RUBY GORE - DARK ILLUSTRATIVE BOTANICAL TATTOOS
FAQ'S
New Appointment Protocol
WHAT SHOULD/SHOULDN'T I BRING?
DO BRING
- A mask or face covering. If you have a medical reason you are unable to wear a face covering, please advise us in advance so that the proper personal protective equipment can be used the day of your appointment.
- Clothing that is comfortable for you to remove if needed, or allows easy access to the tattoo area. (Hint: black clothing is ideal for photos and in case ink gets on it!)
- Please only bring essential items with you to your appointment. I aim to provide a very comfortable environment with relaxing music, entertainment, snacks, drinks and personal necessities. Headphones, personal entertainment, etc. are always welcome, and I will never be offended by your personal needs. If there is something specific that you need or would like for the day of your appointment, please let us know when we send your appointment reminder the week before your appointment, and we will do the best we can to accommodate you.
- 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.
- Due to COVID guidelines, client food/beverages are not permitted at this time. However! Because you will be at the studio for the day and I can't have you starving or passing out, I will have healthy pre-packaged food, snacks and drinks available or you are more than welcome to order food from a delivery service. We will reach out to you the week prior to you appointment with arrival instructions and to speak about your preferences regarding food for the day.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Toronto Public Health now requires each client to fill out and return a COVID-19 symptoms questionnaire, before your appointment and the day of. You will be sent a form 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:
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.
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 outside of Canada 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
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 your health and mine, when in the studio, please join me by adhering to the following required protective measures:
- Wear a face mask or covering when you are in the studio
- Wash hands frequently with liquid soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- Keep a two metre/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
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.
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)
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.
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)
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED AND WHEN DO I PAY?
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, payment via contactless transactions such as E-transfer, Venmo and PayPal are strongly encouraged, however credit/debit cards with no-signature transactions will still be accepted. If you will be using a contactless payment method for the first time, please be sure to link your debit/credit/bank information prior to arrival.
Deposits are included in your price estimate and will come off the total cost of your tattoo at the end of your session. For larger tattoos with multiple sittings, your deposit will come off at your final session.
Deposits are included in your price estimate and will come off the total cost of your tattoo at the end of your session. For larger tattoos with multiple sittings, your deposit will come off at your final session.
Booking
How do I book an appointment?
Just head on over to the appointment request page and tell us your ideas!
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?
There are vastly different waitlist estimates depending on location. Because Ruby splits her time between Toronto, Philadelphia and San Diego as well as guest spots and conventions all over the world, timeframes 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 of around 2 years 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
Because Ruby is still settling into her new studio in Toronto, she currently has a much shorter waitlist and for a limited time, you'll save an extra $50 USD/hour when you book or move your appointment to our Toronto location.
*Offer expires July 31, 2020 at 11:59pm EST
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 contacting us to schedule at Ruby's home studio in Toronto, as spots for this year are filling up fast. It's also recommended to join her Cancellation 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 of around 2 years 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
Because Ruby is still settling into her new studio in Toronto, she currently has a much shorter waitlist and for a limited time, you'll save an extra $50 USD/hour when you book or move your appointment to our Toronto location.
*Offer expires July 31, 2020 at 11:59pm EST
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 contacting us to schedule at Ruby's home studio in Toronto, as spots for this year are filling up fast. It's also recommended to join her Cancellation 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 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 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.
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
• Showing signs of intoxication
• Disruptive or rude behavior
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.
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
• Showing signs of intoxication
• Disruptive or rude behavior
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 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 instructions on placing your deposit and what to expect next in the booking process.
Current hourly/deposit rate by province:
Pennsylvania - $200 USD
Ontario - $200 CAD ($150 USD)
California - $200 USD
Oregon - $200 USD
Puerto Rico - $150 USD
Current hourly/deposit rate by province:
Pennsylvania - $200 USD
Ontario - $200 CAD ($150 USD)
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
- 1 SecondSkin™ Aftercare Bandage
- Free touch ups
- Original artwork designed to fit your body
- 100% Vegan products
- Specialized numbing products
- 1 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 3 hour minimum. Generally there is no charge for a reasonable amount of small break sessions and set up for a tattoo.
To give you an idea on timing, a rose including leaves about the size of a palm in Ruby's signature style takes her about 3 hours to complete.
To give you an idea on timing, a rose including leaves about the size of a palm in Ruby's signature style takes her about 3 hours to complete.
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 price and come off the total cost of your tattoo at your final session.
Accepted payment methods vary by studio, but due to the current pandemic electronic payments are strongly preferred.
In Canada, Ruby prefers E-transfer, but will also accept PayPal and cash.
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 Venmo, but will also accept PayPal and cash.
If you are paying with a mobile cash app, please download Venmo or PayPal to your phone. Please be sure to register your debit/credit/bank information prior to your appointment.
Accepted payment methods vary by studio, but due to the current pandemic electronic payments are strongly preferred.
In Canada, Ruby prefers E-transfer, but will also accept PayPal and cash.
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 Venmo, but will also accept PayPal and cash.
If you are paying with a mobile cash app, please download Venmo or PayPal to your phone. Please be sure to 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. :)
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 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 emailing us to chat about your options as well as 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.
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 emailing us to chat about your options as well as 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.
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?
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 conducred 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.
Due to the current pandemic, all communication and consultations will be conducred 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 attends conventions and guest spots yearly all over the world. Any event/travel plans will be announced through our newsletter first and then on Instagram as soon as plans have been finalized. (Be 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?
Ruby is currently considering commissions on a case-by-case basis. Please email us for further information.
Ready to submit your request? Click below to get started!
Have questions that weren't answered in our FAQ's?
Email us and we will get back to you as quickly as possible
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