Booking Process and Policies

I accept appointment requests during open booking periods via my appointment request form. My appointment request form is sent out via my mailing list. This is the only way to receive the form – I promise the emails are not excessive. I do not book via Instagram DMs.

Beware of Instagram scams! There have been fake accounts impersonating me collecting deposits via DM – I will never ask for money or offer appointments via Instagram DM. My mailing list is the only way to book an appointment. Sign up below.

Be sure to add “cloey@supplementary.studio” to your “safe senders” list. Once you sign up, you should get a confirmation that you’re on the list. If you’re ever concerned that you’re not receiving my newsletters, reach out via email and I’ll manually add you to be sure you’re subscribed.

Booking Process

How often do your books open?
My books open every few months or so.

What type of projects do you take on?
My interests and goals change with each booking period, but general themes you can expect me to offer or work with are botanical and animal imagery. At this time, I am most interested in botanical/floral work.

Do you have flash designs available?
I share available flash designs each booking period via my mailing list.

I only see black and gray work on your instagram, but I want color.
I am not the right artist for you, sorry! I do not do color tattoos.

Do you do custom work?
I accept custom work for botanical/floral subject matter only.

How do you select clients?
For custom work, I select clients based on whose projects best align with my goals as an artist at the time. There is no fair way to do this. I cannot offer any form of priority booking for custom work.

If it’s for flash designs I’ve offered, clients are selected via random number generator.

Will I hear back if my proposal is not accepted?
Due to the volume of requests, it is impossible for me to respond to every application. I sincerely appreciate each and every entry and your patience with my process!

Booking Policies

Deposit Policy
A $100 deposit is required for all appointments. They are 100% non-refundable. Please ensure you are ready to get tattooed, are prepared for the cost/time, and are serious about your inquiry.

Reschedules/cancellations

  • With 48+ hours notice, you may reschedule your appointment 1 time and your deposit will roll over to the new session. Additional reschedules will require a new deposit each time.

  • If you need to reschedule with less than 48 hours notice, you forfeit your original deposit and will need to leave a new one to re-book.

My idea has changed after I’ve booked and appointment, can I keep my appointment?
Please give me as much notice as possible if what you want to get tattooed has changed from your original inquiry. If your new idea does not align with my booking guidelines or capabilities, I will cancel your appointment and you will forfeit your deposit.

If you’ve booked for a large piece and switch your idea to a much smaller version the day of your appointment, I will still need to charge you for the full day session I’ve set aside for you. Please let me know in advance if you want something significantly smaller than what you booked for so I can fill the rest of my day and give you an appropriate rate for your tattoo.

 

Rate and Payment

What is your rate?
I work with session fees. Session fees are set based on design complexity, placement, and size. You will receive a cost estimate for your tattoo once I know what you’re getting, the size, and the placement. Minor adjustments typically do not affect price, but drastic changes could alter the fee.

  • Full rate session fee:
    $500-$1,200 per session, depending on the estimated time required to complete your tattoo. If your piece requires us to work beyond my normal working hours to complete, an additional fee will be discussed prior. Average hourly rates for tattooers in Chicago is between $200-$250/hr. My session fees are set with this estimate in mind, though I do not stick to a strict hourly.

  • Sliding scale session fee:
    I am able to offer a limited number of sliding scale appointments each booking round. $200-$450 per session, pay-what-you-can. Due to the limited nature of these appointments, I ask that you keep your request to 1 single-session piece per booking round, so I can accommodate as many folks who need this option as possible. Please self-assess where you fall on the financial privilege scale before requesting sliding scale pricing. The Worts and Cunning Green Bottle is a great tool for self-assessment. If sliding scale is new to you, read more about it here. I prefer for these appointments go to folks whose bottle is most empty.

Can you afford my full rate and then some? Tipping helps me provide an increased number of sliding scale appointments for those who can’t.

What is your deposit policy?
I require a non-refundable deposit of $100 for all appointments. Your deposit goes toward the cost of your session. The deposit is 100% non-refundable, even in the event of an emergency.

This deposit serves to ensure clients are serious about their appointment and lessens the blow of the loss of payment for late cancellations and no-shows. I provide ample information about cost and what to expect from the process prior to collection of a deposit. It is your responsibility to ensure you are well prepared for your appointment prior to booking.

What types of payment do you accept?
My preferred form of payment is Zelle or cash, as those payment methods do not take a fee. I can also accommodate card payments, PayPal and Venmo.

Am I supposed to tip you???
While it is customary to tip tattooers and it is really helpful and appreciated, it is not required or expected! It should be noted that tipping practices in no way hinder or help your chances of obtaining future tattoo appointments with me.

Do you offer payment plans?
I am unable to offer payment plans at this time, sorry!

 

Studio Accessibility and Setup

If you have a specific question or concern about accessibility or studio setup prior to your appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out. In general:

  • The studio is a street level storefront and was built out in compliance with ADA standards.

