FAQ'S

A Curated Collection of Common Questions

Booking

How do I book an appointment?

Applications for new clients are currently closed. Sign up for our Newsletter to be the first to know when Ruby reopens her books

Do I have to make an appointment to get tattooed?

Yes. Once your request has been received we will review your idea. If you are selected, you will be sent the next steps to move forward with booking. 

How soon can I get an appointment?

The current eta for clients on our waitlist will vary depending on when a deposit was initially placed, but wait time is typically around a year.
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Can I schedule an appointment with you even if I am not local?

Yes, as soon as Ruby reopens her books she is happy to accept applications at her home studio in Philadelphia for all clients regardless of their location.
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How can I prepare for my appointment?

Even if you have been tattooed before, please be sure to thoroughly read through the Booking Process, Get Ready Guide, Photo Guide and Aftercare Guide 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 with Ruby 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 video consultation for you to meet with Ruby prior to your first appointment.

​​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 for unforeseen circumstances/travel/etc. therefore, all appointments are booked no more than one month at a time.

For new clients/projects, the wait is currently around 1 year for the first initial session. Once a client has completed their first session (for multiple session pieces), or if a deposit is left on record (rather than cashing it out at the end of completing a project), they are considered an ongoing client/project and are free to book their next appointment either at the end of their session or when they are ready via email (A healing time of 3-4 weeks is strongly recommended if working in the same area).

Because clients with ongoing projects are given first priority for booking, timeframes provided are roughly estimated to allow for flexibility but may result in a shorter or longer wait time for new clients than expected. New clients will be contacted when their turn arrives, roughly one month in advance and will be provided with available dates to choose from for the upcoming month. 

If you are interested in the opportunity to move your appointment up, we highly advise joining the Cancellation 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. 
**NOTE: If we have reached out to you to book your appointment on more than one occasion with no response, your file will be placed on hold and will be relocated to the bottom of the waitlist.

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. ​​

If you haven't already, hop on over to our Booking Process page for a more in depth look at what to expect when working with Ruby

BOOKING PROCESS

Pricing & PAYMENT

How do deposits work?

Deposits are a non-refundable fee taken at the beginning of the booking process for each new client and returning clients who have previously cashed out their deposit. Deposits are included in the total cost of a tattoo and come off the cost of the tattoo at the client's final session.

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.

All appointments require deposits, and all deposits are non-refundable - there are no exceptions

Why are deposits important? What purpose do they serve and why are they non-refundable?

• Placing a deposit secure's your spot in line on Ruby's waitlist
• Deposits help decrease no call/no shows/cancellations
• Deposits help cover a portion of the loss if no call/no shows/cancellations happen

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
• Showing signs of intoxication
• Disruptive or rude behavior

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It is the client's responsibility to review all information on our website prior to booking. By placing a deposit, you (the client) are agreeing that you have read and understand the information that is clearly stated on our website.
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Ruby will not take appointments with anyone who is sick, showing signs of COVID or has recently come into contact with someone infected. If this is the case we are happy to reschedule you. DO NOT show up to your appointment if you are ill or are showing any symptoms of illness for the safety of everyone. 

How much is a deposit?

Current hourly/deposit rate by state/province:

Pennsylvania - $200 USD 
New York - $250 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:

• 1-on-1 video consultation (upon request)
• An in person fine tuning consultation the morning of your appointment
• 100% Vegan & numbing products
• Original artwork – designed to fit your body
• A relaxed-no rush environment, as Ruby only tattoos one person a day
• A professional photo of your tattoo
• *Free touch-ups ​​

How are prices calculated?

Tattoo prices are based on how long a tattoo takes to complete multiplied by Ruby's hourly rate (see "How Much is a Deposit" above for rates). There is no charge for a reasonable amount of small breaks or set up for a tattoo. 

To give you an idea on timing so you can estimate the cost of your tattoo, here are some examples:
- A 9x9 tattoo done in Ruby's signature dotwork is estimated to take around 9 hours, split over at least 2 sessions
- ​ A rose including leaves about the size of a palm in Ruby's signature dotwork style takes her about 3 hours to complete and can be done in 1 session
- Color pieces will take more time depending on how large the final piece is, if they are full color, a combination of color and dotwork, or adding a splash of color. Please also keep in mind that Ruby does more dotwork than color, so although she is fully confident and comfortable to execute color pieces, she is a bit slower at it.

What forms of payment are accepted at my appointment and when do I pay?

Payments are processed at an hourly rate at the end of each session. Deposits are included in the total price and will come off the cost of your tattoo at your last session.

​Accepted payment methods vary by country, cash is always preferred though.

United States, Zelle, Cash 
Canada, PayPal, Cash 

Please be sure to download the appropriate app to your phone and register your debit/credit/bank information prior to your appointment. 

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. :)

HOW MUCH 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.

