Let me know if you have any changes whatsoever if your medical conditions- between you filling out the medical form when you pay your deposit, and the time when you come in. This includes antibiotics, skin disorders and anti-acne treatments. You may need to check with your doctor if it is safe for you to be tattooed. You will have the opportunity prior to your session on your consent form to let me know of anything I need to be aware of to accommodate you ( For example; phobia of needles, prone to fainting etc.)

Please reschedule your appointment if you feel unwell- this includes with Covid19, a cold, flu or any other contagious illnesses. The safety of my colleagues and clients (and my small children!) is my main priority, you’re not going to be penalised if you reschedule your appointment due to sickness. I’m happy to tattoo you in the future when you’re back to your usual self.

I recommend to get into the habit of moisturising and exfoliating on the run up to your appointment; especially if you have dry skin and in the colder months. This makes the process of getting tattooed easier, faster, and can promote a better heal. If you feel comfortable shaving the area that you are getting tattooed; you can do so on the morning of and follow up with moisturiser immediately. I’m happy to shave the area for you at the shop, either is fine. Please avoid strenuous exercise the day before your appointment; as to not be tattooing over sore muscles. I cannot tattoo over open wounds; fresh scars; eczema or psoriasis; or fresh or healing sunburns.

If you want to maker any changes to your ideas since your consultation please let me know before the design is drawn up- This includes placement, size or new reference photos. Be sure to include ALL the information you want me to know to draw your tattoo; I’m not a mind reader! The more prepared I can be for your tattoo, the more time I have to draw exactly to your expectations. Last minute changes may result in us needing to move your appointment or cancelling entirely- please refer to the terms and conditions outlined in your booking email regarding this. If you change the style of your tattoo I might not be able to do your tattoo. I do not allocate any time on the day of your appointment to redraw. I understand that getting tattooed can be a nerve wracking experience, which occasionally leads to people micro-managing the process. There does need to be some give and take, and an understanding that you must be flexible and trust your artist.

Please fill out a consent form on the day of your appointment or evening prior. I will check it over before you arrive. Your ID will be checked in person. The form is here.

Come to your appointment alone, well rested, not hungover, clean, and have a good meal before you arrive. The address for the shop is 528 College street; just next to College & Palmerston. (See info below for parking) Our unit is behind street level through an alleyway; next door to the Vintique store). Go through the large black gate and up the metal stairs- our doorway is the first one, the landing at the top of the stair. Please be careful on the stairs during inclement weather as they may be slippery. Just knock the door when you’re here and i'll let you in. Please arrive no earlier than 5 mins before your session. You may use the green patio set to wait if you wish.

Due to tight space constraints and to keep the studio chill we typically do not permit guests to attend your appointment; so you must come alone. If you do require a support person please contact me directly to discuss accommodations.

We currently do not have a masking policy in place. I have complimentary masks available for your use if you would like, and feel free to ask me to wear a mask if you would prefer this.

I can’t tattoo you if you have not eaten within 3 hours of your appointment. I suggest bringing water and a snack, ideally something with sugar. We have a small fridge you can use. Please don’t bring lots of unnecessary items with you due to space restraints.

Don’t forget your government issued ID for age verification, and your method of payment- I accept cash or e-transfers both of which are subject to HST. We accept cards via Square/phone payment with a 5% surcharge on the full cost of the tattoo, paid by the client. Cash is our preferred method of payment.

I’m happy to chat during the tattoo process but also feel free to bring headphones, a book or a distraction that involves minimal movement.

In inclement weather we ask all clients to remove their shoes when inside the studio, we have slippers available for your use. Consider the placement of your tattoo when choosing your clothing for the day. Tattoo ink stains (including colour ink on black clothes) so be sure not to wear anything you care a lot about. A wide area around your tattoo needs to be easily accessible; you should wear clothing that loosely fits over your new tattoo. I will of course ensure that you feel comfortable and secure with the amount of skin you have showing; no tattoo artist should ever ask you to reveal more of your body than is required to do the tattoo under any circumstances. The studio is open concept- staff and other clients in the space will see you getting tattooed. If you are remotely uncomfortable with this please just let me know, I will be happy to schedule your appointment to a quieter time or come to a resolution that works for you, we don’t always run at full capacity. The space has room for 3 artists and 3 clients maximum at a time.

I recommend bringing along a zip up hoodie (especially for sternum and back tattoos) or a blanket scarf; usually bodies react to being tattooed with fluctuating body temperature which can be a little uncomfortable. I will provide pasties if needed for chest tattoos. The studio generally is quite warm in summer.

Do not take any medications that thin the blood (like Advil or Aspirin) on the day of your appointment. Long term medications which can interact with the tattoo procedure are outlined on your consent form. Ask me if you’re not sure what is okay. CBD is fine! You should not be taking any antibiotics; see above on medical guidelines for getting tattooed. I do not use numbing cream and do not recommend it for your tattoo. I do have sprays that I will provide during your service.

Things happen, please reach out to me directly via email at lhaytonart@gmail.com to let me know you are running late as a courtesy- of course I will do the same to you. There is no free parking in the area, there is Green P parking on College- across the street- but has very limited spots and allows a maximum stay of 2 hours with no option to extend. There is underground parking on Palmerston & College (South West corner). There is an all-day outside parking lot next to Sneaky Dees (Bathurst and College). Please park in a location where you do not need to leave to move your car during your session. The closest Streetcar stop is College & Euclid (1 minute walk to the shop).

If you are very late (1 hour+) I will cancel your session and you will be required to pay a new deposit to book in again. Just be cool.

It is absolutely imperative that you are respectful to everyone in the studio at all times; this includes towards other clients and all staff. It's important that the environment remains calm and stress free for all the artists and other clients. We would appreciate phones on silent for example- this includes long phone calls or playing TikTok outloud! All of our guidelines are in place to protect our staff as well as our clients- Any type of inappropriate or abusive behaviour or comments will not be tolerated whatsoever If you refuse to follow our safety instructions you will not be permitted to enter the studio.