Kara Gonzales

Here are some FAQ's and Guidelines on getting inked:

Will it hurt? Yes. Yes, it will.

... a lot? It actually depends on (1) the area/body part being tattooed and (2) your own pain threshold. Some common things I’ve heard from clients are that it feels a like cat scratch, a paper cut, or generally not as bad as they thought it would hurt.

Do you use numbing creams?  Nope! Apart from the fact that I believe that the pain is part of the whole process, there is no guarantee that a numbing cream will work for you. It might even cause unnecessary reactions for some people.

I have certain allergies. Can I still get a tattoo? If you have allergies, it is best to consult your doctor before you decide to get tattooed.

How much does a tattoo cost? The cost of a tattoo depends on the size, design and placement. My minimum rate is 3,000php, but getting in touch is still the best way to get a proper quotation for your tattoo.

Do you require a deposit? A non-refundable deposit is required but it is deductible from your total tattoo price.

Do I need to tip my tattoo artist? Tips are not necessary, but very much appreciated.

Where do you tattoo? Do you accept walk-ins? I tattoo most days of the week at my private studio in KAPITOLYO, PASIG. I also tattoo at CRIMSON RIVER TATTOO STUDIO in Quezon City during Mondays. I tattoo by appointment only.

How do I know you are the tattoo artist for me? There are a lot of amazing tattoo artists who each have their own styles, and finding the right one is really important. Please check out my website or Instagram to get a feel of my work and if it aligns with your vision for your tattoo.

Do you design tattoos? Yes, I do! Most of my work are custom designs. I enjoy this part very much!

Do you tattoo designs by other artists? I can do this, but ONLY IF you have a commissioned piece by the artist, or you have gotten their permission to use one of their pieces as a tattoo.

What is your style? I love creating tattoos that are conceptual and unique, designs that are organic and abstract, and I always want to make tattoos that are fun! I’m inspired by memories, feelings and emotions. Most of my work makes use of black line work and some color pops!

Do you have flash designs that I can just choose from? Flash designs can be seen on my Instagram stories. Please check the highlights to see which ones are available.

How do I book a session with you? I open my books usually 2 months at a time, which I announce on my Instagram stories. Please go to the  Booking Page and fill out the form. After you secure your slot, I'll get in touch so we can talk about your design.

For bookings at Crimson River Tattoo Studio, please book here.

When do I know I am ready to set an appointment with you? 

1. Be sure you are ready to commit to getting a tattoo. It is a permanent, lifetime commitment. Only YOU can decide if you are ready for it.

2. Have an idea about the placement of your tattoo prior to your appointment day. Your tattoo design, as well as my preparations for it, will greatly depend on the placement. I can give you advise, but you will have to make the final decision.

3. Know the kind of design you want. Some clients need a little more guidance in translating their ideas into images. It is part of my job to help you design your tattoo, but you need to know the kind of design direction you want to go with.

How do I prepare for my tattoo appointment? All you basically need is yourself (plus your courage and determination). But a few things to remember:

• You will get the exact address to my studio 48 hours before your appointment. Please check your email for this, sometimes it can go to spam.

• Make sure you are bathed and clean. It is also good to eat a meal and hydrate before you get tattooed.

• Please come in appropriate clothing, nothing too tight on the area to be tattooed. Try not to dress in white, please!

• If you're afraid of the pain, you can bring pain killers with you on the day of our session.

How long will the process last? The tattooing process can be as quick as a few minutes but can also go on for hours - it is an entirely personal experience and varies from person to person. I usually allot 2 hours for a session, but bigger pieces take longer.

How long does it take for my new tattoo to heal? A new tattoo typically takes two to three weeks to fully heal. The time varies mainly due to the size of your tattoo, and also on you and your body. And most importantly, how well you care for it after.

How do I take care of my new tattoo? You will get aftercare instructions during our session. Feel free to ask anything then, but here are some quick reminders:

• Clean your tattoo at least 2-3 times a day for 2-3 weeks with soap and water. Gently wash it and pat it dry, then apply a very thin layer of your aftercare ointment. There are popular tattoo-specific products, but you can also use just a simple moisturizing lotion.

• Keep your tattoo moisturized but do not lather it in your aftercare product. Allow it to breathe but do not let it dry out. Drying out will make it more itchy and scabby, and this can cause some of the ink to flake off.

• Do no scratch or pick at your tattoo. Your new tattoo is basically a fresh wound, so it will scab and therefore itch after a few days. Avoid unnecessarily touching it or peeling off bits of it. Apply lotion or gently tap it to relieve the itchiness.

• Avoid sun exposure. All tattoos can fade over time, but they can fade faster if you spend too much time under the sun. After the healing period, be sure to put sunscreen on your tattoo/s especially when you are expecting a lot of sun exposure (beach trips, hikes, etc).

• Avoid soaking your tattoo. For the first 2-3 weeks avoid swimming, going to the gym/getting sweaty, taking long showers and basically any activity that will soak your new tattoo. This will affect your tattoo’s healing and how the ink/colors will behave.

• Be gentle with your new tattoo. Do not use anything abrasive when taking a bath. No scrubs or salts, no bath buffs, no harsh surfaces during the healing period. Pat your tattoo dry, do not rub it dry. Care for it as you would a fresh wound, which is what it is, basically.

Be conscientious and patient with your aftercare. It might seem like a lot to do, but bear with it and it will make all the difference with how your tattoo will turn out in the long run!

Do you do touch-ups? There are a few times when a touchup is needed for certain colors on certain skin types, or if we work with very fine lines. Please wait a couple of months after the ink has completely settled, then send me an email so we can assess if you need a touchup.

Do you do cover-ups and touch-ups of old tattoos by other artists? I can do touch-ups and enhancements on a case to case basis. Cover-ups are trickier and don’t always go well with my style. Shoot me an email and let’s see how we can work on it.

Anything else I need to know? Feel free to ask if you have any other questions or concerns. See you soon!