FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: I want to get tattooed by you. How do I proceed, and how long will I have to wait?
A: I will always gladly accept new clients; my books will never close.
Please use the contact form to let me know what you're interested in having done.
You’ll receive a response with specific questions to sort out the details of what you would like. You’ll then be able to send any reference materialideas. If you are sending images, please use JPEG or PDF formats only.
I work by appointment only, Sunday through Wednesday, from 10am-5pm. I am generally booked a few months in advance. Appointment slots are 1 hour minimum, 3 hours maximum. I understand that folks would like to get tattooed for 5+ hours in a sitting, but I’ve learned over the years that most clients start feeling "over it" at 3-ish hours.
Emails are always answered in the order in which they are received. There can be a few day delay in response due to the amount of email I receive, and bookings that are in progress of being scheduled. Please keep all correspondence in one email chain so that I can easily find details about your tattoo.
What are your rates?
My hourly rate is 225 for any tattoos that are not on scars/coverups/reworks.
Hourly rate for scars and coverups/reworks is 250.
Q: Why are you booked so far in advance? Do you have a cancellation list?
A: I’m popular with folks who appreciate attention to detail. I do my best to get everyone in as soon as possible, and I do have a cancellation list.
I travel occasionally to do guest spots at friends' shops (and sometimes tattoo conventions). My travel schedule is in the "on the road" section. Some years I travel often, some years, not so much.
Conventions and guest spot appointments fill up almost as soon as they are announced, so be sure to contact me ASAP if you want to get tattooed. Make sure to tell me what city/region/country you're in, as I keep every email and label them geographically in order to let folks know if/when I will be heading your way.
Q: How long have you've been tattooing? How did you learn? What are your qualifications?
A: I have been tattooing professionally since 1996, after serving a traditional 2-year apprenticeship with Cap Szumski at Timeless Tattoo in Atlanta, GA.
I have 26+ years experience as a full-time professional tattooer.
I’m a proud member of the National Tattoo Association, which is dedicated to promoting tattooing in a positive way as a valid contemporary art form, while sharing the colorful history of our predecessors, and staying on top of current news and health issues.
Each year, I renew my certifications for Prevention of Blood-Bourne Pathogens, First Aid, CPR, and AED.
BBP is the only required course, but by taking all of the other courses, i feel better equipped to handle any emergencies that may arise inside the studio, as well as outside.
I carry a flawless rating from the Illinois Board of Public Health, a business license from the City of Chicago, and am fully insured.
I am professionally trained and maintained, and proud of it!
I will never stop learning, and do my best to further my knowledge and skills whenever/where ever possible by working with other artists, attending conventions and workshops, and studying new techniques and methods.
I’ve won several awards including being voted Chicago's Best Tattoo Artist by The Chicago Reader. AOL's Digital City named me one of the top three tattoo artists in the USA. My work has been in numerous national and international magazines, both in direct reference to my work, and with clients tattoos being used in advertising.
My clients have proudly sported my work on such shows as Top Chef, The Voice, Law & Order, Ciao House, Bad Girls Club, & Sex with Sunny Megatron among others. I tattoo a lot of professional musicians, actors, athletes, models, government officials, etc. Some folks enjoy that info, but I love tattooing everyone! Everyone is welcome, whatever your station in life.
The privacy of my shop is well-suited to those who want closed door appointments in a professional, licensed studio.
Q: What are your rates?
A: My rate for standard tattooing is $225/hr, with a minimum of $100, no matter how tiny the tattoo.
My rate for any type of specialty tattooing is $250/hr.
I am well-trained, totally comfortable, and proficient in the realities of tattooing over/near scars. That said, this type of tattooing is very labor intensive, and requires more work on my end.
Specialty tattooing includes all scars of any kind: self-harm scars, surgical scars, stretch marks, post-mastectomy, 3D nipples, re-pigmentation of areola after breast lift/top surgery, skin grafts, burns, etc.
Self-harm scars hold a lot of trauma; having them tattooed can be a very emotional experience, and you will never get any judgement from me.
3D realistic nipple/areola tattooing is an option for breast cancer survivors and repairing/restoring after breast lift/top surgery.
If you would rather have a beautiful piece of art instead of (or in addition to) nipples, I can make that happen!
Most types of specialty tattooing WILL require more than one visit to complete. Know this going in.
