About Me

  • Hi! I’m Rowan (they/he), and I’ve been tattooing on skin since November 2021. You can check out my Instagram (@basil_teeth) to see my work!

  • One of the things that got me into tattooing was the way tattoos made me feel like my body was more my own, especially after years of gender dysphoria. We can feel distanced from our own bodies for a variety of reasons, and I want to provide an affirming, reconnective experience for my clients.

  • Getting tattooed can be a very vulnerable experience, and I aim to create a safer space for my clients through practicing trauma-informed tattooing and staying committed to always learning.

  • I work at and co-own Raven's Rookery Tattoos with my coworker Hannah (@Comic_Hans). We strive to provide a friendly and accessible space to all, especially to those who have been previously unwelcomed in tattoo spaces.

  • I do pre-drawn and custom work! I like tattooing cats, creatures, nature-inspired pieces, and cute ‘little guys.' I love hearing clients’ ideas and working together to bring them to life!


About Raven's Rookery

  • Here’s our Shop Website! It is still a WIP, but will be filled out soon

  • We are located on 2976 Ivanrest Ave SW Suite 275 Grandville, MI 49418. We are in the back of the building on the second floor, the second door on the right. We have a video on the ‘Shop’ Highlight Reel on Raven’s Insta that shows how to find the suite from the parking lot.

  • The parking lot is large and free.

  • There are no automatic doors in the building.

  • No stairs are required to enter the building, but we are on the second floor. There is an elevator to the left of the back entrance. It is old and sometimes moves abruptly and can take a few seconds to open and close.

  • We have a bathroom in our office suite that is wheelchair accessible, apart from the lack of automatic doors.


How to Contact Me

  • Email me at [email protected] to book an appointment or for a free consultation (in person or over email)

  • Please ONLY DM me on Instagram if you’re claiming a spot from my story that asks for DM’s OR you have questions about aftercare/how your tattoo is healing.

  • It's easy for DM's and DM requests to get lost, so emails are the best for inquiries and scheduling!


Pricing Information

  • My current rate is $120/hr (needle time only; minimum $100), and I require a $50 nonrefundable deposit. This goes towards the total cost of the tattoo.

  • I round up to the nearest 15 minute mark when calculating cost, but I don’t include paperwork, stencil, or break times in this. If you have a set budget, let me know and we can work within that!

  • For larger pieces, I’m happy to break them up into 2+ sessions to split up the cost over time and/or do what fits your pain tolerance. I am also open to increasing the price of the deposit, but I do not do payment plans.

  • I do not go over max price quotes, except in the very rare case I vastly underestimate the time a piece takes. When that happens, I will charge the additional time at half rate and communicate the situation and options with the client.

  • I send mockup sketches a week before appointments, so you can think about the design, and I have time to make any requested changes. If you request major changes within 24 hours of the appointment, a $30 fee will be added to your total appointment cost.

  • I take cash or card, but cash is preferred.


Please include the following information in your email

  • Name and pronouns

  • Description and reference pictures of the design, including size and location

  • Whether you want color and/or gray wash

  • If the piece is covering up raised scars or another tattoo

  • What days and times you are generally free. I generally schedule for Wed, Fri, and Sat 1-7pm with the occasional Sunday.

  • If you are working within a set budget

  • If you want any information on numbing agents, aftercare, and/or how to prepare for a tattoo

  • If you have any access needs for the appointment and/or space

  • Any other questions you have


I will not tattoo the following

  • Realism

  • Portraits of real people

  • Handwritten phrases that don’t have a direct reference (i.e you don’t have the phrase you want written in said handwriting)

  • Religious or sacred symbols from cultures the client is not a part of and culturally disrespectful imagery (e.g. caricatures, dream catchers, the Om symbol)

  • Hate symbols

  • Other artists’ work that the client does not have permission to be tattooed

  • I may not be the right artist for you, and I'm happy to give recommendations for other artists


Touch-Up Policy

  • First touch-ups within a year are free!

