Tattooing is one of the earliest forms of self-expression. It has roots in no particular society, and is found in the cultures of all people. Early skin art had many purposes: healing, protection, tribal identification, status & rites of passage. Clearly the desire to personalize one’s body has characterized humanity throughout recorded history. BODY ART BY SuMoE • Work done by appointment only • Hygienic, private studio • Licensed through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation | Commonwealth of Virginia • Certified through the Alliance of Professional Tattooists having successfully passed the PDTT Blood Borne Pathogens course, an intensive, all inclusive seminar and test covering all aspects of safety and health issues that apply to tattooing today. HOURS • By Appointment Only If you would like to set up an appointment, please contact Suzanne @ sumoe@sumoe.com or 540.371.4251 PRICES • There is a $75 minimum for any tattoo, regardless of size • Initial client consultations are complimentary (1/2 hour or less) • Prices will vary depending on complexity of the design, number of colors, and placement on the body • Tattoo work is estimated at $75 per hour • Custom design work is estimated at $50 per hour • Custom designs require a 50% deposit of estimate before the design is created • Methods of payment: Cash Only SAFETY You will see that Suzanne’s tattoo studio resembles an art studio/dentist’s office. As a member of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, Suzanne has received training in Universal Precautions (proper procedures for sterilization and disinfect ion). Rubber gloves, disinfectant soap, disposable ink cups, and a sterilizing autoclave are the rule. All needles are single service. This protects both client and artist. You are encouraged to ask questions and express any concerns you might have with Suzanne before receiving your tattoo. It is important for you to feel comfortable about your experience. HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT DESIGN? This is one of the most personal and permanent decisions you are likely to make, so please don't make it lightly. Be honest with yourself about what you want and why. The internet provides a great source for inspiration. Many web sites feature extensive tattoo designs (aka: "flash") that also come with outline sheets for purchase. Just a few examples: www.eviltattoo.com www.tattoospot.com www.tattoojohnny.com www.bullseyetattoos.com Google Image Search You are welcome to make an appointment (no charge) to discuss your design and ideas with Suzanne before receiving your tattoo. HOW IS A TATTOO MADE? To begin the session, the area to be tattooed is prepared by cleaning, disinfecting, and if necessary, shaving. The selected design is then transferred to the client's skin by either free-hand drawing or a stencil process. The skin will be stretched tight as work is done. The tattoo is “drawn” on the skin as if the tattoo machine were an ink pen. WILL IT HURT? The level of discomfort depends on placement and individual pain threshold. Soft, fleshy areas are less sensitive than bony areas which are more painful. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain, so reports on the tattoo process vary. To many devotees, the ritual aspect of tattooing includes discomfort, and many comment on the endorphin surge that accompanies the process. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? This depends entirely on the design and its location. The process should never be rushed, so plan on a one to three hour session as the average for a 3” square tattoo. Allow two weeks for your tattoo to completely heal. Written aftercare instructions will be provided. TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP? It is industry standard to tip your artist, just as you would a waiter or waitress. Tip according to the quality of your service.