KAIJA PAPU
I make vegan tattoos in Tampere. I’ll try to cover as many issues here as possible, but if you still have questions, please email me at kaijapaputattoo(at)gmail.com.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT BOOKING SITUATION?
I have available appointments for custom and flash designs for spring 2024. E-mail me kaijapaputattoo(at)gmail.com for more details.
WHERE IS YOUR STUDIO LOCATED?
I have my studio at my home and it's located near Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, Finland.
I WANT A TATTOO, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
First find an artist whose style you admire and contact that artist. If you fancy my style, please contact me via e-mail kaijapaputattoo(at)gmail.com. Let me know at least these things:
-What size you want your tattoo to be in centimeters.
-Where on your body you want your tattoo to be placed.
-Which of the styles of MY tattoos you like: fine line, inky raw, sketchy or naive. You can add a link to one of my tattoos that is similar of the style that you are looking for.
-What subject matter you would like to have in your tattoo. Please do not send other people’s drawings or tattoos as reference. You can use photographs or words to describe what you want.
-Also let me know whether you are interested in a flash or a custom tattoo?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FLASH AND A CUSTOM TATTOO?
A flash book is a book or a folder where the tattoo artist has collected their tattoo designs that are available for tattooing. Anyone looking at the book can pick a design from there and get it tattooed. A custom tattoo is something drawn from the customer’s idea and it’s done specifically for that person.
My flash images are one-off flash, which means I will only tattoo the design ONCE. So if someone has picked a design from my flash, I will not tattoo that same one for anyone else. So whether you choose a custom tattoo or a design from my flash, it will always be a unique tattoo. I might tattoo something similar or with the same idea or subject matter, but the specific design is always unique. At the moment I am mainly doing flash designs. You can email me to see my flash or book an appointment to view my flash in person. I don’t have it online due to risks of the misuse of my designs.
WHEN DO I GET TO SEE MY TATTOO DESIGN AND WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE IT?
If you pick a flash piece you will see the design immediately. I can do moderate changes to my flash designs.
If you booked an appointment for a custom design, you will see it approximately a week before your appointment. If you do not fancy the design I can make small changes to it or draw a new one. There is enough time for that. If you want numerous changes or if you are unclear with what you want and that leads me to putting extra hours of design work, the tattoo will cost you more in the end.
If you don’t have a clear idea what you like/want, I would recommend checking out my flash and picking a design from there.
If you are still not happy with the design after the changes, you can pick something from my flash or cancel the appointment following my cancellation policy (scroll down for cancellation question).
DO I NEED TO HAVE BOTH A CONSULTATION AND A TATTOO APPOINTMENT?
I usually do my consultations via email. So in most cases, you do not need to book a consultation. How ever, you do need to book a consultation in person if you are getting: -a cover up tattoo (tattoo that covers and old tattoo completely) -blast over (tattoo that comes on top of your old tattoos, but does not cover it) -a filler (tattoo that is placed in smallish places between your old tattoos) -a REALLY big tattoo (full sleeve/leg/back/torso).
WHAT IS A DEPOSIT FEE?
I have a deposit of 50€. Deposit will make sure you have thought about getting a tattoo and are willing to commit.
This is how it works.
-The deposit of 50€ is payed when you reserve a tattoo appointment and that sum is compensated in your tattoo price. For example if you are getting a 300€ tattoo, you pay 50€ deposit when you reserve the appointment and 250€ when you get the tattoo.
-The deposit should be payed in 7 days after you have booked an appointment, if you fail to pay by then you will lose your appointment. If you need more time for the payment, please let me know. When you have paid for the deposit the appointment is binding and the deposit will not be returned.
-If you need to reschedule, do it 4 days prior to your appointment, so you won’t lose your deposit.
-You can reschedule 2 times without losing your deposit.
-If you are sick, you do not lose your deposit even if you have to reschedule in less than 4 days.
-You will lose your deposit if you cancel the appointment or do not show up. You will also lose your deposit if you show up in a condition where you can’t be tattooed, eg. sick, intoxicated, pregnant, breastfeeding, using medicine that prevents tattooing (like bloodthinners)
-If I have to cancel the appointment and it’s not possible to book a new appointment, I will return the deposit.
You can pay the deposit with Mobilepay or bank transaction.