A return visit within 3-4 months is almost always necessary with any scar/coverup tattoos so that I can touch up any pigment loss. This is included in the cost of your tattoo, and a touch up should be scheduled before you leave when we are finished with our session.
DEPOSIT INORMATION:
I require a $100 non-refundable deposit to secure your tattoo appointment. The deposit goes towards the cost of the tattoo and all of the work i do in preparation for our appointment.
If you choose to not show up to your appointment, you lose your deposit. If you need to reschedule your appointment, please give me at least 24 hours notice. We will then set another date and you won’t have to pay another deposit. In the case of pregnancies and other major life events (family deaths, car accidents, moving etc), I of course will hold your deposit until life is back on track.
Once we have a better idea of what we’re doing, how big it’ll be, how much detail is involved, etc., I can usually come up with a price range/time estimate. Most folks can only get tattooed comfortably for 3 hours max, and we split up sessions on bigger or heavily detailed work. It's easier on your body AND wallet.
Q: I want to bring people/kids with me for my tattoo.
You must be 18 or older to be in our studio.
You may bring one person to come with you, but limit it to your best friend, spouse, or close relative.
This means small children are not allowed in the studio, adorable as they are.
Teenagers are welcome to hang out, but they’re going to be super bored after 20 minutes.
Service animals are 100% welcome at all times.
Q: What types of payment do you accept?
A: Cash is always king, but all major credit cards are accepted.
Checks are not accepted.
As for tips, they are never expected, but always appreciated for a job well done.
I don’t barter, trade, hook up, accept coupons, or anything of that sort, so please don't ask.
Q. Are tattoos safe? What safety precautions do you employ?
A: Everything I use is single use, sterilized, and disposed of promptly and correctly after use.
Yearly classes in the Prevention of Blood-Bourne pathogens/cross contamination, First Aid, AED, and CPR keep me up to date with the most current safety procedures.
Q: How do I take care of my new tattoo?
A: I give aftercare suggestions verbally, on paper, and here on the website. You should follow my suggestions and take care of your tattoo the way I suggest. There are NO dumb questions.
Follow the "k.i.s.s." method: Keep it Simple Sweetheart!
Do not listen to well-meaning friends/family, or random Internet "experts". PLEASE!!
If you have been tattooed a bunch already and have your healing system down pat, please do what works best for you.
I offer a few different ways to heal your new tattoo, and will discuss the options with you prior, during, and after your tattoo.
I’ve become big fan of Tegaderm (fancy clear waterproof bandage), which you leave on for 3-4 days. As awesome as it is, folks with super sensitive skin or allergies will likely need to use the more old school method to heal.
Do not hesitate to contact me at any point during the healing process, seriously.
There are no dumb questions! Ask away, and I will always get back to you quickly.
Q: How does the process work, and when can I expect to see my design in advance?
A: I enjoy doing all styles of tattooing and do my best to find a way to make whatever you'd like work!
I am brutally honest. If I think what you want would be done better by someone more skilled in that style, I’ll say so and give you their contact info. Please don't take that as being blown off; I want you to have a great tattoo, even if I don't get to do it!
I believe people already have a pretty clear idea of what they'd like to have tattooed, but sometimes have a hard time explaining it. This is the main reason I do most consultations via email. I need to have everything you've said, along with any reference material you've provided, so I can use that info while working on your drawing.
Unfortunately, I don't have mind-reading abilities (yet!), so I need your guidance with visual cues. Links to tattoos I’ve have done that are similar in look or feel to what you want, or photographs, statues, textiles, etc. All are extremely helpful. Don’t overload your brain with too much reference material. Trust your gut to be able to articulate what you’d like.
It's a big NO-NO to copy other people's custom tattoo work. I can do a similar design, but please don't ask me to steal anyone else's tattoo whether I did it or not. I won't do it, no matter how many different ways you ask. Any tattooer who copies other artists' custom work is a scammer and thief, and needs to go find another line of work.
The designs adorning the walls of most tattoo shops is called "flash", and was drawn specifically for tattooers, by tattooers, and is meant to be used as drawn, for as many times as people want to have it done. There is NOTHING WRONG with getting a flash tattoo.
