Frequently Asked Questions
Booking
What, Where, When, & How?
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Visit my Services Page
Click the appointment type you would like to book and pick a date for your appointment.
Fill out Appointment Request Form and await a response from Naomi.
If the date and time chosen are available, Naomi will discuss specifics of your session and request a deposit to secure the date.
All immediate booking is done via the booking forms, and never via Instagram.
If you email me directly, or are referred to me via the studio, I will respond with a link to my “Services” page, as this allows for a more streamlined booking process for me.
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If you want an original, pre-drawn flash tattoo, request a Flash Tattoo Session.
For custom designs, cover ups or re-works, request a Custom Tattoo Session.
Need a refresh? Request a Touch Up.
>> Still unsure? Email us at book@sweetliltattooer.com.
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Currently, I can be found at Addicted to Ink.
The address for Addicted to Ink is 29 Court Street, White Plains, NY, just a 5 minute walk from the Metro North White Plains Station.
If taking a Lyft or Uber to your appointment, please insert the address above.
Street and garage parking are available nearby.
>> I am not responsible for any cancellations that occur due to a client’s lateness to their appointment.
Each client is afforded a 15 minute grace period.
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Booking Requests usually receive replies within 3-5 days. We are currently working on shortening this wait period to streamline the booking process. We appreciate your patience.
Currently, we only answer emails Tuesday-Friday between 11am and 7pm. No emails will be answered Saturday-Monday.
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Please be patient! We answer as many emails as possible in a day. If you haven’t received a reply in 3-5 days, check your spam folder or kindly reach out for an update. We may have missed your email, it might be in the spam folder, or we might be swamped; we’re human.
Appointments are booked depending on the project, my interest in it, and/or the level of artistic liberty allowed. I will not book appointments for plagiarized tattoos.
If I do not wish to take on your tattoo request, you will be politely notified, never ignored. If I know of an artist that will be a great fit for the piece you are looking to receive, I will refer you to them.
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Depending on availability, design specifics, etc, I can accommodate walk-ins and same-day appointments.
Typically, I reach out to people waiting on a date to book first, and if I do not hear back, I post all last-minute cancellations/openings on my IG Story.
If you are notified of an opening, or request to book one, you will have 24 hours to confirm you’d like to nab this spot by sending your deposit.
If the opening is for the same day or the next day, you have 2 hours to get back to me and send your deposit.
If a spot is not filled, it will remain in my Instagram Story.
Tattoo Design Process
All the deets from styles offered, placement expectations to drawing reviewal and then some.
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I specialize in Dotwork/Stippling, Geometric, Linework, Blackwork, and Illustrative design.
I can pretty much do ANYTHING in these styles. Yes, even portraits.
* I DO NOT do traditional black and grey photorealism, this is different.
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At this time, I do not offer photo realism, trash polka, watercolor, crayon/pastel, or fine-line designs.
Although I have offered fine line tattoos in the past, I have elected to discontinue working in this style.
Here’s why:
Fine-line designs often require more upkeep and never look as dark and fine as they do on the first day. Tattoo ink spreads with age(regardless of the density of the line) and this can either lead to a faded line or a thicker looking line; something that is a lot more noticeable in fine-line designs.
Faded lines can be re-touched and made darker, whereas natural spreading of a line(not a blow-out, thats something different) cannot be adjusted to look thinner. However, the more pigment added, the more noticeable the spread when the tattoo ages.
Fine-line tattoos with a lot of detail tend to look muddled and/or hard to read as the lines begin to spread, and can lead to a piece that is not as minimalistic as you originally intended for it to be.
Fine line designs are not mentally, emotionally, or artistically fulfilling for me, and do not allow me to fully showcase my abilities as an artist.
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I do color work on a case-by-case basis. Some things are simply not within my realm of skills or interests. However, do not be afraid to inquire!
