FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Appointments
Please familiarise yourself with the info below before sending an appointment request.
We have updated our policies in line with the current Covid-19 pandemic.
- If your appointment is impacted by a Covid-19 related lockdown or travel restriction, we will reschedule to a suitable time. As government announcements often give little notice, you will not lose your deposit if you need to reschedule within the usual 1 week cut off. If there is no suitable time to reschedule your deposit will be refunded to you.
- We ask that you do not attend the appointment if you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms and we will reschedule upon receipt of negative test confirmation.
- If you have been told to isolate and need to reschedule your appointment, you will not lose your deposit. We will reschedule for a suitable time.
- We ask that you come alone to your appointment. If there has been a mask mandate put in place we ask that you bring a mask and wear it for the duration of the appointment. If you do not have a mask, one will be supplied for you. We ask that you check in on the displayed QR code and sanitise your hands upon arrival. Ellie will wear a mask whenever mandatory and is happy to wear one at any time if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Bookings are taken 3 months in advance and your preferred date cannot be guaranteed so a second option is required. Neither date is guaranteed but I will do our best to accomodate you at a convenient time.
Usual working days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with appointments at 10am and 1pm.
Appointments are not available after 6pm. Limited weekend appointments are occasionally available if you cannot make it during the week, please add this to your enquiry so I can try to accomodate.
Tattoos that are completed in one session are priced per piece. The average cost of a tattoo that takes 2-3 hours is around $600-900.
Larger pieces that take multiple sessions are charged an hourly rate. All pricing which will be discussed with you at the time of booking.
Payment can be made via Bank transfer or Cash. I usually do not accept Credit Card payments but that can be arranged for you if needed.
You will see your design on the day of your booking. Please ensure you only book in if you are 100% sure about the tattoo you want.
Artistic freedom is always appreciated. If you are unhappy with the design small changes can be made on the day, time permitting. If major changes are needed the appointment will be rescheduled and a new deposit will be required.
Usually consults are not necessary but if you prefer a consult can be scheduled before your appointment to discuss design.
Yes, deposits are $100 and are non-refundable under any circumstances. This $100 will go towards the total cost of your tattoo and must be paid within 48 hours of securing your booking.
Any date/time changes within one week of your appointment will incur a loss of deposit and another deposit will be required to make a new booking.
Any cancellations will incur a loss of deposit and you will need to pay a new one if you want to book another appointment in the future.
You are permitted one date change as long as more than one week’s notice is provided. Further date changes will incur a loss of deposit. Your deposit and drawing fee valid for 6 months from the original booking date.
If you are running more than 30 minutes late to your appointment, your appointment may be cancelled or deposit forfeit.
Ellie is not currently charging a drawing fee. The equivalent of a drawing fee is absorbed into the final price of the tattoo, to cover time spent preparing the design.
Not every tattoo idea will get an appointment. Appointments are taken based on design preference. You will be notified if your tattoo is not something I am able to do and I will endeavour to steer you in the direction of other artists who can help you.
Unfortunately as there is not always enough time to tattoo everybody during each booking cycle, there can be people who do not get an appointment.
If you are asking for something similar to my recent work and are open to input and creative freedom, you will be more likely to get an appointment. Books usually remain open for one week to ensure everyone has a chance to submit an appointment request. Appointments are not taken on a ‘first in, first served’ basis.
Due to the high volume of emails, occasionally emails get lost or mixed up and may not recieve a response.
I aim to reply to every email, even if it is a tattoo that I cannot do. If you have not received a reply after 4 weeks you are welcome to follow up with another email to info@ellietattoo.com
It takes 2-4 weeks to complete the admin and reply to all emails for a booking period. Appointments are offered out in phases and it takes time to get responses and confirmations. Your patience during this time is appreciated.
If you have emailed requesting an appointment when books are closed you may not get a reply. Any appointment openings will be posted on Instagram.
Every artist has a different opinion and method when it comes to tattoo aftercare. There are a few common methods: wet healing with cling film, wet healing with a second skin dressing and dry healing.
We recommend the following:
- If your tattoo has been dressed with cling film, keep it covered for 3 hours after your tattoo.
- Remove cling film and clean thoroughly with anti septic soap (eg. Detol hand wash) in warm water (doing this in the shower is usually easiest). Excess ink and plasma can get a bit stuck on the tattoo so make a lather with the soap and softly rub the tattoo to clean it all off.
