Black Sheep Studios
Tattoos & Fine Art
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get tattooed?
To begin the process you should first review both portfolios to get an idea of the styles of tattoos each artist works in before going to the REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT page and filling out the consult form. Please be very thorough in your descriptions.
Kristin Books out about 3 weeks at a time and does still have some restrictions & limitations as she is still an apprentice.
Liz books in small quarterly blocks, and otherwise keeps a wait list. Average wait times for new projects are 10+ months, due to this Liz only takes on new projects in realism, neotraditional, & new school styles (no watercolor, mandala/lace patterns, tribal, or Japanese traditional). All smaller projects in styles outside of her specialties are referred to her apprentice. This doesn't mean that she is too good for or not interested in your projects, it's because she doesn't want you to have to wait that long for your smaller pieces when you don't have to!
PLEASE NOTE: While the ladies love meeting clients in person, time in the studio is limited & valuable and so in-person consultations will be scheduled for a $60 fee. This fee does NOT go towards your tattoo, it is to cover the time that they could be tattooing. If you would rather not pay to talk, please fill out a consultation form, or message the shop Facebook page. After an in-person consultation, you will still be required to send your reference material either to email OR Facebook... remember, you are working with one artist, each artist is working with hundreds of clients and potential clients... it gets tough to remember it all without reference!
Deposits may be required in order to secure an appointment. Just asking for a specific day and time does not guarantee it is yours; until the deposit is paid it can be taken by another client. Deposits are dependent upon the time required for the specific tattoo and will therefore vary from piece to piece. Payment can be made in person with cash, or online via paypal or venmo. Deposits go towards the cost of your tattoo, and are nonrefundable should you no-show, or cancel/reschedule on short notice (less than 48 hours before your appointment time).
If you are booking an appointment for a guest spot or convention, there will be a 50% non-refundable deposit required to secure your spot. The deposit goes towards your tattoo, however if you miss your appointment, cancel or ask to reschedule on short notice (less than 48 hours) you will forfeit your deposit.
From there your form will be reviewed and you will receive confirmation email shortly after. Each artist handles all of her own emails, social media, and artwork in addition to tattooing so it may take several days to receive a confirmation email, please be patient.
Can I see my artwork before my appointment?
Liz usually works on designs the day before an appointment so it is typically shown day-of to the client. If it is preferred that you see it sooner, please be sure to make it known so that she can do her best to make it happen.
Kristin will often send artwork in advance, but it is dependent upon how far out you are booked.
I'm getting a realistic looking tattoo, can I see a sketch of my tattoo?
The photo reference of your realism tattoo is your "artwork". That is what it will look like unless other differences are discussed in advance.
What if I can't keep my appointment?
That's ok, life happens! But please email or message the Facebook page at least 48 hours prior to your appointment to notify your artist that you are unable to keep it. In the event that you do not do so, you will forfeit your deposit and another will be required to reschedule; remember the point of a deposit is to cover the artist's time that you booked. If you no-call no-show a Saturday appointment with Liz, you will not be able to reschedule for another Saturday as they are the busiest day of the week and typically book out several months.
Can I book an appointment outside of your standard hours?
The studio hours are set to ensure that our artist have time off work like everyone else and so they are generally not flexible. However, if circumstances require it, an appointment may be scheduled outside of the studio's regular posted hours.
If booking outside of standard hours with Kristin, a 50% deposit will be required to secure the appointment, and rates are increased to $120/hour
If booking outside of standard hours with Liz, a 50% deposit will be required to secure the appointment, and rates are increased to $200/hour.
Are there any types of tattoos that you don't do?
Liz is happy to accommodate many styles, however she does not do tribal or tribal-like designs (ie solid colored bands or other large, flat, solid-filled pieces). She won't do any all-white tattoos as they simply do not hold up well. She does not do any inner lip tattoos. It's no offense to you as an individual, but mouths are gross. Liz is no longer taking Archangel Michael defeating the devil (and similarly themed) tattoos. She's got nothing against religious themes, however, after doing several variations of this classical painting over the years she's found that it really just doesn't translate well as a black and gray tattoo. As stated above, she no longer takes any new projects in lettering, watercolor, mandala/lace/sacred geometry, or Japanese traditional.
As an apprentice, Kristin still has some restrictions regarding size and placement. You will be notified if you request cannot be fulfilled at this time.
When you send pictures of tattoos that you like, those are NOT the tattoo you will be getting. Liz will not steal someone else's design and simply copy-paste it onto you, that is unfair to the original artist and their client, and to YOU. She will use the concept to create you your own unique-to-you tattoo design.
What if my project isn't accepted?
There are many talented artists out there! If our artists think that your project is better suited for another artist, they are more than happy to refer you to someone within OR outside of the studio who is a better fit.
Are there any "Flash" designs for me to choose from for my next tattoo?
Yes! Both VonBorden and Poison Apple have pre-designed ideas that they would LOVE to tattoo! Please check out their Facebook pages, www.Facebook.com/BlackSheepStudiosSparta and www.Facebook.com/PoisonAppleTats to see designs for sale.
Can I buy the original art or a print?
Yes! You can message the Black Sheep Studios Facebook page, or stop by the studio to see it all in person.
How much do you charge hourly?
Liz's rates start at $150/hour. Kristin's rates start at $60/hour.
However, this is just a starting point. Prices are dependent on several factors including subject matter, complexity of design, amount of detail, size, and location of the tattoo.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Black Sheep Studios is a private, appointment-only tattoo studio.
Do tattoos hurt?
Nope.
Do I have to fill out a consultation form?
Yes, it will answer many of the initial questions that our artists would otherwise have for you and help begin the conversation to get you the tattoo that you want. If you prefer to chat via Facebook, please message the Black Sheep Studios page or Poison Apple Tats page (do NOT creep on either private page, you WILL be ignored. Remember, business owners need personal space like everyone else) and include a detailed description of what you would like, where, how big, if you would like it in color or black and gray, and if you have a specific budget in mind. Feel free to include some reference images of styles and subject matter you like for the project, but remember, they will NOT be putting any of those exact images on you.
Payment Options?
Cash is always preferred, but Liz also has Paypal and Venmo @BlackSheepStudios. Kristin has Venmo @KStanford5
Can I book an appointment for April 24th, 2025?
VonBorden only books on a quarterly basis to keep herself organized, allow for personal time (she is only human after all!), and to accomodate timely touch ups and reschedules. For the same reasons, Poison Apple prefers to only book a few weeks out at a time.
How much for piercings?
At this time Black Sheep Studios does not have a licensed piercer on staff. However, Liz is very knowledgeable in the area if you have any questions regarding the process, aftercare, keloid treatment, etc. The studio also does not sell any retail jewelry at this time.
What's your phone number?
We don't have a phone. There is no receptionist so if we are tattooing (which we almost always are), we are unable to unglove and answer the phone every time it rings... we would get nothing done! Our clients are paying for our time tattooing them, not for our time answering phones.