I would love to do more pieces with color …so please request more of these! ☺️
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I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to tattoo another artist’s design. I will make my own original version with the ideas or references given, but I am not a photocopying machine. I understand you may want “that exact piece” or something very similar, but if that is the case, I am not the artist for you.
Here’s why:
I want to improve as an artist everyday, and that means using my imagination and creativity to its fullest potential.
I want to enjoy what I do. I am really passionate about being an artist, and making people feel great in the skin they’re in. I cannot truthfully feel content knowing that I ripped-off someone else’s work. It’s disrespectful and inconsiderate.
I don’t want my client walking around with a piece that someone else has. That other person could have very deep, sentimental ties to their piece; feelings that are unique to them. I don’t want to rip those ties apart by giving the same thing to another person.
I want to feel that my client chose me as their artist because they like and respect my work, not just because I pull clean lines.
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100%. I love a good challenge.
However, the following applies to Cover-Ups:
I need to see what I am covering up prior to confirming.
You must be open to suggestions, if we cannot come up with a plan that works for both of us, I will advise you to return to the original artist or seek another artist that might fit your needs a bit better.
I will not attempt to cover-up a dark and/or blown out tattoo with pastels or thin/light line work.
Have an idea of what you would like the cover-up to be. If not, then I will come up with a design of my own, based off your general interests or what I think might work.
If you request a blast-over, please understand that this differs from a cover-up in the sense that you are MEANT to still see the piece underneath.
I will be 100% transparent about whether or not I believe I can tackle a piece. If I cannot, I will recommend one of two things: reach out to another artist (I might have some suggestions) or look into laser tattoo removal to lighten the piece a bit.
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Of course, but I suggest we have a consultation before anything is set in stone, to ensure I can create a piece that will do the job.
If we are covering scars, and you would prefer not to take a photo and send it via email or the booking form, I may ask you to come in so that I can take a few. I do this to use as canvas reference when creating your design.
If you are not comfortable with before and after shots of this tattoo being posted on my social media, please let me know. If you are okay with me posting the photos online, but prefer not to be tagged, also let me know.
Additionally, if you prefer I post only the cover-up, but no before photos (which is the case for certain situations), again, inform me. I want you to feel comfortable.
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Short answer: Yes.
However, these tattoos usually come with a higher price point, as these locations are a lot more sensitive or painful, so designs take a lot more time to complete than they would on other locations.
Sensitive Areas are: Head, Face, Lip, Ear, Neck, Elbows, Wrists/Hands, Fingers, Genitals, Knees, Ribs, Ankles/Feet.
These locations also come with limitations. See below:
I will not tattoo certain designs on the ribs (think: excessive straight lines, geometric, quotes, etc); they’re bumpy, sensitive, and 8/10 clients do not stay still well enough to pull a flawless line. I can do it, but it takes more time and precision…and sometimes more breaks.
I will not tattoo a portrait of an animal or person on your finger, it does not age well.
Offensive words or images on the face/neck are a hard pass.
I do not tattoo words on the sides of your hand/finger (the parts that rub surfaces or other fingers), as the friction tends to fade the design and make words illegible.
Unlike tattoos on other locations, touch-ups on these locations are not free.
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I schedule enough time into the appointment for you to see the design and make minor adjustments.
Any major changes, taking longer than a half hour to complete, or that turn into a complete redesign, may affect the final price of the tattoo and/or require a reschedule. This is to ensure that you do not feel forced to settle for a design you do not love, and to avoid the appointment creating a scheduling conflict.
I do not allow drawing reviews prior to appointments, to prevent plagiarism, scheduling conflicts, or excessive unpaid redesigns.
If your piece is exceptionally large (think: full back, sleeve, across the belly, etc) or highly detailed, I may have you come in prior to your appointment date to map out where the piece will sit, and adjust the design to best suit the canvas. This is the only exception to the rule.
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If you change your mind about the design, you must let me know asap. At least 72 hours prior to your appointment.
Pricing of the piece will change accordingly.