- Pat dry with paper towel or a clean towel.
- Allow to air dry for 20-30 minutes. Do not let anyone or anything touch the tattoo.
- Apply a very small amount of Bepanthem First Aid cream (At this stage, any creams without anti septic ingredients e.g. paw paw are not recommended)
- Re-apply glad wrap to cover tattoo overnight. Tape down edges if required. Medical Micropore tape is best for sensitive skin.
- Re-applying glad wrap protects the tattoo and your sheets and clothing. During the first 24 hours the tattoo will expel excess ink, cream and plasma and this can ruin sheets and clothing. The tattoo is a raw wound at this stage and needs to be protected from bacteria.
- Repeat this process of cleaning, applying cream and wrapping three times each day for the first 3 days. The dressing traps anything that oozes out of the tattoo and allows you to clean it off, rather than it drying and forming a scab.
- If your skin around the tattoo gets red or itchy while covered you can opt for a ‘dry healing’ method and simply clean and apply cream 3 times per day. This form of healing can mean you get more scabbing and a slightly slower healing time. Do not pick your scabs. Ensure you are wearing clean loose clothing.
- If you have had Opsite or a similar second skin dressing applied you may leave it on for up to 3 days. Be sure to remove the dressing slowly in the shower to soften the adhesive and avoid it sticking to your skin. You will see lots of liquid under the dressing that will slowly dissipate. This is normal and expected. If the dressing has a small leak you can clean up and re-seal with tape. If the dressing ruptures or peels off, remove dressing, clean tattoo and replace with cling film and follow the above cling film healing instructions.
If you wish to reapply the dressing you can purchase Opsite from a chemist. Ensure when applying that you have clean hands, create a 3cm border around the tattoo and leave a 3cm overlap if using multiple pieces.
If you have allergies or sensitivities to elastoplast you should not opt for a second skin dressing. If you notice pain or welting around your tattoo remove dressing straight away and follow the glad wrap healing methods. Reactions to adhesive can happen but calm down in a few days. - After 2-3 days you no longer need to cover your tattoo.
- If you have Fixomol dressing applied to your tattoo you can leave it on for up to 6 days. Wash the dressing when showering and pat dry. After 5-6 days slowly remove the dressing and routinely apply a plain moisturiser to the tattoo.
- The tattoo will begin to dry and flake.
- Continue to clean and apply cream 3 times per day for 7 days.
- You may swap Bepanthem cream for a natural ointment or moisturiser after 3-5 days, once the tattoo feels like its sealed and no longer ‘raw’.
- The tattoo will itch during healing, this is normal. Do not scratch with your nails, you can lightly tap the tattoo for relief.
- The tattoo should be fully healed from 2 weeks – 1 month and can remain dry and shiny for a few months.
Important things to remember during healing:
- Avoid strenuous exercise during first 5 days. If you sweat, clean thoroughly as soon as possible.
- Avoid contact with any surfaces, animals, dirty sheets or clothing during first 5 days.
- The tattoo may look red, swollen and be painful for the first few days. This is normal.
- If you experience excessive pain, redness, swelling, lesions, pimples or discolouration after 3-5 days you may need to consult a doctor. Bacteria can easily get into a fresh tattoo and cause an infection. This can be easily prevented by following above aftercare instructions. We assure you that all precautions are taken so that you will not come into contact with bacteria while getting tattooed but we cannot control what happens when you leave the studio. If you have an infected tattoo a doctor can prescribe antibiotics and steroid creams which will fix it within a few days. You can combine this with thoroughly cleaning with Detol Anti-septic wash and further application of Bepanthem First Aid cream. Sometimes the tattoo can require a touch up afterwards if there are issues when healing, this is normal and complimentary.
- You can shower as usual with a fresh tattoo. It will feel like sunburnt skin under the water, avoid long showers and soaking the tattoo. If you have a second skin dressing you should avoid water on the area. If water gets into the dressing you must remove dressing and clean the tattoo.
- Avoid swimming pools, spas or the beach for 2 weeks after getting a tattoo.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun for 1 month after getting tattooed. Always apply sunscreen for the life of the tattoo.
- Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo while it is healing. This can cause scarring.
