DARK WATER STUDIO
EXCLUSiVE BODY ART & GALLERY
(708) 205-0759
How do I get an appointment at Dark Water Studio and how fast can I expect a response?
To book an appointment with Jose Perez Jr, please visit jpjtattoos.com/book to fill out a Submission Form. Requests are reviewed weekly and you should expect a reply within 7 days. Please keep in mind that Jose works exclusively with black and grey ink. A full list of his Project Parameters can be found on the Submission Form.
Is a deposit required to book an appointment with any artist?
Yes, a $500.00 deposit is required for every appointment. No exceptions. See Deposit Policy.
How do I make an appointment with Jose Perez Jr.?
Please visit jpjtatoos.com/book to fill out his Submission Form.
Do you take Walk-ins? Do you do piercings?
Unfortunately, because we are a private tattoo studio, all appointments are pre-booked. We also do not offer piercings, of any kind.
Do you do Cover-ups?
Yes, Jose does accept some cover-up projects.
How do consultations work and is there any charge?
Consultations are only arranged once a project has been approved and accepted by Jose Perez Jr. A deposit is required prior to booking your project and consultation. All consultations are done virtually, via Zoom, and are hosted by Jose's Executive Assistant. Zoom Meeting links are sent via email prior to the scheduled consultation time and typically last between 15 and 30 minutes. Consultations are designed to prepare clients for their first session with Jose. Clients should not expect design creations to be presented at this time.
How should I prepare for my appointment and how long do they last?
Jose's Executive Assistant will discuss all necessary preparations with clients during a scheduled Zoom Consultation. However, here are some important things to note prior to booking: Jose's appointments take place at night, typically starting around 5:00 PM CST Monday - Friday. While it is not usually required for clients to take the day off work, we do recommend that clients plan the following day accordingly, as sessions tend to run late into the night. Clients are encouraged to come well-rested and on a full stomach, dress comfortably, bring snacks, drinks, and any personal items for their entertainment.
What if I need to cancel/reschedule or miss my appointment?
If such an occasion should arise where a client needs to cancel/reschedule an appointment due to an emergency; the studio must be given notice 14 business days prior to the appointment to ensure that you do not lose your paid deposit. If notice is not given 14 business days prior to your appointment, your paid deposit will be forfeited to the studio and you will be required to pay another deposit to make a new appointment. In the event you miss your scheduled appointment, your deposit will be forfeited to the studio. No exceptions. Please review Dark Water Studio's Deposit Policy.
Will the artist use my reference images?
Jose Perez Jr will use your reference images for exactly what they are, reference material. These images are to give Jose an idea of which direction you would like him to take your piece. In almost every situation, Jose will use your reference images to conduct a search of his own in order to find images that both reflect your ideas and compliment his artistic style.
Will I get to see the design before my scheduled appointment?
Jose will have your design ready for you on the day of your appointment, and only on the day of your appointment.
How much will my tattoo cost and how many sessions will it take?
Project cost and the number of sessions needed vary for each client. Many factors go into determining this, such as; size of the project, location on the body, details of images, and background elements. It's vital for you to properly care for your new tattoo in order to prevent scarring or fading that will require additional time to touch-up. Clients requesting cover-up projects should be aware that this type of service requires additional time compared to new projects. Further, clients who go back-and-forth on ideas instead of trusting the artist can cause delays in the overall project. It's important to trust Jose - you are, after all, investing in a of one-of-a-kind piece of artwork.
What forms of payment does Dark Water Studio accept?
We accept all major credit cards, Cash and of course, Dark Water Gift Certificates.
Can I bring a guest with me to my appointment?
Clients who wish to bring a guest with them to their appointment must give notice to Dark Water Studio staff. These sessions are not a spectator sport and, if guests accompany clients, we recommend driving separately.
Where can I find Aftercare instructions?
All clients receive aftercare instructions and aftercare products to take home after each appointment. You can also find them here.
