FAQ'S
Please read over our (very thorough but super informative) FAQ's below before requesting an appointment
Appointments
How do I book an appointment?
It's super easy! Once you've read over our T&C's and FAQ's below, you can head on over to either our Appointment Request Form or our Priority Booking Request Form and tell us what you would like to collaborate with Ruby on to create just for you!
Do I have to make an appointment to get tattooed?
Yes. Once your Appointment Request Form has been received we will review your proposal. If you are selected for this quarter, you will then be given the next steps to move forward with booking.
How soon can I get an appointment?
There are vastly different waitlist estimates depending on location. Because Ruby splits her time between Toronto, Philadelphia and San Diego throughout the year, timeframes provided change frequently and are roughly estimated to allow for flexibility but may result in a longer wait time than expected. Please contact us directly via email for our current wait times.
Philadelphia
Ruby is in very high demand and currently has an extensive waitlist in Philadelphia, as she has a limited schedule of tattooing every 4-8 weeks during Spring and Summer, with only a few months during the Winter season.
Toronto
As Ruby prepares to head home for the warmer seasons, she has a much shorter waitlist at her Toronto studio. If you are in Philadelphia or surrounding areas and interested in visiting for the day, flights are very quick and typically reasonably priced when booking in advance.
San Diego
Ruby typically visits once every 4-6 months each year. Because of her extremely limited travel schedule to the west coast, she currently has a seasonable waitlist for her sunny hometown of San Diego.
If you are interested in the opportunity to move your appointment up, we highly advise scheduling at Ruby's home studio in Toronto as well as joining her Cancellation Mailing List to be the first to be notified of any last minute openings.
Philadelphia
Ruby is in very high demand and currently has an extensive waitlist in Philadelphia, as she has a limited schedule of tattooing every 4-8 weeks during Spring and Summer, with only a few months during the Winter season.
Toronto
As Ruby prepares to head home for the warmer seasons, she has a much shorter waitlist at her Toronto studio. If you are in Philadelphia or surrounding areas and interested in visiting for the day, flights are very quick and typically reasonably priced when booking in advance.
San Diego
Ruby typically visits once every 4-6 months each year. Because of her extremely limited travel schedule to the west coast, she currently has a seasonable waitlist for her sunny hometown of San Diego.
If you are interested in the opportunity to move your appointment up, we highly advise scheduling at Ruby's home studio in Toronto as well as joining her Cancellation Mailing List to be the first to be notified of any last minute openings.
Can I schedule an appointment with you even if I am not local?
Yes, we love visitors! Please just be sure to let us know when submitting your Appointment Request Form in the "If Traveling, Where From" section so that we can make a note of it in your client file.
If travel arrangements such as a hotel or flight need to be made, please contact us prior to making them. We also strongly encourage travel insurance as a safeguard against unforeseen circumstances or last minute schedule changes because hey, life happens.
In the event that your appointment needs to be rescheduled on our end, we will give you as much notice as humanly possible and do our very best to accommodate you.
If travel arrangements such as a hotel or flight need to be made, please contact us prior to making them. We also strongly encourage travel insurance as a safeguard against unforeseen circumstances or last minute schedule changes because hey, life happens.
In the event that your appointment needs to be rescheduled on our end, we will give you as much notice as humanly possible and do our very best to accommodate you.
How can I prepare for my appointment?
Even if you have been tattooed before, please be sure to thoroughly read through Ruby's Guide to Getting Ready for Your Tattoo before your appointment. There are a lot of great tips, tricks, suggestions, recommendations and requirements that will greatly benefit you and prepare you for getting tattooed, so please read over them carefully and be sure to email us if you still have any questions.
How do consultations work?
We typically prefer to work via email throughout the booking process, however, if you feel that it would be easier for you to verbalized your vision in person or even if this is your first tattoo and you're a little nervous, please let us know once your deposit has been processed and we'll be happy to schedule a consultation for you to meet with Ruby prior to your first appointment.
Deposits & Pricing
How do deposits work?
Deposits work as a placeholder to secure your spot in line on Ruby's waitlist. All appointments require deposits, and all deposits are non-refundable.
Deposits may be transferable if rescheduling with proper communication and/or advanced notice; they are generally forfeit on cancellations and reschedules within 72 hours of the appointment date but are handled on a case by case basis. Deposits are included in the total cost of a tattoo and come off the cost of your tattoo at your final session.