I always hear "I would NEVER pick a design off the wall!", which does a huge disservice to the world of tattooing; flash is and has been a very important component of our craft for over 100 yearss, and there is so much important history behind it, which I am always happy to share! I love tattooing, and all of the history that comes with it!
Tattooers who serve traditional apprenticeships generally draw sheet after sheet of flash, based on the current desires of the public and/or their own personal taste and humor. Long-time tattooers can name the era a particular set of designs came from just by looking at it!
I can usually draw anything you'd like, you just have to do your best to be as specific as possible. If you are having a hard time visualizing what you'd like but are open-minded about the design and our skills, that works too!
As for my signature mehndi-style designs, I usually draw them directly on the skin so as to flow properly with the body's natural contours.
I do our best to have a basic layout sketch ready the day of your appointment. Sometimes I work with a combination of stencils and drawing on the skin. Occasionally I can't work on a design until we are in the studio together. Yes, I do realize that's annoying, but I’m only human.
Tattoos I don’t do are: black-out, all white, or watercolor style.
No faces, hands or neck unless you are already heavily tattooed.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Tattoos do hurt a little bit. It won’t kill you, but it's not like being kissed by a butterfly.
Every person has a totally different pain threshold, and even that is apt to change.
Some parts of the body are more painful to get tattooed, some are no big deal at all.
The trick is to BREATHE and relax.
Holding your breath, tensing up, and freaking out are only going to make us both miserable, so do your best to focus on being as relaxed as possible and BREEEATHE.
The better you sit, the quicker it will go. The more you whine and wiggle, the longer it'll take, and the more it will cost. Mind over matter!
Please remember that it only hurts while you are actually getting tattooed. Afterwards, it'll feel like a sunburn and/or a bruise. You may be a little swollen and tender; ibuprofen and ice packs can help alleviate any discomfort. I stay pink and swollen for longer than is normal after getting tattooed due to my super sensitive vampire skin.
DO NOT hesitate to contact me during healing if you have questions or concerns at all!
Q: How old do you have to be to get tattooed?
A: It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 in the state of Illinois.
I will not, under ANY circumstances, break the law for anyone.
I will always make appointments for those on their 18th birthday, even if it’s my day off.
When I work in a different states for guest spots or conventions, I follow their laws to a "T"; proper paperwork and legal requirements are always in effect.
There is no parental consent clause, and no one can sign for you.
Government issued identification is required to be photocopied onto your paperwork before the tattoo is started. This is not up for debate! No ID, no tattoo!
Even if you've been tattooed by me 350 times, I STILL have to copy your ID onto your paperwork, and yes, you have to fill out at every appointment.
Tattooing is my profession, not a hobby.
Do not EVER get tattooed by anyone who is not a professional and is working out of their house or at a party.
If they can't be bothered to work in a legitimate licensed & insured shop, you can be assured they’re not concerned with your health and safety precautions.
I do a lot of repairs and coverups on tattoos that were done by someone's friend, or at ill-advised "tattoo parties". People who tattoo out of their house or at parties are NOT licensed by the city, which means NO regulation by the Department of Public Health or any liability insurance. You are worth more than a potential staph infection (or worse!).
Support professional tattooing. The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten.
Q: Can I drink/do drugs before I get tattooed?
A: It is illegal to tattoo anyone who is under the influence of any mind/body altering substances.
Contrary to popular belief, being high will not make your experience any better; It actually makes the process more difficult for you (and me!) and raises the risk of complications. Just say no. You can go whoop it up as hard as you want when we are done.
Drinking alcohol before our session is an absolutely terrible idea. I can ALWAYS tell, and you will not be getting tattooed!
Drinking a bunch the night before is also a bad idea. Alcohol thins the blood, makes you smelly and wiggly, and makes my job harder.
Do not take any blood thinners the night before or day of getting tattooed. This includes caffeine, aspirin, advil, tylenol, etc.
One normal cup of coffee in the morning is fine. Get a good night's sleep, and eat a huge meal before you come in.
Carbs, protein, and sugar are your friends before getting tattooed.
Q: Can I get tattooed while pregnant or breast-feeding?
A: The jury is still out on this one, but I am not comfortable with doing either. Your body is going through tremendous changes and is under stress while pregnant and after giving birth. Getting tattooed while pregnant or breast-feeding MIGHT negatively impact both your health and that of your feeding baby by raising your blood pressure, and I do not want anything to do with that.
