• Frequently Asked Questions

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  • 🧠 Philosophy and Approach

    • How do you approach tattooing? 
    • I approach every tattoo with the goal of making something that looks good now and holds up over time. My focus is always on clarity, flow, and placement — making sure the design works with your body and skin, not just on paper.

      I try to balance your ideas with what I know will translate into a solid tattoo. That means sometimes I’ll simplify or adjust certain details to make sure the piece actually lasts, heals well, and ages right. I’m not into cramming too much into a small space or overworking an area just to fit an idea — the end result should breathe, look clean, and still feel like you.

      Whether it’s a flash design or a custom piece, I treat each session like a collaboration. I’ve got my style and experience, but your input is part of the process too.

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    • What’s your artistic process like? 
    • Once you send in your ideas, I start gathering inspiration and sorting out the best way to bring your vision to life. I look at things like flow, placement, and what’s going to make the design work well on your body — not just on paper.

      From there, I sketch out a piece with a focus on balance, clarity, and long-term wearability. I don’t send designs ahead of time — I’ll have it ready for you when you show up, and we can tweak anything needed together. Whether you’ve given me a loose idea or a full concept, the goal is to make something that feels right for both of us.

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  • 🎨 Design/Style

    • What is Flash? 
    • Flash refers to pre-drawn tattoo designs I’ve already created and have ready to go. These aren’t random stock pieces — they’re designs I’ve put together over time, many of which are solid, clean, and made to look great on skin.

      When you choose flash, you’re picking from a collection of designs that are already refined and ready to be tattooed, often fitting within a 2-hour or half-day session. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something rad without going through the full custom design process — and it can save you a bit, too.

      You’ll be able to browse all available flash options in-studio at your appointment.

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    • What if I want to pick from your existing designs? 
    • I’ve got you — I have a ton of designs ready to go, both pieces I’ve drawn myself and a bunch I’ve collected over the years from other artists. You’ll get to check them all out in person during your visit.

      There’s a wide range of styles and sizes, from quick hitters that fit within a 2-hour session, to more detailed stuff that may take a half or full day. If you're open to it, I’ll throw in suggestions on what would look the best or be the most fun to do. You’ll probably find more than one you like.

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    • What kind of info do you need to design something for me? 
    • Give me the essentials: the subject matter, general idea or theme, any specific elements you want included, and where you want it placed. Mention size (rough dimensions help a lot), and definitely send over reference images if you’ve got any — even if it’s just vibes or inspiration.

      If you’re working around existing tattoos, a clear photo of the area is super helpful. The more you give me upfront, the better I can design something that fits your body, works with the flow, and actually looks good long-term. You don’t need to have it all figured out — just give me what you’ve got.

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    • What if I want something very specific? 
    • If you’ve got a super specific idea — a detailed layout, exact imagery, or something meaningful you want recreated — that’s totally fine. Just be as clear as you can when filling out the form. Include reference images, describe what you’re going for, and explain why it matters to you.

      I’ll always do my best to bring your vision to life, but keep in mind I may need to make slight adjustments to ensure the piece works well on skin and holds up over time. If something needs to be reworked a bit to make it a strong tattoo, I’ll walk you through that process.

      If you’re trusting me with something meaningful, I take that seriously — and I’ll make sure the final design reflects that while still staying true to my style and what works best on the body.

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    • What if I want a custom design? 
    • Totally down — just give me the subject matter you want included, any ideas you have, and whatever other info you think I’d need to make something solid. The more you can share upfront (placement, vibe, rough size, reference images, etc.), the better the result will be.

      Keep in mind: my first priority is making a tattoo that looks good and holds up — so if your idea needs tweaks to actually work on skin, I’ll make those adjustments. I don’t do direct copies of tattoos, but if you’ve got art you love, I can use it as a jumping-off point. If you’re open to a bit of interpretation, you’ll likely end up with something even cooler than you expected.

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    • Will I see the design before the appointment? 
    • Most likely not — I don’t send out designs ahead of time. I usually have it ready when you show up, and we’ll make any needed tweaks together in person. That way, I can tailor it to your placement and make sure it flows with your body the way it should.

