Frequently Asked Questions

Please submit a request through my booking form, as it has all the necessary information for me to provide you with a quote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.

Once you submit the form, I will email you with a quote and an appointment time option within the next 7 days. Please keep in mind that a quote is just an estimate.

My email responses sometimes end up in spam folders instead of your inbox. Please add [email protected] to your email contacts or be sure to check your spam frequently.

I understand your concern about not knowing the design before the appointment. However, it is my policy to discuss the design in person at the appointment instead of sending it beforehand to avoid unnecessary back and forth via email.

This is why I ask my clients to be as specific as possible in describing their tattoo vision, so there are no unexpected surprises or changes on the day of.

We will be able to talk through the design and make any changes when you come in, as long as they are not major changes (ie. adding elements not mentioned in the original request, changing the composition of the design entirely, etc.).

In a very rare case that there are any major changes to be made, you will have to put down another deposit of $100 to reschedule to a different date. The initial deposit of $200 will be forfeited and the second deposit of $100 will now go towards your final tattoo price.

A non-refundable $200 deposit via Zelle ([email protected]) is required for every appointment that is not a touch up. This is to avoid no-shows.

The deposit will go towards your final price.

If you are booking multiple appointments, please send me the deposit for all appointments (ie. 2 appointments = one-time deposit of $400 up front). If you are booking for multiple people for one appointment, please send me the deposit for everyone involved (ie. 2 people in 1 appointment = one-time deposit of $400 up front).

Your appointment is only confirmed after I receive your deposit.

For rescheduling, the initial deposit will be honored once if contacted 1 week prior to your appointment time. You must reschedule within 72 hours of your original appointment time to a new date.

For any cancellations, the deposit is non-refundable.

So it's been at least 4 weeks since your appointment—awesome! Please email me with a few current photos of your tattoo so we can get you scheduled.

For Illinois clients, I offer 1 free touch-up within 6 months of the appointment date. For out of state clients, the period is extended to 12 months. After the free period, every touch-up is $50.

Tattoos placed on the hand / feet / neck are not included. Because these are considered high-movement areas and have thinner skin, you will probably have to get it touched up at least once. Tattoos in those areas are $50 per touch-up.

My rate is $200/hr with a $250 minimum.

At the appointment, I can accept Zelle or cash.

This really depends on the design, size, and placement. Generally, my tattoos are about 2–4 hrs.

Tips are not expected, but always appreciated!

Yes, I do work with budgets—they do have to meet my minimum of $250. This doesn't mean that your tattoo will be at a discount, but rather at a more simplified design that fits your budget.

I own and operate Magpie Ink Studio in Bucktown, at 1913 N Milwaukee Ave. We keep our door locked for security reasons, so please knock or email me when you get to the studio.

Due to space limitations, Magpie does not allow guests without appointments. There are a few coffee shops around the studio, such as Oromo Cafe, Ipsento 606 (open until late), Thrd Coffee, etc.

1. Eat a good meal. Getting tattooed lowers your blood sugar, which can cause people to pass out. The more carbs and sugar, the better.

2. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of.

3. Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol thins your blood and therefore you will bleed more during the tattoo process.

4. Moisturize. Keep the area moisturized at least 7 days prior to your appointment.

5. Wear appropriate clothing. I need to be able to access whatever location the tattoo is in.

Tips are not expected, but always appreciated!

Yes. If you decide to do so, please let me know beforehand. I recommend either Zensa or Madrabbit.

Large projects like these are done in 2 or more appointments. It is entirely up to you if you'd like to schedule all of them at once or schedule them as we go. There needs to be at least 4 weeks in between each appointment.

Absolutely! The most time you can book in a single appointment is 8hrs.

Absolutely, I love creating matching tattoos! One of you will go first while the other waits.

That is possible. However, we can only allow 2 clients in at a time. So your group will have to take turns being in the studio.

Yes, I do. Please note that these are priced at my regular rate of $200/hr since the original work is not mine.

Generally, yes. Please let me know more about it through my booking form so we can discuss further.

Days 1-3: Try to keep the clear bandage (second skin) on for 3 days. Avoid alcohol, intense exercise, pressure on tattoo, and water submersion.

Day 4: Take off your bandage like a command strip by slowly pulling and lifting it off. Wash gently with unscented soap and warm water, then moisturize your tattoo with unscented lotion (ie. Aveeno, Aquaphor, raw shea butter).

Days 5-14: Continue to keep your tattoo clean & moisturize it twice a day until the healing process is done. Don't pick at scabs or submerge in water.

Days 15-30: Keep moisturizing as healing completes. Continue avoiding picking and water submersion.

Final stage: Once it's fully healed, you can continue with your usual skincare products. Don't forget to apply SPF to your tattoo to ensure longevity.