Make the most out of your experience in the shop.

On this page you will find resources on how to prep for your appointment, care for your tattoo, and more frequently asked questions. If you still have unanswered questions, my email can be located below.

SALT LAKE CITY

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PERENNIAL TATTOO

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SALT LAKE CITY ✷ PERENNIAL TATTOO ✷

Before Your Appointment

Recommendations before your tattoo:

  • Eat a healthy meal at least 3 hours in advance

  • Get a good night’s sleep

  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure: dry or burnt/peeling skin can seriously interfere with the tattooing process

  • Moisturize your skin a few days in advance

  • Do not take blood thinners, antibiotics, or steroids

  • Do not consume alcohol or drugs

  • Limit your caffeine intake (no more than one cup of coffee on the day of tattooing)

  • Shower before the appointment: dirty/dry skin can affect the tattooing process

You cannot be tattooed if:

  • You are currently taking antibiotics or cortisone

  • You are pregnant or have been recently

  • You’ve received a vaccination in the past 48 hours

  • You will be going on a vacation that involves prolonged exposure to direct sunlight/water

  • You have atopic dermatitis at the location of the tattoo

  • You are under the age of 18

  • You are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs

  • You do not provide government issued identification

After Your Appointment

Tattoo Aftercare

  • Following the completion of your tattoo, I will either place a bandage over your tattoo called “second-skin” or use plastic wrap. These bandages act as a protective barrier for the first stage of the tattoo healing process. 

For second-skin bandages

  • While the bandage is on, you are free to go about your day in a mostly normal fashion.

  • It’s water-resistant, so you can shower while wearing it - however, I recommend avoiding prolonged water exposure since water can sometimes find its way in. (No baths or submerging your tattoo under water until it’s fully healed - at least 3 or 4 weeks).

  • Wear loose clothing to prevent abrasion to the bandage and tattoo.

  • While the bandage is on you might notice your tattoo will start to look a little “goopy” causing the tattoo to appear blurry or even like a soy sauce packet. This is plasma building up from your skin pulling up micro-fragments of ink. It’s completely normal and helps with the healing process. 

  • I recommend keeping the second skin bandage on for 2-3 days after your appointment date.

  • When it’s time to take it off: slowly remove the bandage under warm running water. Pull in the same direction as your skin, not at a perpendicular angle of the bandage.

  • The bandage adheres tightly to your skin and will stretch like taffy, so you will need to use some force when removing it. Don’t be alarmed if there are fragments of ink on the bandage - it’s those micro-fragments of ink that have dried on the bandage.

  • Once the bandage is off, gently lather the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap then rinse with warm water.

  • To dry the area, gently pat it with a clean paper towel. Do not rub it and refrain from using cloth towels as these can harbor bacteria that could cause infection.

  • Should the bandage cause any discomfort or begin to significantly peel off before at least 3 days have passed, remove the bandage (the same way as mentioned above) and supplement treatment for the remaining days with an unscented, mild lotion.

For plastic-wrap

  • Remove your bandage when you get home, then rinse off the area with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented liquid soap.

  • To dry the area, gently pat it with a clean paper towel. Do not rub it and refrain from using cloth towels as these can harbor bacteria that could cause infection.

  • Once it is clean and dry, I recommend re-wrapping the tattoo before going to bed. This is to eliminate any excess bleeding or plasma run-off on your sheets (that may also dry and cause irritation when moving throughout the night).

  • Remove the plastic-wrap the following morning, rinse off the area (as detailed in the earlier step) and beginning moisturizing your tattoo with a mild, unscented lotion.

General tips

  • For approximately 10 to 12 days following bandage removal, I recommend repeating the “wash/dry/moisturize” steps 3 to 6 times a day or as needed. Apply a smooth, thin layer to the tattoo (just enough to cover it). Do not oversaturate the area with lotion, as this could potentially harm the healing process, pulling pigment back up.

  • Please refrain from intensive exercise for 2 weeks as contact with unsanitary surfaces, abrasive clothing, and sweat can cause irritation, additional scarring and even infection.

  • Avoid submerging your tattoo in water or exposing it to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time, for a full month. Water exposure can cause serious and life-threatening infections and direct sunlight can overly dry the healing area, or cause premature fading. 

  • Lastly, I kindly ask that you send me a high-resolution photograph of the tattoo a month after its completion. I’d love to see how it has healed! Should you feel a touch-up is necessary, highlight/describe the specific locations and I’ll take a look. Touch ups are free :)

When visiting the tattoo shop, respect the space and the artists. Arrive on time for your appointment and come solo unless otherwise arranged, as extra guests can disrupt the workflow. Keep conversations respectful and avoid distractions like phone calls. Let your artist focus on their craft and trust their expertise—they’re there to bring your vision to life! If you need a break or have questions, don’t hesitate to ask, but be mindful of the time and others in the shop. A little courtesy goes a long way in creating a positive experience for everyone!

As always, let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns! Send me an email at inkedbymik@gmail.com and I’ll respond as soon as I can.

Final Reminders

 FAQs

  • When my books are open, that means I am accepting inquiries and scheduling appointments. When they’re closed, I am not. I typically open my books for a few days and book 2-3 months at a time. I won’t respond to emails once my books are closed unless it’s for a touch-up. I usually receive more emails than appointment slots available. So if I don’t respond to your email to schedule you, feel free to keep reaching out each time they open.

  • Once I send a draft/rough sketch of custom designs to clients a few days leading up to the appointment, I’m open to discussing minor changes to the design. This first round of changes is free. If you’d like something completely different that requires me to start from scratch, I charge a $50 redraw fee and we may also have to postpone your appointment to give me more time.

  • Yes! I’m open to discussing little changes to my flash designs via email. There is a small fee depending on the change.

  • Yep! Cash only :)

  • That’s totally up to you. If you had an awesome experience, feel free to leave a tip! I also love little gifts, plants, art, handwritten cards, etc. 

  • Totally! The first touch up is free. If you feel you need a touch-up at least 3 months after your appointment,  send me an email with a picture of your tattoo. It doesn’t matter if my books are open or closed, I’ll find a time to get you in.

  • Please don't apply numbing cream before/during your appointment. It can affect the way your skin takes ink which makes my job harder. 

  • I get it. Life happens. You can reschedule your appointment at least 72 hours before your appointment time through the scheduling link I originally sent when you booked. If there aren’t any dates/times available, you’ll have to wait until my books open again and you won’t have to place a second deposit. If you have to cancel your appointment, please do so at least 72 hours in advance. You will not get your deposit back.

  • No worries, please send me an email so I know that you're planning on coming. However, if you're more than 20 minutes late, we'll have to reschedule.

  • Nope. Please schedule your appointment on a day off where you have nothing else going on. A tattoo artist can be many things. RUSHED is not one of them.