MeowMakesStuff

How to get to the front of the line

Reuben specializes in colour pieces, especially larger organic works with nature and whimsy. Check out the gallery for examples of his work.

• At least one of Reuben’s tattoo works you want to inspire your piece
• A rough description of the tattoo you would like. Things to think of are style, colours, animal, plant or vibe
• Is your tattoo a cover up? Do we need to work around existing tattoo?
• A few references images you have. For environmental and ethical reasons Reuben will not work with generative AI images
• A photo of where on your body you want to be tattooed. If you want a larger tattoo take the photo from a 1 meter away to make sure you get the entire area. These will be used in the initial concept phase to help you see how the tattoo will sit on your skin a little easier
• Your budget
• Any medical related stuff we need to be aware of i.e. pregnancy, blood related conditions
• When you want to be tattooed, especially if you’re visiting Tākaka on holiday and are only here for a limited time.

Prices

Tattooing

$200(incl GST) an hour, minimum one hour.
$1000(incl GST) a day (up to 7 hours).

Last minute cancellations and no-shows incur a $200 rebooking fee

Designing

For designing your art work Reuben charges $135(incl GST) per half day, paid in advance.
The more freedom you give Reuben to create the less time a design will take.
Please try to be very clear with your ideas to save designing time as all revision fees are paid in advance.

Design times are affected by the level of detail and complexity of the design. Approximate design times for simple designs are:

• 100mm by 150mm: ½ – 1 day to draw. (Approximately the same size as a large phone screen)
• 200mm by 150mm: 1-2 days. (Approximately the same size as an A5 piece of paper)
• 300mm by 200mm: 2-3 days. (Approximately the same size as an A4 piece of paper).

Things to bring on the day

• Photo ID
• The studio is small so one support person max. For their safety no children
• Snacks, especially if you’ve booked in for a long session
• Water bottle
• Headphones for podcasts, music, audiobooks or shows.

Preparing for your Tattoo

• Eat a decent meal at least an hour before coming in
• Don’t drink alcohol or take recreational drugs for 24-48 hours before your appointment. (This can affect how your skin reacts to the tattooing process and healing)
• If you want to use numbing cream please discuss it with Reuben. Some numbing products make highly detailed art almost impossible as it affects your skin’s elasticity

After care

When you get home unwrap your tattoo and wash it with warm water, a shower is best. Allow some warmth to get into your tattoo this will promote circulation and help with healing. Do not use soap on the first day.

When you unwrap your tattoo there will be ink, plasma and a little blood, don’t worry this is normal.

Pat dry your tattoo after showers with a clean towel or paper towel. After your tattoo is thoroughly dried, apply a thin layer of Bepanthen antiseptic cream.

No swimming, baths or spas for 2-3 weeks. Showers are fine. Saturating your skin will blur your tattoo or lead to infection. It is important you keep your tattoo clean while it heals.

Avoid exercise that will pull the skin while the tattoo is healing, this can cause scabbing and loss of ink

Avoid exercise that causes sweating for the first week. Sweat can cause infections.
Avoid tight clothing that rubs on your tattoo for the first few weeks.

Your new tattoo is vulnerable to sun for up to 3 months. Avoid sun exposure and wear protective clothing. Sunscreen can be applied after 2 weeks

Don’t sleep on your good sheets the first few nights

Antiseptic Bepanthen is recommended for your first 3 days. After that you can change to other creams if you prefer. Keep applying cream for the first 2 weeks.

Bepanthen can be purchased from the supermarket in the baby supplies aisle.

Apply cream regularly 3-5 times a day. Wash your hands first. If the after care cream is thick and hard to apply, warm a small amount in the palm of your clean hands. Once warmed it will apply much more easily and thinly.

Be wary of creams with essential oils as many people are allergic to them and this can cause bad reactions for your tattoo.

We do not recommend dry healing, this will lead to scabbing and loss of ink.

If you wish to use second skin products please discuss with your artist.

Tattooing and the Law

You must be over 18 to be tattooed in most regions in New Zealand. Some regions will allow people between 16 and 18 years old to be tattooed with parents’ permission, but this isn’t the case in Tasman district.
For more information visit the Youth Law website
https://youthlaw.co.nz/rights/health-wellbeing/tattoos-and-piercings/