Sliding Scale Pricing

My rates follow a sliding-scale model that recognizes the different levels of financial access people have.

Those who pay at highest level of access enable me to offer services to those who need community support to access my services. The second highest level of support pays me a living wage for my labor, and the lower middle level allows me to break even.

To determine what level you should support at, read the description of each jar below and choose the jar that most closely reflects your current lifestyle.

There is no proof or justification required — just your honest self-assessment.

Two glass jars, one tilted and labeled with the number 1, and the other upright without a label, both appearing empty.

Jar 1: Gifting Patron of the Arts Community

  • My basic needs (food, housing, healthcare, utilities, transportation) are consistently met without strain.

  • I have or have had access to higher education or specialized job training.

  • I own a home in a nice neighborhood, have access to a family home, or rent a higher-end property.

  • I have access to a reliable vehicle.

  • I am employed, self-employed, or do not need to work to meet my needs. Or maybe I am a college student with significant parental support.

  • I can access plentiful savings or support in an emergency.

  • I have expendable income or allowance.

  • I travel abroad or take time off without significant financial stress.

Illustration of a jar with the number 2 on it, filled with a green substance.

Jar 2: Patron of the Artist

  • My basic needs are met consistently.

  • I have or have had access to higher education or quality on-the-job training.

  • I own a home, have access to a family home, or rent a standard-priced property.

  • I have access to a vehicle or live with plentiful public transit.

  • I am employed, self-employed, or do not need to work to meet my needs. Or maybe I am a college student with parental support.

  • My savings or support system would be impacted by an emergency.

  • I sometimes have expendable income or allowance.

  • I go on vacations annually or every few years without major financial strain.

Illustration of a green jar with the number 3 on it, against a yellow background.

Jar 3: Reduced Access

  • I sometimes feel stress about meeting basic needs, and I don’t always meet them.

  • I have debt that impacts my day-to-day decisions.

  • I am employed or self-employed, but I can only work part-time, hold multiple jobs out of necessity, or have dependents competing for resources.

  • I have access to a vehicle, but covering upkeep, fuel, or insurance is challenging.

  • I have little to no savings or support available in an emergency.

  • I must save long term, or make huge sacrifices to take a vacation.

Illustration of a glass jar with the number 4 on it.

Jar 4: Recipient of Community Support

  • Meeting basic needs is a frequent stressor, and they are not always met consistently.

  • I have debt that directly affects my ability to meet basic needs.

  • I rent lower-cost housing or experience unstable housing.

  • I do not have a vehicle, or I have limited access to a vehicle and affording fuel or repairs is difficult.

  • I am unemployed, underemployed, or rely on government assistance if eligible.

  • I cannot afford vacations or time off without significant hardship.

Custom Design Rates

  • Jar 1: Design time $45/hr • Tattoo time $140/hr

  • Jar 2: Design time $40/hr • Tattoo time $120/hr

  • Jar 3: Design time $35/hr • Tattoo time $105/hr

  • Jar 4: Design time $30/hr • Tattoo time $90/hr

Flash Designs

Flash pieces are priced individually, as advertised. Final cost can vary depending on size and placement choices.

Bespoke Ceremonial Services

I host tattoo ceremonies for a variety of needs everywhere from celebrations of union, memorials, rites of passage, self recognition, and emotional/psychic healing. Holding ceremonial space is very specific to individual needs and I am happy to discuss fair exchange for these services.

How Custom Pricing Works

1. Consultation & Estimates

During our initial consultation, we’ll talk about your vision and I’ll estimate both:

  • Design hours

  • Tattooing hours

2. Deposits

A non-refundable deposit is required to:

  • Cover the estimated design time

  • Secure your appointment date

If the design takes less time than expected, the remaining balance will be credited toward your tattoo time.

3. Design Revisions

  • Minor adjustments are included in your original estimate

  • Significant changes in direction, new concepts, or full redesigns will require additional payment for design time

4. Tattoo Time

Tattoo time is calculated by the amount of time we are actively tattooing. I am generous with my time for getting placements correct, but excessive time spent with placement will begin to accrue tattoo time expense.

5. Working With Your Budget

If you have a specific budget in mind, please let me know early on. I’m happy to design something beautiful that fits within your financial comfort.

6. Large-Scale Projects

Full sleeves, full legs, and multi-session ceremonial pieces are a big investment in time and energy for both of us. Because of that, I offer flexible, negotiable rates for patrons starting large projects.

Cancellations

No-shows or last-minute cancellations (under 24 hours) incur a $50 fee to cover commute time, materials, and lost availability.

Payment

Please bring cash payment and your ID the day of your appointment. Paying with Card or Venmo will incur a 15.45% charge. This covers the 3.5% money transfer service provider fees, and 11.95% combined Boulder City and Colorado state tax.