FAQ

*How much is a tattoo?

I understand tattoos are expensive, as is life these days, and I appreciate you sharing your time, money and pain with me. As such, I am happy to work with reasonable budgets and am happy to discuss. I do not price hourly, and I don’t want either of us watching the clock. I work fast and efficiently to get the most done, while keeping you as comfortable as is possible under the circumstances.

With larger, multi-session work I cannot give you a final price. I can guestimate how many sessions it may take, but ultimately it is up to you and how well you sit. The longer you sit the faster it goes and the fewer sessions needed. The way I work, there is room for work do grow, and adjust as needed. I am as flexible as you want to be. More dense and detailed work will also take more time than a relatively simpler design.

*Pricing is based off of size, detail and location for single session tattoos and per session for larger multi-session work.

*My minimum for appointments is $200. Palm size can range from 200-300. Hand size ranges from 400-500.

*Larger single sessions, blocking out half the day, are generally around 600-800. For longer sessions, blocking out the whole day, it generally ranges between 1000-1500 .

All of these rates depend on size, placement, detail, and your budget.

All pricing will be discussed before hand, and then finalized in person when we work on the design together. This way there are no surprises on pricing, or on making sure that there is enough time set aside for your tattoo and neither of us are rushed.

*Do you require a deposit?

I require a $100 deposit on all appointments, whether I’ve seen you before or not. It is non-refundable and I need 48 hours notice to float it unless you are sick (if you feel under the weather please reschedule and I will do the same). Hangovers don’t count. Deposit is paid through my website store.

*How do you like to be paid?

Cash is preferred, but venmo, paypal, and zelle can work, just ask ahead of time.

*Do you tatoo in color?

Generally my designs are meant to be done in black and grey but you are always welcome to ask.

*Where do you tattoo?

I am based in LA and generally take appointments at Best Wishes Tattoo in Eagle Rock, and Lowkey Tattoo in Silverlake/Echo Park.

When we confirm our appointment I will confirm where I will see and you will purchase a deposit. Appointments come with a 15-minute grace period unless otherwise discussed. Please do not show up early, or late, and if you are running late please communicate with me about that.

Occasionally, you can find me traveling. Keep an eye on my instagram and mailing list to stay updated. Seattle, SLC, and NYC, and places in between, are where you can regularly find me working, usually a couple times a year. Sometimes I may get to other places.

For updates on travel, and anything else, join my Mailing List.

*How do I book with you?

Go to my Booking page for all the details on starting that process.

*Should I eat before?

Yes, large or small work can be a painful process. If you expect it to be easy, it won’t be, so expect the worst and it won't be. Please be rested, clean, sober, and fed. Do not come on an empty stomach, and I encourage you to bring snacks and water with you. Tattoos are a marathon and you need energy to run it. And remember, life is way more painful than a tattoo, and you still get through it.

*What should I wear?

Tattooing is an intimate process so wear or bring appropriate clothing to be comfortable that allows access where necessary. Blankets can also be helpful to be comfortable. Large scale work in particular is where this can come into play. There is nothing wrong with your body, but if you would like to be more covered please bring the correct clothing to get tattooed in, or ask for coverage if you so desire. Your comfort is of utmost concern, as much as is reasonably possible, when you are being tattooed.

*Can I bring someone with me to my appointment

Absolutely. One guest is can usually be accommodated with no problem.

*How old do I have to be?

You must be 18 or over.

*How do I take care of my tattoo?

My recommendation is, less is more.

When possible leave the bandage on over night, or as long as you can that day. (This goes for any bandage. If you use a 2nd skin type product be careful allergic reactions are possible. If you have sensitive skin I will not use or recommend it. Even still, you can have a reaction. If it looks irritated around the edges, remove it. When using it I recommend taking a shower and letting the water help remove it)

Wash your hands before removing the bandage, and then wash it with basic antibacterial soap, like dial. Let it air dry, or pat it with a paper towel, not a dirty towel that has been hanging up full of bacteria.

Later that day, start putting basic, white, unscented lotion on it. Main thing is unscented and only the smallest amount. If you put lotion on your hands you wouldn’t want your hands all greasy you would rub it all in. Around a pea size will usually work. Less is more, you are just helping your body heal, not trying to do its job. Always wash your hands before putting lotion on your tattoo.

Keep it clean. Wash it everyday or whenever it has gotten dirty.

Don’t swim till it is healed. Chlorine and bacteria don’t do good things to a tattoo.

Do not use lotion from jars while the tattoo is still healing. It is an open wound and those jars are full of bacteria your hands transfer in. Also I do not recommend any ointments. Basic white unscented lotion only.

If you have any worries, or questions during the healing process please reach out and I will be happy to help.

*What else should I tell you?

Let me know if you have any allergies or any conditions that I should be aware of.

By coming in, you consent to this work and know that there are inherent risks that you accept .You make this choice, sober, of sound mind. You have no conditions that would keep you from being tattooed, and you will let me the artist know if there are any health concerns to be aware of.

You will follow after care instructions, but life is still life and it can happen and you take responsibility for yourself.

*Where can I see your work?

My work is posted on instagram.com/talleymatthew and on my Blog. Find my tattoos, painting and flash in those places. Paintings and shirts and other things I make for sale are available in my Store.

*What is your process?

Tattooing is a collaboration that cannot be done alone. I love seeing what we create together to fit you just right. You are not a “canvas” as some will say, you are a person, and referring to you that way is disrespectful and removes the most important part of the tattoo, you. Each tattoo is just another part of the one whole tattoo you have in progress till the end.

First step is to email me with all the info needed on my Booking page. Then when you come in you will have sent in or brought any reference you have. We will then discuss details in person. Email is just to get a rough idea of what you want, making sure we are on a similar page and have enough time set aside.

When you are present we will spend all the time necessary, discussing and looking at reference and working on the design. Oftentimes, that will be drawing on you, but sometimes it may call for a stencil to be drawn. It just depends on what will work best for the design. If at anytime, you are unsure of the design, or want to make changes please speak up. I am happy to adjust, or clarify the design, or start over, making sure it is right.

*Who are you?

I go by Talley. I’m from the NW where I started tattooing in 2008. I eventually moved to the LA area. I opened a shop in East Hollywood until I left to travel and work privately in LA. Lately, I closed my private studio to work on the road and take appointments at shops in LA and elsewhere. I

Thank you and I look forward to collaborating with you.

-Talley