FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • I work at TWO different tattoo studios:

    PUCHICA STUDIO
    810 S Atlantic Blvd
    Monterey Park, CA 91754

    Puchica is a Queer POC owned private studio located in East LA with a focus to ensure a safe space for both clients and artists, free from judgement in all forms.

    MONNA LISSA
    10929 Weyburn Ave 3rd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90024

    Monna Lissa is owned by Sergey Shanko and Antonina Malenkaya and is located in Westwood Village, right by UCLA. It has a beautiful and welcoming open space layout, as well as elevator access and a wheelchair accessible entrance.

  • Each shop has its differences and benefits! Here's a few:

    • They are on complete opposite sides of town, which allows me to cater to different areas of LA.

    • Puchica is a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people. All our artists are either female or nonbinary and it's a cozy and non-intimidating environment.

    • Monna Lissa is a very big studio space shared by amazingly talented artists. It is located right next to UCLA and many shops and restaurants

    • They have very different vibes but are both studios I love working at!

  • Both locations are accessible spaces. Puchica is on the ground level and Monna Lissa has elevator access and a wheelchair accessible entrance.

    Both locations only have street parking, so a close spot to the shop cannot be guaranteed.

    The client chairs at both shops are adjustable for added comfort and have a weight capacity of 400 lbs

    If you need to bring someone with you to ensure that your experience is accessible, please let me know! We will do everything we can to accommodate.

  • At Puchica it is street parking only. There usually are plenty of spots along Atlantic Blv but please arrive to your appointment with enough time to find a parking spot.

    At Monna Lissa there is paid metered parking and paid lots/ garages.

LOCATION

  • The shop minimum is $150.

    My hourly rate is $150 for bigger pieces. For smaller pieces, I charge based on the design.

  • I cannot quote you for a tattoo without knowing several details, this is why I have a booking form that asks very specific questions. Only after this step, am I able to give an estimate.

    Also, if you are working within a budget, we can try to figure out how to work within that. Either by splitting up the tattoo into smaller sessions or by simplifying the details in the design.

  • Yes. To secure your appointment, a non-refundable deposit per design (in case you're getting multiple) is required.

    I will send you the deposit info once we've talked via email and have settled on a date together.

    The deposit is $75 per flash design, and anywhere between $100 to $150 for customs depending on complexity, how long it will take me to draw the design, etc.

    The deposit will go towards the final cost of your tattoo. Rescheduling is allowed and deposits can be transferred to another appointment date as long as the deposit is not subject to forfeit.

    For multi-session tattoos, the deposit will be held as payment towards the last session of the tattoo.

    Deposits will be forfeited if any of the following occur:

    - If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours notice.

    - If you reschedule an appointment more than twice.

    - If you arrive for your appointment intoxicated or without valid ID and cannot be tattooed.

    - If more than 6 months pass without communication or attempt to schedule.

    - If you make major changes to your tattoo idea, concept, design, etc. where I have to redraw the design, the deposit will then go towards a re-draw fee. This doesn’t apply to minor adjustments that can be done quickly during your session.

    For flash designs: Anything you want to add/ change should be discussed via email before your appointment. If I have to add/ change major elements of a design because I wasn’t told beforehand, that will cost extra since it will take up time I didn't allot for, and can cause me to have to push back other appointments in the day.

    - If you decide not to get tattooed.

  • Tipping is never expected and always appreciated!

    The hours you see me working are only a fraction of the time I spend actually working for you, from our email conversations, to research, to design, and all of the admin as well.

  • I currently accept cash (preferred), venmo or paypal. I do NOT have Zelle. Please use random emojis when making a venmo or paypal payment as the description. Do not write “tattoo” in the description.

    I also accept card payments, but there is an additional 3% fee for this type of transaction.

    If you are paying in cash, we do not offer change and there is no ATM in the vicinity of the shop, so have your cash ready before you get to your appointment.

  • Yes, absolutely! That is an extremely kind gesture that is always deeply appreciated.

    In regards to food/ drinks:

    • I do not have dietary restrictions/ allergies

    • I like/ eat everything. I am the opposite of a picky eater.

    • For drink orders: I don't drink much coffee, I prefer tea or decaf coffee, with a milk alternative (like almond milk)

PAYMENT

  • They never close!

    I might take longer to reply if I have a bigger influx of e-mails at any given time, but I will always accept new inquiries.

  • No. I specialize in a few, and am open to doing new things, but there are certain styles that I just won't do.

