Getting a Tattoo from Vince…
Thank you for your interest in my work. This page of Q&As will give you all the information on the process I follow when designing tattoo art for each individual client, and how I select the projects I work on a regular basis. Please be sure to READ the information provided to find out if I am the artist that matches your needs. My process is not for everyone as I strive to design unique custom pieces for each individual client, rather than copying or reproducing someone else's artwork/tattoos. My goal is to create a great experience for you.
What kind of work do you do?
I do illustrative art, which is an interpretation of an idea as I see it; combining a variety of elements such as bold lines, realistic lighting and smooth blends of color or shades of gray to achieve eye catching pieces that tell a story. I focus on having an element of life in my pieces, such as animals, humans, and characters.
From time to time the projects that I take on will change to keep things interesting.
At this time I'm accepting large pieces such a back pieces, sleeves in color and black and grey. I like to keep the tattoos I do light hearted, keep in mind I don't anything offensive or extremely evil. I do accept, caricatures, illustration of animals and nature as well as realism such as portraits of people, animals and statues.
Are there tattoos you will not do?
I do not do traditional Japanese tattoos, Celtic, tribal, any kind of writing/calligraphy, watercolor tattoos, phoenix birds(unless the phoenix is a full back piece or a sleeve) . I also will not do anything racist, offensive to anyone’s beliefs or gang related. At the moment I'm not taking projects that are dark in mood or just evil.
I have an idea but I don’t know where to start and I haven’t found the art I want; can I send you some pictures of tattoos and drawings I like?
NO, please. I select the pieces I do based on a basic Idea. You don’t need to find the art or tattoos online; I will spend hours designing concepts for the pieces I’m working on, so you don’t have to. I don’t EVER refer to other tattoos or other artists’ drawings when designing my tattoos as I want to offer you a unique piece. If you have an idea of what you want, I’ll ask you to describe it to me because I want to see it in my head and develop a concept based on that idea. I select ideas that have an interesting angle; an open mind and creative license on your end is a very important part of this process.
I have some tattoos that need to be reworked, can you rework them for me?
I do not take on re-works unless they are an addition to a new major piece. We have an amazing group of artists at Mystic Owl Tattoo that will be able to re-work existing tattoos for you.
I like your work and I’d like to get a really small tattoo , how can I book it?
I wish I could do every tattoo I get requests for, but since I focus mainly on large intricate pieces that typically will take all day, it is hard for me to get to those. I have a FOUR HOUR minimum to book an appointment, so I highly recommend our talented artists at Mystic Owl Tattoo . The best way to choose an artist is by looking at the portfolio to determine if the artist does the type of work you’re looking for.
I want to get large work, sleeve/back piece, how does the process work?
Once you have submitted an idea, I will review and if it is something I believe I can deliver, we will have a consultation in person to talk about details. It is very important to understand that when it comes to large work, there will be appointments scheduled every four to six weeks until the project is completed. I cannot do an outline and wait a year to do shading. Everything must be consistent so it doesn’t disturb my creative process and make your piece suffer in the end.
Do you charge by the piece or by the day and how much you charge?
I charge on an hourly basis; as of January 1st 2023 my rate is $250 per hour. I have a minimum of four hours to book an appointment. This means that the minimum payment of each session will be $1000 so pieces that will take less than four hours will be referred to our great artists at Mystic Owl Tattoo. If you are still interested getting a tattoo from me and it will take four hours or less, the minimum will still apply.
Do you take a deposit and what is your deposit policy?
Yes, I deposit is required for every appointment; the standard deposit is two hours, which is $500. Deposits serve to hold the final hours of the completed piece and get deducted from the final balance of the tattoo. Keep in mind that deposits are NON REFUNDABLE under any circumstance. Failing to show up to an appointment means that your deposit will be forfeited. You can reschedule your appointment if you do so 72 hours in advance; rescheduling an appointment inside the 72-hour window will result in the loss of your deposit. If you have a series of appointments already scheduled and you missed one of them without notice, a new deposit will be required to keep the follow up appointments active and avoid the deletion of future appointments. There are two reschedules allotted per deposit, and on the third reschdule, the deposit will be forfeited. To cancel and reschedule you can do so by calling the studio with 72 hours advance notice. After three months without an appointment for an ongoing piece your deposit will be forfeited and a new deposit will be required.
Will I see my tattoo design in advance in an email, or can I come a few days before to check it out?
No, I don’t email designs and I don’t do production drawing. You will see your design when you show up for your appointment. I draw just before the appointment and a dedicate a lot of time to making sure my design will be great, often I will draw right on the skin with markers so there is no sketching done prior. I work without stress in an organic way. I try to have a very detailed consultation so I have all the information I need to create a unique piece just for you. Keep in mind that once we’ve had a consultation and agree on a piece, we have set the course to create that magical piece, as I found your idea interesting. If you change your mind about the piece after the appointment is scheduled and the new idea doesn’t fit the profile of my work, I will decline doing that piece and your deposit will be forfeited. Please be sure that is it the right time in your life for you to get tattooed and you understand the commitment when booking an ongoing piece.
Will you remind me of my appointment time and date?
As a courtesy, our scheduling program will send text and email reminders to you; however it is your responsibility to keep track of your appointments. When you make appointments in person in the studio a reminder card will be given to you with the time date and deposit written on it. If the appointment was made online, you will have the same info in your email. I recommend double checking your appointments and entering them in your personal calendar so you have that reminder as well.
If you would like to move forward and want to set up a consultation, please fill out the form below.
Thank you so much!
Vince Villalvazo