Deposit may be forfeited under Ruby's discretion for the following reasons:
• No call/No show.
• Showing up more than 1 hour late with no communication
• Canceling within 72 hours of your appointment (case by case basis)
• Deciding not to get tattooed after making an appointment
• Showing signs of intoxication
• Bait and switch: drastically changing your originally submitted tattoo concept last minute
• Disruptive or rude behavior
Deposit expires completely after 6 months of no dialogue. As long as you keep in touch or are attending appointments this does not apply to you. Life happens and we understand, but we cannot hang on to deposits or reference material if you disappear for a long time!
Deposits may be transferable if rescheduling with proper communication and/or advanced notice; they are generally forfeit on cancellations and reschedules within 72 hours of the appointment date but are handled on a case by case basis. Deposits are included in the total cost of a tattoo and come off the cost of your tattoo at your final session.
Deposit may be forfeited under Ruby's discretion for the following reasons:
• No call/No show.
• Showing up more than 1 hour late with no communication
• Canceling within 72 hours of your appointment (case by case basis)
• Deciding not to get tattooed after making an appointment
• Showing signs of intoxication
• Bait and switch: drastically changing your originally submitted tattoo concept last minute
• Disruptive or rude behavior
Deposit expires completely after 6 months of no dialogue. As long as you keep in touch or are attending appointments this does not apply to you. Life happens and we understand, but we cannot hang on to deposits or reference material if you disappear for a long time!
How much is a deposit and how do I pay?
To schedule with Ruby, she requires a deposit equal to her hourly rate up front (see price chart below). If you have submitted an Appointment Request Form and have been selected for this quarter, you will receive an approval letter providing the following:
- Instructions on placing your deposit
- Venmo/PayPal account information to send your deposit to
- What to expect next in the booking process.
Deposits in Canada can be made through PayPal and are to be sent using FRIENDS AND FAMILY ONLY. If you fail to follow directions, you WILL be charged the extra cost at the time of checkout.
Deposits in the United States can be made through Venmo.
Below are Ruby's current deposit amounts by province:
Pennsylvania - $200 USD
Ontario - $200 CAD
California - $200 USD
Oregon - $200 USD
Puerto Rico - $150 USD
- Instructions on placing your deposit
- Venmo/PayPal account information to send your deposit to
- What to expect next in the booking process.
Deposits in Canada can be made through PayPal and are to be sent using FRIENDS AND FAMILY ONLY. If you fail to follow directions, you WILL be charged the extra cost at the time of checkout.
Deposits in the United States can be made through Venmo.
Below are Ruby's current deposit amounts by province:
Pennsylvania - $200 USD
Ontario - $200 CAD
California - $200 USD
Oregon - $200 USD
Puerto Rico - $150 USD
What is included with my tattoo?
Ruby only tattoos one person per day, so as well as spending the day with Ruby, your appointment also includes the following:
- Original artwork designed to fit your body
- 100% Vegan products
- Specialized numbing products
- SecondSkin™ Aftercare Bandage
- Free touch ups
- Original artwork designed to fit your body
- 100% Vegan products
- Specialized numbing products
- SecondSkin™ Aftercare Bandage
- Free touch ups
How are prices calculated?
Tattoo prices are based on how long a tattoo takes to complete multiplied by her hourly rate with a 4 hour minimum. Generally there is no charge for a reasonable amount of small break sessions and set up for a tattoo. Below are Ruby's current hourly rates and deposit amounts by province:
Pennsylvania - $200 USD
Ontario - $200 CAD
California - $200 USD
Oregon - $200 USD
Puerto Rico - $150 USD
Pennsylvania - $200 USD
Ontario - $200 CAD
California - $200 USD
Oregon - $200 USD
Puerto Rico - $150 USD
What forms of payment are accepted at my appointmentand when do I pay?
Payments are processed at an hourly rate at the end of each session. Deposits are included in the price and come off the total cost of your tattoo at your final session.
Accepted payment methods vary by studio, but cash is always accepted at every location.
Canada is cash only.
If you would like to pay in cash but aren't sure how much to bring, please send us a message ahead of time and we can give you a rough estimate.
In the United States, Ruby prefers cash and Venmo, but will also accept PayPal.
If you are paying with a mobile cash app, please download Venmo or PayPal to your phone (links below). Please be sure to register your debit/credit/bank information prior to your appointment.
