Frequently Ask Questions for Tattoo Inquiries

Large tattoo projects, including sleeves, chest panels, and cover-ups, require extensive time for proper preparation, design placement, and execution. A full-day session (8-9 hours) covers: Tattoo station preparation and sterilization Skin preparation (trimming, shaving, and cleaning) Freehand sketching directly on the skin (30 min – 1 hour) Tattoo procedure (outlining, shading, and packing ink) Breaks for hydration, lunch and rest to maintain focus and precision Tattoo Aftercare guidance and cultural education Complete breakdown and sanitization of tattoo station after the session This ensures you receive a high-quality, well-balanced design that flows perfectly with your body.

For small tattoos, yes. However, larger projects like sleeves, chest panels, and cover-ups cannot be completed in a few hours. These designs require careful planning, freehand sketching, and detailed execution. Even if you're only adding to an old tattoo, blending new art with aged tattoos takes advanced skills, careful color matching, and significant time.

Old tattoos have faded, the skin texture has changed, and older inks were made with different formulas. Modern inks are FDA-regulated and formulated to be safer and longer-lasting. Blending new designs into old tattoos requires: Careful matching of shading and line work Creative adjustments to ensure visual harmony Addressing differences in skin tone, age, and ink density Think of it like restoring and upgrading an old car—it requires custom craftsmanship to integrate new parts seamlessly with the old.

Yes. After each session, I provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and preserve the quality of your tattoo. I also explain the cultural significance and meaning of the designs throughout the process, giving you a deeper connection to your tattoo art.

Eat a healthy meal before your appointment. Stay hydrated throughout the session. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area. Bring snacks and water for longer sessions. Get a good night’s rest before your appointment.

Pricing is based on the size, placement, design complexity, and time required for each project. Small Tattoos: Priced individually based on design details. Medium to Large Projects: Typically require full-day sessions (8+ hours). Cover-Ups and Add-Ons: Priced higher due to the complexity of blending old and new tattoos. Each tattoo is a custom piece of art and priced accordingly to reflect the craftsmanship, cultural value, and time invested.

Small Tattoos: 1-3 hours (priced individually). Medium Tattoos: May require a half or full-day session. Large Projects (Sleeves, Chest Panels, Back Pieces, Cover-Ups): Full-day sessions (8+ hours) or multiple sessions. Time includes preparation, sketching, tattoo execution, breaks, and aftercare discussion.

Yes, but please notify me at least 2-4 weeks in advance if you need to reschedule. Deposits are non-refundable but can be applied to a future date if rescheduled within the allowed timeframe. Short-notice cancellations within 24-Hrs or no-shows may result in forfeiting your deposit.

🔹 Payment Methods Accepted at Kalia Art Studio 🔹 I offer multiple payment options to make your tattoo experience seamless and convenient: 💳 Credit & Debit Cards – Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover 📲 Digital Payments – Square, Stripe, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Apple Pay 🪙 Cryptocurrency – Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum 💳 Tattoo Now, Pay Later – Klarna & Affirm (subject to approval) 💡 Want to finance your tattoo? Ask about "Tattoo Now, Pay Later" with Klarna or Affirm! 💵 Cash – Accepted currencies: United States Dollar (USD) Euro (€) British Pound (£, GBP) Australian Dollar (AUD) New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Canadian Dollar (CAD) Swiss Franc (CHF) Japanese Yen (JPY) Chinese Yuan (CNY) Singapore Dollar (SGD) Let me know how you would like to pay when booking. 🔥💉

A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment. This covers consultation time, design preparation, and blocks out the full day for your session. Deposits ensure commitment from both sides. The deposit will be applied toward the final tattoo price.

No, all sessions are by appointment only. My work is highly detailed and personalized, requiring time to plan each design. I do not offer same-day or walk-in appointments.

I completely understand that getting a tattoo is a major commitment, both mentally and financially. If you’re not ready to proceed right away, you can: Pre-Pay for Your Tattoo in Installments using Klarna or Affirm directly through my website. This allows you to ease the financial pressure and lock in your session when ready. Secure Your Appointment Early and pay over time, so by the date of your session, you’re fully paid and stress-free. Payment Options Also Accepted in Cryptocurrency: I accept Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP (Ripple). Planning ahead gives you the flexibility to move forward at your own pace while securing a spot in my calendar.

Yes, I frequently work with clients from across the U.S. and internationally. However, please understand that there are additional costs associated with out-of-city and out-of-state tattoo requests, including: Travel Costs: Flight tickets, airport transit, luggage fees, and transportation. Equipment Packing & Shipping: Preparing and safely transporting tattoo equipment. Accommodations & Meals: Hotel stays and daily expenses while traveling. Time & Effort: Waiting in airport security lines, delayed or rescheduled flights, navigating traffic, flight transit layovers, and the physical toll of travel (jet lag, cold climates affecting sinus health, migraines, and general fatigue). If your tattoo project requires me to stay extra days to complete the work, or if flights are rescheduled due to weather or unforeseen issues, those extra costs will be added to the final pricing. Pro Tip: If you want to avoid travel costs, I recommend booking your session during one of my planned tours or waiting for my next scheduled visit to your city.

Fill out the contact form on my website and mention your city and availability. Follow my Instagram and website updates for travel announcements and tour schedules. Secure your appointment with a deposit early, as travel slots are limited.

Travel-based appointments require significant planning and non-refundable expenses on my end. Deposits for travel sessions are non-refundable. If you must reschedule, notify me at least 4 weeks in advance to see if we can adjust your date within my travel schedule. Reschedules beyond that may require new travel arrangements at an additional cost.

Yes—but please understand that cultural consultations are a paid service. My time, knowledge, and decades of research into Polynesian and Pacific Island traditions hold deep value. If you’re seeking understanding of tattoo meanings, ancestral symbolism, cultural protocols, or historical insights from a South Pacific perspective rooted in oral history and lived experience, I offer consultations as part of my work. Whether you're asking about the origins of Polynesian tattooing, the structure of island societies, or the ancestral stories passed down through generations, this information is not taken lightly—and should not be treated as free or casual. Your consultation session will include: Discussion of your heritage and ancestral background (if applicable) Explanation of the meaning behind specific motifs and layout choices Cultural storytelling and historical context from a Pacific Island worldview Guidance in respectfully wearing a piece of art with integrity This is more than design—it's about preserving culture through art. Let me know if you’d like to schedule a paid cultural consultation before booking your tattoo session.