      But don’t stress — this process has worked great for years. I’ve found that seeing the design in context, with your input right there, leads to a better tattoo and a smoother experience. Just make sure you send over anything important ahead of time (references, ideas, placement), and we’ll be solid.

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  • 🍀 Lucky You Pick N Stick

    • What is “Lucky You: Pick-N-Stick”? 
    • How it works:

      1. Set up your Lucky You code

      2. Hand it out

      3. Get hooked up

      For every 3 completed referrals, you’ll get a bold, palm-sized flash tattoo on the house — no catch.

      Each piece is priced at $222, booked in a quick 2-hour slot, and there’s plenty to be chosen from in-studio. Clean. Fast. Fun.

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    • How do referrals work? 
    • When someone books using your code — whether they tap the link or scan your QR — and actually shows up, it gets counted.

      Every 3 confirmed check-ins = one free tattoo, no strings attached.

      You’ll get an email the moment they check in — and every time someone uses your code, you’ll know.

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    • Where do I find or share my referral code? 
    • Once you complete the signup, your personal Lucky You code is auto-generated on the spot — along with a custom referral link and a scannable QR code.

      It’s all laid out clean and easy so you can screenshot it immediately — and yep, you’ll also get everything by email.

      Hand it out. Get booked. Rack ’em up when they show up.

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    • What kind of tattoos are offered? 
    • Each one’s palm-sized, bold-lined, and made to look clean — built to be solid.

      You’ll choose from a curated flash right in the studio — tons of designs, with more always being added.

      Color or black & grey? Totally up to you.

      No customs. No hands, necks, or feet. Just solid flash made to fit and sit right.

      The main goal? Make you look rad.

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    • How do I book a Pick-N-Stick session? 
    • Ready to lock it in? Just pick a time, drop the $222 to claim your spot, and you’re set.

      You’ll get reminders, show up, choose your design, and we make it happen — fast, clean, solid.

      ⚡ Book Your Session Now
    • How do I know if someone used my code? 
    • You’ll get an automatic email the moment your referral shows up and checks in.

      It’ll tell you exactly how many successful referrals you’ve got and what reward tier you’re currently at — no guessing, no tracking needed.

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    • Why pay the full $222 when booking? Why is it even priced like that? 
    • Paying up front locks in your appointment and keeps everything smooth — no chasing payments, no awkward checkouts, no last-minute weirdness.

      The $222 price? It’s intentional. It’s clean, even, and carries weight (if you know, you know).

      You’re getting a solid piece at a solid rate — and if you wanna show some appreciation after the session, that’s always welcome.

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    • What if I need to reschedule? Refund policy?  
    • Payments are non-refundable and not transferable.

      Your spot is just for you — if you can’t make it and don’t reschedule in time, the session is forfeited.

      Need to reschedule? No problem — just give me a heads-up at least 48 hours in advance and we’ll move your appointment with no extra fees.

      Life happens — I get it.

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  • 📍 Studio Info/Location

    • Where are you located? 
    • I work out of a private studio in the heart of Downtown Phoenix’s arts district — a creative little hub full of murals, indie galleries, great food, and coffee spots. It’s a rad area with plenty to explore. If you show up early or wanna wander around after your session, there’s plenty of places to check out and stumble across.

      You’ll get the full address and directions after booking, sent with your confirmation email. Trust me — it’s a vibe.

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    • How do I get to your studio? 
    • The studio’s smack dab in the heart of Phoenix, easily accessible from historic downtown Grand Avenue and just a quick drive from 7th Ave, on the south side of the I-10. You’ll get the exact address and directions once you book — no need to stress it.

      It’s easy to find, and once you’re in the area, you’ll know you’re in the right spot — the vibe’s unmistakable.

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    • What’s the studio like? 
    • It’s a private studio with a chill, make-yourself-at-home vibe. The space is cozy — not built for crowds — so if you’re bringing someone, please keep it to one guest max. This isn’t a party space; it’s a focused, creative environment.

