FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
I am Currently working by appointment only at Thistle & Pearl Tattoo in Asheville. I've also been doing occasional conventions and guest spots in other cities. Please follow me on social media for updates on travel.HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Email is the best way to contact me. The more information you can give about the tattoo you want: subject matter, reference pictures, placement, size and your availability, the easier it will be for me to get an idea of what you are looking for and when to book you. Local clients will typically have an in-person consultation and out of town clients can be booked through email. A $100-150 deposit is required on all appointments; this can be done with me in person at the shop or directly through this website. Please see the 'Contact' and 'Deposit Information' section of this site for more information.WHAT IS YOUR AVAILABILITY?
At the moment, I'm booked out with appointments at least a few weeks out, but I try to squeeze stuff in whenever I can. (So don't be afraid to message me about any last minute work.) I work Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday typically from noon until 8pm. I do not work on my days off.WHY DO I HAVE TO LEAVE A DEPOSIT?
A non-refundable deposit is required to hold your appointment date in my schedule. This is important so that the time can be reserved specifically for you! How much you will have to leave for a deposit will be determined by the piece and will be anywhere from $100-$150. Specifics regarding deposits can be found in the 'Deposit Information' section of this site.WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING POLICY?
All deposits are non-refundable and rescheduling without 72 hours notice will forfeit their deposit. Deposits cover lost wages and time that may have gone to another client. There is an exception for those who are sick that day, etc.CAN I PAY WITH CREDIT/DEBIT CARD?
I occasionally take deposits through PayPal which uses credit/debit for electronic money transfers, but Venmo or cash is preferred. Venmo: @william-townillHOW MUCH WILL MY TATTOO COST?
I will always give a price estimate or ask for your budget before taking a deposit. Price really depends exactly on what you're getting. Most pieces I charge hourly at $150/hr rate, but sometimes, depending on location, I may charge a flat fee. (Talk to me for details.)CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I AM UNDER 18?
No. I will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 in any state, regardless of parental consent. Tattooing a minor is illegal in most parts of the country.HAVE YOU EVER DONE ANYONE'S FIRST TATTOO? I'M NERVOUS...
Feel free to bring a pair of headphones to help yourself relax. I tattoo first-timers all of the time. It's understandable to be nervous! Getting tattooed hurts, sometimes a lot and sometimes it's not noticeable at all. Your tattoo won't 'go numb' as others may have told you, but you will probably get used to the feeling if you can accept it for what it is. And hey, you're going to have a cool tattoo when it's over.HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR GETTING TATTOOED?
This is important! Get a good night's rest and eat within two hours of coming in for your appointment. It may also be wise to bring something sugary to drink or snack on as well. Wear appropriate clothing in consideration of where you are getting tattooed. Overall, what you wear is truly up to you. But wearing something comfortable that has access to the area getting tattooed is best. You will also need to bring a state-issued photo ID or passport to be tattooed.CAN I BRING FAMILY OR FRIENDS WITH TO WATCH?
For many reasons, coming to a tattoo appointment with more than one person who isn't getting tattooed doesn't help anyone. Although getting a new tattoo is a really exciting experience for the person getting tattooed, your family or friends will probably end up becoming bored. You will generally be allowed one person to accompany you but this may not always be the do-able. We are a small shop with limited space, so please, no entourages. *Due to the pandemic, we no longer have space for guests. Sorry.CAN I GET A TATTOO IF I'M ALLERGIC TO LATEX?
Yes! Lucky for you, I use nitrile gloves as opposed to latex. Not only is nitrile more resistant to possible punctures, but latex begins to deteriorate when exposed to the common petroleum based products used for tattooing. Nitrile gloves are mandatory for safe tattooing.DO YOU USE VEGAN INK?
Yes! I use inks strictly from Eternal Ink, Fusion, Solid, and Silverback. All companies are 100% vegan safe and contains no animal by-products.HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY TATTOO?
I will go over all aftercare verbally with you the day of your appointment. Clients also receive an aftercare sheet to take home as well. If you need to know how to take care of a tattoo before you make an appointment, just ask. I'm more than happy to help answer any questions.GUEST SPOTS & CONVENTIONS
I keep all upcoming travel updates on the home page of this site. I always announce through social media when I will be doing any sort of event, convention, or guest spot. Direct links to my Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are found in the contact section of this site. Let me know where you're from! I'm always looking for places to go. If I know I have a following in a certain city, I'll make my way there.Thank you for your continued support.