SLIDING SCALE POLICY
This privilege-based sliding scale model was adapted from Nasrene Kordani LMT, Little Red Bird Botanicals, and Pronia Coaching.
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Why Sliding Scale?
Before discussing the actual cost of services, Iβd like to let you know what sliding scale means to me. My personal moral and ethical compass includes challenging classist and capitalistic structures that are deeply ingrained in our society. A sliding scale rate of payment for services is one small way to take into account for the layered opportunities and oppressions we all encounter. This is also geared toward economic justice on a personal and local level. Please take into account the factors below when considering your budget; I will not quiz you or ask you to prove anything, I trust you to have authority of your own complicated needs.
Other things to consider:
When I pay more, I know that I am helping the artist support themselves. When I pay in the middle, I know I am helping the artist cover costs. And when I pay at the bottom, I know I am letting my community hold me and support me. All of these are acceptable ways of participating. I recognize that some folks may not be able to afford the low end of the scale. Please let me know and we can work something out.
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PRICING
I price pieces individually using a sliding scale flat rate, not an hourly rate. On your booking form, I ask for your ideal budget so I can design a tattoo that reflects what you can afford & want to pay. When choosing your budget, please consider your place on the sliding scale. If you need a point of reference for determining how much a tattoo should cost, my former hourly rate was $175-225/hr sliding scale. The final cost of your tattoo will, ideally, not exceed your stated βideal budgetβ unless I discuss otherwise with you (changes in detail level, size, placement can change the cost).
If I like your tattoo idea, I will reach out with a quote and any clarifying questions I may have. I base this quote on my best estimate of how long the piece will take, my interest in the subject matter, how challenging the placement is, and whether itβs freehand, flash, or custom. When considering how long a piece will take to complete, I refer to the hourly rate I used before switching to a flat rate- $175-225/hr. Even if my estimate is off and the tattoo takes longer to complete, I will never charge you more than the agreed-upon sliding scale flat rate quote range.
Consider paying less on the scale if you:
β’ are a person who experiences racism directed at you, and/or via systemic oppression
β’ identify as Black, Indigenous, First Nations, and/or a person of color
β’ are transgender and experience trans related discrimination and/or violence regularly
β’ are gay/queer and experience related discrimination and/or violence regularly
β’ have medical expenses not covered by insurance
β’ have medical expenses, been denied work, or experience discrimination related to ableism
β’ are eligible for public assistance
β’ have immigration-related expenses
β’ are a sex worker who experiences occupational discrimination (personal and/or legislative)
β’ are an unpaid community organizer
β’ are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history
β’ are supporting children or have other dependents
β’ are an elder with limited financial support
Consider paying more on the scale if you:
β’ own the home you live in
β’ have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money
β’ travel recreationally, or are traveling out of state for this tattoo
β’ have access to family money and resources in times of need
β’ work part time by choice
β’ have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education, gender privilege, racial privilege, class background, etc. Even if you are not currently exercising your earning power, I ask you to recognize this as a choice.