Information

Appointment

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please complete and submit the booking form. I will do my best to respond within a few days. Please refrain from following up; your request will be processed as I am well-organized.

As I am still at the beginning of my career as a tattoo artist, I am currently accepting appointments on a spontaneous basis. In the future, I plan to organize appointments on a quarterly basis. I will always announce this on Instagram and my website. If I am fully booked for the next three months, your appointment will be placed on the waiting list. You will be guaranteed a slot when the next round of appointments opens.

Once you receive confirmation for your desired tattoo, we will finalize the details of your design and schedule one or more sessions for the tattooing. After confirmation, we will select a suitable date for you. If you are only available on specific days or times, I will try to adjust my calendar accordingly. Saturday appointments are also possible. If multiple sessions are needed due to the size of the tattoo, it is ideal if they are scheduled on consecutive days.

You will receive your final appointment after the deposit for the first hour has been received. The deposit can be made via PayPal or bank transfer. Once the deposit is received, your final appointment will be confirmed in my calendar, and you will receive an email confirming the payment so we can begin preparing your design.

I consider it fair to accept rescheduling up to twice without a valid reason. However, on the third rescheduling, the deposit will be forfeited, and a new appointment must be made with a new deposit.

Deposits are non-refundable in case of cancellations.

A cancellation within less than 48 hours before the appointment incurs a cancellation fee of 50 euros, as I cannot schedule new clients during this time. In the case of repeated last-minute cancellations or no-shows, I reserve the right to retain the deposit and require a new deposit for future appointments.

The preparation of your design, the setup of the workspace, and the time reserved for you involve significant effort on my part. If you do not show up for the appointment for any reason, I lose that time and have an empty slot in the studio, with no possibility to invite someone on short notice.

Design

 I work exclusively in my own style, and requests for other styles are declined. My tattoo style is a mix of linework and sketch style, with comic-like influences. I mainly tattoo in black but am open to introducing additional colors such as red or blue.

My main theme revolves around fantasy and folklore, including all things nerdy—ranging from my own creative ideas to books, gaming, and movies. Both cute and dark motifs with fantastic creatures and magical characters are part of my repertoire.

I am somewhat flexible with themes if they are not exclusively in the fantasy realm, but it must suit both of us. Personal and imaginative designs, whether from you or me, are welcome. Possible themes include dragons, magical beings, monsters, animals, people, elves, hobbits, orcs, and similar. Themes like Scandinavian or Slavic mythology, magical landscapes, and superhero universes are also possible. Modern and retro gaming themes, medieval motifs, and legends from around the world are also considered. Additionally, general animal themes, flora, skulls, skeletons, dinosaurs, and human themes like cowboys or Vikings are warmly welcomed.

The list is extensive, and these are just some examples that come to mind. Please reach out so we can discuss your design and find a suitable solution together.

If you haven’t decided on a design yet, you can choose from many pre-designed motifs in my portfolio. The advantage is that these designs are already finished, and you only pay for the tattooing time. I regularly create new tattoo designs, so feel free to stay updated. It is also possible to make small adjustments to existing designs or transform a design from my older illustrations on my website or social media into a tattoo. Here’s an example:

  1. Initial Consultation: We start with a discussion to go over your ideas, wishes, and concepts for the tattoo. We will clarify the theme and size of the design. You can also show your inspirations if you haven’t already sent them.
  2. Sketches: I will create initial rough sketches of the design. These may include multiple versions to ensure we find the right approach.
  3. Feedback, Adjustments & Draft: You will receive the sketches for review and provide feedback. We will discuss possible changes and adjustments to ensure the design meets your expectations. I will then create a draft where further changes can be made.
  4. Finalization: Once we agree on a final design, I will prepare the design for the tattooing process. This includes detailed work and preparation of the stencil for the tattoo session.
  5. Tattoo Session: The finalized design will be transferred to the skin, and we will begin the tattoo according to the agreed design.

    You can also follow the design development process on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@valeriyatopp Here’s an overview of the design phases:

Depending on the size and complexity of a design, the development time can vary. For example, designing the Mario plant took about an hour, the Rabbit Patronus design took two hours, and Galadriel took five hours of work.

I do not tattoo other styles, scripts (except runes), or mini-tattoos. There are other tattoo artists who specialize in these areas or excel in fine line and script tattoos. However, if you really want text in your tattoo, I can discuss this with my colleagues at the studio.

The designs I create involve a lot of effort and passion. After over 15 years of painting and drawing, it was a significant challenge to develop my own artistic language.

I do not tattoo designs from other artists as it is unethical. I understand the work and effort involved in developing a personal style or design and how challenging and painful the artist’s journey can be. It is also important to me that my tattoo designs are not used by others.

Payment

My work is billed by the hour. As a beginner, my prices are fair and reasonable. I charge 80 euros per hour for tattooing. The design development costs 60 euros per hour.

You will receive your final appointment once the deposit for the first hour has been received. The deposit can be made via PayPal or bank transfer.

Once the deposit is received, your final appointment will be confirmed in my calendar, and you will receive an email confirming the payment so we can start preparing your design.

