Contact Me
If you have any questions, comments, commission proposals, etc., feel free to e-mail me using the form at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, you can contact me via direct message on my Instagram.
You may also find the information you are looking for in the FAQs below.
FAQ
Can I commission you to make me some artwork?
When tattooing keeps me busy, I do not have time for any additional projects, so at the moment, I am not taking on any commissioned art projects.
Where do you work and how can I get tattooed by you?
I work at The Tattyshack, located at 3425 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116.
When my books are open, you can submit a request by e-mail (see Booking for details). Any last minute availability (due to cancellations, reschedules, etc.) is announced in my Instagram stories, so if you don’t already, follow my account @annappley on Instagram!
How much does a tattoo cost? What’s your hourly rate?
My hourly rate is $200. I don’t do flat-rate pricing. The total cost will depend on design, size and placement, because these factors affect the amount of time a tattoo takes. Once I know what you are looking for, I can give you an estimate for how long the tattoo will take and how much it will cost. There is a $200 minimum for all tattoo projects.
If you quote me a certain amount of time the tattoo will take, is that 100% accurate?
When booking an appointment, I do give you an estimated amount of time the tattoo will take, but it is just that — an estimate. I can give you a ballpark based on the size/placement/design, but there are still variables that I won’t be able to consider until I start tattooing you. Everyone’s skin is different, bodies are different, how well you sit is different — all of these things affect how much time it takes to tattoo.
Because of these factors, I might quote you 2.5 hours and end up taking 3 hours. While I try my best to not make it feel like a bait-and-switch when a tattoo takes longer than expected, please keep in mind that your tattoo may end up taking more time than I quoted you.
What payment methods do you accept?
For deposits: since I schedule mostly online, I take deposits using Venmo. PayPal is also acceptable, though not my first choice. **Please note that both of these charge a transaction fee of 2-4% so if I have to refund you, the refund will be less those fees.
At the shop: my preferred method is Venmo or tap-to-pay (such as ApplePay or cards enabled with contactless payment) for optimal convenience and lowest transaction fees. If neither of these is an option for you, the shop also accepts cash and all major credit cards.
How do I book an appointment?
I only take appointments when my books open, every 2-3 months. When my books are open, see the “Booking” page for all information needed to request an appointment.
Can I send a request before your books open?
I will not consider or respond to any booking requests until my books are open. Sending a request in advance only ensures that it will get lost in my inbox. Please wait until my books are open and send me an email at that time.
If I request an appointment when books are open, am I guaranteed a spot?
Unfortunately, no. For the past year or so, I have been getting 100+ emails within 24 hours of opening my books, which is more than the number of open spots I have. So even if every request is something I would love to tattoo, I am physically incapable of fitting all of them into a 2-3 month period.
I am continually flabbergasted by this level of interest, and I wish I was able to tattoo all of the awesome ideas people send in right away. While I am unable to do so, I encourage those who don’t get in the first time to try again when my books reopen. A tattoo is forever and is worth the wait! I completely understand if you don’t want to wait and would rather go to someone else, but again, I do my best to get to everyone eventually, so even if it takes a couple of months, I encourage you to try again.
What are your favorite things to tattoo?
Ladyheads, pinups, animals and flowers/foliage. Style-wise, I am most inspired by American and Japanese traditional tattoos, but I don’t rigidly stick to those styles. Take a look at my portfolio for a good indicator of the type of work I like to do.
Is there anything you will not tattoo?
Certain styles that I do not feel make for a good, long-lasting tattoo, like watercolor, color outlines, micro tattoos, etc. I prefer not to do outline-only tattoos, because in my opinion, they look unfinished and won’t age as well.
Hand and neck tattoos will be at my discretion. Generally, they are a no for anyone who isn’t already heavily tattooed (like, at least have a good amount of coverage on your arms/legs). Face, palm, ear, and side of hand/finger/foot tattoos are an absolute no without exceptions. Genitals are also a big no (yes, I’ve been asked).
Do you have pre-drawn designs available to be tattooed?
Best way to see available pre-drawn designs I have is to follow me on Instagram. In my profile, there is a highlight reel called “Available” which I keep fairly up-to-date.
Do you tattoo pre-drawn designs more than once?
Generally, no. Exceptions to this are classic flash designs (e.g. Sailor Jerry, pick-one-off-the-wall flash) that are not my original artwork, or if I do a flash day of some kind where I offer a set of designs that are repeatable.
Do you do coverups? Do you tattoo over scars?
Generally, yes. However, this depends on what you are trying to cover up, so it is best to send me clear photos of your existing tattoo or set up an in-person consult for larger/more complex coverups.
Scarring should generally not be an issue unless it is extensive or less than a year old. In those cases, an in-person consult is recommended.
Will you re-work/finish a tattoo started by someone else?
This is something I’ll decide on a case-by-case basis. I will need to see clear photos of the extisting tattoo and you’ll have to explain why the original artist is not finishing it. Please do not take it personally if I decline to work on your existing tattoo — if I do, it could be for a variety of reasons. It may not be something that I consider doable, it may be that I don’t feel I have the skills/style necessary to do the best job, or it may be an artist/shop I know and do not want to offend. Again, it’s absolutely nothing personal against you or the original artist.
Can you send me my tattoo design in advance?
For many reasons, I will NOT send tattoo designs to you in advance. Any changes that may be needed can be made when you arrive for your appointment. For larger/more complex projects, we can do an art consult a couple of weeks before beginning your tattoo, so you can see the artwork and give me input as to any changes.
Best way to avoid extensive changes is to communicate everything you want to include in your tattoo in advance. That way, I can either makes sure to incorporate it or tell you up front why it may not be possible.
Can I have your artwork tattooed by someone else?
While there’s nothing I can do to stop you, if asked, my answer would be no. More than likely, any tattooer worth their salt would and should make a drawing of their own. If they are willing to just copy someone else’s custom design verbatim, chances are they are not good at tattooing. Based on what I’ve seen so far, this is proving to be true.
I completely understand and don’t expect people to travel from other states/countries to get tattooed by me. If you are unable to travel to Seattle but like my designs, find a good local artist and bring in my drawings as a reference. A good artist will make their own great version of the same idea, and you can be proud to wear it instead of getting a shitty copy of the original.
Can I re-post your work on my website/Instagram/Twitter?
As long as you provide credit and link to my website and/or my Instagram.
Can I use your work for my [anything else]?
It depends, so please ask first!
Do you think you're really important/professional/funny/cute with all this FAQ business?
No, I don't. These are all questions I am asked repeatedly.