Steph Wise

Tattoo Artistry + Printmaking + Collage


about

Steph Wise, is a queer printmaker and tattoo artist, they grew up all over Multnomah and Clackamas County (Chinook, Kalapuya and Molalla land). As an adult their work integrates fine line, the delicate and intricate, with bold nature and a woodblock printing style. They credit their Irish Catholic upbringing; For surrounding them with biblical illustrations and beautiful stained glass that naturally inspired them as a child. Steph enjoys channeling raw emotion, symbolism, and often works to translate imagery from various musical influences.Their journey to find their voice through their craft is constantly evolving and changing. Steph would describe their process as a balancing act between the light and dark found in the nature. Examining their work, you may find the sharpest thorns.. delicately stippled, or the most dainty flower.. with harsh and bold line-work.Steph aims to be as trauma informed as possible. To give everyone, what tattoo artistry has given them, a collection of art that declares their body, as theirs alone. Embracing the physical and mental scars: Redesigning this physical form in your own unique image. They extend blessings and many, many thanks to all who have helped them/lifted them up, so that they are able to fulfill their aspirations. Let’s work together to not only respect, but honor this sacred art form; It’s tradition and history, and continuously strive to make this community as accessible and inclusive for everyone


portfolio

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info

Disclaimers* This artist does not work on or with any sort of hate speech or symbols, any religious, cultural, protected class or identity imagery that is outside of your background or outside of my own understanding.
* I reserve the right to decline any deposit, commission, or offer at any point in our creative collaboration. Deposits are nonrefundable, if both of us have agreed upon an appointment time and design.
* If at any point I feel uncomfortable with your ideas, the sample imagery provided (Pinterest images, Logos, another Artist's work or "Copy and Paste" work). I reserve the right to decline your request.
* Unsure about symbols? Please consult the hate symbol database!
Rates* $125/hour for flash, $150/hour for customs, ask me about my discounted rates for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ clientele!
* Deposits are $80 for flash and $100 for custom work. They are nonrefundable, and go into your tattoo cost as well as secure my time designing the piece! If I have an emergent cancellation and do not offer to reschedule you may request your deposit back, if we reschedule at a later date the deposit is valid.
* Let’s talk about art trades, mutual aid, and non-cash payment options! I love collaborating with other artists and creators. Tips are also welcome in any form!
* Free touch ups within the first year of your last appointment!
* Free color tests for BIPOC always! We can talk about fun designs for those as well! Not just the traditional color test dots.
* Ask me about coverups + touch ups from other tattoo artists. Uncomfortable going back to that specific artist? Been there. Let’s work together! Talk to me about private/divider sessions, shop accessibility and how to make you most comfortable! In my request form, you will find a section for any accommodation or accessibility requests!
* Be prepared to pay in cash during our appointment, however if that is inaccessible I allow mobile payment through Venmo, Square, or Paypal.
COVID-19 GuidelinesI have my own guidelines in place when it comes to protecting myself and my clients from COVID-19. I expect clients to respect the following protocols in order to keep everyone safe:* Please notify me if you would like to bring friends or family. My studio doesn’t have space to accommodate more than one guest.
* Masks are recommended. Especially if you work in a high-risk environment, or have been in contact with others who may have been exposed. If you do not have your own, a mask will be provided.
* I am asking that everyone I work with to be up-to-date on all COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, and that all clients are able to provide proof of those vaccinations if asked.
* Always arrive freshly showered and in clean clothes.
* If you develop any COVID-19, cold or flu like symptoms up to a week or days beforehand please let me know!
* If you or someone in your circle has spent time traveling or with groups outside of your immediate household; And has developed any COVID-19, cold or flu like symptoms while you were in close contact with them. I kindly ask you to email me about rescheduling.