      The walls are covered in artwork from all over the world, and there’s plenty of flash to browse if you’re looking for inspiration. I’m always down to play music while we work — open to your playlists, or I can throw something on.

      Most importantly: everyone’s welcome here. This is an inclusive space, open to all walks of life — a spot where respect goes both ways and you can feel completely at ease. Come in, be yourself, and join me in doing the same.

      This isn’t a party spot, so I’d prefer no drinking. If hitting a dab pen to take the edge off helps you get in the zone, that’s totally up to you — just keep it respectful, and we’ll be good.

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  • 📆 Scheduling

    • What time blocks can I choose from? 
    • You’ve got a few options depending on what you're getting done:

      ✴️ Touch-Up: ~1.5 hours

      ✴️ Short Session: ~2 hours

      ✴️ Half Day: ~3.5 hours

      ✴️ Full Day: ~7.5 hours

      Scheduling is available Monday through Friday, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Inside my scheduling form you'll be able to choose what you'd like, then select the best date and time window that’s available. Once that’s done and a deposit is made, you’ll be set! You’ll also receive reminders via email to let you know your appointment is coming up.

      Still unsure? Book what seems right — and check below for more specifics on time windows and what’s best to choose.

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    • I dont know how much time I should book! 
    • Not sure how much time to book? That’s totally okay — it can be tricky to guess, especially if it’s your first session.

      The session types (Touch-Up, Short Session, Half Day, Full Day) are flexible guidelines. They're not locked in stone — we can go shorter or longer depending on how we’re feeling that day, your budget, the design, and what else is on the schedule.

      No pressure to get everything done in one sitting. Just choose what feels right for you personally, and we’ll go from there.

      Still unsure? Half Day is a solid middle ground that gives us plenty of time without overcommitting.

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    • What if I need to reschedule? 
    • Life happens — I totally get it. If something comes up, just let me know at least 48 hours in advance, and we’ll move your appointment no problem. I try to be flexible and understanding as long as I’ve got enough notice.

      If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice or no-show, your deposit will be forfeited and a new one will be required to rebook.

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    • How far in advance can I book? 
    • You can book up to 90 weekdays in advance — it’s a rolling window, so as each day passes, the next one opens up. I typically schedule Monday through Friday, with limited availability during certain weeks based on events, projects, or family stuff.

      Some dates may be blacked out if I’m traveling or booked out for large pieces, but generally, you’ll always see the next available openings as you scroll through the scheduler. If you need something further out than what’s shown, feel free to check back — new days open up regularly.

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  • 💸 Pricing/Budgeting

    • Why do prices vary depending on size or detail? 
    • Bigger tattoos simply take more time. More detail means more linework, more shading, and more time spent designing and tattooing. It’s not just about how big something is — it’s also how much is going on inside that space. A small, hyper-detailed piece can take longer than something larger but simpler. My goal is to make sure you get the best possible result without rushing.

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    • What’s a reasonable budget for a small/medium/large piece? 
    • It depends on placement, detail, and whether we’re doing custom or flash. For something palm-sized and simple, $180–$300 is a solid range. Medium-sized or more detailed pieces fall between $350–$600. Large or multi-session work starts around $800 and goes up from there. If you’re unsure, send the idea and I’ll guide you.

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    • How much should I expect to pay? 
    • It really depends on what you're getting, but here’s a rough breakdown to help:

      Smaller/simple designs (around 2 hours): $180–$250

      Palm-sized or slightly bigger: $260–$380

      Forearm coverage (wrist to ditch): $450–$700+

      Large, multi-session work: $1,000 and up

      These are just ballpark numbers — every tattoo is different. Things like placement, level of detail, and prep time all factor in. If you’re not sure where your idea might fall, don’t worry — just give me the info in the form and I’ll let you know if adjustments need to be made.

      Some areas are harder to tattoo (like ribs, hands, or knees), and heavily customized pieces take longer to prep and apply — so pricing adjusts accordingly. Also, if you're working with a budget, I’ve got flash designs available that tend to fall on the lower end of these ranges.

