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, Allison Hissam (@allycatttttt), and Belle Hissam (@grey_plant).
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!