NO. This is a tattoo-only studio.
I recommend the Chameleon in Harvard Square.
I accept cash, venmo, credit card, or debit card.
I DO NOT accept check or cashapp for tattoo payment.
I accept cash tips and have my Venmo QR code available at the studio.
Generally a tattoo tip is at least 20%. As with most things, tipping your artist reflects your satisfaction with the service/product. With tattoos, it also reflects the amount of effort, detail, and customization of the design, as well as the experience behind the artist’s craftmanship. Some clients tip as much as 50% for custom-design pieces they felt matched their vision.
It depends on the amount of time your tattoo requires. Visit my Pricing page for details.
The deposit is just a portion of the total price of your tattoo. I take it when I book your appointment in order to hold the time in the artist’s calendar and provide up-front compensation to start the drawing process.
Reschedules require at least 48-hour notice in order for your deposit be transferred to your new appointment date, unless in the case of illness.
Small design tweaks are expected! I build in time to adjust the finer details of the design (Maybe you want to add another bubble in the bath or shift Patrick's house a little farther away from Squidward's - that’s absolutely okay!) Your deposit will still apply to your appointment.
If you would like to switch to an entirely different design, you will be offered to reschedule and required to put down a new deposit for the new design. This is because I have already spent time creating the first design, and it will take more time to create an entirely new design for you.
No. Deposits are non refundable.
The price of each tattoo depends on many factors, mainly size, detail, and placement.
I can let you know a price quote in person. Only very rough price ranges can be given over the phone or via email. Visit my Pricing page for more information!
The size, detail, and placement are the main factors in pricing a tattoo. These factors break down into the cost of supplies (needles, ink, ink cups, paper towels, plastic wrap, gloves, protective covers, razors, bandages, tape, distilled water, etc.) and bills (electric, heat/a/c, rent, etc.), as well as the artist’s experience and ability to safely give you an excellent tattoo as well as the time and energy put into drawing and tattooing your design.
$120
There is a minimum tattoo price because there is a minimum cost to the artist/shop with each tattoo setup. No matter how small the tattoo, some supplies are still used at the same rate with each tattoo and need to be accounted for.
It will still be $120. No matter how small a tattoo is, each setup requires the same minimum supplies.
I receive about half of every tattoo price, the rest goes to the shop to cover expenses. (This is why people tip their artists!)
I am legally not allowed to tattoo anyone under 18.
You can get tattooed next week! Yay!
I still cannot legally tattoo anyone under 18 years old.
While the chances are very slim, it is still possible to get an infection during the healing process of the tattoo (especially if your body is busy growing another human). If you did contract an infection, it would negatively affect the health of the fetus and the pregnancy.
While the chances are very slim, it is still possible to get an infection during the healing process of the tattoo. If you contracted an infection while breastfeeding, you could pass that infection on to the child.
Similarly to the ‘pump and dump’ concept with drinking while breastfeeding, if you don’t breastfeed until the tattoo is totally healed, it will keep you and your child safe from the risks of passing on an infection.
I am not legally allowed to tattoo anyone under the influence because it’s impossible to properly consent. Additionally, bodies react differently while on substances, which can affect the tattoo and heal process.
If you have a medical condition that could impact your tattoo experience, it’s best to consult with your doctor first to make sure there will be no impact on your body and your tattoo both during the tattoo process as well as the healing process.
Most of the time, I already have clients scheduled or the design for the desired walk-in would take more time to draw than I have available. It is always best to schedule ahead to get tattooed, especially if your design requires any artist interpretation or edits. Visit my How to Book page or Contact me for more information
Each client is allowed to bring 1 (ONE) to 2 (TWO) friend(s) with them to their appointment. I am a small studio, with not a lot of space for additional people. If you bring more than two people with you, any additional guests will be asked to wait in the lobby while you get tattooed.
Start the process by filling out my Tattoo Request Form! I prefer to book in person or over the phone, so we can coordinate calendars in real time. I do, however, also accept booking via email. In order to book, I require a deposit (which applies to your total tattoo price), which I can take via cash, card, or venmo. Visit my How to Book page for more information.
Yes! Give me a call, email, or stop by to book and make sure you know what your friend would like (design, size in inches, placement) as well as their availability.
If a client needs assistance to book, I am happy to discuss it with a designated friend/helper who knows the client’s schedule/design. Contact me for more information.
There are 2 lengths of time to consider. One, is your appointment length, which will likely be at least one hour (time to fill out paperwork, size design, place and dry stencil, etc.) Meanwhile, your tattoo time can vary from 2 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the size, placement, and intricacy of the design. The more details or color changes in your tattoo or the stretchier the skin, the longer it will take. Your artist will be able to give you a rough estimate of time when the design details a
Small design tweaks are expected! I build in time to adjust the finer details of the design (like you want to add another bubble in the bath- that’s absolutely okay!)
