BEFORE YOU BOOK

How do I book an appointment?

You may submit a request by clicking “book” above, or by clicking “Appointment Request Form” on the home page. Your request will be reviewed and we will contact you with next steps promptly.

What kind of work does Luke do?

Luke specializes in fine line blackwork tattoos with a larger emphasis on anime, video game, and pop culture tattoos. This does not mean that he will only tattoo those subject matters and is open to any idea you have. Luke does not typically work in color, but many consider pops of color within the piece on a case-by-case basis.

How much does it cost to get tattooed?

Luke is currently running a GRAND OPENING SPECIAL for $1000 flat daily rate for all sessions. Once this special is over, Luke’s day rate will raise. Pre-drawn designs are also offered at an even further discounted rate and can be found in the highlight titled “flash” on his instagram.

Which days are Luke available to tattoo?

Luke’s current schedule is Wednesday-Saturday. Again, this may be able to be adjusted on an as needed basis, but requests outside of this availability cannot be guaranteed.

How often does Luke open his books?

Previously, Luke operated by opening his books on the first of every month for appointments in the following month (IE: January 1st for February appointments, February 1st for March appointments, etc.). With the opening of Glitch, this is subject to change and we expect availability to be much more limited.

Do you tattoo melanated skin?

Yes, Luke tattoos all skin types and tones and we believe that there needs to be better representation of tattoos on melanated skin, so please, if you are comfortable sharing in your request, feel free to mention if you are a person of color so that we can work together to change perspectives of tattoos for persons of color!

Do you do tattoo coverups?

Tattoo coverups are considered on a case by case basis. Often times, coverups may need laser treatment to be lightened before Luke’s fine line style is able to appropriately and effectively cover the piece. When submitting a request for a tattoo coverup, please be sure to include a photo of the piece you’d like covered up in the reference image section.

What about scar coverups?

Luke will be more than glad to tattoo over scars, especially in the instances of self harm scars or gender affirming scars. Please mention this in your request, and if you are comfortable sharing an image of the scars in the reference photo section you may do so, as this information will help Luke in the design process and better prepare him to tattoo over the area in question.

AFTER YOU BOOK

How do I prepare for my tattoo?

Eat. Hydrate. Rest. These three things are the most crucial leading up to your appointment. Please refrain from consuming alcohol in the days before your appointment, as alcohol can serve as a blood thinner. Also please be sure to be free of skin abrasion where possible, such as posion ivy or sunburn. Other than that, bring your water bottle, wear what you feel comfy in while allowing easy access to the area to be tattooed, and whatever other comforts you’d like during your appointment such as a book, headphones, etc. (although there will almost certainly be some sort of show or music going in the background for you to enjoy)

When can I see my design?

Designs are not guaranteed prior to your appointment for a multitude of reasons. Drawings are typically done the night before or the morning of your appointment. As Luke is neurodivergent, this is to ensure that your design is the ONLY thing on Luke’s mind as he draws. Not only does this allow Luke a proper work-life balance, but working under pressure results in his best work. If you get to Glitch and don’t like your design, please DO NOT WORRY and INFORM LUKE. He will not be offended and as you will be the only appointment for the day, tweaks can be made to the design within reason. Our main goal is to send you home with a piece that you are proud wearing.

Can I bring a guest?

YES! You may bring ONE guest, but no more than this, as the space is not large enough to accommodate any more.

Just kidding, I don’t want to bring a guest, but someone else drove me. What’s there to do in the area for them?

Since we are new to the area, we are growing familiar with it. We do know that Carowinds Amusement Park is less than 5 minutes away, and there are various outlet malls and shopping centers for them to check out. We also keep at the shop some to go menus of our favorite restaurants in the area if they are hungry!

Am I able to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Your deposit of $200 is non-refundable under any circumstance, but may be transferrable. Reschedules are allowed if you contact us more than 72 hours prior to your appointment start time, in which case your deposit will be transferred to your new appointment. Any less than this will result in your deposit being forfeited and a new deposit being required for reschedule. In addition, showing up more than 20 minutes after your appointment start time will also result in your deposit being forfeited and the cancellation of your appointment, with a new deposit being required for reschedule. To reschedule, Please email us at glitchtattooco@gmail.com or lukekellytattoos@gmail.com.

How can I pay?

We accept both cash and card, but cash is preferred.

AFTERCARE

1. Once your tattoo is complete, your tattoo will be covered by a bandage. Please leave this bandage on for a few hours (1-3), or long enough for you to get home, get settled, and grab a bite to eat. Your tattoo is there for life and you get to look at it forever, so don’t be so eager to uncover it than you compromise the healing process.

2. Wash your hands and remove the covering. Your tattoo may be oozing, leaking, and all the other graphic gross words. It is okay, it’s supposed to do this.

3. Wash your tattoo with warm water and fragrance free antibacterial soap. You will be provided with a small bottle of this in your aftercare bag, which should be more than enough to get you through the healing process. If not, we recommend Dial Gold. DO NOT use anything abrasive to wash your new tattoo, such as wash clothes, loofahs, scrub brushes, or brillo pads. Your hands will work just fine, so long as you followed step 2.

4. Pat dry your tattoo with a clean towel, preferably a paper towel if you have any.

5. For the first week, apply a thin layer of unscented healing cream over the surface of your new tattoo. You will be provided with this in your aftercare bag, which should be more than enough to get you through the first week of the healing process. If not, we recommend Hustle Butter. For the second week, you may swap from Hustle Butter to an unscented moisturizing lotion. Be sure to apply very thin layers of ointment or lotion during the healing process, as thick layers can clog your pores, smother the tattoo, and increase the time the piece needs to heal.

6. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for the next two weeks.

7. DO NOT pick, peel, or scratch your tattoo as it begins to flake and scab. This is all part of the healing process and scabs will heal and/or fall off naturally, picking at them could harm you and harm the tattoo. If you do need to pick at something, we suggest a fidget spinner or a fidget cube and NOT your boogers, as getting boogers on your tattoo may also harm it.

8. DO NOT soak your tattoo. That means no swimming pools, bath tubs, hot tubs, lazy rivers, or nile rivers.

9. DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight. Not only can this harm the tattoo, it legit actually hurts too.

10. Try your best not to frequent places that may harbor large amounts of bacteria, such as a gym or a bath house.

11. Try your best to wear only loose clothing over your new tattoo. You’ll have plenty of time once it heals to wear your lululemons and your super skinnies.

12. Reach out to us if you have any other questions about the healing process.