About Me

I was born and raised in the metro Detroit area. I grew up in a very creative household, both my parents were artists. I was encouraged to be creative and artistic all my life. I attended CCS, college of art and design in Detroit, as a Painting and Sculpture major, taking jewelry and printmaking as well. I worked in the field of advertising for 12 years, from the production end to graphic artist. Then in 1988, raising children became my priority. I started doing Henna at a local Yoga center, and soon became interested in the art of tattoo. The possibilities are endless! Tattoos are very personal for the wearer, whether decorative or highly symbolic and spiritual. I feel very privileged to be able to create a piece of living art for each client. I feel that custom work is collaborative, striving to create something that is uniquely yours. I do require a deposit to make appointments. Unfortunately, it's not possible for me to take on every project, but I may be able to make referrals for those pieces that I am unable to accept. Spiritual and ceremonial tattoo and henna upon request. I would work with you, your Shaman/Coven/Spiritual advisor, etc. I do not guide ceremony but would be an implement of the process.

Namaste

The Process - Preparation, and Aftercare

Before you begin this process, please check my schedule and make sure you can wait for my availability. I hate for folks to be disappointed if I am unavailable when you were expecting to get something done sooner. Also read through this process so you know what to expect.

I value each and every one of my clients, their visions and feelings about their tattoos. I do not tattoo 'flash' off the walls. Each of the pieces I do is custom - a collaborative piece created by the two of us. I also enjoy the reproduction of artwork or photos. Because of the larger projects I have taken on, I am unable to take on small projects (such as a name or small butterfly). I am happy to refer you to my co-workers who are wonderful artists and can help you realize your tattoo dreams!

It’s very important for you to come to the consultation prepared. Do your research and save photos and other images to a flash drive or print them out. All the images you provide help me to understand what you are seeing in your head. Even small sketches of your ideas are extremely helpful. Know what you want.

I work by appointment only, and I do require a deposit ( $100 for single appointments, cash or papal ) to secure an appointment time. The deposit is subtracted from the cost of the tattoo. There is no fee for consultations, but if you would like to make an appointment at the time of the consult, be prepared to make the deposit then. When setting appointments or consultations, please call the shop during business hours.

I may touch base with you about a week to a few days before the appointment. Because of my workload I do not work on the project until a week before the appointment. That is not to say I have not been thinking about it and formulating plans in my head. I will ask you to go over the game plan - this may seem as if I can't remember what we talked about, but many people change course or key details at the last minute and I need to make sure we're still heading in the same direction.

On the day of your appointment, make sure you are rested and have a good meal before you come in. Your body works hard at pain management and needs fuel to do it efficiently. Some people like to bring a preferred beverage and snack with them, wear comfortable clothing and you can bring reading material, ipod or homework. Whatever makes you comfy.

AFTERCARE

You now have a beautiful new tattoo, I use Recovery derm as a bandage over the new wound. Keep this on for 3 to 5 days. Remove it and keep it moisturized.

If you have adhesive sensitivity you would follow this procedure:

Please treat it as an open wound and don't let others touch it with their hands. Avoid anything that will introduce bacteria into it. Wash your hands before cleaning it or moisturizing. Showering is fine but avoid soaking for about 2 weeks. Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized - I recommend Aquaphor for the first few days (3 times a day for the first 3 days) and then you can switch to unscented lotion (Keri, Aveno, Eucerin) or anything gentle. The tattoo will be peeling and itchy about the 3rd to 5th day, this is normal. Do not pick or scratch it, just keep it moisturized. The healing process takes about 2 weeks, a few days less or more is normal.

I guarantee my work and do free touch ups for a year for regular wear (this does not apply if you tan regularly). Portraits and pinups usually require me to have a second look because of the intricacy of the image. Don't hesitate to contact me and set up a touch up session. For long life, keep your tattoo moisturized and use sunblock frequently!

All the Best - Caryl

Schedule

I book one appointment per day, Tuesday through Saturdays at noon. I occasionally will do an evening appointment.

I review all emails and if it is a project I feel I can do well I will accept new projects. Ongoing projects and return clients get priority. I stay about 3 to 6 months booked out so its rare I can do a ‘soon’ appointment but I do get the rare cancellation.

Please fill out the form in the email ‘Contact’ area. I’d love to see what you have in mind!

I require a $100 deposit for a single appointment, $150 for portraits, pinups or session work.

Spiritual and ceremonial tattoo and henna upon request. I would work with you, your Shaman/Coven/Spiritual advisor, etc. I do not guide ceremony but would be an implement of the process.