If you would like to switch to an entirely different design, you will be offered to reschedule and required to put down a new deposit for the new design. This is because I have already spent time creating the first design, and it will take more time to create an entirely new design for you.
Eat plenty of sugars, do NOT drink alcohol or consume any other drugs, and dress accordingly.
Ask your artist! I’ll be able to let you know the ideal way to make your tattoo placement easily available. Ideally, it will be accessible without you having to hold any clothing in place.
If you get a sunburn on the area you plan to get tattooed within 1 week of your appointment, you will need to reschedule your tattoo appointment. I cannot tattoo sunburned skin, as it will not heal properly.
Yes. Your photo ID MUST be physically present for your tattoo appointment.
I ONLY accept state-issued ID, military ID, and passports (from any nation), with your photo and birthdate on it.
No ID, no tattoo. This is a state mandated law. It CANNOT be a photo of your ID.
It is state mandated law that I have a copy of your ID on your intake paperwork for it to be valid. I WILL NOT tattoo you if your ID is not physically present.
Yes, if you are looking to cover a scar or old tattoo, if you are looking to add to or around an existing tattoo, if you would like to have a portrait done, or if you have an custom idea. You can book a time online here.
Yes - you can book a time online here! Or contact me to let me know when you would be able to meet and we can put it on the books!
No, consults are totally free!
Include details on size, placement, and style (black and grey or linework or color), and describe what will be in the design - pictures are always encouraged!
In inches or cm - words like small or medium are not informative enough for me, I need to know how many inches large it will be.
Describe the area, which limb or body part, where on it. If you can, its always helpful to include a photo of the area, especially if I'm working around any existing tattoos. Feel free to circle on the photo. It will also help us design the piece to best fit the shape area.
Any inspiration photos for your tattoo design - if you like part of a design in one photo and part of another design in another photo, they are both reference images for your final design and I would love for you to share them with me, indicating what parts of the images you like and want incorporated.
As soon as possible! - Ideally, I would have the images before booking your appointment to get an idea of how much time it will take them. Otherwise, I ask that you send me images at least one week before your appointment so they have plenty of time to create your design. Email them to me at courtneyjotattoos@gmail.com.
The best tattoos fit the placement on the body and are designed to fit the shape of the area. Knowing where it will go helps me make sure you have the best possible tattoo!
As ink heals in the skin, it blurs and widens its coverage radius. So if you put a lot of different colors or shades or details very close to each other, as the ink heals and settles in, the different tones and details will start to overlap and the tattoo will no longer look as it was supposed to.
I do not send out any design artwork. There is a history of taking finished art to another tattoo artist to do the actual tattoo, leaving our artist unpaid for the hours of work put into the design.
If you would like to view your design ahead of your appointment, please call the shop and schedule a consultation a few days before your scheduled appointment, and your artist will gladly go over the design with you and make any necessary changes you would like.
I do NOT tattoo any hate speech or symbols. I also do not replicate other people’s tattoos. If you have a reference image of a tattoo design on someone else, I will ask to make adjustments so as not to give you someone else’s tattoo or someone else’s design work.
Yes! As of right now, I DO NOT offer portraits of loved ones. But I DO offer pet portraits!
Yes, I do enjoy doing cover ups! I require an in-person consultation before scheduling an appointment. Visit my How to Book page or Contact me for more information!
Yes, I love doing revamps! I require an in-person consultation before scheduling an appointment. Visit my How to Book page or Contact me for more information!
Yes, if you have unfinished work and are no longer able to work with your original artist, I am happy to help you finish your piece. I ask that you come consult with me in person so I can see what is already done and, together, we can decide how best to move forward. Visit my How to Book page or Contact me for more information!
Yes! But not too badly! Everyone reacts differently and has different levels of sensitivity on different parts of the body.
Color ink does not hurt more. What hurts more is solid fill, whether it’s black or another color, because it takes more time and covers more skin.
Yes.
Some places have more nerve endings than others, or more sensitive nerve endings.
Where you have more nerve endings - so anywhere that feels ticklish or more sensitive to touch will likely hurt more.
Different nerve endings feel things differently - some people describe it as a burning sensation, some as a cat scratch, some as more an annoyance than anything.
I will not apply numbing cream, but you are welcome to use it on yourself. I recommend Dr. Numb - contact me for instructions on the best way to use it!
