MORE ABOUT MELANIE

Specializing in detail and fine line tattoos, Melanie creates unique work inspired by nature. She draws everything custom and enjoys illustrative, ornamental, blackwork, art deco, and art nouveau designs. Melanie tattoos at Ikigai Tattoo Studios,  a private, appointment only tattoo studio in Savannah Georgia.

Savannah. Georgia

illustrative tattoo artist

Things to think about

WHEN BOOKING YOUR APPOINTMENT

Aftercare restrictions

Make sure you can follow about 3 weeks of aftercare following your appointment including no sun or swimming.

Size

Overcrowded details don't tend to age well. The more complex your idea, the bigger your tattoo should be.

Concepts

Too many ideas can get muddy and crowded. Limit yourself to 1 -3 main concepts for your piece. 

Custom only

I do not trace or replicate other artist's work. 

Things you like

Be as specific as you'd like. If you're getting a floral piece, what type of flowers? If you want a heron, in flight or standing straight?

Things you don't 

It's also just as important to mention anything you don't want to see in your tattoo. Maybe you hate roses or don't like dotwork- let me know!

  • Your government issued ID for paperwork
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Headphones, iPad, book, etc.
  • Blanket or jacket in case you get cold

1. What do i need to bring?

Comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being tattooed:
  • Button down shirts or zip up hoodies are best for sternum and back pieces
  • Robes and sarongs are good for torso, back, hip or upper thigh tattoos
  • Tie bikini bottoms are best for thigh, hip, and back tattoos.
  •  Tank or strapless tops are best for sleeves
Wear something you are okay with getting ink on.

What should i wear?

The week leading up to your appointment:
  • Stay out of the sun
  • Avoid excess alcohol 
  • Get enough sleep
  • Stay hydrated, drink coconut water and other electrolyte drinks
The day of your appointment, eat a solid meal and avoid excess caffeine

How can I prepare?

If you already have an idea but need more clarification, you can fill out an inquiry form HERE. For general questions, feel free to email me foxcraftink@gmail.com

HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU?

You’re welcome to bring a guest as long as they're not a distraction to either of us during your appointment.
We also have a cute lobby and front porch where they can hang out while you’re getting tattooed. I like to be pretty quiet while tattooing- feel free to bring headphones, a tablet, or your phone if you'd like to listen to music, a podcast, or watch a show while getting tattooed.

CAN I BRING A FRIEND?

I put a lot of time into all of my tattoo designs. Due to my schedule, I do not show designs prior to the day of your appointment. I leave enough time to accommodate minor changes on the day, but any significant last-minute changes may require a new appointment and possibly a new deposit. Include as much detail as you need convey your idea when booking your appointment.

WHEN WILL I SEE MY DESIGN?

A non-refundable, non-transferable $50-100 deposit is required to book any appointment.

If you need to reschedule your appointment, please give as much notice as possible to fill the spot. Less than 72 hours of notice or arriving more than 15 minutes late will require a new deposit to rebook. .

WHAT IS YOUR DEPOSIT POLICY?

TAGADERM AFTERCARE:
  • Leave your bandage on for up to 4 days.
  • It is normal for the bandage to fill up with a sack of ink/bodily fluids. If ink leaks out of your bandage, remove it early.
  • Remove in a hot shower: Gently peel from one corner in the same direction it's going, not back against itself.
  • Follow STANDARD AFTERCARE until fully healed.
  • AVOID WHILE HEALING: Direct sunlight, submersion, swimming, abrasion, picking, tight clothing.
  • You can shower and wear clothes over your Saniderm.
  • Always sunscreen healed tattoos to prevent aging.

STANDARD AFTERCARE

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY TATTOO?

STANDARD AFTERCARE:
  • Remove the bandage when you get home. 
  • TWICE A DAY: Wash, air dry, and moisturize. Use a non scented soap (Cereve, Cetaphill, Baby Dr. Bronners), and a non-scented lotion (shea butter, cocoa butter, Lubriderm)
  • If it looks wet or shiny after, remove excess with paper towel.
  • For the first 4 nights, wrap with plastic wrap overnight to avoid sticking to sheets. Wash and moisturize before wrapping and after removing wrap in the morning.
  • AVOID WHILE HEALING: Direct sunlight, submersion, swimming, abrasion, picking, tight clothing.
  • Tattoo will look dull until fully healed.
  • Always sunscreen healed tattoos to prevent aging.
TAGADERM AFTERCARE:
  • Leave your bandage on for up to 4 days.
  • It is normal for the bandage to fill up with a sack of ink/bodily fluids. If ink leaks out of your bandage, remove it early.
  • Remove in a hot shower: Gently peel from one corner in the same direction it's going, not back against itself.
  • Follow STANDARD AFTERCARE until fully healed.
  • AVOID WHILE HEALING: Direct sunlight, submersion, swimming, abrasion, picking, tight clothing.
  • You can shower and wear clothes over your Saniderm.
  • Always sunscreen healed tattoos to prevent aging.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY TATTOO?

STANDARD AFTERCARE:
  • Remove the bandage when you get home. 
  • TWICE A DAY: Wash, air dry, and moisturize. Use a non scented soap (Cereve, Cetaphill, Baby Dr. Bronners), and a non-scented lotion (shea butter, cocoa butter, Lubriderm)
  • If it looks wet or shiny after, remove excess with paper towel.
  • For the first 4 nights, wrap with plastic wrap overnight to avoid sticking to sheets. Wash and moisturize before wrapping and after removing wrap in the morning.
  • AVOID WHILE HEALING: Direct sunlight, submersion, swimming, abrasion, picking, tight clothing.
  • Tattoo will look dull until fully healed.
  • Always sunscreen healed tattoos to prevent aging.
TAGIDERM AFTERCARE

The minimum for any tattoo is $100. Your piece is priced on the piece based on size, complexity, and time taken to completion. A price point for each appointment length can be found HERE.

Cosmetic tattoos are booked at a flat rate for each service. The cost of cosmetic follow up sessions is determined by the length of time since you were last in studio.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Ikigai Tattoo Studios is a private studio - I will have the door unlocked for your appointment. If you arrive early, feel free to knock and I'll come let you in. We are located at 1812 Abercorn Street in Savannah, Georgia. 

HOW DO I GET INTO THE STUDIO?