* We will work together to reschedule your appointment, there will be no repercussions or judgment for rescheduling. All reschedules will retain their deposits. I will honor the same protocol if I myself exhibit symptoms, test positive, or find myself exposed to COVID-19 or other illnesses. Please respect the guidelines I have put in place for taking personal accountability for our collective health, so we can equally respect each other’s safety.
Preparing for your appointment;1 Week before:Check your inbox for any emails, questions or updates from your artist! I typically send out ‘Consent Forms’ and information for my studio the night before our appointment. Of course you can always email me any questions beforehand! Please do not seek out specific advice from non-professionals, friends, or family. Body modification professionals cannot be held responsible for poor advice from other sources.Keep yourself in good health! Avoid putting your body through strenuous activity/trauma by exposing yourself to the elements! (Most important in the summer; Avoid long periods of time unprotected by sunscreen, protect against bug bites, plants that cause skin rashes/reactions, and be careful not to collect scars/wounds when on your adventures, ultimately conditions that alter my ability to tattoo the area safely!)Practice good, or even great hygiene! Wash your hands, your skin is an important line of defense when you are regularly encountering illnesses and bacteria. Regularly washing and moisturizing your skin is important. Pick out your favorite anti-bacterial unscented soaps that you’ll be using on your fresh tattoo.Keeping yourself hydrated is equally important. If you have notoriously dry skin, try drinking the recommended eight 8oz glasses a day, and using a daily lotion in the area you are thinking of getting tattooed. It helps both during the tattoo and while it’s healing! If you drink alcohol heavily or take pain relievers frequently, try to avoid doing so at least a week before your appointment.Day(s) before appointment:Make sure you do a load of laundry! Including your bed sheets, pillow cases, towels and clothes. The same way we wash and protect our skin, we should be cleaning our living spaces to keep our fresh tattoos safe from bacteria/potential infections. Wash your comfiest clothes that make the desired placement area accessible, and maybe a jacket or loose pants if it’s rainy out!Get a good night’s rest the night before. Fatigue can effect both your stamina, pain tolerance and overall how your body reacts to the process of getting tattooed.Fill out consent forms, and check your email for any updates.Day of appointment:Gather your personal belongings! Maybe bring a snack, and I highly recommend bringing water, any beverage you bring must have a lid. You’re welcome to bring a book, your switch/DS, stress toys, or headphones if you want a distraction/need any sort of comfort.Please eat a well balanced meal before your appointment and drink plenty of water. A well balanced meal consists of four main parts: Carbohydrates, Fats, Protein & Fiber. Fueling your body is just as important as every other step in preparation. Avoid any blood thinning medications/pain relievers if possible, as well as caffeine of any kind.Please do not apply any topical anesthetic/numbing agent without my knowledge. If you feel the need to, or we’ve talking about using anesthetic before and I know what exactly you’re using: Then we can discuss our options. However, I am against numbing before arriving for your /first/ ever tattoo. There are several reasons you should allow your body to react on it’s own; Your body’s natural response to pain is adrenaline, using numbing agents right off the bat can delay that response, and once it wears off you will still experience the pain without the normal progression that allows your body to adjust to said pain.I have a couple different options available during the tattoo if you do want relief. Once the skin is open, anesthetics are more effective and take effect in a shorter timeframe. Barring any complications/allergies, I use Bactine and Hustle Butter (CBD infused) with every tattoo. Both of these products have specific steps before their use. I do have other numbing creams available, if we think they could be of use, we can discuss it. If you do use anything before, we still sanitize the skin thus removing whatever was applied, and the texture of your skin will be noticeably different to your artist.