2 Brighton St. Belmont, MA 02478 Suite 215
.1 miles from Fitchburg Cutoff Bike Path
<.1 miles from Bus 78 (Brighton St @ Hittinger St / Flanders Rd)
.1 miles from Bus 78 (Blanchard St @ Normandy Ave)
.3 miles Bus 74 (Concord Ave @ Blanchard Rd)
.3 miles from Bus 74 & 75 (Concord Ave @ Trowbridge St / Watson Rd)
.9 miles from 62, 67, 76 (Lake St @ Rt 2 East On Ramp)
1 mile from Commuter Fitchburg Line (Belmont stop)
1 mile from Red Line & Bus 62, 67, 76, 350 (Alewife Station)
Yes! There is an entire free parking lot exclusively for the studio building! (Located to the right of the building when facing it from Brighton St.)
Yes! There are 2 private single-person gender neutral handicap-accessible bathrooms, as well as a multi-stall gender neutral bathroom available.
No, UNLESS you are coughing or sneezing repeatedly. Even if you are not contagious, I ask that you wear a mask to contain the spread of fluids.
I have a glass door that closes with an opaque curtain.
NO. I offer break times for clients to go outside and smoke as needed.
No. I offer break times for clients to go outside and vape as needed.
Unscented soap - most handsoaps and bar soaps are safe.
Unscented cream-based lotion - DO NOT USE aquaphor or any other petroleum-based products. Avoid eucerin and other lotions with aha or bha.
With just your hand and unscented soap. Do not use any cloths or towels or paper towels to wash it. PAT dry.
Yes, please do! You have to wash your tattoo at least once every day, so it’s easiest to do at the end of your shower.
Yes, you can exercise normally, you should just wipe down any equipment before and after use and wash your tattoo after you’re done exercising.
Wash your tattoo first! You want a very small amount of lotion, a pea or smaller. Dab it around and then work it in evenly. If the skin is still shiny, pat it with a paper towel to remove the excess.
This depends on the design and the placement. Generally the initial heal takes roughly 10-14 days. After 3 months, your tattoo will be completely healed. The first 2 weeks are the most important part of the healing process. Larger or more solidly colored tattoos, as well as tattoos located on high-mobility areas (joints), take longer to heal.
Your tattoo will likely be red and swollen for about 24-48 hours depending on the size of the tattoo. After that, your tattoo will begin to flake and peel, this is totally normal - do not pick or scratch it.
I recommend avoiding any sun exposure to your tattoo for 2 weeks after getting it done.
I encourage the use of sunscreen AFTER the tattoo is healed. Do NOT put sunscreen on a healing tattoo - the chemicals will harm the healing process. Once it is totally done healing (2 weeks or when it’s done peeling), it is best to apply sunscreen any time your tattoo is exposed to sunlight to keep it from fading - the sunlight breaks down the ink faster.
No, do NOT submerge your fresh tattoo in water for long periods of time, especially AVOID pools, hot tubs, and saunas, for 2 weeks.
As your tattoo heals, a new layer of skin heals over the ink, causing it to look slightly less bright than when the ink is first applied.
During the healing process, your tattoo will fade if you apply too much lotion.
After it heals, it will fade if it is overly exposed to sunlight.
I guarantee my work so I offer FREE touchups to all clients!
Yes! I have gift certificates available at the studio for purchase or I can send them out via email.
You can either purchase one in person (with card, cash, or venmo) OR I can email a digital copy of the gift certificate, which will only become active once I receive your venmo! Contact me for details!
Natural pigments, deionized water, distilled water, hamamelis water, sterile aqua, rosin, glycerin, witch hazel, isopropyl alcohol, and benzyl alcohol - all ingredients are sterile.
Yes! All inks I use are vegan!
The brands I stick to are World Famous Ink, Eternal Ink, Fusion Ink, Allegory Black, Solid Ink, and Dermaglo.
Yes! The only real difference is the application technique. More melanated skin is more prone to hyper pigmentation (darkening of the skin) when scarred, which dulls the color when it heals.
Yes! I offer color tests free of charge for anyone who is worried about how color shows up on their skin tone. I have a flash sheet of simple colorful designs to choose from. And then together we can pick the ink colors you're looking to incorporate into any future tattoos!
I am a single artist out of a private studio. My name is Courtney Jo Soares de Almeida. I am a queer woman of color and my goal is provide a safe, calming, inclusive environment for all clients. Visit my Who I Am page for more information!
My studio and I are licensed through the Town of Belmont Health Department, which requires annual bloodborne pathogens training and biannual first aid/CPR training, as well as an anatomy and physiology course.
Visit my Contact page to begin the process