Africa Pura Vida Tattoo

My hourly rate is $200, with a minimum of $150 for smaller tattoos. For longer sessions, I offer discounted rates starting at 4 hours ($750 or $187.50/hr). The longest appointment I offer is 6 hours, for larger tattoos whether they can be done in this time or require one or more longer sessions. In some cases, these sessions go up to 8 hours, mostly depending on your staying power. 

I offer Buy-Now-Pay-Later options through Klarna, Afterpay, or Affirm so you can spread out the cost if you would like to.

My rates are based on my 20+ years of industry experience and the effort I’ve put into honing processes to help make great tattoos every time. Charging this amount also covers the costs for me to use the best-of-the-best inks and equipment and to provide an all-in-one experience. All said and done, this is art that will be on your body for life. When you invest in a tattoo from me, you’ll love it for life. If that sounds like a great investment, let’s make some great custom art for you. 

After you share your tattoo idea, you’ll see all session options with prices. The different session options provide descriptions to help you pick the right amount of time. Note that larger pieces take multiple sessions. Anything from a half sleeve and up will take more than one sitting, as will some smaller pieces with intricate designs.

I’m happy to provide an estimate of the full timeframe and cost if you reach out or via a consultation call.

If you’d like to discuss your idea, get an estimate for time and cost, or figure out the best session length, you can schedule a consultation.

Just start the process by sharing your tattoo idea, then you’ll get access to my calendar to schedule time to speak, either on the phone or at my studio.

Or if you want to skip that and just hop on a call, schedule a consultation now here. 👈🏼

My booking page shows all the options for different session lengths, each with a price, plus a description to help you choose the right amount of time for your appointment.

Keep in mind that if you book a shorter session and another client is scheduled after you, we’ll need to wrap up on time. Larger tattoos may take multiple sessions to complete. Choosing between longer session options often is a matter of how long you feel you can sit to make progress on a bigger piece. If you’re unsure how long to book, consider the complexity of your design and how long you feel comfortable sitting.

If you’re still unsure, schedule a consultation with me here.

I’m compassionate and considerate. I give you my word you will be treated with kindness and respect by me and by everyone else in my shop. I can read people very well, especially as the owner with a lot of experience in this industry. I am not only kind but will stay attuned to you to help keep you comfortable, ensuring a positive experience. Every artist is a reflection on each other and the shop, so I’ve also selected and cultivated them based on these qualities. We’re not one of those shops with a cold and distant vibe where you find abrasive music blaring. We make space for everyone.

I’m a stickler about cleanliness. I take bloodborne pathogen classes every year and have now re-done it yearly for 16 years. I’m diagnosed with OCD. You won’t notice this much, but it shows in how meticulous I am with cleanliness and my process. You may notice a lot of hand washing. If I even touch a jar that might be contaminated, I’m going to wash my hands again. I require cleanliness in the shop as a whole as well. Not only does everyone observe stringent sanitation routines, we also use 100% disposable cartridges.

I use nothing but the best and healthiest pigments and cartridges. I’m obsessive about everything I use, not just in terms of the quality of art produced but in ensuring your health and safety.

I’m an extremely versatile artist who can pretty much do it all. My art is my own: it’s eclectic, and if you like what you see in my portfolio and want something like it, I’m the only one who can give you that.

But I will never tattoo outside my comfort zone. My aim is for you to have great art and a great experience. If what you want isn’t something I can give you as a mind-blowing piece, I will personally take it on myself to find you the right artist. There are 10 artists in my shop and I also won’t hesitate to call on my connections in the broader San Diego tattooer community to help you get what you want.

If it’s close and you’re not quite sure, go ahead and start the process.

I’ll help you get a great piece.

I pride myself on clear and timely communication. My online communication systems and booking process are a breeze. I make it easy to communicate your idea, share inspiration, and stay in contact with me. Once you pay your deposit, you can access my calendar and see available spots to book directly at your convenience. And if you need a hand or have a question, it’s easy to connect.

I won’t copy someone else’s work. I’m happy to utilize another tattooer’s piece as a source of inspiration, but won’t do a replica. If you like my style and the tattoos in my portfolio and want me to interpret a piece you like to make unique art that belongs solely to you, then I’m happy to help make it happen.

As a long-time artist with a stable of returning clients and fairly high demand, I’m sometimes booking out a month or two in advance. In rare cases, longer. If you want something faster, don’t hesitate to go ahead and put down your deposit and reach out to see if I can fit you in sooner. If not, I have a large shop with a diverse set of talented artists I’ve hand-selected for my crew. We can get you a killer piece, ensure a good experience, and get you in for the work in a timely manner.