Contact Me
If you have any questions, comments, commission proposals, etc., feel free to e-mail me using the form at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, you can contact me via direct message on my Instagram.
You may also find the information you are looking for in the FAQs below.
FAQ
Can I commission you to make me some artwork?
When tattooing keeps me busy, I do not have time for any additional projects, so at the moment, I am not taking on any commissioned art projects. I recommend subscribing to my mailing list for updates in case I do have openings for non-tattoo commissions!
Where do you work and how can I get tattooed by you?
I work at The Tattyshack, located at 3425 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116.
When my books are open, you can submit a request by e-mail (see Booking for details). Any last minute availability (due to cancellations, reschedules, etc.) is announced in my Instagram stories, so if you don’t already, follow my account @annappley on Instagram!
How much does a tattoo cost? What’s your hourly rate?
My hourly rate is $200. The total cost will depend on design, size and placement, because these factors affect the amount of time a tattoo takes. Once I know what you are looking for, I can give you an estimate for how long the tattoo will take and how much it will cost. There is a $200 minimum for all tattoo projects.
If you quote me a certain amount of time the tattoo will take, is that 100% accurate?
I always try to make my estimates as accurate as possible, but there are still variables that I won’t be able to consider until I start tattooing you. Everyone’s skin is different, bodies are different, how well you sit is different — all of these things affect how much time it takes to tattoo.
Because of these factors, I might quote you 2.5 hours and end up taking 3 hours. While I try my best to not make it feel like a bait-and-switch when a tattoo takes longer than expected, please keep in mind that your tattoo may end up taking more time than I quoted you.
What payment methods do you accept?
For deposits: since I schedule mostly online, I take deposits using Venmo or PayPal. Please note that both of these charge a transaction fee of 2-4% so if I have to refund you, the refund will be less those fees
At the shop: my preferred methods in order of preference, for optimal convenience and lowest transaction fees:
Venmo
Cash
Tap-to-pay (such as ApplePay or cards enabled with contactless payment)
PayPal
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, a non-refundable deposit is required to book an appointment. $200 for larger projects like back/front pieces and full sleeves, $100 for everything else.
Deposits go towards the price of the finished tattoo. For multi-session projects, the deposit is deducted from the price of the final session.
Why do you take a larger deposit for bigger projects?
A larger, more complex design takes more time to prepare. The deposit is there so that in the event you cancel your appointment, I am at least compensated for the time it took to draw your design — so a more time-consuming drawing means a larger deposit. Again, if you finish your project without canceling, all of that deposit is still going towards the price of the tattoo.
If I have to cancel my appointment, can I get my deposit back?
No, as stated, deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel/reschedule last minute/no-show/etc., the deposit at least compensates me for the time spent corresponding with you and drawing your design. My hourly rate (i.e. the amount I charge while tattooing you) includes these activities, which are done in my free time outside of being in the shop and tattooing. The whole point of a deposit is to secure the appointment and compensate me for the time I set aside for making your tattoo.
Can I pre-pay for a tattoo beyond just the deposit?
I usually advise against this, because the final price depends on how long a tattoo takes and I cannot predict 100% accurately how long it will be. If you do end up pre-paying for some reason, please keep in mind that if the tattoo takes less time than expected and I have to refund you any of that payment, I will deduct any transaction fees (usually 2-4% when using Venmo/PayPal).
How do I book an appointment?
I open my books every 2-3 months. When my books are open, email me to request an appointment! See the “Booking” page for all information needed to request an appointment.
Can I send a request before your books open?
Unfortunately, sending a request in advance means that it will probably get lost in my inbox. Please wait until my books are open and send me an email then so that I see it!
If I request an appointment when books are open, am I guaranteed a spot?
Unfortunately, not always. If I receive more emails than the number of open spots I have, I am unable to fit everyone in, even if every request is something I would love to tattoo.
I am continually flabbergasted by this level of interest, and I wish I was able to tattoo all of the awesome ideas people send in right away. If you don’t get in the first time, please to try again when my books reopen. A tattoo is forever and is worth the wait! I completely understand if you don’t want to wait and would rather go to someone else, but again, I do my best to get to everyone eventually, so even if it takes a couple of months, I encourage you to try again!
What are your favorite things to tattoo?
Ladyheads, flowers/foliage, animals and pinups. Style-wise, I am most inspired by Japanese and American traditional tattoos, but I don’t rigidly stick to those styles. Take a look at my portfolio for a good indicator of the type of work I like to do.
Is there anything you will not tattoo?
Certain styles that I do not feel make for a good, long-lasting tattoo (for example: watercolor, micro realism, tattoos with no black). I prefer not to do outline-only tattoos, because in my opinion, they look unfinished and won’t age as well.
Placement-wise, hand and neck tattoos will be will be a no for anyone who isn’t already heavily tattooed (like, at least have a good amount of coverage on your arms/legs). Face, palm, ear, and side of hand/finger/foot tattoos are an absolute no without exceptions. Genitals are also a big no (yes, I’ve been asked).
Do you have pre-drawn designs available to be tattooed?
Best way to see available pre-drawn designs I have is to follow me on Instagram. In my profile, there is a highlight reel called “Available” which I keep fairly up-to-date.
Do you tattoo pre-drawn designs more than once?
No, with the exceptions of classic flash designs (e.g. Sailor Jerry, pick-one-off-the-wall flash) that are not my original artwork, or if I do a flash day of some kind where I offer a set of designs that are repeatable.
Do you do coverups? Do you tattoo over scars?
Generally, yes. However, this depends on what you are trying to cover up, so it is best to send me clear photos of your existing tattoo or set up an in-person consult for larger/more complex coverups.
Scarring should generally not be an issue unless it is extensive or less than a year old. In those cases, an in-person consult is recommended.
Will you re-work/finish a tattoo started by someone else?
This is something I’ll decide on a case-by-case basis. I will need to see clear photos of the extisting tattoo and you’ll have to explain why the original artist is not finishing it. Please do not take it personally if I decline to work on your existing tattoo — if I do, it could be for a variety of reasons. It may not be something that I consider doable, it may be that I don’t feel I have the skills/style necessary to do the best job, or it may be an artist/shop I know and do not want to offend. Again, it’s absolutely nothing personal against you or the original artist.
Can you send me my tattoo design in advance?
For many reasons, I will NOT send tattoo designs to you in advance. Any changes that may be needed can be made when you arrive for your appointment. For larger/more complex projects, we can do an art consult a couple of weeks before beginning your tattoo, so you can see the artwork and give me input as to any changes.
Best way to avoid extensive changes is to communicate everything you want to include in your tattoo in advance. That way, I can either makes sure to incorporate it or tell you up front why it may not be possible.
Can I have your artwork tattooed by someone else?
While there’s nothing I can do to stop anyone, my advice is to pick an artist who would use someone else’s artwork as a starting point to make something of their own instead of just copying someone else exactly. In my opinion, if a tattooer is willing to just copy someone else’s custom design verbatim, chances are they are not good at tattooing or drawing.
I completely understand and don’t expect people to travel from other states/countries to get tattooed by me. If you are unable to travel to Seattle but like my designs, find a good local artist and bring in my drawings as a reference. A good artist will make their own great version of the same idea, and you can be proud to wear it instead of getting a shitty copy of the original. Just my opinion on the matter, I know people will always just do what they want to do.
Can I re-post your work on my website/Instagram/Twitter?
As long as you provide credit and link to my website and/or my Instagram, go for it!
Can I use your work for my [anything else]?
It depends, so please ask!
Do you think you're really important/professional/funny/cute with all this FAQ business?
No, I don't. These questions get asked often.