finger tattoos and some feet tattoos are exempt from free touch-ups and are always charged at a 50% rate due to the nature of the skin there.
How do I book with other artists at your shop?
All artists are responsible for their own bookings and appointments. Please contact them directly with any questions, changes to times, etc.