aftercare

Saniderm aftercare;Saniderm is a medical-grade, breathable, water-resistant bandage. Once applied by your artist should stay on for 3-5 days. Unless you have been advised to change the first bandage 24 hours after, or if the bandage’s sterility is compromised at all.If you have any questions or concerns, their website has a very thorough guide to all things Saniderm. You can also email me if any issues arise!Absorbent bandage aftercare;* Always wash and sanitize your hands before making any contact with a new tattoo, in order to minimize the risk of irritation or infection.* Leave the absorbent bandage on for a maximum 4-5 hours. If your bandage is leaking, falls/rubs off, or is compromised in any way remove it completely and gently wash the area. Do not re-bandage!* Carefully wash your tattoo with a gentle anti-bacterial liquid or foam soap of your choice, using only your hands. Do not use any soap with alcohol or fragrance. You do not need to wash the healing tattoo more than once per day. Over washing/moisturizing is counterproductive to the healing process.* Gently dry your tattoo with a clean paper towel if needed, but preferably let it air dry. Do not rub, or use fabric/a towel to dry your tattoo.* While healing your tattoo the area may become dry/tight/itchy, feel free to apply a thin layer of lotion. All you need is a pea-sized amount, 2-3 times a day for the next two weeks.You may use most any lotion that does not have alcohol or fragrance, but here are the ones I recommend:- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion
- CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
I tend to only recommend water based, light application lotions and not petroleum based aftercare products, and here’s why. Petroleum-based products are for extremely dry or cracked skin in need of a thick layer of moisture for healing. We typically use heavier moisture locking agents during the tattoo application for this reason. Products like Vaseline and super thick ointments, can potentially trap moisture, debris and bacteria in your new tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection. Lighter water-based lotions are breathable and won’t suffocate your skin while healing.
Petroleum-based products have also been proven to cause ink to fade faster, and their moisture-trapping nature actually stops your tattoo from getting air. Air moving over a wound, letting the tattoo breathe is very important in the healing process.
* Be sure to wear clean, non-abrasive, clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks. Nothing that will pinch/rub your new tattoo.On the 3rd-4th day(if you are not using Saniderm) of healing your tattoo, your skin may begin to flake off or peel. This is completely normal, and part of the process. Do not pick at or further aggravate the skin, let it fall off naturally. The ink pigment is still hanging on to those pieces of your skin, so by picking at the scabs or flakes you are potentially ripping pigment out of your skin before it has settled, thus dampening the boldness of your new ink. Picking at any open wound, could result in scaring and can introduce bacteria to the wound.Your skin must be exposed to air to heal, so after removing the initial bandage, as advised by your artist. Allow your work to heal, and settle into your skin.* You should still shower regularly, but you cannot soak your tattoo in anyway for at least 2 -3 weeks following the procedure. No baths, swimming, or hot tubs. Even while wearing Saniderm/Second Skin, which is water-resistant, not waterproof.* Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for at least 2-3 weeks. No tanning, do not use tanning lotions, oils, or even sunscreen until your tattoo is fully healed.* Avoid abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that may rub against your tattoo. Wear comfy, breathable, and stretchy clothes.* Do not let any people or pets physically touch your healing tattoo.* Beware of gym equipment, disinfect it well before using it, that is if you must workout while healing a piece. I do advise against any strenuous activity for at least the first week of healing. Always be sure to gently wash your tattoo afterwards.If you do not take proper care of your tattoo there is risk for infection. If you believe that your tattoo is infected, seek professional medical attention immediately for necessary antibiotics and a treatment plan. An infection can be identified by high pain, swelling, oozing, and a surrounding irritation or redness.This aftercare may differ from what you have heard elsewhere, and that is simply because there is no true universal aftercare. There are many variables when healing a tattoo (artist’s application, skin, client’s follow-through with aftercare, their general health, products used before/after, etc). Everyone is different and will heal differently, so pay attention to what your body and your tattoo artist ask of you.The best way to ensure a healthy tattoo is to live a healthy lifestyle and follow all of the above steps. In summary; Practice good hygiene, use common sense, and don’t be afraid to contact a body modification professional with any/all questions!Healed PhotosPlease send me healed photos! It’s very important for any artist to see how their work heals overtime, to improve or observe their technique. And for potential clients that want to see how my work holds up.To take a good healed tattoo photo, find natural/indirect lighting, a neutral background, avoiding direct sunlight; Ideally, have someone else take the photo to ensure proper positioning and quality. I prefer to receive them over email for optimal quality. The tattoo itself should be at least a month healed!Healed Photo Do's and Don'ts:Do:
* Take photos in well-lit areas, ideally near a window.
* Experiment with different angles and distances.
* Ensure the tattoo is fully healed before taking photos.
Don't:* Use direct flash as it can create harsh shadows.
* Take photos with a cluttered background.
* Stretch or distort the tattoo by positioning your body awkwardly.
* Apply thick lotions right before taking photos.
Thank you for reading + happy healing!




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