FAQ
Where is the studio located?
The Black Mark is located at 57 High Street, Northcote in Melbourne. There is all day parking alongside the shop.
Will I see the design prior to my appointment?
Clients can expect to receive a rough draft the evening prior to their appointment. This draft will include the main elements of the design and a foundational colour scheme. Once the client has reviewed the design, any necessary modifications will be applied and the design will be finalised and completed for the next day.
Prior to your appointment:
Don’t forget your ID!
Please make sure you eat within two hours of your appointment. We also recommend bringing some lollies and a drink to have during your session.
Do not consume alcohol 24 hours before your appointment.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area receiving the tattoo. Also bear in mind that some pigment may end up on your clothing, so please wear something you don’t mind possibly getting stained. If you are prone to getting cold, feel free to bring a small blanket to use during your appointment.
Please bring comfortable headphones to your appointment. Tablets and phones displaying movies can be helpful distractions during long sessions.
Avoid any direct sunlight to the area of your tattoo for at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Should you arrive at your appointment displaying any sunburn to the area being tattooed, your appointment will be cancelled/transferred, and your deposit will be forfeit.
Please DO NOT apply any numbing agents without discussing it with me prior to your appointment. I only allow my clients to use one brand, and if you turn up to your appointment wearing a cream that I haven’t pre approved, your appointment will be cancelled and your deposit will be forfeit. If you wish to rebook, a new deposit will be required.
How to care for your new tattoo:
Before touching the tattoo, please sanitise your hands. Fresh tattoos should be treated with the utmost care, as they considered to be an open wound.
After the tattoo session has been completed, your fresh tattoo will be covered with some balm and cling film. After one to two hours, remove the cling film. Gently remove the excess ink and blood with your hands, under warm (not too warm!) soapy water. A gentle antibacterial soap (eg dettol handwash) or a tattoo specific wash is recommended, please do not use bar soap as it can contaminate a dry out the fresh tattoo. Do not use any wash cloths or loofas, as they are abrasive and can harbour bacteria. Rinse the tattoo thoroughly, and pat down with a clean cloth, or fresh paper towel.
Let the tattoo further dry thoroughly, until it starts to feel tight and dry (approximately 30 minutes). Apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare balm or cream to the tattoo, and rub it in gently like a moisturiser, to achieve a very light sheen. Do not over-cream your tattoo!
Reapply the cream 3 - 4 times a day, for the next 2 weeks. It is good to rewash the tattoo as described 2 - 3 times daily, at least until the peeling stage. After the peeling stage, cream can start to be applied without rewashing.
For the next two weeks or until the tattoo is completely healed, no pools, baths, spas, ocean, chlorine or soaking the tattoo of any kind. Avoiding working out, or activities that cause excessive sweating.
It is normal for the tattoo to peel, several times during the initial healing period. Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo during this process. You may cause ink to drop out, or can risk infection. If your tattoo is extremely itchy, rewashing and applying cream may help.
Always wear clean clothes over your new tattoo. Avoid close fitting clothes that rub on the tattoo during the healing process.
Please avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo until it is fully healed. Once the tattoo is fully healed, please apply sunscreen and moisturiser regularly to the area. This will keep your tattoo looking fresh and bright for much longer.
After the first two weeks, your tattoo will still take time to fully heal and settle. Full healing of the tattoo usually takes around 6 weeks. Vitamin C and zinc can help speed up the healing of your tattoo.
Please follow all instructions provided carefully, to avoid a poor heal of your tattoo, or an infection. If you experience what you feel is not part of the normal healing process, please contact me immediately.