  • Privacy: The view from the street is blocked by curtains and privacy panels, but the studio itself is relatively open plan. There are typically multiple artists working at the same time.

  • We have our own bathroom!

  • I have sourced furniture that claims to be sturdy and suitable for a variety of bodies. The stats: Our massage tables have a static weight limit of 3,000lbs, a working weight limit of 750lbs, and are fairly well cushioned as far as massage tables go. Our rolling chairs have a working weight limit of 350lbs.

  • I try to lay everyone down for their tattoo, when possible. If this doesn’t work for you, let me know and we will discuss options!

 

Miscellaneous Tattoo Questions

Where do you work?
I work out of my own appointment-only studio in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. I call it Supplementary.

Who works at your studio?
Me, Gina Meyer, and guests ✨

I don’t like to talk when I get tattooed. Is that rude?
Not at all! Please feel free to bring headphones to keep you entertained or help you zone out. Some placements don’t permit me to chat with you, even if you wanted to, so this is super welcomed.

Do you do coverups?
Since my work relies heavily on negative space, it is generally not well suited for coverups unless what you are covering is very small and/or light. Most things placed underneath my work will show right through. (I am open to doing blastovers on top of faded/light tattoos if that’s the look you’re going for.) I highly recommend getting your tattoo removed or at least lightened via laser removal before pursuing a coverup. I am working with Removery on some of my own tattoo removal. I can only speak to my own experience, but I have had a positive one working with them.

Can you tattoo over scars?
Most of the time, yes. The scar must be fully healed (at least 1 year). If you’re interested in tattooing over scars, we can discuss the specifics over email or via in-person consultation once an appointment is booked. I am very comfortable working with well healed scars, and will not ask any invasive questions about the nature of your scars.

I have ______ skin condition? Can I get a tattoo?
I am not a doctor, so I recommend consulting with your dermatologist first. But I am willing to give it a go and see how things heal if your doctor gives you the go-ahead. Let me know ahead of time and I’ll be transparent about my experience and expected results with tattooing over similar skin types/conditions.

Do you use vegan ink/products?
I do! Right now I am using Panthera inks. I almost always use entirely vegan products, though occasionally I use an ointment that contains lanolin. Let me know if you’d like me to avoid it!

What needles/tubes/machines do you use? What voltage do you run your machines at?
Hello fellow tat nerds! You’re welcome to ask me any really specific tattooing questions when you’re getting tattooed :)
In general, my average setup is:

  • Dan Kubin Sidewinder machines

  • TatSoul or BlackClaw needles, whatever is available. TatSoul Enso are the fave – currently using 7RL, 5RL, or tight 5RL for outlines / 3RL, tight 3RL, or tight 4RL for details. Needle sizes depend on the size of the tattoo and what look I want for it. Rare occasions will call for the use of a mag shader – 5 curved mag is what I go for. (I’ve used this general needle setup for the last few years. Prior to that, I used a 9RL or 8RL for the outlines, and a 4RL or 5RL for details.)

  • Technique – this one is hard to answer in text form. I use straight black ink for a lot of things and rely on ink density and spacing to achieve different healed “tones”. I do use gray wash strategically to account for spots that I want to stay really light when aging. I can answer more specific technique questions in person. I run my machines at different voltages for different clients/techniques.

When will you guest in NY/LA/PDX, etc?
I am currently not doing guest spots. Never say never, but I wouldn’t count on it. Come visit Chicago!

Do you accept commissions?
I do not take on commissions for tattoo designs for others to tattoo. Outside of tattooing, I am no longer taking on illustration work. I appreciate your interest!

 

Cats and Cleaning

If you follow along on Instagram stories, you’ve likely seen these faces.

 
 

Aldus Manutius, The Cat

13 year old domestic medium hair. Identifiable by his almost-human stare and beautiful grey coat. He’s a simple man with simple needs. Back scratches, baby holds, and his green mouse. He’s perfect.

Kirby & Feras, Trouble Twins

1 year old ragdolls, named after our favorite frenemy duo on Australian Survivor. Kirby’s interests include hunting sparkly poof balls, screaming, and watching Dessert Person. Feras’s interests include property destruction, vibing, and eating.

 

You’re a self-described cleaning enthusiast.
Drop the tips!

Outside of tattooing, cleaning is my greatest source of satisfaction and joy.

Home setup:

 

Vacuum
Love of my life, Miele. She’s amazing.

Robot helper
Roomba J7 that has the ability to detect and avoid rogue Cat Shits. How is it possible?

Steamer
Dupray Neat. You want this. Trust me.

Feline Hair Maintenance
Furniture lint roller from Muji. Yes. You need it.

Studio setup:

BBP Battle Chemicals
Optim 1 wipes all the way.

Friendly surface cleaning
Dish soap and water mix.

Vacuum
Ancient Shark Navigator that has seen some shit.

Mop
My mop bucket is a brown Carlisle and is v cute. Paired with a blue mop handle. Stunning. BLEACH BATH CHIC.