HOW MUCH DOES A TATTOO COST?
When I have received the info above from you, I can give you an estimation of the price of your tattoo. I will give you a price range, for example 300-400€. So in this example case the tattoo will cost 300€ or more, but not over 400€. Quite often people want to alter the size of the tattoo when they see a few different sizes of the tattoo design printed out. When the size is changed, the price will change as well. This is one of the reasons why it’s hard to say before hand exactly what the price of the tattoo will be in the end.
My tattoo prices include the work of the drawing and designing and making moderate changes. If you want a lot of changes to the original design I did for you, prepare to pay more for that. The starting price for a tattoo is 120€. Most of the tattoos I’ve made in one sitting have ranged from 200 to 400€. Huge tattoos like sleeves will take several appointments. The more complicated the tattoo is, the more expensive it will be. Also tattoos in the torso area are more time consuming to make so they are more expensive. I will always let you know personally what is the approximate cost of your tattoo will be. When I have a hard time figuring out how much the tattoo will cost, I will also be honest with you about that.
Your deposit money 50€ will be subtracted from the final cost of your tattoo.
HOW LONG IT DOES TO MAKE A TATTOO?
This varies from anything from an hour to multiple sessions. Usually one session will last five hours tops. This seems to be the magical limit of people’s pain tolerance. I will let you know how long your tattoo will take before you arrive to your appointment.
HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY TATTOO?
You can pay with cash or Mobilepay.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE BEFORE MY TATTOO APPOINTMENT?
-Take a shower the previous night or in the morning of the tattoo appointment.
-Please do not use strong permufes/other scented products. I am allergic to them and I will get a headache.
-Eat well and be well hydrated.
-Be sober and don’t use alcohol/drugs the previous day.
-Let me know if you have a fear of needles or blood or if you faint easily.
-Please also tell me if you have any blood related diseases or if you have allergies (eg fruits).
-The tattoo can not be done if you are sick, pregnant, breast feeding or are on blood thinning medication.
-Do not take painkillers before your tattoo appointment or put numbing creams on your skin.
-Prepare to prove that you are over 18 years.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF MY TATTOO?
-Take the plastic foil off 1-6h after tattooing, wash the tattoo without soap, let it dry 1-2 minutes and then add lotion.
-Add a thin layer of lotion every 2-4 hours. No need to wash the tattoo every time before adding the lotion if the skin is clean. Always wash your hands well before adding lotion. I recommend Bepanthen (not vegan, thicker or runny depending on your skin type) or Hustle Butter (vegan, sold at my studio).
-Do not let pets/animals touch/lick your new tattoo.
-Keep lotioning for two weeks, then either stop or lotion only once a day. Take your own skin type into consideration.
-Do not scratch the tattoo. If it itches, you can gently slap it to ease the itch.
-Take showers normally, but do not rub the skin or use soap or peeling cream on the tattooed area.
-Skin flakes will come of from the tattooed area. Do not peel them, let them come of by themselves.
-No sauna or swimming for 2 weeks.
-No sweaty exercise for a week. Also try to avoid gyms, because there is no guarantee for the hygiene of the equipment.
-No sunlight or solarium for 4 weeks.
-Healthy food, zinc, magnesium and rest will help your tattoo heal.
OH NO, I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT, WHAT TO DO?
Contact me as soon as possible, when you know you need to cancel or reschedule. Canceling and rescheduling fees are explained in deposit section above.
DO YOU TATTOO OTHER PEOPLE’S DESIGNS?
No. I only tattoo my own designs.
DO YOU USE COLOR OR GRAY?
No. I only do black work.
ARE THERE PLACES IN THE BODY YOU WILL NOT TATTOO?
Yes. I will not tattoo neck or upwards. Neither will I tattoo genitalia. Also palms, bottom of the feet and sternum are places I need to discuss and think about individually.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TATTOOING?
I started tattooing in the fall 2017 under the supervision of Kuutti Kiperä. She taught me how to tattoo.
I HAVE DIABETES, SHOULD I GET A TATTOO?
It’s not recommended and you should definitely consult with your doctor. Tattooing legs is a definite no go for a diabetic, torso might be fine for tattooing and some people with Diabetes have been able to get their arms tattooed without problems. But this is personal, so consulting with your doctor who knows your condition is compulsory.
