FAQ
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Dirt Light Shadow resides in the beautiful Coal Feather Tattoo Studio is located in downtown Kimberley, BC at 255A Wallinger Ave, between Grow Cake and Chocolate Shop and Kickturn Coffee. We share a front door with El Chupacabra, and the studio is through the curtain and up the stairs. Look for the black feather sign to the left of the front door.
HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE?
18+, no exceptions, regardless of parental permission.
ARE ASHA'S (@d.l.shadow)S BOOKS CLOSED? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN EXACTLY?
Asha’s books are closed. They will likely re-open three months from the last application period.
When her books open, you can submit a booking form, which will be available on the BOOKING INQUIRIES page of the dirt light shadow website. The form will ask you to fill in the details of your proposed project (ie. subject, placement, size, colour preference) as well as your preferred availability, and images. For any questions/comments not related to new booking inquiries, use the CONTACT form on www.dirtlightshadow.com
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF MY PROJECT BEING ACCEPTED?
As Asha progresses along this path there may be more inquiries then she is able to accommodate in her schedule. The following things will increase the chances of your project being selected:
*Original ideas/placements
*a clear vision of what you’re looking for
*a succinct explanation of your idea (long explanations are hard to consider when considering many applications at once)
*the ability to schedule your appointment for a Tuesday/Thursday
*the inclusion of a few reference/inspiration photos and a photo of the bodypart in question on the booking application
*a genuine openness to giving the artist some freedom in the design process
WHAT ARE YOUR ARTISTS’ AVAILABILITIES?
Asha is opening her books every three months. When your project is accepted she currently books for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Her availability outside of these days is limited, as she’s balancing tattooing with family life.
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ASHA?
Read over this FAQ section. If it says books are not open, it means Asha’s unable to take on any new appointments at this time. When her books are open (usually every three months) use the BOOKING FORM to get in touch.
WHY HAS THE BOOKING PAGE DISAPPEARED?
If the BOOKING FORM is unavailable, it’s because Asha’s not currently accepting booking requests. Check her instagram for future booking announcements.
I MISSED THE BOOKING PERIOD THIS ROUND. HOW CAN I BOOK IN?
Unfortunately, you can’t. The Booking process is designed to limit booking applications to ever three months, so that Asha’s able to direct her attention to her current clients. You can however keep an eye on the @d.l.shadow IG to watch for potential cancellations.
HOW COME I HAVEN’T HEARD BACK YET?
It might take up to a week (or more) to receive a reply. Your patience is appreciated! Make sure you’re using the BOOKING FORM if it’s within a booking period and/or sending your info/requests through the CONTACT form instead of using DMs or FB to reach out.
CAN I DROP IN TO YOUR SHOP TO CHAT?
The shop is by appointment only.
DO YOU TAKE WALK-INS?
No. Your best bet is keep an eye on Instagram for posts about cancellations.
WHEN’S YOUR NEXT FLASH DAY?
There are no flash days currently on the schedule. Follow @coalfeather and @d.l.shadow in IG to stay up to date on upcoming events.
WHAT WILL MY TATTOO COST?
The artists work on an hourly rate (+GST) that is subject to change.
Asha’s current hourly rate is $120 plus GST. Estimates can be provided for potential pieces if and when your project has been accepted through the booking process. This booking round, Asha is also moving to pricing more projects by the piece (and by size), rather than by an hourly rate. Be sure to mention on the Booking application whether you have a particular budget for your project overall and/or for a single session.
HOW CAN I EXPRESS THAT I HAVE A LIMITED BUDGET WITHOUT THIS BEING MISINTERPRETED BY THE ARTIST?
At Coal Feather, we’re happy to work within your budget. If you have a fixed budget, consider mentioning this in your initial booking form. If the budget is fixed (that is, you can’t spend more than x on your tattoo), the artist can suggest a piece that would fit your budget in respect to size, complexity, and placement. If your budget consideration is moreso a question of how much you’d like to spend during a single session (and you’re open to your tattoo taking more than one session), than the artist can easily tailor your session to a particular length.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Cash is preferred, e-transfer is also ok. Sorry, no debit/credit.