  • I am open to touch ups for other artists’ work provided it isn’t in the list of subjects/styles I don’t tattoo. I charge these at my regular rate, but if you’re already coming in for a paid piece, small touch ups are so quick they likely won’t add time/cost to the appointment.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for a touch up! I want you to feel good about your piece and your body.

Mask and Guest Policy

  • KN95 or higher level masks are required for all people in the studio and are provided for clients and guests for free.

  • If you or someone you've been in close contact with has been sick within a week of your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible so we can reschedule.

  • If you come to your appointment sick or symptomatic, we will need to reschedule your appointment for another day.

  • There will be no fees for health related rescheduling. I'm always willing to wait until you feel better to reschedule.

  • We have limited seating in the studio, so please limit your guests to 2 or fewer. If you would like to bring more guests, please let me know!

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

  • Deposits are nonrefundable.

  • Please give at least 48 hour's notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

  • If you do not give advanced notice, you will need to pay a $30 fee to reschedule.

  • If you reschedule 2 times, you will need to pay the $30 rescheduling fee to do so again. If now isn’t a good time to reschedule, I’m always happy to wait until it is rather than continuously rescheduling.

  • If you no-call no-show (as in not contacting me before your appointment time), you will need to pay a new $50 deposit to reschedule.

  • After 2 no-call, no-shows, you will either need to pay 50-100% of the quote up front or I will choose to stop working with you and you will not be refunded previously paid deposits. I want to be flexible and understanding especially in the case of emergencies, but repeated no-call no-shows are very stressful both financially and mentally, and I do not want my time to be continuously disrespected.

  • If you or I cancel your appointment, any custom designs will be forfeited and may be posted as flash.


How to prepare for your tattoo

  • Moisturize the area you want tattooed once a day a few days prior to your appointment.

  • Bring a valid ID and a mask. We have free masks up front in case you forget.

  • Make sure to eat and drink something 3-4 hours before your appointment. Bring water and a snack, especially for longer sessions. We have water and snacks at the shop in case you forget or need more.

  • Wear clothing that reveals or can be easily pulled back to reveal the area being tattooed. I’ll do my best to not stain clothing, but you should wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. We have privacy screens and nipple pasties available if you’re interested in those.

  • If you are planning on using a numbing agent, please tell me and what brand/product it is! I will post updated info regarding numbing agents as it comes out.

  • I can’t tattoo you if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • I can’t tattoo sunburnt, bruised, or rashy skin as well as recently cut skin. If this is the case, please contact me to reschedule.


Aftercare Information

  • After your tattoo has been finished, you can choose to have it wrapped in ointment and plastic wrap (to be removed within 1-2 hours and washed) or saniderm (an adhesive breathable bandage originally designed for burns). Once the wrap or saniderm is taken off, do not rebandage the tattoo.

Saniderm

  • If you opt for saniderm, you can keep it on for 3-5 days. Any fluid that builds up in the bandage is fine as long as it doesn’t leak. If it does start to leak, if it peels over the area of the tattoo, or if it becomes itchy or irritated, take it off as soon as you can.

  • You can run the saniderm under warm water (like in the shower) to help break down the adhesive when you remove it. Try pulling it parallel to the skin instead of up and off of it. This makes it less painful to remove if it’s really stuck.

Whenever the saniderm comes off or if you chose not to use saniderm, follow the aftercare information below

  • For at least 1-2 weeks, clean the tattoo gently with a mild, unscented soap daily or whenever the area becomes sweaty or dirty. Moisturize it with an unscented lotion twice a day, making sure the coating is light to allow the area to breathe, especially if using something thick like aquaphor.

  • The area will scab and become itchy over time. This is normal. Do not pick the scabs. They will fall off naturally over time and picking them may damage the tattoo.

  • It takes about 4-6 weeks for a tattoo to completely heal. During that time, you will want to avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight as well as submerging it in water (i.e. swimming, baths, etc).

  • If you have any questions, please email or DM me!