STUDIO POLICIES
Deposit Policy
A $500.00 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL APPOINTMENTS.
A $1,000.00 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TWO DAY BACK-TO-BACK APPOINTMENTS
(ONE $500.00 DEPOSIT TO RESERVE EACH DAY).
If you already have a $500.00 deposit on file, and choose to book a two day back to back session, an additional $500.00 deposit is required.
Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE and will be forfeited for the following reasons: cancellations for any reason within 14 business days of a scheduled appointment date, no call/no show on scheduled appointment date or rescheduling within 7 business days of a scheduled appointment date. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
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To reschedule an appointment, 7 business days notice is required to allow a deposit to roll over.
All deposits paid to Dark Water Studio must remain on file until the FINAL day of your project. If you choose to cash out your deposit before your project is complete, you will not be permitted to schedule a new session until a new deposit is paid.
Consultations
Consultations are arranged for new clients with a current deposit on file. These meetings are hosted by Jose's Executive Assistant via Zoom and take place shortly before your first scheduled appointment. They are dedicated to preparing clients for their first experience at Dark Water Studio. You may be shown project reference images, selected by Jose, for your review and you will be given the opportunity to have any questions answered as well as request any changes to your project proposal.
Aftercare Instructions with Saniderm
WHAT IS SANIDERM?
Saniderm is a very thin, transparent, flexible film used to protect new tattoos against fluids, friction, bacteria, and viruses. Unlike plastic films, Saniderm is breathable which allows moisture vapor and oxygen exchange while providing a moist wound environment for enhanced healing. When Saniderm is applied the day following a tattoo session, the tattoo is protected from dirt and germs. Saniderm can also reduce scabbing, reduce pain, and maintain ink integrity.
HOW DO I APPLY SANIDERM TO MY TATTOO?
Ask your artist how to apply Saniderm before leaving the shop so you are able to apply the next pieces on your own.
CAN PEOPLE HAVE REACTIONS TO SANIDERM?
Yes. Although Saniderm is hypoallergenic and allergic reactions are rare, some people have very sensitive skin and/or allergies to adhesives. If you are concerned about using Saniderm over your tattoo, try wearing a test piece of Saniderm on a different part of your skin before your tattoo appointment to see if an allergy develops. If you experience a rash, abnormal skin irritation, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, remove the Saniderm and wash with a mild soap. Discontinue the use of Saniderm. Saniderm should not be used on infected skin. Consult a physician if necessary.
DO SANIDERM BANDAGES CONTAIN LATEX?
No. The bandages are latex free.
WILL SANIDERM PULL INK OUT?
Saniderm will not pull ink out of your healing tattoo. Saniderm's adhesives are sensitive to the skin and do not attach to the weeping area of the tattoo. People who use Saniderm as recommended report the tattoo colors as even more vibrant and complete compared to other aftercare products.
HOW LONG SHOULD I LEAVE SANIDERM ON MY TATTOO?
Everyone reacts differently to the healing process. In general, you should apply Saniderm to your tattoo at least 24 hours after your session. During the first 24 hours after fresh ink installment, you will experience a varied amount of weeping (excess ink leaving the skin). It is important to properly clean your tattoo of all excess ink prior to applying Saniderm. Once applied, you can leave Saniderm on for up to five days. However, if you notice excessive weeping or fluid under Saniderm, change Saniderm dressing according to instructions.
HOW MANY PIECES OF SANIDERM SHOULD I USE?
We recommend using three consecutive pieces of Saniderm in order to allow your tattoo ample time to heal. You first piece may be used from 1-3 days. The next two pieces should be used 2-6 days each. If you wish, you may continue using additional pieces of Saniderm if you feel your tattoo needs more time to heal.
IS SANIDERM WATERPROOF?
Saniderm adheres to skin even when immersed in water, allowing bathing and showering while wearing it. However, prolonged exposure to water should be avoided. Adhesion may be compromised with extensive water exposure.
CAN I SUNBATHE WITH SANIDERM ON?