Venmo
Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.venmo&hl=en
iPhone:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/venmo/id351727428?mt=8
PayPal
Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.paypal.android.p2pmobile&hl=en_CA
iPhone:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/paypal-mobile-cash/id283646709
Accepted payment methods vary by studio, but cash is always accepted at every location.
Canada is cash only.
If you would like to pay in cash but aren't sure how much to bring, please send us a message ahead of time and we can give you a rough estimate.
In the United States, Ruby prefers cash and Venmo, but will also accept PayPal.
If you are paying with a mobile cash app, please download Venmo or PayPal to your phone (links below). Please be sure to register your debit/credit/bank information prior to your appointment.
Venmo
Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.venmo&hl=en
iPhone:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/venmo/id351727428?mt=8
PayPal
Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.paypal.android.p2pmobile&hl=en_CA
iPhone:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/paypal-mobile-cash/id283646709
How do touch ups work?
On tattoos that were executed originally by Ruby, you will never be charged for a touch-up, however tips and forms of gratuity are always appreciated. Please be sure to wait at least 1 month to let your tattoo heal fully before contacting us via email to schedule your touch-up. Please be sure to include a clear photo in your email so that Ruby can be prepared for with what will be needed at your touch-up appointment.
Ruby does not offer touch-ups on other artist's work, however if you are already in getting an original piece from her and it's a quick fix, she will likely be more than happy to accommodate you if you ask her nicely. :)
Ruby does not offer touch-ups on other artist's work, however if you are already in getting an original piece from her and it's a quick fix, she will likely be more than happy to accommodate you if you ask her nicely. :)
How does Priority Booking work?
Priority Booking is intended for clients who are: traveling, relocating or experiencing an extenuating circumstance that requires an earlier appointment...It is not meant to replace our normal booking process. Please refrain from submitting a request until you are serious about booking. This does not mean that you have to place a deposit immediately, but please be aware that Priority Booking dates are currently in high demand, therefore we are only able to hold penciled dates for 3 days. Submitting a Priority Booking Request does not guarantee that we have openings on your requested date(s). However, we will do the best that we can to accommodate you (while trying not to work Ruby to death), as Priority Booking appointments are typically scheduled on her days off from tattooing.
If you are interested in Priority Booking, but would like more information before applying, please email us at booktherubygore@gmail.com.
Terms & Conditions
If you are interested in Priority Booking, but would like more information before applying, please email us at booktherubygore@gmail.com.
Terms & Conditions
- A $500 USD ($500 CAD) non-refundable, non-transferable Priority Booking fee is required up front within 3 days of your request being approved
- The Priority Booking fee is a place holding deposit that is an additional cost, it is not taken off the final price of your tattoo
- If you need to reschedule, an additional Priority Booking fee will be required to set a new date
- Ruby only tattoos one person per day, therefore all Priority Booking appointments are set at a flat daily rate of $1200 (up to 6 hours of tattooing)
- Ruby is looking to tattoo pieces that inspire her creatively and contribute to a strong artistic portfolio. Priority requests are still required to meet her standard criteria (no cover-ups or restorations, original artwork designed by Ruby in her style)
- Priority Booking ensures you get to skip the waitlist
How does the waitlist work?
Our waitlist was created to allow Ruby to continue receiving all of your wonderful ideas without ever having to close her books as well as to give her some breathing room to travel/live life/move/etc. 1-2 months at a time rather than 6-9 months in advance.
Because of this, timeframes provided are roughly estimated to allow for flexibility but may result in a longer wait time than expected. If you are interested in the opportunity to move your appointment up, we highly advise joining the Cancellation Mailing List to be the first to be notified of last minute openings.
Although timeframes are not guaranteed, with our new waitlist booking system your place is secured in chronological order and unlike our old booking process, your deposit will never expire.
It is understandable that you may want to touch base periodically to ensure that you haven't been missed or forgotten about, so we will do the best that we can to get back to you as soon as humanly possible with your current place in line and an updated time estimate, but please be patient as we prioritize immediate upcoming appointment correspondence. We are also working vigorously on a waitlist newsletter to keep you up to date on news, changes or last minute openings.
Because of this, timeframes provided are roughly estimated to allow for flexibility but may result in a longer wait time than expected. If you are interested in the opportunity to move your appointment up, we highly advise joining the Cancellation Mailing List to be the first to be notified of last minute openings.
Although timeframes are not guaranteed, with our new waitlist booking system your place is secured in chronological order and unlike our old booking process, your deposit will never expire.