I consider it fair to accept rescheduling up to twice without a valid reason. However, on the third rescheduling, the deposit will be forfeited, and a new appointment must be made with a new deposit.

Deposits are non-refundable in case of cancellations.

A cancellation within less than 48 hours before the appointment incurs a cancellation fee of 50 euros, as I cannot schedule new clients during this time. In the case of repeated last-minute cancellations or no-shows, I reserve the right to retain the deposit and require a new deposit for future appointments.

From the amount charged for an hour of work, 40 percent goes to the tattoo studio for the use of the space and workspace. Additionally, 19 percent VAT paid by you, the client, is remitted to the tax authorities. I then pay income tax, which, depending on the amount, results in approximately 15 percent trade tax after a deduction of around 25,000 euros. Material costs for the tattoo also need to be considered. What remains after these deductions is my actual earnings, from which social security contributions must also be paid.

 I accept cash payments, card payments, and PayPal transfers. You can choose the method that suits you best.

Preparation and Aftercare

Health Preparation:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prepare your skin optimally.
  • Avoid Alcohol and Blood Thinners: Avoid alcohol 24 hours before the appointment and blood-thinning medications like painkillers, as they can affect healing and lead to increased bleeding. If you are taking these medications, it might be a reason for me to cancel the appointment.
  • Get Plenty of Sleep: A well-rested body can better handle the stress of getting a tattoo.
  • Come Healthy: Please attend the appointment only if you feel well and healthy. As up to 15 people can be present in the studio on a given day, it’s important to avoid spreading illnesses.

Clothing:

  • Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed without irritating the skin. Avoid wearing white clothing.

Nutrition:

  • Eat Before the Appointment: A light, nutritious meal can help stabilize your blood sugar levels and avoid dizziness.
  • Expect Pain: It’s important to prepare yourself for the possibility that getting a tattoo may be painful. The intensity of pain can vary depending on the body part and personal pain tolerance.

  • Mental Preparation: Get mentally ready for the experience by educating yourself about the process. Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety about the unknown.

  • Relaxation Techniques: Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to stay calm and composed. These methods can help reduce stress and improve your pain tolerance.

  • Positive Visualization: Visualize the successful completion of your tattoo and the final result. This can help you focus on the desired outcome and manage the pain better.

  • Self-Talk: Encourage yourself and remind yourself that the pain is temporary and the result will be worth it.

  • Distraction: Plan ways to distract yourself during the session. Listening to music, reading a book, or watching a movie can help shift your focus away from the pain.

  • Support: If it helps, talk to friends or others who have had tattoos before. Their perspectives and advice can be reassuring.

  • Stay Healthy: Ensure that you have eaten and hydrated well before your appointment to maintain your energy levels and improve your pain tolerance.

  • Refreshments: We offer coffee or refreshing drinks during your appointment. For longer sessions exceeding 4 hours, consider bringing a snack to maintain your energy. Alternatively, there is a Rewe store just a 5-minute walk away.

  • Companions: You are welcome to bring a companion. For very long sessions lasting over 6 hours, consider whether it makes sense for your companion to stay, as the time may be lengthy.

  • Quiet and Focus: Please respect that I need quiet and focus to work optimally. It would be helpful if your companion does not stand around my workspace throughout the session to maintain a calm working environment.

  • Patience: Be prepared that the tattooing process can take time. Depending on the size and complexity of the design, it may take longer than initially anticipated.

  • Short Breaks: For lengthy sessions, taking short breaks can be helpful. These breaks allow for stretching and changing positions to ensure comfort.

  • Distractions: Feel free to bring entertainment such as music, a book, or a tablet to make the session more enjoyable and to distract yourself.

  • Communication: Let me know at any time if you feel uncomfortable or need a break. Open communication helps make the process pleasant for both of us.

  • Pain Tolerance: Everyone has different pain tolerances. If you find the pain too intense, let me know so we can work together to find a solution.

You’ve made it through the first half; now it’s up to you. Proper care of your tattoo is crucial for a beautiful result and involves at least two weeks of diligent attention. Here’s what you need to do:

Immediately After the Appointment

  1. Protective Film: Your tattoo will be covered with a special film. Leave the film on for about 2-4 days to protect the fresh tattoo from dirt and bacteria.

  2. Cleaning: Remove the film after the recommended time and gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Use your clean hands, not washcloths or sponges.

  3. Drying: Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft towel or kitchen paper. Avoid rubbing!

  4. Aftercare Cream: Apply a thin layer of specialized tattoo aftercare cream or Panthenol ointment. Be careful not to use too much cream; the tattoo needs to breathe.

The First Few Days

  1. Regular Care: Clean the tattoo 2-3 times daily and apply a thin layer of aftercare cream. Do this at least for the first 5-7 days or follow the instructions on your aftercare cream. Afterward, applying it 1-2 times a day should be sufficient until the skin has fully healed. This care should continue for at least 2 weeks, or longer if needed, until the skin no longer has scabs and has fully regenerated.

  2. Do Not Pick Scabs: If scabs form, let them fall off naturally. Scratching or picking at them can interfere with healing and cause scarring.

