Question 1

How old do I have to be to get a tattoo from you?

Accepted Answer

You must be 18 or older. I will not tattoo anyone under 18, period.

Question 2

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Next Wave Tattoo, 855 W. University Dr. #4 Mesa AZ 85201

Question 3

Will you send me the design before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

I draw a simple, outline only sketch for your design which you get to see only at the appointment. From that point we discuss and make changes to the design until both parties are happy. After a decade tattooing I've found this to be the most efficient way to design pieces. I do not draw anything before your appointment nor will I send you any design beforehand. If you feel you need to see a design before the appointment in order to be able to commit to it, I understand, but I will not be doing that for you, and I personally know no active tattooers who provide that type of service. *To clarify: this does not mean you need to find someone else to design it for you, I design the tattoo with you, at your appointment, from the basic outline only design I've mocked up: YES you can make changes, YES you get input, YES you will have your questions answered, YES your feelings will get heard and will be respected. This is how every single one of my tattoos you've ever seen has been made, if that process doesn't work for you that's fine but please don't reach out to ask me repeatedly to go against these practices, because they're the correct ones.

Question 4

When will you be accepting new appointments?

Accepted Answer

I currently am.

Question 5

Do you have a cancellation list?

Accepted Answer

I do for returning clients, pretty much everyone's on it so it's no guarantee. Please keep in mind short notice cancellations are posted on my Instagram account and go to whoever is first to respond with a piece that fits the time slot.

Question 6

What is your booking process like?

Accepted Answer

I always do my absolute best to reply to all new tattoo submissions in 72 hours, even if I am ultimately turning down the request, and will generally recommend local artists who may be a better fit for the type of design you hope to get, as I want everyone to get the best possible piece. The 72 hours is not cause I'm some ego driven big deal Rockstar tattooer, but because when it's your turn to get scheduled you'll also want 3 days to organize child care, request to take time off work, etc. I can't instantly offer you a date, because we live in 2024 and there's a lot that goes into running 1 on 1 businesses.

I will reply via email with deposit and scheduling information. For each appointment I require a deposit of $50-$200 depending on the length of time the piece will take to complete. Deposits are non-refundable and go towards the total cost of the tattoo. I allow 1 reschedule at least 48 hours in advance with no issue, but a 2nd client attempted reschedule will require a new deposit.  Deposits are payable via PayPal or Venmo. Once we work together to determine a date and time for your appointment I will provide deposit instructions.

Question 7

Do you require a deposit to schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

For each appointment I require a deposit of $50-$200 depending on the length of time the piece will take to complete. Deposits are non-refundable and go towards the total cost of the tattoo. Deposits are payable via PayPal or Venmo.

Question 8

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

I typically determine the price based on the specific piece and it's fully discussed with you why before the tattoo there's no surprises. I charge 140$ an hour, 4 hour blocks for 500$, or 8 hour blocks for 900$. This pricing is for actual tattoo time.

Question 9

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Payments made at your appointment can be done via cash, PayPal, Cash App, Zelle, or Venmo, credit or debit

Question 10

Can I schedule an in-person consultation with you to discuss my tattoo idea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can either email me directly at sktattoosaz@gmail.com or fill out the econsult form and just mention you also want an in person consult

Question 11

Can I change my mind about a design after I've scheduled an appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you have any design changes that you'd like made before your appointment, please let me know via email as soon as possible, and no later than 48 hours before your appointment. I can usually accommodate changes, but if it significantly affects the length of time the piece would take, or I'm notified too close to your appointment date, you may be required to reschedule and/or adjust your appointment and deposit amount. To clarify,  occasionally a client will book a 4 hour window for a large piece, show the day of the appointment and say they are not ready for the commitment and now want a 30 minute tattoo. While I understand it's 'your body and it's on you forever', it needs to be respected that this client has now blocked me from 3 hours of income, and if I'm informed ahead of time I can get other clients in, but not without reasonable notice.  Please be 100% sure of what you want, where on you and how large before booking a piece.

Question 12

What if I don't show to my tattoo/touch up/consult appointment?

Accepted Answer

Then I am no longer going to work with you, and you forfeit all associated deposits. I respect you, your time and money by setting aside time from my business and putting it on my calendar, and I expect you to do the same.

Question 13

What is your price minimum?

Accepted Answer

$80

Question 14

Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

You may reschedule your appointment no later than 48 hours before your scheduled date and time, via email only. Your deposit will be transferred to your new appointment, but after your first reschedule you will be required to pay a new deposit for each subsequent reschedule.
 
Reschedules within 48 hours of your scheduled date and time will require a new deposit, and cancellations will result in the loss of your deposit.

Question 15

Do you use or recommend the use of numbing creams?

Accepted Answer

I do not personally use any numbing creams during the tattoo application process. I am not fully opposed to you using a numbing cream, however it is up to you to research and purchase the product yourself and hold yourself responsible for any related tattoo issues. I would recommend testing any product you select well before your appointment to be sure it won't cause any skin irritation. There is a general belief that numbing creams tend to make tattoos heal more washed out or anemic in appearance and I find that notion to line up with my own experiences, so no I do not recommend using numbing creams.

Question 16

Do you allow guests to accompany me to my tattoo appointment?

Accepted Answer

You are allowed 1, and only 1 guest in the station, and if this person proves to be a hindrance to the process they may be asked to change this behavior or to vacate. For instance please don't bring your mom if she's against you getting the tattoo or wants it smaller, we want positivity in our process, not a 3rd wheel who's bringing stress and unneeded opinions. If they are cool and reasonably behaved by our modern adults in public standards, things should go great. But please keep in mind, tattooing is a long and boring process to watch as an observer, it's exciting for about 5 minutes and then its very much like watching a man you've never met draw something you cant see for hours. So if the person you want with you is any less than all on board with what's happening, and has a book to read or hobby, you can always handle this stuff alone. You've come this far haven't ya?

Question 17

What do you recommend for tattoo aftercare?

Accepted Answer

After removing the wrap I recommend using a mild, non-scented soap such as Dial Gold Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, and a mild, non-scented lotion such as Lubriderm. Wash with soap once a day and apply lotion 2-3 times per day, using only a very thin layer and gently working it into the skin, wiping away any excess. The ideal skin condition should be not so dry that it cracks but not so moisturized that it's excessively slimy or shiny.
 
Continue this process for about 2 weeks, and avoid putting any other products directly on your tattoo, including makeup or sun screen. Avoid swimming or soaking your tattoo in any way. Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo. Wear proper attire when working out to avoid contact with gym equipment. Don't pick at or scratch your tattoo during the healing process, as it will lengthen the healing time, increase the chance of scarring, and potentially introduce infection.
 
If you have any specific questions after your tattoo, don't hesitate to email me.

Sean Killeffer

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