Contact me

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You can scroll down beforehand to read the tattoo FAQ, or click here to read a bit about my photography services.

If you want to attach pictures, it’s better to write me directly at dwamtattoo@gmail.com

Note : it might take a few days but I always answer your emails ! So if you don’t hear from me, check in your spams ! We found out that a lot of my answers end up there.

INFORMATIONS and Frequently Asked Questions

I’m currently working in Vancouver in my private studio in Kitsilano. I usually tattoo on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Tattoo guests in France or anywhere are announced in Instagram stories and highlights, and through my newsletter.

I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START !

Start by contacting me ! I will guide you through then :) You can already let me know if you are interested in a flash design, and which one, or in a custom piece. For a custom, please write me as precisely as possible the details of your project :

• Give me a brief description, style, b&w or colors, size, location on your body (BEWARE: because of neck issues, I do not tattoo on ribs). Keep in mind that heavily detailed and complex designs are meant to be tattooed BIG. We can’t do convoluted tattoo in 10x15cm.

• Don't hesitate to send me image references, photos, sketches, other tattoos I've done that you like, so I can figure out your tastes better. You don't need to write a novel, just give me clear directions so I can define what will work best aesthetically according to size and location, to create the best design possible for you. I can do consultations as well if you wanna talk about it in person.

•Let me know your budget (please consider that I can only take payments in cash, or through paypal, or direct transfer)

•And what are your availability (weekday, weekend, afternoon, evening ?)

I’m usually booked for a month, so I may not be able to do your last-minute project, but we never know ! Right now I’m quite flexible and available.

Do you do consultations ?

Most of the time, emails with clear directions can be enough for me to create the tattoo you want, but I’m happy to meet you beforehand and discuss your ideas in person. I may sometimes need to check on details, or doodle on you directly to take a pattern or the scale of the project. Because of the Covid19 situation, in person consultations are tricky and risky, so, we’ll do as much as we can through emails-only. We can also do video-call consultations if needed.

How long does it take ?

Most of my works take 1 to 4 hours. However this may vary for each project and client. Multiple colors pieces take longer. Large scale work like sleeves, chest and back-pieces will take multiple sessions. You’ll need to plan your time and budget accordingly. I can tattoo long-hours sessions if you travel to get to me, for example, however I’m always happy to split sessions in shorter, more manageable chunks for you if needed.

How much will it cost ?

I’m a fairly fast tattoo artist, therefore I do not do hourly rates. I’ll quote a price by the piece. Prices depend on the specifics of your project, the size, the complexity, and the execution time, design and tattoo. I’d rather know your budget so I can design accordingly.

I’ll ask for a $200 deposit for a custom piece and to book an appointment. Your deposit is deducted from the total cost of the session, but it will be forfeited if you fail to notify me 48h before that you intend to reschedule or cancel. Deposits can be paid cash, via e-transfer or paypal, but please bring cash to pay for the remainder of the tattoo.

CAN I SEE THE DESIGN BEFORE ?

I draw the most urgent projects in order, therefore most of the designs are drawn the day before your appointment. So it’s very unlikely to see yours in advance. I may send you sketches or unfinished designs sometimes if I need to check in on with you, or if I’m unsure of the direction to take. I always keep some time with you before a tattoo session to alter some details or draw something differently if you’re not 100% happy with the design. Please never hesitate to tell me if something doesn’t seem fitting for you : it’s your skin.

How do I prepare for my appointment ?

It’s important to get a good night’s sleep and a substantial breakfast/lunch before your appointment. Fatigue and malnourishment will affect your body’s ability to sit through the pain and the stress of your tattoo session. It’s always good to bring water, high carbs/sugary snacks with you for long sessions - but we always have some snacks ready at the shop. Do not drink alcohol the evening before your appointment : it will thin your blood and make tattooing harder for your artist.

Bring warm and comfortable clothes (shawl, high socks, shorts, and easily manageable bra/bralets/bikinis). Tattooing can induce cold sweats and body temperature often drops. Tattoo studios often include an open space, keep it in mind, and please tell me if you need more privacy, or feel uncomfortable - I can usually provide shoji screens, pasties, and paper towels to cover you. Noise-cancelling headphones can also do wonder if you’re sound-sensitive or feel like isolating yourself from the surroundings. Because of the pandemic, you’ll be asked to wear a mask during the whole session.

DURING THE TATTOO ?

I like soft dark music, and I’m known to be pretty chatty during sessions, although sometimes I may have to focus on certain areas and get silent for a while - but wether you wanna talk or listen to music or meditate is totally up to you ! Do what you need to get through a session. Never hesitate to ask me for a break, a snack, a blanket, some water, to be silent, or if you have questions.

Do you do cover-ups, scars covers, or addition on other artists’ works ?

I can work on scars as long as they are sufficiently old and healed up. I’m more circonspect about addition and cover-ups. We need to discuss it beforehand, case by case. In my experience, there is often a lot of frustration and difficult feelings around designs to cover, and you must keep in mind that cover ups need to be a lot larger and darker than the original - therefore the possibilities are usually very limited by the former design. I can rarely work my way around other artists’ work, except if they’ve got similar styles, but there are always exceptions.

Is there anything you do not tattoo ?

I won’t accept any tattoos that are politically or racially disrespectful, neither culturally appropriative. I do not copy or reproduce existing tattoos. I can adapt illustrations or designs from other artists only if we have the artist’s agreement on this. Please respect other tattoo artists and clients, and understand that a design is created for someone because it’s important to them.

Even with a parental agreement, I do not tattoo people under 18. I do not tattoo on faces, nor ribs. I don’t do commission flash designs for tattoos I won’t ink myself. I’m not looking for an apprentice.

Every picture, drawing, and tattoos on this site are copyrighted Dwam/Ipomée. Thanks to not use them without asking me first, and please always  indicate the author and the source.

 Thank you :)

AFTER THE TATTOO ?

Long tattoo sessions can be hard on your body. You might still be a little high with endorphins, and sleepy, so, try not to commit to too much post-appointment. Avoid heavy physical activities, sunbathing and submerging your fresh tattoo in water. Eat and rest well. During the healing process ( up to 2-3 weeks), the most important is to keep your tattoo clean, and moisturized. I’ll provide you with precise aftercare instructions after a session.

SHOULD I SEND YOU A PICTURE OF THE HEALED TATTOO?

Yes please ! It’s great cause it allows me to see if everything healed well, it shows the tattoo in situation (have fun, be creative), and also... It’s like receiving news from my babies :) Let me know if I can share them and if you wish to be tagged. Also come to show your tattoos at the tattoo studio if you can.

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