Etiquette

WHAT SHOULD/SHOULDN'T I BRING?

DO BRING

• A mask or face covering, even if you are fully vaccinated
• Clothing that is cool/warm, comfortable for you and easy to remove if needed, or allows easy access to the tattoo area. If you don't know what to wear, please reach out to us so we can guide you. (Hint: black clothing is ideal for photos and in case ink gets on it!)
• Food, snacks and entertainment for the day

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​DON'T BRING

• We are unfortunately unable to accommodate guests inside the studio at this time, so please arrive solo. If you have a medical condition or extenuating circumstance that requires someone to accompany you, please reach out to us beforehand so that we have time to prepare a space in the studio to allow proper distancing.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT​

You will be sent a COVID-19 symptoms questionnaire to fill out and return with your appointment reminder the week prior to your appointment. If we do not receive your questionnaire within a reasonable amount of time,  you will not be able to be tattooed on your appointment date and you will need to be rescheduled.

Please contact us to reschedule your appointment right away if you have any concerns, you feel unwell at all or if any of the following apply:

• You have or may have been in close contact with someone who is sick or has confirmed COVID-19
• You have returned from travel or come into contact with someone returned from travel in the past 14 days
• You have may be showing signs of any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, trouble swallowing, runny nose, loss of taste/smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Rest assured you will not lose your deposit. Your health and mine are of the utmost importance. You will be placed back in your original spot on the waitlist until you reach back out to us to reschedule once you are 100% recovered or confident that you are well.

If you are interested in a consultation prior to your first appointment, please let us know right away, as consultations must now be done remotely before coming to the studio. We try to keep in person appointments for providing the service only so as to reduce contact time as much as possible.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES IN THE STUDIO

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to protect everyone's health, when in the studio please adhere to the following required protective measures:

• Stay home when you are sick
• Wear a face mask or covering, even if you are fully vaccinated when you are in the studio
• Wash hands immediately upon arrival and frequently with liquid soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Keep a two meter/six feet distance when possible
• Cover cough or sneeze with the elbow or a tissue. Immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash hands

​Read more about our Enhanced Measures in the Studio here.

EXPERIENCE

We ask that you try not arrive too early just to help in reducing contact time. We will provide you with detailed parking, location and directions in your arrival email the week prior to your appointment. 

I pride myself in providing a unique and unforgettable day for each client that is far from a traditional tattoo studio, even during a pandemic. To create this experience, there are a few things that I do a little differently and a few things that I ask of each client.

• I dedicate myself to each client by tattooing only one person a day
• I take as long as it needs to ensure each piece fits and flows perfectly to the body and that you are as in love as I am before making it permanent (you are not charged for this time)
• Please plan on spending the day at the studio regardless of how big or small your tattoo is. This help me to not feel rushed so that I can focus on creating a one of a kind piece for you that we are both proud of.

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That being said, please keep in mind that I will only ever tattoo at my very best, as I respect your body and the permanence and art of tattooing. If I feel that you need to come back to finish your tattoo for whatever reason please respect my decision and boundaries. (I'm human too <3)

CAN I BRING MY FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER TO THE APPOINTMENT WITH ME?

Due to the current pandemic, we ask that you please come alone to your appointment.

​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. 

Due to the current pandemic, all communication and consultations will be conducted remotely. We will request photos of the area you want tattooed prior to your appointment, so please take a moment to review our Photo Taking Guide to help the process go smoothly.

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, showing signs of COVID or has recently come into contact with someone infected. If this is the case we are happy to reschedule you. DO NOT show up to your appointment if you are ill or are showing any symptoms of illness for the safety of everyone. Your deposit will still be honored and we will reschedule your appointment for when you are fully recovered.

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.

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 need be) 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. So all in all, you're probably looking at being at the studio for around 8 hours if your tattoo is on the larger side.

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. If she has come from out of town, Ruby will ensure to 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.
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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, prior to placing your deposit, and we will book your day to to accommodate you as best we can. 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 that is fair pricing for her skill level and time.

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, however please keep in mind that each request is still subject to Ruby's approval.
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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.

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)

For more information, head on over to our page about Vegan Tattoos

Are you coming to my city any time soon?

Possibly after the pandemic is over! Ruby typically attends conventions and guest spots yearly all over the world, but due to the reported surges in cases of COVID-19, all traveling and events have been put on hold until further notice.
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Any event/travel plans will be announced through our Newsletter as soon as plans have been finalized. If you are interested in having Ruby come to your city, please send us a message and we will look into adding your city to the list after the pandemic.

Do you have prints or other artwork for sale?

Not currently, but sign up for our Newsletter to receive updates of when we do!

Do you do commissions for non-tattoo artwork?

Ruby is currently considering commissions on a case-by-case basis. Please send us a message for further information.