If there are significant changes to the size that require more time and attention, we may need to break the tattoo into sessions, or reschedule altogether.
Again, this is to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Pre Tattoo
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Bring your Reference Images! The more the merrier!
Be ready to ask me questions, as well as answer any I might have about the design.
Wear clothing that allows me to easily view & measure the body part/area you’re looking to have the tattoo done on.
Expect to be photographed on the area you will be getting the tattoo. Especially if there are other tattoos near this area.
Have your deposit ready to book.
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Eat a meal at least 4 hours before your appointment. I don’t advise getting a tattoo on an empty stomach.
Try to be well-hydrated in the days leading up to your tattoo. Healthy hydration leads to better bodily functions like cell-turnover, immune response, etc.
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine for at least 12 hours before your appointment. (And do not make plans to drink afterward.)
Do not get tattooed under the influence of logic or decision altering drugs.
Do not consume blood thinners or pain killers unless prescribed by a doctor for a pre-existing condition/ailment.
Speak with your doctor before getting a tattoo to ensure that it is safe for you to do so.
Do not apply numbing cream. If you would like to, please speak with me first so we can go over options and develop a game plan.
Lastly, shower, if you can. Please.
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THE BIG ONE: Bring a State or Federal ID or Passport. Do not arrive with a school ID or worse, empty-handed.
A small snack and beverage in the case I am unable to provide one. Please alert me to any allergies or intolerances you might have prior to your arrival.
Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the location getting tattooed and won’t irritate the tattoo when it’s done. Dark clothes are better, ink stains are less noticeable (if they happen at all).
If you are anemic, or prone to getting chills, I recommend you bring a sweater or cardigan. If you cannot wear it on the location you’re having getting tattooed, at least you can use it to cover the rest of your body. (As a person with anemia, I know firsthand how cold it gets while getting tattooed.)
Chewing gum, a pair of headphones, or a book. Anything to make yourself more comfortable.
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Please, please, please, notify me of:
ANY allergies you may have; ESPECIALLY to latex, adhesives, pigments, and oils.
Any conditions you may have; ESPECIALLY Diabetes, Epilepsy, Heart Murmurs, Anemia, Migraines, Narcolepsy/Fainting, Spasms/Tourettes, Neurodivergence, Anxiety, etc.
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This information will be entirely private and will not be broadcast to anyone. I request this solely for the purpose of ensuring YOUR tattoo experience is as safe and accommodating as possible.
If the studio is too loud, bright, busy, or over-stimulating in any way, I am more than happy to make any adjustments possible, or reschedule your appointment for a day/time that is not as busy.
Tattoo Touch Ups
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Not all tattoos need touch ups. But the outcome of each tattoo depends on multiple factors.
Some things to consider before getting a tattoo, and during the healing process of a tattoo are:
Is the tattoo on an area that has thin skin, lots of movement (like joints and fingers), susceptible to friction, exposed to excessive sun or the elements? Exposure to the sun and elements can fade the tattoo and compromise the integrity of your skin. Friction from bracelets/watches, tight bra bands, waistbands, socks, sneakers etc can sometimes cause inconsistent fading in a tattoo. Parts of your body that are constantly rubbing, shedding, moist, can fade faster too, such as sides of the finger, elbows, any part of the foot or ankle.
Is the tattoo on an area of skin that experiences flares ups such as eczema, rosacea, boils, etc throughout the year? We never tattoo on an active flare up, but the presence of them over time can affect the longevity of the tattoo due to flaking, scabbing, ruptures, etc.
Is the tattoo done with a fine liner or in a style that is more sheer, dainty, light in structure, color, etc.? The less ink in a tattoo, the easier it is for our bodies' natural processes to break away at the particles of ink, and cause the tattoo to appear fuzzy, blurry, spread, or faint. This spreading and fading is common among all tattoo styles, but more noticeable in fine line, small, dainty styles because of how little ink there is to begin with.