      Bottom line: the more detail, size, and complexity involved, the more time it takes — that’s what affects the price.

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  • 💰 Deposits/Payments

    • What are your accepted payment methods? 
    • Cash is king — it’s always my preferred method. But we do live in a modern world, so I also accept a few digital options if that’s easier for you.

      You can send payments via:

      Zelle (preferred): andrewcrystal_tattooer@yahoo.com

      Venmo: @andrewcrystal_tattooer

      Cash App: $andrewtattooer

      Deposits are taken ahead of time through my scheduler and lock in your appointment. After your session, feel free to pay with any of the above — but again, if you’ve got cash, that’s always appreciated.

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    • Is the deposit refundable or transferable? 
    • Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable — they can’t be moved to another person or applied to a totally different design later on.

      That said, I’m cool with small changes or idea tweaks to your original request — as long as we’re staying in the same ballpark. If you completely change what you want, we’ll probably need to set up a new appointment with a new deposit… unless you’d like to apply it toward picking something out from my flash designs.

      Just give me at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule. Any last-minute cancellations or no-shows mean the deposit is forfeited, no exceptions.

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    • How much is the deposit? 
    • Half-day session: $100

      Full-day session: $160

      These go toward your final total and are only required once per booking. If you’re scheduling multiple days, you’ll need a deposit for each one.

      Just a reminder — deposits are non-refundable, but I’m cool with reschedules as long as you give me at least 48 hours’ notice. Anything within that window is considered a late cancellation, and the deposit gets forfeited.

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    • Why is a deposit required? 
    • Your deposit holds your spot and lets me know you’re locked in. It also covers the prep I do before your appointment — whether it’s sketching up a custom piece or blocking out time on the schedule just for you.

      Deposits are non-refundable, but I’m pretty flexible about rescheduling — as long as you give me at least 48 hours’ notice, we’re good. If you cancel last minute or ghost, that deposit’s forfeited. It’s not about being strict — it’s about keeping things fair for both of us and respecting the time I set aside to do your work.

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  • ❗ Cancellations/Time Sensitivity

    • Do you take time-sensitive clients? 
    • Yes — if you’re working with a tight schedule (like visiting from out of town or only available for a short window), just make sure to mark your appointment as time-sensitive in the form. I’ll do my best to prioritize your request when reviewing submissions.

      The more info you give me about your availability, the better chance we’ll have at locking in something that works. While I can’t make guarantees, I’ll always try to accommodate when I can.

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    • What if I only have a limited time window? 
    • Totally fine — just let me know in the form if you're working with a specific schedule, like flying in or only being in town for a couple days. There’s a spot to mark your appointment as time-sensitive, and I’ll factor that in when reviewing your request.

      I can usually make it work as long as I’ve got the heads up. Just be clear about what days/times you’re available, and I’ll do my best to line things up.

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    • What happens if I cancel? 
    • If you cancel your appointment with less than 48 hours’ notice, your deposit is forfeited — no exceptions. That time was reserved just for you, and short-notice cancellations leave a gap that’s hard to fill.

      If you give more than 48 hours’ notice, you’re good — we’ll reschedule without losing your deposit. I try to keep things fair and flexible, but I also have to protect the time I’ve set aside for your tattoo.

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  • 🩹 Aftercare/Touch-Ups

    • Where do I find aftercare instructions? 
    • RIGHT HERE! ← — That’s the full aftercare guide.

      It covers everything you need to know about caring for your new tattoo, from what to expect in the first few days to long-term upkeep. If you ever lose the link or need a refresher, just reach out and I’ll send it over again — no problem.

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    • Do you offer touch-ups? 
    • Yep — I stand behind my work and want it looking good for the long haul. Tattooing isn’t an exact science, and every body heals a little differently. If something lightens up or falls out during the healing process, I’ve got you.

      Touch-ups are always on the table within reason, and I handle them case-by-case. I aim to create clean, solid tattoos from the jump — but if anything needs tightening up, just reach out and we’ll get it sorted. I love seeing pieces healed and settled in, and I’m always down to make sure they stay looking sharp.

