Frequently Asked Questions

general

  • Saint Ember offers appointments most Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM-5PM EST. Please visit the booking page for all upcoming availability.

  • Yes, we accept all major credit cards, cash or Venmo payments. A partial deposit is required to book your appointment. Remaining balance is due at end of your appointment.

  • Yes, your deposit goes towards the overall cost of the tattoo(s).

    All deposits are non-refundable. All deposits are able to be transferred once to a new date if a schedule conflict occurs or for medical purposes.

  • No, you must be at least 18 years of age at the time of your appointment. ID will be required at appointment check-in.

  • Tattoos require a NON-REFUNDABLE/NON-TRANSFERRABLE deposit upon booking. This deposit will go towards the cost of your appointment. If you cancel your appointment within 24 hours before it is scheduled, you will be charged a penalty fee of 100% of the starting cost of your service. No same day rescheduling or rebooking permitted.

  • Pennsylvania is one of the states in the US that does not require tattoo artists to obtain a license in order to operate. However, Saint Ember Ink has completed the following trainings as part of ongoing professional development:

    Additionally, Saint Ember Ink has a current OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Certification (ID: NOF-1769359746-3512-53817).

tattoos

  • Follow these guidelines to prooperly prepare for your tattoo appointment:

    • Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water before your appointment.

    • Keep your skin moisturized. Hydrated skin tends to tattoo easier.

    • Get some sleep. Have a restful night before your appointment.

    • Eat before your appointment.

    • Dress the part. Be comfortable, and wear loose clothing that won’t rub on the tattoo after the appointment.

    If you have questions about what to expect from the tattoo process, please reach out via Instagram DM or email.

  • No, at this time I do not do cover up tattoos. Touchups of existing tattoos are done on a case-by-case basis. Approval is required before booking any cover up appointment.

  • Sometimes fineline tattoos require minimal touchups after the initial appointment. If you think you need a touchup, please reach out via Instagram DM or email and send a photo of your tattoo.

    A complimentary touchup is offered within three months of the initial appointment. Touchups after the three month period will incur a $20 supplies charge. You must wait at least four weeks before a tattoo is fully healed and able to be touched up.

  • Creating a tattoo is a collaborative process, and I’ve designed my workflow to make the experience as smooth, intentional, and stress-free as possible — both for you and for me.

    1. Booking + Design Info

    When you book your appointment, you’ll fill out a comprehensive form that captures everything I need to prepare: your ID and contact information, personal details, and your tattoo concept with any reference photos or inspiration materials.

    If you’d like extra guidance or are planning a more complex piece, you can also book a 30-minute virtual consultation before your tattoo appointment. During this session, we’ll discuss your ideas, refine your concept, and review placement options. Consultations are scheduled separately and cannot be booked on the same day as your tattoo session.

    This detailed process ensures we avoid spending time on logistics the day of your appointment — so we can focus entirely on tattooing.

    2. Design Delivery

    Designs are sent to you the week of your appointment using the contact information provided in your booking form. These are based on the materials you submit during booking — so the more thoughtful and complete your references, the better!

    You’ll have the opportunity to review the design and work with me that same week to finalize it. Edits or changes can be made during this time, and all designs are finalized prior to your arrival for the appointment.

    3. Sizing + Placement

    On the day of your appointment, I’ll have multiple size options printed within your selected size range (small, medium, or large). This allows us to test different placements and make sure the tattoo fits your body in the most flattering and intentional way.

    We can print additional sizes if needed — but please note that design changes are not budgeted into the appointment time, so any last-minute edits to the artwork itself may require a reschedule.

  • I generally do not recommend using numbing cream, as it can affect how the skin reacts during the tattoo process and may impact the final result. Most clients find the discomfort manageable, especially for smaller pieces. If you feel you absolutely need it, please contact me first—only certain products are safe, and I need to approve them in advance. Numbing cream must be applied before arrival, and I do not apply it in-studio.

aftercare

  • Keep your bandage on for at least 24 hours and up to five days.

    After the bandage comes off, start your aftercare:

    • Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before cleaning or touching your tattoo.

    • Remove bandage and gently wash tattoo area with lukewarm water and fragrance free antibacterial liquid soap. Pat dry.

    • When dry, apply a thin layer of ointment. Do not re-bandage.

    • Continue to gently cleanse and apply a thin layer of ointment at least 2 times per day until tattoo is fully healed.

    Tattoo should be completely healed in 3-4 weeks. Avoid sun exposure and do not soak tattoo in water (pools and baths). If your tattoo scabs, never pick, scratch or peel it.