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Hi there!
I'm Kay, a licensed tattoo artist working out of Fallbrook, California. While tattooing didn't enter my radar until my 30s, my love of art started about 30 years before that. From taking fine art classes from the age of six, to designing cover and character art for my own books, to starting a custom woodburning side business while my kids were little, creating has always been an integral part of who I am.
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The only thing missing is YOU!
My favorite part of my job as a tattooer is taking your vision and making it a real, beautiful, forever part of how you present yourself to the world!
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Below you will find what to expect when you come in for an appointment, steps you can take beforehand to ensure the best experience possible, and aftercare instructions to keep your tattoo bright and beautiful for years to come!
What to expect...
Everyone is different, but my goal is to create a unique, comfortable experience for every one of my clients. Once you have filled out the form on my Appointments page, you can expect a reply from me within a couple of days, and we'll work out all the details.
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When you arrive at Trick Dice Tattoos, I'll start by introducing myself, ask if you have any questions, and have you fill out our consent form. Once that's done, we will finalize the details and placement of your tattoo and place the stencil. When you are absolutely certain you are happy with everything about your design and placement, it's time to get started!
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While the stencil is drying, I'll set up my station, including sterile, sealed needle cartridges. This is a great time for us to chat, for you to ask any remaining questions, check (again) to make sure the stencil is where you want it, set up your music, or whatever else you need to be comfortable during your tattoo.
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When I have all my equipment set, I'll ask you if you're ready, and when you give the okay, it's time to get to work!
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Remember, my priority is YOU. Please feel free to ask for breaks any time you need them, and let me know if you have any concerns during the process.
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Before your tattoo
While every client will have their own way of preparing physically and mentally, here are some tips to set yourself up for the best tattoo experience possible. ​​​​​​
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TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
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1, Don't come hungry, and bring your favorite snacks! Whether your tattoo is going to be a short sprint, or a longer marathon session, avoid light-headedness and other discomforts by making sure your body has all the energy it needs to get to the finish line!
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2, Stay hydrated and have water with you. For some, the tattoo process can be stressful and that means sweating! Come prepared to replenish as needed. A drink of water is also great for nerves and always a good idea during breaks.
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3, Stretch or do some light cardio. Depending on the length of your tattoo session, you could be sitting still for a while. Preparing ahead of time can prevent stiffness and keep you comfortable. Don't forget to ask for a break if you're feeling like you need to move.
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4, Avoid ibuprofen, excessive caffeine, or alcohol. It might SEEM like some things take the edge off, but in reality, they can change the way your body takes in ink and make the tattoo take longer.
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​​WHAT TO WEAR
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​Dress comfortably and in dark colors. Comfortable clients have an easier time sitting still. Keep it casual, and show off your style later with your beautiful new ink! I do my best to work in a way that will prevent staining your clothes, but ink is ink, and accidents happen, so best to leave the designer jeans at home!​
If you’re having your back tattooed, you can bring a zip-up to wear backwards. This will allow for easy cover-up for breaks and keep you warmer during your session.
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Make sure you’re comfortable fully exposing the area getting tattooed. We have screens for privacy, but I will need to have space to work without pulling clothes out of the way. If you have any particular concerns about the location of the tattoo, be sure to mention them in the Appointments form. ​​​​​​
IF YOU GET NERVOUS...
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There are lots of things clients can do to help them get through their sessions. Remember, I'm here for you and want to support you in having the best experience possible. If you're uncomfortable, be sure to let me know, and we'll come up with solutions! Some clients like to practice breathing exercises and visualize peaceful places beforehand. You can also bring headphones to listen to your own music or watch a video. I love to get to know my clients in our sessions, but if chatting isn't your thing, just say the word. This is about YOU!
Aftercare
WHAT TO EXPECT
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Some redness and tenderness is to be expected in the first few days following your tattoo. The skin may also feel warm (like what you could expect from a mild sunburn). However, if these symptoms get worse, they could also point to infection or an allergic reaction. If you are concerned, you can reach out to me, but definitely see a doctor if you think there may be a problem. When the soreness goes down, you may experience some itching. This is also a normal part of the healing process, but always check with a doctor if you think something is wrong.
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What not to do...
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For the first two weeks, it's CRUCIAL that you avoid any soaking, swimming, or sun exposure. These activities can impair healing, cause infection, or destroy the outcome of your fresh tattoo.
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Avoid touching, scratching, or picking at the skin while the tattoo is healing. These can disrupt the healing process and leave the skin open to infection or scarring.
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What to do...
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With Second Skin: Keep the cover on for 5-7 days. Some fluid collection under the cover is normal. If fluid starts to leak out of the cover, the cover is no longer a protective barrier and needs to be removed. It will come off in the shower or a sink with soap and water. If the cover comes off or has to be removed before the 5-7 days, follow the “Without Second Skin” instructions.
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Without Second skin:
Clean and moisturize the area 3 times a day for 5 -7 days. To do this, wash with antibacterial, fragrance-free soap, pat dry, and apply a thin coat of Aquaphor ointment or fragrance-free moisturizer.
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After the 5-7 days has passed, keep moisturizing regularly, and for best results, make applying sunscreen on the tattoo a part of your daily routine. This will help keep the tattoo looking fresh for years to come!