etiquette

I'm not a "tattoo shop"

After a few decades of busy shop ownership, I decided to downsize - reduce & simplify. Allegheny Art is a private studio in my home. I still manage to work 40hrs/week over the weekends: Friday thru Monday. I don't work at all (not even messages) Tues, Wed or Thurs~ so your patience is greatly appreciated!

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 *Knowing all of this this up-front should make the following read more understandable...

In memory of...

I empathize and am sorry for your loss. However, my personal stance on this issue is firm: I will not use tattooing as a means to commemorate or memorialize the deceased. * I made a promise to God and intend to keep that promise.

*Please consider me for other tattoos!

Last but not least ...

No need to be early. I am excited to see you at our scheduled time – not a minute sooner! ... Privacy is paramount here & I'm usually pushing the clock when it comes to final touches on tattoos. You won't be able to enter if I'm still in session!​ ... Buffer time between appointments is greatly valued for polishing designs and catching up with messages too.

Let’s enjoy our time together without the pressure of arriving earlier than expected.

* Please & Thanks!​

Just YOU & I 

It's called the "Suite" because it's calm, quiet, private & relaxed ... not what you'd expect of the average 'tattoo shop'. It's closed to walk-ins, spectators, phone calls and all other distractions!

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In my opinion, a comfortable tattoo session is very much like getting a massage ... and should be one-on-one (private) just the same!

Fragrance Free

Sadly, I’m overly sensitive to fragrances. We will be together in a small room for a while ...

Most basic hygiene stuff is usually fine, but some can be over the top. Things like Gain, Irish Spring, Old Spice, body sprays, perfumes, oils, hairsprays and smelly shampoos are just too much for me... and possibly the next person coming.

Basically, if your laundry and/or toiletries are meant to smell extra good, please skip as much as you can for the day. If you insist, I might have to ask you to reschedule ... not because I don't "like" smells, but because I'm seriously allergic ~ and other customers are sensitive as well!

Extra peeps ...

Inviting friends and family to watch can really be a big distraction for both of us. ​ * I prefer we connect with each other and focus instead.

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 * I do understand it's sometimes necessary (or desired) to bring a support person ...

Couples and small group tattoos can certainly be arranged ...

All extra peeps can chill (quietly) in the other room or enjoy the porch ~ so we can better work together on the tattoo at hand!

 *To minimize distractions, only the person getting the tattoo can hang out in the tattoo room.

Under 18

I go above and beyond to protect everyone when it comes to tattooing minors. I don't know who's who and who's legal to give consent, so I choose to leave the burden of proof up to a Notary Public. The form can be downloaded here. Minimum age is 16, and whomever authorizes the tattoo must be present for the procedure!