Frequently asked questions

Being a practice that trauma informed means that through my work I have the willingness to navigate and honor the path of trauma healing in each individual. To promote resilience, safety, comfort, and healing between client and artist through my practice. Holding the mindfulness that the art of tattooing requires entering the personal sphere; It is a sacred gift to work with the body of another, this work requires trust and transparency. Consent, communication, and collaboration is in the foreground of my practice.

Pondwater studio accepts Cash and Venmo ~ Venmo: @pondwatertattoo

Pondwater Studio uses the 'sliding scale' payment model for all tattoo services the sliding scale model operates off of the honor system YOU are given the power to place yourself on this scale to what you are capable of paying this payment model exists to most benefit you & the artist the artist will give you an estimate for the project once you & the artist have created a design / idea for example if the artist offers a sliding scale between $240 - $440 the artist is happy & comfortable to receive anything between this spectrum you choose what feels like the correct compensation for your ability to pay ​Pondwater studio strives to provide tattooing & healing arts services that are otherwise inaccessible to low-income, oppressed, &/or rural individuals. If you are able to pay on the higher range of the scale you are making it possible for the artist to find sustenance, and for low-income folks to access the service. you do not need to justify or immediately decide what you are able to pay, though if you have questions or would like assistance deciding how to pay using the sliding scale the artist would be happy to partake in that dialog. Things to consider: - If you have full-time employment please consider paying on the higher end of the scale - This is not a method for getting a cheap tattoo, this is a sacred practice. - Where you are able to pay on the sliding scale does not determine the amount of energy or difference in quality that the artist puts into your tattoo - The sliding-scale is nourished and sustained through honesty

A consultation can take many forms ~ A Consultation provides an intentional space to begin the design process and delve into stories, symbols, and imagery to inform and inspire your tattoo. Consultations can happen in the studio, outside, or over zoom! ​ Consultations are free of charge ~ You may also request to have a Freeform session, This is a session that would involve no prior consultation and instead entails creating a design collaboratively in the studio during your tattoo session. This process requires trust and patience but can be an incredibly powerful way to unearth a tattoo. ​ Consultations can happen in the studio, outside, or over zoom! ​ Consultations are free of charge ~

If you feel compelled to tip the artist please do so in the form of sacred items (not money) You are highly encouraged to honor the artist by gifting a unique sacred item -- this may come in the form of: animal bones, medicinal plants, hand crafted items, artworks, natural entities, etc.

If you would like to be accompanied by someone to your appointment or during the quest you are more than welcome to bring them, please not that the studio space is small so it can only comfortably accommodate 2- 4 people in total. Animals are not welcome in the workstation unless they are a service animal that needs to accompany you during the appointment.

please eat before the appointment, to nourish & prepare your body for tattooing. come into the experience how & when it feels right for you. It can be helpful to purchase ingredients for after-care prior to your tattoo appointment. Recommended for Healing: Unscented Anti-Bacterial Soap & Aquaphor Healing Ointment

At any point in the journey of collaboration (prior, during, or after) please feel free to share with the artists your emotional &/or physical needs. An accommodation can be a need to adjust a sitting position, adding another pillow, getting a cup of water, assistance traveling to the studio, or anything that comes up or exists with(in) you! the artist would be more than happy to get creative, navigate, and honor your needs in the journey.

as long as it needs to. if you have a time constraint please inform the artist, the artist will give space for the experience to unfurl time for breaks, stretching, tattooing, stories, collaboration, & the unknown

Fill out the booking form! you can find it on 'Home Page' here are some more options: Email: pondwatertattoo@gmail.com Direct Message on Instagram: @pondwatertattoo