    Most notably: tribal, mandalas, Japanese traditional, Maori, to name a few.
    And basically anything that has deep cultural significance and meaning. These styles take years to study and master, and have a rich symbology that I do not feel comfortable replicating just for the sake of aesthetics.
    I have deep respect for the traditional tattoo practices of other countries and do not want to be culturally insensitive towards them.

    I also do not tattoo certain subject matters unless the client has a personal connection to the culture it is from (ex: Dia de los Muertos skulls)

    Please take time to look at my work beforehand to make sure I am the right artist for you.

  • Short answer: no.

    Long answer:

    When doing a custom tattoo, I discuss the design thoroughly via email (after a deposit is paid), then I send a very rough sketch to get approval on the different elements, positioning, etc. before drawing up the design. Once I get approval, I proceed with the design and I may or may not send a 2nd sketch if I have any questions regarding specific elements.

    I do not send the final design before the session, but I allot time at the start of our session to go over the design together and make any small adjustments you might want with you there at the shop.

    If you want the design completely redone, or with major changes, you might have to reschedule your appointment for another day, as I might not have time to redraw and tattoo you in the same day.

    If you really would like to see the design before your session, you may come to the shop and see it in person on a date/ time I am there. You are not allowed to photograph or record the design.

    If you see it and decide you do not want to get the design tattooed on you, it is well within your right. You should never feel pressured to get something you don't want.

    Unfortunately most tattoo artists don't show the finished design before the session because they've experienced either people taking that design and going somewhere else to get it tattooed, or the client showing it to their friends & family and everyone making suggestions/ changes that the client wouldn't have wanted otherwise.

    (Example: I personally have had a client who was going to get a flash design from me, but her mother said she should get a different flash design, so she gave in to what her mother thought instead of what she personally wanted)

    If you are worried about my ability to create a design that you like, please look at my work and consider if I am the right artist for you.

  • I prefer to do all my communication via email, but in certain cases like bigger projects (full sleeve, back piece, etc) or very complex designs, we can arrange for a consultation via zoom.

    An in person consultation can be possible on a case by case basis.

  • Please wait at least one month before requesting a touch-up.

    I offer one free touch-up within 1 year from when you got the tattoo. Except for touch-up work needed as a result of negligent aftercare of the tattoo.

    I take a $50 deposit for booking the touch-up, which is refunded to you when you show up to your appointment.
    My usual deposit policy applies for touch-ups as well.

    
If you plan on getting another tattoo from me in the near future, I would highly recommend waiting then to get the touch-up so that we can be mindful of the materials and the waste it produces.

    If you need a touch up, please email me with the subject “touch-up” and include your availability as well as a healed photo.

  • Yes, but on a case by case basis.

    After seeing a clear photo of the tattoo, I will be able to judge if it's something I feel comfortable working on.

TATTOOS

  • Please take the time to read my Tattoo Prep page.

    On the day, I can walk you through the process and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

    Here's a breakdown of how a session goes:

    Once you arrive, you will sit in the waiting area and I will bring my ipad over so we can discuss the design, size, and placement together.

    I generally print out the stencil in a couple of different sizes so we can see what looks best.

    I will shave the area of the tattoo and apply the stencil. While the stencil dries, I finish setting up my station.

    At ANY POINT before the tattoo starts, you can request to change the placement and size of the stencil. If you're not 100% in love, don't be afraid to speak out. We can re-apply the stencil as many times as needed.

    Once it is dry and I am set up, you will either lay down or sit however is needed for the application.

    If you need to adjust or move, don’t hesitate to ask! I want you to be as comfortable as possible during your session. I will be open with what I need from you, and might have to adjust you throughout the session, so feel free to communicate your needs as well.

    Once the tattoo is done, I will take pictures and video and wrap it up. I use a bandage similar to Second Skin, Saniderm, Tegaderm, etc. to bandage your tattoo. If you are sensitive to adhesives, have had a bad reaction to those bandages before or just want a regular bandage, I will wrap you in plastic wrap the “old school” way.

  • Absolutely. Life happens and sometimes rescheduling is inevitable.

    However, if you would like to keep your deposit, you must do so with at least 48 hours notice!

    Note: if you no-show, you will not be able to book any further appointments with me, or commission any design work.

  • I won't be offended! Just please let me know instead of just ghosting my emails!

    When people don't reply, I usually follow up through other means like text messages, etc. to make sure they saw my email.

    It takes additional time out of my day, so please be considerate and DON'T GHOST!

APPOINTMENT