Saniderm does not contain any type of sun block or sun protection, so you should avoid exposing your tattoo to prolonged sun or UV ray contact. After your tattoo is fully healed, please continue to use sun protection to maintain the integrity of your tattoo colors.
WHY IS SANIDERM BETTER THAN OTHER PRODUCTS?
It seems that there are as many recommendations for aftercare as there are artists and shops. This is why we have worked hard to provide a simple solution to all of the tattoo aftercare complaints.
Current recommended products include:
•Antibacterial soap which may dry out tattoo, cause bleeding, scabbing, or faded colors.
•Lotions are vehicles for bacteria, cause allergic reactions, cause infections and scabbing.
•Petroleum based products may drain color, provide no healing agents, and stain clothes, sheets, or any other fabrics.
•Antibacterial Ointments can create allergic reactions, discoloration, and excessive fluid weeping.
Saniderm eliminates the need to meticulously care for your healing tattoo 3-5 times a day, protects your tattoo from dirt and germs, expedites the healing process, reduces scabbing, and enhances color quality, so you can stop worrying about how your tattoo will heal.
DOES SANIDERM HURT TO USE?
No. In fact, some people say the healing process was less painful when using Saniderm.
CAN I RE-USE THE SAME PIECE OF SANIDERM?
No. Make sure you always use a new and fresh piece of Saniderm when re-applying.
HOW DOES SANIDERM WORK?
Saniderm promotes autolytic debridement. Autolytic debridement is the natural process the body undertakes to remove dead and dying tissue. During this process moisture and enzymes, called autolysins, are produced by the body to break down dead tissues. Under normal circumstances these autolysins dry up and evaporate which reduces their effectiveness and causes increased healing times, scabbing and scarring. Saniderm locks in the body's natural moisture and enzymes allowing the body to more effectively use its own natural process to heal itself. Because Saniderm is permeable to oxygen and water vapor, skin can continue to function normally. Additionally, Saniderm prevents contamination from outside objects and eliminates friction and other irritations to further facilitate the healing process.
Welcome Packet
Aftercare Instructions
Waiver
Aftercare Instructions without Saniderm
DO NOT Re-bandage your tattoo
DO NOT Use a washcloth or anything abrasive on the tattoo.
DO NOT Pick or scratch at your new tattoo.
DO NOT Go in hot tubs, pools or the ocean while healing.
DO NOT Soak your new tattoo in water (i.e. bath). Showers are fine.
DO NOT Go into direct sunlight and/or tanning beds while healing.
REMOVE BANDAGE AFTER 1 HOUR AND BEGIN THE CLEANING PROCESS OR REMOVE BANDAGE THE NEXT MORNING AND BEGIN THE CLEANING PROCESS.
Cleaning Process:
Wash hands and remove bandage.
Use a mild soap (H2Ocean blue green soap or unscented Dial antibacterial soap is recommended) and use fingertips to gently clean the area. Be sure to remove all plasma (the slit part, if not, it can eventually form a scab). The area should feel smooth and not slimy when done correctly.
Apply a THIN layer of healing ointment. AquaTat by H2Ocean is recommended, but Aquaphor is a reliable substitute. Apply a very light layer of ointment so there is a light shine to it. Gently remove excess with a paper towel.
Repeat the cleaning process 4-5 times a day with clean hands until the tattoo is no longer producing plasma (slimy covering). This will last approximately 4-8 days.
While the tattoo is dry and flaking, DO NOT pick at the flaking skin or scabs.
Continue use of ointment while tattoo is flaking. 2 days after all flaking has stopped, switch to a moisturizer or unscented lotion.
Continue use of moisturizer with SPF 50 or higher for daily care.
CONTACT US
For general inquiries (i.e. aftercare, gallery events, studio information, etc.) please fill out the contact form below.
Dark Water Studio office hours are 10AM to 7PM Monday through Friday.
For all tattoo appointment inquiries, please fill out the contact form on the individual Artist Pages.