booking with mathew

Cover-ups

• Be aware that cover-ups will usually mean more time and consideration for the design. Thus resulting in more work. This is why laser treatments are recommended for darker or larger tattoos to be covered. It is understood this will add to the overall expense and time of your new tattoo. However, considering this new tattoo will be an investment it should be done to its best, on both our ends, and it’s well worth it. Also, consider that I will not need the extra time to design your tattoo as a cover, and cover the old tattoo itself. This will save a good amount of your time with me. Not to mention the artistic sacrifices to your new design that may be needed to allow for an effective coverup. It is best if your old unwanted tattoo does not dictate the results of your new beautiful tattoo. A few of the reputable companies that exclusively work in tattoo removal are The Removery in Boston MA, and Ink Free in Dover NH.

Freedom

• I work with 100% freedom to achieve the best tattoo possible using your ideas on the subject matter and my artistic abilities and Japanese style-inspired tattooing. Please keep in mind, that some styles fit some designs better than others.

My Work

• Please view my portfolio and my social media accounts to see what I do for tattoo style, colors, my abilities, and so on. Yes, I tattoo, but I do not tattoo anything and everything. Please do your homework and be familiar with my style. It takes trust and confidence to achieve the best tattoo experience possible. I do not tattoo lettering, Celtic, tribal, etc. Nor do I rework or add to old tattoos. Although I am open to working on old and new designs together for a visually cohesive design that feels good and natural to both the client and myself.

The Drawing

• A percentage of my work is freehand and always custom. This means the design or part of the design is drawn directly on the skin, or based on sketches done beforehand. In this case, there won’t be any drawing shown before your appointment. If there was a sketch done, you will see it the day of the appointment as I tend to draw the final design the night before to keep things fresh in mind. For this reason, consults are extremely important to be sure we both know what to expect, have communicated fully, and have established trust. Please come prepared and know what you want, within reason.

Larger Tattoos

• For larger work such as sleeves and back pieces, it is important to understand that it is a commitment both financially and of our time. Appointments are set every four to six weeks until the completion of your tattoo unless other arrangements have been made in advance. I recommend booking all your appointments at once to avoid ending up at the end of the list. Only one deposit is taken and will be carried over to each sitting until the completion of your design. This deposit will be credited towards your last and final payment or it may be rolled over to your next tattoo.

Smaller Tattoos

• Smaller, one-sitting tattoos will be priced per piece and the price will be agreed upon before an appointment is made.

Do Your Homework

• The are many awesome websites where you can find a ton of information about the style and history of Japanese tattooing. These are a great way to research some of the amazing imagery that can be found in the Japanese style. As well as the meanings behind some of the most popular subjects in Japanese tattoo art today. A few good sites to get you started are 25 Traditional Japanese Tattoos and Their Meanings and Most Popular Japanese Style Tattoos.