It is understandable that you may want to touch base periodically to ensure that you haven't been missed or forgotten about, so we will do the best that we can to get back to you as soon as humanly possible with your current place in line and an updated time estimate, but please be patient as we prioritize immediate upcoming appointment correspondence. We are also working vigorously on a waitlist newsletter to keep you up to date on news, changes or last minute openings.
Etiquette
Can I bring my friend/family member to the appointment with me?
You are welcome to bring a guest, but we ask that you please limit it to one person.
Can I bring my child to the appointment with me?
Legally you may not bring minors into a designated tattooing area within the building. Aside from the legality of it, while tattoo shops are fun places to be for adults they can be dangerous and inappropriate places for children. For their safety and for the consideration of others please arrange for their care while you are at your appointment.
My appointment is coming up soon, can I see my artwork?
Ruby only tattoos one client per day and always plans to spend the entire day with each person no matter how big or small the tattoo is. She strives to give each person her undivided attention and the best experience possible. Because of this, you will see your tattoo design on the day of your appointment. If you require any minor changes to your design, you will be able to make them together before she begins tattooing you.
Ruby works best via email and we will request photos of the area you want tattooed prior to your appointment. (Please take a moment to review our Photo Taking Guide)
If you have any additions/changes/specific elements that you require in your design that you did not include in your original submission, please be sure to let us know at least a week in advance or when we reach out to you with your appointment reminder.
Ruby works best via email and we will request photos of the area you want tattooed prior to your appointment. (Please take a moment to review our Photo Taking Guide)
If you have any additions/changes/specific elements that you require in your design that you did not include in your original submission, please be sure to let us know at least a week in advance or when we reach out to you with your appointment reminder.
Can I get tattooed if I am intoxicated?
You cannot. Not only is it illegal to tattoo anyone who is intoxicated, but getting tattooed while intoxicated negatively affects your decision making processes and could make your tattoo more painful.
What if I have an appointment but I'm not feeling well?
Ruby will not take appointments with anyone who is sick, getting sick, not yet fully recovered from an illness, or contagious in any way. If this is the case we are happy to reschedule you. If you decide to show up to your appointment and you are ill or are showing any symptoms of illness, she will ask you to come back when you are better, so if you are not feeling well for any reason please stay home, rest up, and reschedule your appointment for when you are fully recovered.
Should I tip?
It's customary and appreciated (but never expected) to tip your artist if you're happy with your tattoo and the service you received during your appointment. A good tip is typicallt 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo including deposit, similar to what you might leave in a restaurant, but any token of gratitude is appreciated.
How long will it take and how long should i expect to be there?
Ruby only tattoos one person per day, so that she can give each client her undivided attention. Because of this, we suggest that you make arrangements so that you can spend the entire day with her regardless of what size your tattoo is. Please do not make any other plans.
You will have plenty of time allotted at the beginning of your appointment to discuss any minor tweaks or changes. Please keep in mind that it could take anywhere from 1-2 hours (or as long as it needs to) to begin, so we ask you to please be patient while Ruby makes adjustments so that she can fit the tattoo to your body perfectly.
**Note that you are not being charged when she is not tattooing you.
It is extremely difficult to give an exact time-frame for how long a tattoo session will go for, which is why Ruby charges by an hourly rate. However her body typically allows her to tattoo for no more than 4-6 hours per session. The 4-6 hours does not include set-up time, breaks and the time that she spends fitting the tattoo to you, which is why we set aside a whole day just for you.
Please keep in mind that Ruby will only ever tattoo at her very best, as she respects your body and the permanence of the art of tattooing. That being said, if she feels that you need to come back to finish your tattoo for whatever reason (she’s human too!), we ask that you respect her decision and please do not pressure her to continue your session. Ruby will be back in your area soon, and will do her very best to leave your tattoo in a completed-looking stage until she returns if another session is necessary.
If you are concerned about how long your tattoo will take due to budget constraints, please be sure to mention this when submitting your appointment request and we will do the best that we can to accommodate you. This does not mean that Ruby will rush your tattoo, it does mean that we do our best to quote you a flat rate based on pre-approved parameters.
You will have plenty of time allotted at the beginning of your appointment to discuss any minor tweaks or changes. Please keep in mind that it could take anywhere from 1-2 hours (or as long as it needs to) to begin, so we ask you to please be patient while Ruby makes adjustments so that she can fit the tattoo to your body perfectly.
