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Before you book
My Process, Policies, and What to Expect
If your question is not answered here, email acaldeiraink@gmail.com and I will be happy to help.

Ready to book?

You’re welcome to reach out anytime. I often book a few months in advance, especially for clients who are travelling or planning ahead, so it’s never too early to get in touch.
  • How to book
    To request a session, please use the booking form or send an email with

    • A clear photo of the placement area
    • Size in centimetres or inches
    • A short description or reference images

    There’s no obligation to book after receiving a quote.
  • Project selection
    I prioritise projects that align with my creative focus. If I feel your idea isn’t the right fit for my style, I’ll let you know with care and appreciation for your interest.
  • My approach
    I take a thoughtful, slower-paced approach to tattooing. Each piece is designed to suit you personally, with time set aside so the process feels clear and unrushed.

    A note on quality
    Every session includes careful planning, high quality materials, and the experience I’ve built over the years. I don’t believe in rushing tattoos. This is about creating something meaningful and long lasting.
my work policy
By proceeding with your booking I’m assuming you’ve agreed and understood the following:
  • Tattoos are permanent
    A tattoo is a permanent change to your body, and it’s important that you feel informed and confident in your decision.

    My role is to guide and support the process with care and experience, but ultimately, the final choice to proceed is yours. I’ll always make sure you feel comfortable before we begin.

    Please double check all spellings, dates, and other meaningful details before your appointment. I am not responsible for incorrect information once the tattoo has been completed.?
  • What you agree to by booking
    By booking, you also confirm that:
    • You understand tattoos are permanent and can vary slightly when healed
    • You’ll follow aftercare instructions carefully
    • You’ll let me know about any health conditions
    • You are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • You are over 18 and will bring valid ID
    • Travel cost to the studio is your responsibility
  • Deposit policy
    • A non-refundable deposit of £100 (£300 for full-day bookings) is required to secure your appointment. This will be deducted from the total due on the day of your appointment.
    • You can reschedule your appointment once with at least one week’s notice. If less notice is given, the deposit will be retained.

    As an artist and a small business, each booking represents a blocked day in my calendar. It is time I’ve reserved just for you. When you cancel, I still incur costs such as the studio fee, lost work hours, and preparation time. This is why the deposit is non-refundable.

    Please understand that this isn’t personal. It is the only way I can protect the time, energy, and resources I put into every project. Just like a plane ticket, if you miss your slot, that seat is still gone.
  • Pricing
    My rate is £150 per hour, starting from when we meet. I moved to hourly pricing after too many experiences where fixed prices tempted clients to ask for more time or complexity than their budget realistically allowed. Charging by the hour sets clear expectations from the start and lets me give each project the attention it deserves.

    Your appointment includes design review, placement adjustments, stencil prep, aftercare guidance, and the tattoo itself.

    This price reflects more than just tattoo time, it covers my preparation, admin, studio fees, and the years of experience I bring to every appointment.

    You’re not just booking a tattoo, you’re investing in a process that’s personal, professional, and focused on quality. If you’re unsure how long your idea might take, just share the details. I’ll guide you from there.
  • Why I don’t send designs before the appointment
    Your design is prepared in advance, outside my tattooing hours. This part of the process is not charged, but it shapes everything we do on the day. It gives us space to focus fully on placement, flow, and detail during your appointment.

    I worked as a graphic designer for over 12 years before becoming a tattoo artist. That background helps me approach each design with structure, clarity, and intention, so we can start from a place of confidence when we meet.

    When we begin the session, we review the design together, adjust the placement, and resize it to suit your body. Resizing is always part of the process to ensure the tattoo fits well and heals properly.

    I don’t send designs in advance. Sharing them early often leads to unnecessary back and forth, and it takes away from the clarity we build face to face. I value that moment of collaboration when we explore things together and make sure every detail feels right.

    Before your session, I gather as much information as possible to guide the design. You are always welcome to send extra references or notes to support the process.
  • Plus one policy
    Friends or family are not allowed in the tattooing area, even if they just want to watch. Our comfort is my priority, and I want to be fully focused on your tattoo without outside distractions.

    Exceptions may be made if you are neurodivergent and feel more at ease with quiet company. In that case, please let me know in advance so I can make the proper arrangements.

    The studio is a shared space, and extra people can interfere with the experience for you, for me, and for others working nearby.
  • Working time
    I handle all admin and bookings myself, so I kindly ask for patience with replies. I usually check messages in the morning around 8, but replies may take a few days depending on how full my schedule is.

    I do my best to check messages every day, but due to the volume I receive, it is not always possible.

    Admin hours: Monday to Saturday, mornings only
    Tattoo sessions: Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00 to 19:00

    During tattooing hours, I am fully focused on clients and not available for admin tasks. If I am away for a guest spot or taking time to rest, replies may take a little longer. I appreciate your understanding.