- Maintain a healthy diet and sleep pattern during healing time. If you drink alcohol, smoke, eat badly and don’t get enough sleep you may heal slower and be prone to difficulties while healing.
- Once the tattoo is fully healed it is totally normal to see areas that may need touching up. We offer one free touch up within 6 months of your initial appointment. You need to let the tattoo heal for at least 1 month before booking in for a touch up.
- Some areas are more prone to touch ups – like fingers, hands and feet. You may have one free touch up on these areas but more may be required. Rather than pay for a second touch up we suggest having it touched up when you book in for your text tattoo, this shouldn’t incur any extra cost.
No, I only draw tattoos for clients that are booked in to be tattooed by me. Theses drawings will be available to you on the day of your booking.
Unfortunately if you live overseas or are unable to make an appointment, I cannot draw something for you.
You are more than welcome to use my work for reference but please always make sure to create something new and unique and do not copy tattoos by myself, or any other artist.
No. Under no circumstances will I tattoo you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Regardless of any research you have done or your personal opinion.
When getting tattooed you are putting yourself at risk of infection, stress, lowered immune system, reaction to inks etc. In rare circumstances, this can lead to the need for antibiotics, steroids and other medications which may not be safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Despite the very small chance of any problems, it is not worth putting body under unnecessary pressure while pregnant or breastfeeding.
No, I strictly only tattoo people who are 18 years or older.
To prepare for your appointment we suggest:
- Eat a large, nutritious meal before coming in. DO NOT come in for an appointment without eating.
- Avoid coffee before and during your appointment.
- You may take/bring Neurophen or other anti inflammatory pain killers to help with pain and swelling.
- Bring sugary drinks, water, lollies and snacks. Sugary drinks and snacks are very helpful to raise your blood sugar while getting tattooed. This reduces risk of dizziness, nausea and fainting.
- Stay hydrated and drink lots of water the night before your appointment.
- Audiobooks and music are a great distraction, bring your phone and some headphones.
- DO NOT come in for your tattoo under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that you wouldn’t mind staining – your clothing around the tattoo may get ink or blood stains.
- Allow plenty of time for your appointment.
- Numbing cream is not recommended, it works well for up to 30 minutes then usually wears off and makes the tattoo more painful and uncomfortable. It can also be very expensive. However, if you have used creams before and have found on that works for you, you may use it. But you do so at your own risk and are responsible for any aftercare issues you may have as a result of using numbing cream.
It is our studio policy that you do not bring anyone with you to your appointment.
I prefer the appointment to be a one on one experience with the customer and tattoo artist. The space I work in is small and there is no room for a support person to wait inside. It is also very boring to wait around while your friend/partner/family member gets tattooed.
We offer a quiet, intimate space and for all the artists to do their best work and we ask that you respect this policy.
If you have a legitimate need (mental health, medical reasons etc) to bring a support person please discuss with me prior.
Tattoos
I design custom pieces for each individual person and will never tattoo the same thing twice.
Please do not ask for a replica of a design that you have found online. Reference pictures are welcomed but a design will always be redrawn and altered to make it unique.
You may feel like you want ‘exactly that tattoo’ that you saw online. But when you see other people with the same tattoo as you, you will regret it. Its always best to work with an artist you like, discuss the design and come up with something unique that means something to you.
This depends on the size, colour, intricacy and location of each design.
A rough idea of how long the tattoo will take can be given to you when you book your appointment. Usually appointments are no long than 4 hours.
Tattooing has many variables to make sure you have plenty of time on the day of your appointment.
I love re-working and fixing up old tattoos! Coverups and re-works are considered case by case, I will take on a job if I think it’s something I can confidently do.
Laser tattoo removal is a great way to lighten unwanted tattoos before covering. This gives you more freedom with what you can cover your tattoo with. I recommend the follow laser removal clinics:
LOCATION
I tattoo at Hand In Hand Tattoo in Rozelle, NSW
I am not planning any guest spots for the foreseeable future. With two small kids it is hard to find the time. Hopefully within the next year or two I can resume travel and organise some guest spots. Keep an eye on Instagram for updates.
I only accept correspondence through the website contact form and only during times when books are open.
Unfortunately I don’t have time to answer questions about tattoos unless it is a booking enquiry. This FAQ page should answer any questions you may have. If you need help with something that is not covered please fill out the form on my Contact page.