  3. Wear Loose Clothing: Avoid tight clothing that could rub against your tattoo. Loose-fitting clothing helps the tattoo to breathe.

In the Following Weeks

  1. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Do not expose your fresh tattoo to direct sunlight as it can affect healing and cause fading. Avoid tanning beds during the healing phase as well.

  2. No Swimming or Bathing: Avoid pools, hot tubs, and saunas for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of infection. Showers are fine, but keep the tattoo out of the direct stream of water.

  3. Sweat and Exercise: Avoid intense physical activities that cause heavy sweating during the healing phase. Sweat and friction can delay healing.

  4. Avoid Itching: If your tattoo begins to itch, avoid scratching it.

Long-Term Care

  1. Sun Protection: Even after healing, protect your tattoo with sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to prevent color fading.

  2. Hydration: Keep your skin well-moisturized to maintain the freshness and vibrancy of your tattoo.

Warning Signs

If your tattoo becomes extremely red, swollen, hot, or very painful, it might be infected. In such cases, it’s best to contact a doctor or me immediately.

With proper care, your tattoo will heal quickly and reveal its full beauty!

It is important to be cautious with certain medical conditions or during pregnancy before deciding to get a tattoo:

  • Pregnancy: Tattoos are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to infection risks and bodily changes. Healing may be slower, and certain chemicals in the ink could potentially harm the unborn child.

  • Breastfeeding: Caution is advised during breastfeeding due to potential infection or irritation issues. Consult with a doctor to minimize risks to the baby.

  • Skin Conditions:

    • Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis: Areas affected by these conditions are often sensitive and heal more slowly. It’s advisable not to tattoo these areas or inform the tattoo artist.
    • Acne: Tattoos on heavily affected skin can heal poorly and impact the final result.
    • Sunburn: Fresh tattoos on sunburned or irritated skin can heal poorly and result in undesirable outcomes.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes, especially Type 1, often experience slower wound healing and a higher infection risk. Medical advice is recommended before getting a tattoo.

  • Blood Disorders: Individuals with blood disorders or who take blood thinners should be cautious as there is a higher risk of bleeding during the tattooing process.

  • Immune System Weakness: A weakened immune system due to illness or medication can delay healing and increase infection risk.

  • Allergies: Inform me about any allergies to ink components, aftercare products, or materials like latex to avoid allergic reactions.

Consult a doctor with any health concerns or special circumstances before getting a tattoo.

Hygiene and Materials

Hygiene is a fundamental aspect of my tattoo practice, and I strictly adhere to all relevant EU and German regulations. This ensures you are in a safe and hygienic environment during your tattoo appointment.

  • Sterility and Cleanliness: All tools and equipment used during tattooing are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized after each use. Single-use items like needles, gloves, and ink are used only once and then safely disposed of to prevent cross-contamination and protect you from infections.

  • Hygienic Environment: The studio in which i work is regularly checked for cleanliness and sterility. All surfaces used are disinfected after each appointment, including tattoo stations, furniture, and floors. Only sterile materials come into contact with your skin to minimize infection risk.

  • Regulatory Compliance: I adhere strictly to all legal hygiene requirements for tattooing in Germany and the EU. These regulations ensure that the studio meets the highest standards.

  • Hand Hygiene: Thorough hand disinfection is performed before and after each tattoo, and when changing materials. This ensures that no germs or bacteria are transferred and helps maintain a hygienic working environment.

  • Certified Products: I use only certified and high-quality products approved for tattooing. This includes both the ink and aftercare products.

  • Safety Measures: In addition to general hygiene practices, all safety precautions are taken to protect your health. This includes regular maintenance and inspection of all devices and instruments.

By consistently applying these hygiene and safety measures, I ensure that your tattoo experience is not only creative but also safe and pleasant. Your health and well-being are my top priorities.

  • Tattoo Machines: I use one of the best machines on the market, the Bishop Power Wand. This state-of-the-art equipment ensures precision and quality with every tattoo. Providing the best possible results while taking responsibility for your skin is crucial to me, so I invest in top-notch materials and technology.

  • Tattoo Inks: I prefer to use vegan inks from the Austrian company “I am Ink.” These inks are of the highest quality and are ethically sound and environmentally friendly.

  • Single-Use Needles: I use only high-quality single-use needles to ensure sterility and safety. After each use, these needle sets are completely disposed of to avoid cross-contamination.

  • Hygiene Products: All hygiene products used, including disinfectants, sterilizers, and gloves, meet the highest EU and German standards. I use only tested and reliable products.

  • Tattoo Film: For protecting fresh tattoos, I use high-quality, breathable films. These ensure that the tattoo heals optimally while being protected from dirt and bacteria.

  • Disinfectants: All surfaces, tools, and equipment are thoroughly disinfected using effective and skin-friendly disinfectants that meet hygiene regulations.

  • Environmental Awareness: Where possible, I choose environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. Reducing the ecological footprint is important to me.

My goal is to not only provide you with an impressive tattoo but also to ensure that the highest standards in hygiene, material quality, and environmental awareness are met. Your satisfaction and safety are my top priorities.

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