DO YOU REQUIRE DEPOSITS?
Not at this time. That said, we appreciate at least 48 hours notice before a cancellation so your spot can be filled. Failure to do so may result in an inability to work together in future.
DO YOU DO COLOUR TATTOOS?
Yes.
DO YOU TATTOO ALL STYLES?
Asha is a relatively new tattooist and does her best to tackle diverse styles, from illustrative to botanical to colour work. You can get a good idea looking at her IG account on what she's up too. That said, you should always seek out a tattooist whose work you personally connect with. Since each artist has their own style, you’ll be sure to get the best work when you partner with someone whose aesthetic matches your own.
DO YOU DO COVER-UPS?
Sometimes. In almost all cases a consult is required in advance to discuss what’s possible. Fine-line tattoos generally don’t make for effective cover-ups, as the new tattoo generally needs to be larger and darker than the old piece.
DO YOU DO FINGER TATTOOS?
Not at the moment.
IS IT COOL TO BRING A FRIEND TO MY APPOINTMENT?
The tattoo experience generally works best as a collaborative experience between a client and their artist (without additional voices weighing in). That said, if it feels meaningful to have a particular person accompany you, please run it by the artist.
SHOULD I SHOW UP EARLY TO MY APPOINTMENT?
Please come on time, not early. Because a day of tattooing often consists of multiple clients, showing up on time ensures the privacy of the previous client’s session.
ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD BE AWARE OF BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?
Show up to your appointment well-rested. Make sure to eat and stay hydrated.
Ideally wear dark, comfortable clothing (think ink stains) that allows the artist easy access to the area being tattooed. It’s not uncommon for clients to get cold, especially near the end of a longer appointment, so bringing a sweater or a blanket isn’t a bad idea.
Feel free to bring your own music player, headphones, tablet, water bottle, snacks etc. (whatever helps you get in the zone).
I’M NERVOUS ABOUT GETTING TATTOOED. HELP?!
It’s normal to feel some nerves leading up to your appointment. At Coal Feather Tattoo, we pride ourselves on creating a calming, supportive environment where all folks feel welcome and able to advocate for themselves. First tattoo? Awesome. Tenth tattoo? Great. Need a little break during your session to re-group? No problem.
This is your tattoo experience, and we’re here to facilitate the best possible experience for you.
WHERE ARE THE MOST PAINFUL PLACES TO GET TATTOOED?
Generally the ribs and the feet, although all tattoos hurt. An awareness of your pain tolerance is something to keep in mind when considering large pieces, longer sessions and/or tattoos on sensitive areas.
WHEN DO I GET TO SEE MY DESIGN?
Unless your piece is being freehanded, clients will receive a copy of their design the day before their appointment. At this point, the client is welcome to ask for small changes. If large changes are required, the appointment will be re-scheduled.
WHY CAN’T I SEE MY DESIGN FURTHER IN ADVANCE?
If the consulting process has been done properly, there shouldn’t be any surprises with your design. Since Asha doesn’t charge for design work in advance of the tattoo itself, this process ensures the client only books an appointment once they have clear intentions of getting the tattoo.
A shorter period of reflection also makes for more intuitive decision-making (and less gathering of contrasting opinions from friends and family), which in turns makes for happier clients, and a happier artist!
WHY DIDN’T YOU POST A PICTURE OF MY TATTOO ON YOUR INSTAGRAM?
While it’s easy to take it personally when your artist doesn’t post a photo of your piece, the answer is far from personal. Often the photo we took wasn’t great because the piece itself was swollen/shiny and challenging to photograph. Sometimes, we don’t take or post a photo because we aren’t looking to do more of that particular kind of piece (ie. paw prints)- and when you post a particular subject, you often get future clients requesting a similar type of project. This doesn’t mean we weren’t happy to make this piece for you. Remember: your tattoo is for you, and you’re welcome to show it off however you like- while our IG account is used to promote the type of business we want to continue building.
WHAT ARE YOUR AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS?
After your tattoo, you’ll be given a set of care instructions to take home with you. If you need an electronic copy sent to you, feel free to request one by email: dirtlightshadow@gmail.com.