      That said, touch-ups are at my discretion and don’t cover things like excessive sun exposure, picking, or poor aftercare. If you’ve taken care of it and something still didn’t hold, I’ll make it right.

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  • 💬 Consults/Communication

    • How quickly will you respond? 
    • I handle all my bookings and messages personally, so response times can vary — especially if I’m mid-session or catching up on life outside the studio.

      That said, I do my best to respond within a few days. If you haven’t heard back after a week, feel free to follow up. I truly appreciate your patience — this form helps keep things from slipping through the cracks.

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    • What if I messaged you already? 
    • If you’ve already hit me up on Instagram, email, or text — no worries, I got you. Just know I get a lot of messages, and it’s easy for stuff to get buried or missed, especially when I’m busy tattooing.

      That’s why this form exists — it keeps everything organized and makes sure I don’t miss your request. Even if we’ve talked already, submitting this form is the best way to lock things in and get on the schedule.

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    • Can I talk to you before booking? 
    • Yep — if you’ve got questions or just want to chat before locking something in, there’s an option in the form to request a consult before booking. Just select that and let me know what you'd like to go over.

      Sometimes a quick consult helps clear things up, especially if you're not sure what direction to go or want to feel things out first. I'm here for it.

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  • 🧾 Terms/Conditions

    • Can I back out after submitting? 
    • You can change your mind, but late cancellations still follow the deposit policy. If something major comes up, I’ll do my best to work with you — just don’t leave me hanging last minute. Communication is key.

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    • Do I have to agree to anything? 
    • Yes — submitting the booking form means you’re agreeing to the terms. I don’t book appointments without that agreement in place. It protects both of us and makes sure everything’s clear up front. If you’re unsure or want clarification, just ask.

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    • What are your official terms? 
    • The full terms are laid out at the end of the scheduling form — you’ll need to review and agree to them before you can submit your request. They cover things like:

      • • Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable
      • • 48-hour notice is required to reschedule without losing your deposit
      • • Final payment is due after your session (cash preferred, but digital options are accepted)
      • • Designs aren’t shared ahead of time, but we’ll review and finalize together in person
      • • You must be 18+ and sober on the day of your appointment
      • • A basic waiver and consent form will need to be signed before we start and is included before submitting

      If anything’s unclear or you want to talk through it beforehand, just let me know — I’ve got no problem walking you through the fine print.

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  • ♻️ Referral, Trades, and Promos

    • Can I trade for a tattoo? 
    • Yeah — I’m open to trades from time to time. If you’ve got a skill, service, or something cool you think I’d be into, feel free to pitch it. No promises, but I’m always down to consider something that feels like a fair exchange.

      If you’re interested, there’s an Offer section linked at the end of the scheduler where you can send in what you’ve got in mind.

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    • Do you offer referral bonuses? 
    • You already know it — I set this up to show love to the folks showing love. If you’re out there sending people my way, I want to return the favor.

      It’s all tracked, it’s simple, and it rewards the ones who back me the hardest. Once your referral code is used three times by people who actually follow through and get tattooed, you’ll unlock a free piece — and not just any piece. You’ll get access to a solid batch of pre-priced designs I’ve curated just for this.

      No guesswork, no overthinking — just pick a rad design and show up. I made it easy on purpose.

      Click here to check out the Pick-N-Stick referral form
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    • Do you ever run promos? 
    • Absolutely!

      Every now and then, yeah — I’ll throw out a little something for the real ones. Whether it’s a Friday the 13th flash drop just for fun, a pop-up at a friend’s shop, or a handful of designs I’m hyped to tattoo at a solid rate... it happens.

      There’s no set schedule — when I feel like mixing it up or sharing something rad, I do. If you want a shot at grabbing one of those spots before they disappear, keep an eye on my socials.

      Or better yet — skip the algorithm. Drop your info below and I’ll send updates straight to you whenever promos, flash events, referral perks, or limited designs roll out. No spam, no BS — just the good stuff, direct from me.

      ⬇ Just drop your info below ⬇
    • How Can I Reach You?
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