**Note that you are not being charged when she is not tattooing you.
It is extremely difficult to give an exact time-frame for how long a tattoo session will go for, which is why Ruby charges by an hourly rate. However her body typically allows her to tattoo for no more than 4-6 hours per session. The 4-6 hours does not include set-up time, breaks and the time that she spends fitting the tattoo to you, which is why we set aside a whole day just for you.
Please keep in mind that Ruby will only ever tattoo at her very best, as she respects your body and the permanence of the art of tattooing. That being said, if she feels that you need to come back to finish your tattoo for whatever reason (she’s human too!), we ask that you respect her decision and please do not pressure her to continue your session. Ruby will be back in your area soon, and will do her very best to leave your tattoo in a completed-looking stage until she returns if another session is necessary.
If you are concerned about how long your tattoo will take due to budget constraints, please be sure to mention this when submitting your appointment request and we will do the best that we can to accommodate you. This does not mean that Ruby will rush your tattoo, it does mean that we do our best to quote you a flat rate based on pre-approved parameters.
More FAQ's
Can I get tattooed if I am under the age of 18?
You may not get tattooed while under the age of 18 in any province that Ruby works in. A parent may not give permission for a minor to receive a tattoo. A minor may only be tattooed under the recommendation of a medical doctor to address a specific physical medical condition; doctors may not approve purely artistic tattoos for minors.
Does getting tattooed hurt?
In a word, yes, but it varies greatly between different people and locations on the body. Every individual is different and there is no way to predict how getting a certain tattoo will feel to you. Being well rested and well fed, as well as going into the tattoo with a calm, positive state of mind can be very helpful. Ruby is here for you and will do everything she can to make the process as comfortable as possible, please do not hesitate to let her know if you ever need anything.
For those who know they are extra sensitive, ask us about booking multiple short sessions to complete the tattoo rather than one or two long ones. We can also advise on specialized Zensa numbing cream if this is something you are interested in trying. Not only is Zensa fully vegan and cruelty-free, it also has 5% Lidocaine and does not affect skin texture or ink settling. Make sure to follow the instructions for how to apply it.
For those who know they are extra sensitive, ask us about booking multiple short sessions to complete the tattoo rather than one or two long ones. We can also advise on specialized Zensa numbing cream if this is something you are interested in trying. Not only is Zensa fully vegan and cruelty-free, it also has 5% Lidocaine and does not affect skin texture or ink settling. Make sure to follow the instructions for how to apply it.
What if I am allergic to latex?
Not a problem! Ruby uses nitrile gloves which are latex free.
Are your supplies really vegan?
Yes, all products that Ruby uses on your skin during your tattoo have been confirmed by each company as Vegan. As you may or may not know, some tattoo inks contain animal-based glycerine, and some black tattoo inks are still made with bone char. Below is a list of inks and all other products Ruby uses:
Tattoo Ink:
Eternal Tattoo Ink (confirmed via their website)
Dynamic Tattoo Ink (confirmed via email)
Other Products:
SecondSkin Tattoo Salve (confirmed via their website)
SecondSkin Aftercare Bandages (confirmed via email)
Stencil Stuff Stencil Adhesive (confirmed via their website)
Dr. Bronner's Hemp Baby Soap (confirmed via their website)
Spirit Stencil Transfer Paper (confirmed via website)
Tattoo Ink:
Eternal Tattoo Ink (confirmed via their website)
Dynamic Tattoo Ink (confirmed via email)
Other Products:
SecondSkin Tattoo Salve (confirmed via their website)
SecondSkin Aftercare Bandages (confirmed via email)
Stencil Stuff Stencil Adhesive (confirmed via their website)
Dr. Bronner's Hemp Baby Soap (confirmed via their website)
Spirit Stencil Transfer Paper (confirmed via website)
Are you coming to my city any time soon?
Possibly! Ruby is planning on attending several conventions and cities in the next few years. For an early look at which conventions she already plans on attending, please see her Travel Dates Page. All event/travel plans will be announced on her Instagram as soon as they have been finalized so make sure to turn on post notifications so that you can be first to know when she makes the announcement. If you are interested in having Ruby come to your city, please submit a General Inquiry and we will look into adding your city to the list!
Do you have prints or other artwork for sale?
Do you do commissions for non-tattoo artwork?
We are sorry, but Ruby is not currently doing art commissions. If you are interested in finding out when she will open commissions again, please join her mailing list here.
Still have a question that wasn’t answered here? Email us and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
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