WHAT OTHER ILLNESSES OR CONDITIONS PREVENTS ME FROM GETTING A TATTOO?
Being pregnant or breastfeeding, having a basic flu, runny nose, fever or any common sickness prevents you getting a tattoo. If you have bad skin issues I would not recommend getting a tattoo. Also blood related illnesses like hemophilia prevents you getting a tattoo. HIV or hep C does not prevent you getting a tattoo, but your tattoo artist will need to be aware of your condition to make extra precautions. Blood thinning medication also prevents you getting a tattoo.
I AM UNDER 18, CAN I HAVE A TATTOO IF I HAVE MY PARENTS PERMISSION?
No.
I AM ALLERGIC TO FRUITS, IS THAT A PROBLEM?
It is not a problem if you inform me about it before hand. The inkand the tattoo ointment I use both contain fruits. I have alternative inks and ointments, I just need to know about it before hand.
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS OF THE INK YOU ARE USING?
The tattoo ink I use complies with the new EU REACH regulations that came into force on 4.1.2022. The ink I use is vegan Panthera Ink's Black Gold Ink which contains: CI # 77266 (Carbon), Glycerin, Hamamelis Virgina Water, Citrus Reticulata (Mandarin) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Pomeran) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Sinensis (Sour Orange) -shell extract, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid, lactic acid. If you are allergic to fruits I use Quantum lining black ink. It contains glycerin, water, CI # 77266 (carbon), ethyl alcohol, eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, thymol (a phenolic antiseptic organic compound) and menthol.
WHAT ARE THE ACTIONS YOU DO TO MAKE YOUR STUDIO A SAFER SPACE?
I do not make assumptions of my customer’s gender, sexuality or ethnic background. I try to communicate in a clear, straightforward way. I give a lot of instructions on how to prepare for the tattooing and how to take care of yourself after. I ask questions during the tattooing session to make sure my customers are as comfortable as possible.
I AM NERVOUS ABOUT SOCIAL SITUATIONS AND I AM AFRAID OF PANIC ATTACKS DURING TATTOOING, WHAT TO DO?
It’s ok to be nervous. It is also ok to be quiet during tattooing or talk, or listen to your music/podcasts from your headphones. You can be however you feel the most comfortable. You can tell me about your preferences before hand this might ease the nervousness.
If you do get a panic attack or feel that one is coming, we can always have a break from tattooing and I can give you space to be alone or or we can talk calmly. We can also discuss before hand what is the best way to be with you when you are having a panic attack. I will support you in that situation.
DO I NEED TO BRING FOOD/SNACKS?
I always recommend bringing food and/or snacks. Having your blood’s sugar levels in a good place makes the tattooing experience a lot easier. Getting a tattoo is very tiring, so food/snacks are also a nice way to have break.
CAN I TIP?
Hell yeah! That always feels amazing :).
CONTENT WARNING: TALKING ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT
I WANT A TATTOO, BUT DUE TO SEXUAL ASSAULT I AM UNCOMFORTABLE WITH TOUCH, HOW CAN I GET A TATTOO SAFELY?
Making a tattoo is a very intimate situation and it requires touch. Also the power dynamics between the tattooer and a customer can trigger unpleasant memories/feelings. The tattooer punctuates the skin, which can trigger thoughts of penetration or force. Tattooing also requires the customer to be still, which can trigger thoughts of being forced to stay in place/still.
My suggestion for this kind of situation is to go through the process in advance in your mind with a reliable person (friend/family/therapist/councelor). Then if you feel that you could go through the tattooing process, contact me and we can meet before your tattoo appointment. You can bring a safe person with you to the consultation and to the tattooing appointment.
At the consultation appointment you can get familiar with the space and you can sit in the tattoo chair and I can show you how I need to touch your skin to make the tattoo. I can go through the whole process in great detail, so that you can prepare yourself mentally for the experience. We can also discuss the tattoo placement. Some areas of the body can be more triggering than others. It might also be a good idea to start with a small tattoo, so the situation won’t last very long.
If these preparations do not sound like enough to make you feel safe, you can let me know and we can think of ways together that work the best for you.
I am also a survivor of sexual assault, so I am familiar with the unease that follows that experience and I am committed to give you as safe of an experience as possible.
END OF CONTENT WARNING
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