    Please remember that we haven’t met yet, and I rely on the details you share to understand your idea. The more descriptive you are, the easier it is for me to move things forward smoothly.

    I do not give quotes via Instagram DM. DMs are only for general questions. If you’ve submitted a booking form, there’s no need to message asking when I’ll reply. Every request is reviewed in order and with care. Extra messages only create more delays. Thank you for your trust and for giving me the space to work through each project properly.
  • Numbing cream
    I don’t recommend using numbing cream, especially for small or medium tattoos. In most cases, the sensation is manageable, and numbing cream often wears off mid-session, which can make the experience more uncomfortable.

    It can also affect how the skin feels and responds to the needle, which may interfere with the tattoo process or healing.

    If you still choose to use numbing cream:
    • Do a patch test a few days before your appointment
    • Let me know in advance
    • Be aware that I cannot take responsibility for reactions or results related to numbing products

    Please note that I do not have any specific brands to recommend.
  • Client-sent designs
    I only tattoo designs created by other artists if you have explicit permission. If that’s the case, I will ask for proof of authorisation and the original artist’s name or Instagram handle so I can give proper credit.

    Even with permission, I may decline the project if the design does not align with my style or values.

    If the design is a personal drawing by you or a loved one, I am happy to work with it. I’ll do my best to honour the original intention while making sure the tattoo will work well on skin.

    Sending a pre-made design does not reduce the cost, as I still invest time to adapt it for skin and ensure it heals well.
  • What I don’t offer
    To protect the quality of my work and ensure long-term results, I do not offer the following services or placements:

    • Cover-ups or reworks of tattoos done by other artists
    • Tattoos on fingers, palms, soles, knees, ears, inside the mouth, or genital areas
    • Full colour tattoos (I might add a small touch of colour when it suits the design, but full colour pieces aren’t negotiable)

    These choices are based on experience and healing outcomes, and are not open to exceptions.
  • Consultations
    I only offer face-to-face consultations for scar cover-up and large scale cases.

    If we move forward with a consultation, here’s what to expect:

    • A non-refundable consultation fee is required to book
    • We’ll discuss design possibilities and placement
    • I’ll take high-quality reference photos and draw on your skin to map the flow of your anatomy
    • If we proceed, the consultation fee will be deducted from the final tattoo price

    Please note: I do not allow photos or videos to be taken during consultations, in order to protect my designs and creative process.
  • Acknowledging Responsibility
    Tattoos are permanent. By choosing to get tattooed, you confirm that you’ve thought through this decision and feel confident moving forward.
    Please take time to review your idea and placement carefully before booking. If you’re unsure, it’s better to wait. This is your body, and your story—there’s no rush.

    Emotional readiness matters just as much as design clarity. If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or pressured (by a deadline, a friend, or even yourself), take a step back. I’m here when it truly feels right.
On the day of your appointment
  • If I’m finishing up with another client when you arrive, thank you for your patience while I give everyone full focus.

    We’ll review the design together and adjust size and placement as needed. If this is your first tattoo, I will guide you through every step so you feel confident and prepared.

    Payment is due at the end. Cash is preferred, but you can pay by card using a QR-code link (I do not have a card reader in the studio).

    I will give you clear aftercare instructions before you leave and remain available for any questions that arise while you heal.

  • Appointment checklist

    Before you arrive
    • Please don’t come sunburned — I can’t tattoo over damaged or peeling skin. If the area is affected, we may need to change the placement or reschedule, and the deposit will be forfeited.
    • Be on time for your appointment. Arriving 10 minutes early is welcome, but no earlier than that, as I may still be finishing up with someone else.
    • Eat a full meal beforehand
    • Arrive sober; alcohol or drugs affect safety and healing
    • Moisturise and gently exfoliate the tattoo area during the week before your session—well-conditioned skin can reduce discomfort
    • If you have a fixed budget, remember that last-minute changes or additions add time and will increase the total cost

    What to bring
    • Photo ID (or a clear photo of it) for the consent form
    • Snacks, water, or entertainment (phone, book, film)
    • Clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area

    During the session
    • Be prepared to stay a bit longer if we need extra time
    • Plan to sit still; short comfort breaks are fine on request
    • Ask questions, voice concerns, and stay involved in the process

    Extra notes
    • The studio entrance is wheelchair accessible, but the toilet is not—please plan support if needed
    • If you are neurodivergent or sensitive to noise, quieter weekdays (Wednesday or Thursday) are usually calmer; noise-cancelling headphones can help
    • Let me know if you prefer minimal conversation during the tattoo
    • This is a shared space with other artists and clients, and full privacy cannot always be guaranteed; screens and nipple covers are provided when needed
    • Input from friends or family is fine beforehand, but once you are here, the decisions are yours alone
Made on
Tilda