tattoo kev
BROOKLYN based
queer tattoo ARTIST
before the session:
you can fill out the booking request form on my contact page or, reach out via email or instagram dm @tattoo.kev!
some helpful information to be prepared with:
what is your idea?
what is the desired placement?
what is the desired sizing?
do you have a budget for this project?
Yes! I offer both original one of one flash designs as well as customs!
You can see my currently available designs on my instagram page @tattoo.kev
For customs, I am open to all ideas and concepts.
I love to work on all things queer and kink that you can imagine. I'm aLSO A huge pokemon fan. big gamer, and I've probably watched all your favorite anime and cartoons - so send me a message and lets work on something together!
No - I do not offer any color work at this time. I specialize in blackwork tattoos and all pieces -flash or custom - will be in my high contrast blackwork / dot work style as seen on my portfolio.
I charge by the design and will always give you an exact price prior to booking so there are no surprises on the day of your session.
My minimum for custom pieces is $300 and goes up from there.
My one of one original designs range in price from $250-750+ depending on the size and complexity of the design - if you are interested in any available piece, contact me and we will discuss everything together.
if you are interested in booking a day Long session, please inquire directly with me - day long sessions BEGIN AT $1000
before your session appointment:
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DO eat something before and stay hydrated
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DO get a good nights sleep
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DO start moisturizing the area up to a week before your session if you know your placement
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DO (and PLEASE!) shower before and come clean and you'll want to avoid a shower directly after the session.
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DO NOT get to much sun the week before your session. having a sunburn can negatively effect the tattoo process
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DO NOT shave the area- I will do this for you
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DO NOT take blood thinners, antibiotics, or steroids (that means no advil, tylenol, aspirin, etc on the day of)
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DO NOT use numbing creams or other topical creams meant for tattoos in the area before your tattoo
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DO NOT drink alcohol or do drugs for at least 24 hours before your session.
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DO NOT drink too much caffeine - usually one cup of coffee is just fine
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I own the gay tattoo shop located at 334 leonard street in Williamsburg Brooklyn. The shop is less than 5 minutes walk from the lormier st l station.
I present all custom designs on the day of the session. during the booking process we will go over all the details of your piece together - please be as open, honest, and direct as possible with me. I block long sessions so there is always plenty of time to incorporate any feedback that you have as well.
I find that working with you on the day of your session is the best way for me to incorporate your edits and adjusments if you have them - that way, we can work together to meet your vision.
yes!
I have room for 1-2 guests in the studio <3
no pets allowed - both a studio and building policy. if you have a registered service animal or other legal accomodation, of course you can bring them along, just please let me know in advance!
yes! I love doing guest spots and you can catch me in cities all over the US. want me to come to you? send me a note on instagram and let me know - I listen to my followers and go where I get the most requests.
guest spots will always be announced on my social media.
yes I do - the gay tattoo shop Is designed to host guest artists from all over the world.
AFTER the session:
after your session is complete, I will apply a second skin (also known as tegaderm, saniderm, dermashield) bandage. this is an adhesive bandage that you will leave on for 48-72 hours following the session.
during this time, the initial blood and plasma will collect within the bandage and may appear to look messy under the bandage
while the bandage remains on - there is ABSOLUTELY NO WORKING OUT - sweat and therefore bacteria can become trapped within the bandage and can pose a health risk. please wait until you remove the bandage to resume physical activities
if for any reason, your bandage should come off BEFORE the 48-72 hour period, do not worry, and proceed to cleaning and moisturizing the tattoo.
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once the time is up, you will remove the bandage in the shower or under warm/cool running water. please remove the bandage slowly and carefully as it will be very stuck to your skin. once off, GENTLY wash the fresh tattoo with your choice of antibacterial and unscented soap - I like dove and dial.
there is ABSOLuTELY NO soaking or prolonged wetness allowed for at least the first two weeks following your session. that means - no super long showers, no baths, no pools, no swimming of any sort, no saunas, no steamrooms, etc.
for the first week, pat your tattoo dry with a fresh and clean paper towel - do NOT use your body towel.
let air dry before applying neutral, unscented lotion. I highly recommend you use Lubriderm as it works nicely for healing my style of tattoos.
during the next 2 weeks, you will want to keep the tattoo moisturized lightly by applying a small amount of lotion 5-7 times a day. You will also clean once per day and after any physical activity or contact with another person.
at the 2 week mark, your tattoo should be healed enough to resume normal activity but you will forever want to be cautious with prolonged sun exposure and always use an SPF to preserve the look and quality of the design.
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If for any reason you should develop signs or symptoms such as excessive redness at the site, green/yellow discharge, a strange smell or a fever consult your physician immediately as these are not the signs of a properly healing tattoo.
it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity for the duration of the healing process. if you would like to work out during the 2 week healing process then:
-no working out while the bandage is on
-once off, start moisturizing 5-7 times a day for at least 3 days
-when you return to the gym, avoid the muscle group where your tattoo is
-listen to your body and if you feel any discomfort or worse...pain, STOP!
-excessive sweat is not good during the healing process, if your tattoo is in an area where you will sweat a lot, consider not working out that way.
-make sure to clean the piece after the workout session
yes!
I stand by my work and am happy to touch up your piece. please come back for a touch up within 6 months of your session for a free touchup. if you get another piece from me, Im always happy to touch up an exisitng piece if youd like, just let me know!
tattoos can and will fade over time. do your best to adhere to the aftercare for the best results. you will always want to use spf/sun tan lotion as sun exposure and tanning is a large contributing factor to the fading of a tattoo over time.
if you are concerned, I always recommend to research before your session and look up tattoo healing photos, talk to your tattooed friends, or ask me in person and im happy to show you pieces that are 10+ years old on me.
deposits + reschedules
yes you can reschedule one time. your Deposit is not refundable and can be used for the rescheduled session.
If you would like to reschedule a session, please do so at least 72 hours beforehand - ideally, reschedule as soon as you know you need to - so that I have the best chance to try to fill your spot.
any session that is rescheduled in less than 72 hours notice will require a new deposit.
No.
all deposits are due at the time you book a session. please only schedule a session when you are ready to put down the deposit.
yes - you can always cancel a session. please just let me know in advance
cancelled sessions for any reason will result in loosing your deposit.
if you do not show up to your scheduled session and do not let me know you will be missing the session- you will be recorded as a no call / no show.
if you'd like to rebook your session, you will forfeit your original deposit and will need to pay the full balance of your tattoo upfront before coming to your new session.
if we worked on a custom piece, and I do not hear from you within 24 hours of your missed sessions, the design may be offered as a flash for someone else to claim