The saying “Bold will hold.” came to be because bold tattoos have a lot more ink and therefore appear to maintain their integrity a little longer than their smaller, lighter counterparts. Its harder to notice a thick line getting thicker over time than it is a thin line completely disappearing in parts or spreading in others.
Do you nourish your body, get enough rest, and refrain from alcohol and certain medications prior to and immediately after receiving a tattoo? Your skin will do a much better job at absorbing ink when you are well rested, and your skin is healthy and well hydrated. Consuming alcohol and certain substances (like blood thinners) can thin the blood as well as lead to restlessness, anxiety, and poor hydration, making it harder to tattoo.
Do you have an active lifestyle or career that might interfere with the healing process? We often ask this when creating a tattoo or during the aftercare spiel towards the end of your session. We recommend time away from the gym, sauna, beach etc. This is because excessive moisture can increase the risk of infection, lead to skin maceration and slow the development of a new, healthy layer of skin.
Are you going on vacation, or will you be preoccupied with new responsibilities after your tattoo? Let’s face it, no one wants to worry about babying fresh ink when they can be having fun living in the moment, or are consumed with a demanding new responsibility that will take all of their focus. Consider how much time, energy, and effort you are able to put into your new tattoo and understand that its integrity depends on how well you treat it during the healing phase.
This is not an extensive list of all the things that contribute to the healing and longevity of your tattoo. But these are a few common reasons behind fading and poor absorption of ink.
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I offer one free touchup valid within the first 6 months of your tattoo appointment.
Touch Ups on/of the following are NOT complimentary:
Fine Line Tattoos
Head, Face, Lip, Ear, Neck, Elbows, Wrists/Hands, Fingers, Genitals, Knees, Ribs, Ankles/Feet Placements
To determine whether or not a touchup may be needed, please send a photo of your tattoo after 3-4 weeks of healing, and I will confirm if it is necessary. You can also wait a bit longer, but 3-4 weeks is the earliest we’ll be able to tell.
If you'd like a touchup after the first 6 months, or decide you'd like to add something to the tattoo you will be charged. This charge could be as low as the studio minimum of $80, or higher, depending on what work is required.
If you book a touchup and do not show up for your appointment, you will need to pay to book a new touchup, as this is considered a no-show, and results in a loss of time and supplies.
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Depending on the piece, I will touch up or rework another artist’s work, as I do not believe in someone living with a tattoo that they do not love. Touch Ups on another artist’s work are not complimentary; the price will depend on the work needed.
However, the following applies to touch ups of work not done by me:
I would hope that you attempted to reach out to the original artist to fix the piece first, as a courtesy and out of respect for the other artist. This IS NOT MANDATORY if you felt unsafe/uncomfortable around or disrespected by the original artist. I understand the feeling all too well and would not force you to have contact with anyone that makes you feel these things.
You must be open to suggestions, if we cannot come up with a plan that works for both of us, I will advise you to return to the original artist or seek another artist that might fit your needs a bit better.
I will not attempt to imitate the original artists style; my goal is to improve upon the look of the tattoo.
I will be 100% transparent about whether or not I believe I can tackle a piece. If I cannot, I will recommend one of two things: reach out to another artist (I might have some suggestions) or look into laser tattoo removal to lighten the piece a bit.
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Tattoos that are subject to compensated touch-ups are those that a client is advised against getting by the artist.
I love and support self expression in all it forms, however, I use my professional expertise to advise against tattoos that have a higher chance of fading. I always recommend careful, thorough aftercare for every tattoo, but especially these because they are notorious for not “holding” or aging gracefully.
If a client elects to move forward with receiving said tattoo, the onus is on the client to ensure that it is maintained to the best of their ability. Sometimes, this may require a touch up, and that means we must be paid to ensure we can replace any supplies used during the touch up.
Touch-ups on another artist’s work are also compensated because we are using supplies and time while we work.