If you have an appointment and need to reschedule, you will not lose your deposit. Have a terrific pregnancy, delivery, and post-natal bonding time with baby.
I will be here when baby is weaned and your body is yours again. I fully expect to see photos and hear all about your kids!
Also, nursing babies are always welcome in the shop to come say hi and breastfeed, as long as whoever is taking care of them understands they cannot stay while we are working. We need mom to focus on what we are doing, and she 100% would appreciate a little break from mom duties.
Q: Should I eat before I get tattooed? What should I do to prepare for being tattooed?
A: It is ideal to eat within four hours of being tattooed. Having food in your body helps deal with the rush of adrenaline and endorphins that naturally occur when getting tattooed. Feel free to carbo-load! For sure get some sugar in you, whether it's through real food or junk. Sugar, carbs, protein are all very helpful! I understand lots of folks have health mandated dietary restrictions, so don't eat sugar if you're diabetic, obviously.
The night before, don't drink a bunch of alcohol (one or two cocktails is fine), have a good dinner, and get a good night's sleep.
The day of, please bathe/shower, and if the area to be tattooed is super hairy, do me a favor and shave it as best you can.
Eat a big, hearty breakfast/lunch, don't drink a bunch of caffeine, and try to be relaxed. Getting tattooed is exciting, but don't freak yourself out.
Happy, healthy people heal better. Getting tattooed when you are sick, post-surgical, or stressed out is not ideal, and the likelihood of having problems during healing is higher.
If you are sick with something contagious (covid or any of the variants, the flu, a nasty cold, bronchitis, strep, etc.) PLEASE reschedule.
You will not lose your deposit, and I will do our best to get you back in quickly after you are better.
I cannot afford to be sick! Same goes for me; if *I* am contagious, I will be rescheduling you.
Folks with compromised immune systems (e.g. diabetes, Hepatitis, HIV, lupus, fibromyalgia, etc) can take longer to heal.
If you have any health conditions which may impair healing or cause any problems while getting tattooed, please check with your doctor first. Assure your doctor that everything I use is sterilized and single-use, and direct them to my page if need be. I’m happy to answer any questions they may have.
Q: Can you fix/cover-up a bad tattoo I have?
A: I really enjoy fixing/repairing and doing cover-ups! A lot of tattooers do not enjoy doing coverups, as evidenced by clients who come to me to fix a tattoo that has been badly covered/redone once or twice already.
It's rare that I can't figure out something to fix a piece; on certain occasions I might suggest one or two laser removal sessions to lighten it in order to have more options, but that's not the default solution. I really enjoy a challenge, and love making people happy by turning something they hate into something they love!
There's nothing worse than a tattoo that screams "cover up!!!" with a big black blob, and I refuse to do that to my clients.
I want you to be super happy with your tattoo, and will do my best to make sure that happens.
Q: Can you tattoo over a scar?
A: It depends on the severity and maturity of the scar. In general, a scar NEEDS to be at least one year old, and not pink or still healing. There is no guarantee that the ink will stay in scar tissue. I have advanced training in tattooing scars, and if you get tattooed by someone else, PLEASE make sure they are very experienced in working with scar tissue.
I work with breast cancer survivors to create either works of art to cover mastectomy scars, or 3D realistic nipples to replace the ones lost to surgery, or a combo of both!
I also work with scars from plastic (and non-plastic surgery), the most common being from breast lifts and tummy tucks.
Scars from former self-harm (or accidents) are also able to be tattooed, but they need to be fully healed. I am honored to help with your healing process, whatever the situation may be. You will never be judged in my shop.
Stretch marks are considered scars, and they are tricky in that they can be raised or indented, usually both!
Nothing I can do will get rid of the scars, but I use my skills to draw the eye away from them and onto a beautiful piece of art (or convincing nipples/areolas).
Scars that have been tattooed over WILL be puffy for a bit while the skin heals and calms down.
Scars caused by inexperienced tattooers can potentially stay raised forever, which is a bummer. Sometimes tattooing over those scars will break down the scar tissue, but that’s not guaranteed.
Q: What tattoos won't you do?
A: I will not do ANY work that is sexist, racist, or gang related.
Tattoos I don’t do are: black-out, all white, or watercolor style.
I do not tattoo hands, fingers, sides/front of the neck, arches/outside of the feet, heels, or faces.
Q: What if my tattoo is infected?
A: More often than not, what you perceive as an infection is actually an allergic reaction to products being put on it, dirty sheets/clothes, and/or animal hair/dander .
Allergic reactions to ink or infections are rare, but do happen. If you are having an issue, please contact me immediately! Do NOT assume a wait and see stance. There are no dumb questions!
Signs of infection include, but are not limited to: red streaks around the area, green or yellow pus/discharge, extreme pain, fever, and extreme swelling.
Normally healing tattoos will usually be tender to the touch, swollen and/or bruised. Leaking of lymph fluid (which can have a bit of blood in it) is normal, as is peeling and very occasionally, scabbing. if you know your body likes to retain water, do it a solid and stay away from salt/sodium, drink extra glasses of water, and when all else fails, a diuretic can be used.
Allergic reactions are typically due to incorrect or over-usage of aftercare products, and can seemingly come out of nowhere. Little white bumps/hives/extreme itchiness are more than likely an allergic reaction to whatever soap or lotion/ointment is being used. Too much of anything is a BAD thing. If you like, you may take some benadryl before bed, and use benadryl cream (NOT ointment) to help with the bumps.
When I get tattooed, my super sensitive vampire skin stays pink and swollen for a few weeks This is not common
Some areas of the body can have a bit of a trickier time healing; ribs and feet will likely be really sore for a few days and feel bruised.
For women, anything in the bra-zone needs more TLC in the form of 100% cotton camisole (instead of a bra, if possible); the back shoulders will heal much better if a Y-strap or sports bra is worn during healing.
Lower legs and ankles can tend to swell a bit, which can be disconcerting! Hello cankles! Elevate that ankle and watch tv.
If you are extremely uncomfortable, use the "RICE" method: rest, ice, chocolate, elevation. Yes, i added the chocolate part.
Overuse of products and/or incorrect aftercare are usually the main culprits when a tattoo is having a hard time healing.
Please follow your aftercare suggestions I’ve given you.
Don’t listen to your friends or the internet wizards.
Keep it simple: fragrance free soap + fragrance free lotion + no picking/scratching/soaking/sun = happy tattoo.
Q: I live far away, and can't travel to see you. Will Dawn draw something for someone near me to tattoo?
A: I do commissioned drawings, which range from $150-350 (or more, if it's really big), with re-draws ranging from $50 and up (again, depending on how much work I have to do), which is payable *in advance* via paypal/venmo/quick pay . The price depends on what I will be drawing.
I generally have a 2 week or less turnaround time for commissioned drawings.
Please get in touch with me with your request via the contact form in either case.
Q: Do you know anyone good in my city/state/country?
A: In any given mid to large city, there are several very skilled, professional artists.
Do your homework and ask for referrals. Do not trust Craigslist, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, etc, or "my friend just got a kit" leads, or stick n’ poke hacks.
Make sure you are treated well, the shop is spotless, and their portfolios show a good range of styles.
The best tattooers can do whatever you'd like, and aren't only into doing "their style". If what you want is not something they are able to do well, they should absolutely refer you to someone they know who will take good care of you.
Q: Do you take apprentices? How do I learn?
A: Should you come to realize that the only thing in the world that matters to you is tattooing, you will find the right person to teach you. You may need to relocate.I moved 1000 miles from home to learn from my master.
I am not offering apprenticeships at this time.
Tattooing is not a hobby, please serve a traditional apprenticeship.Don’t be sucked into "tattoo schools". No legitimate shop will ever hire ANYONE who attended "tattoo school". There are no quick and easy ways to become a professionally trained tattoo artist. A lot of work goes intp learning how to tattoo, please dedicate yourself to
Do NOT decide one day, “hey i can draw, I’m going to buy a kit and tattoo my friends!”
Just because tattoo supplies are now easily available and cheap does not mean you should to tattoo your friends and unsuspecting clients.
MRSA and hepatitis are no joke, and are only a few of the problems that can and will happen with those who are not properly trained. You wouldn't get dental work from someone who isn't a professional, in their garage or at a party, right?
At least half of the work I now do consists of fixing or covering up terrible tattoos done in someone's kitchen or at a party.
There are NO stupid questions, please do not hesitate to contact me ASAP with any concerns.