I’m Joe (he/him), designer and illustrator from Minneapolis, MN. I’m currently working toward my full tattoo license in Bloomington.
My interests in tattooing include art nouveau styles, botanical, occult, vintage, and curios. I also enjoy nerd stuff (d&d, video games, anime, literary). As a queer person of Chinese descent, it’s important to me that my space is welcoming and safe for the LGBTQ+ community and people of color.
Location
I am apprenticing at a studio in Bloomington, MN. Appointment only; no walk-ins. Thanks.
custom art nouveau botanical with family birth flowers
custom north star and swirly clouds
chinese family name
custom art-nouveau deer
quarter rest
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brush stroke kanji
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Request an appointment using the form below. I’ll get back to you by email to pick a date, confirm your appointment, or ask any additional questions. If you do not hear back from me within 48 hours, please send me an email at joe AT nepenthestattoo DOT com. Thanks!
Please note that I am a licensed apprentice. I am currently only taking bookings with the following restrictions as I build my skills:
…But if you want to be an informed-consent practice subject for something outside of these limitations, let me know.
I’m happy to do multiple pieces for the same person on the same day.
You send in your request; after I review it I’ll let you know if I think I’m a good fit for your project. We’ll pick a day/time and I’ll send you an appointment confirmation. The appointment confirmation email will include the address and directions to the studio, as well as a link to pay a $25 deposit to secure your appointment.
Please note I require cancellations/reschedules to be made more than 48 hours before your appointment time for your deposit to be refunded.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be arranged or easily removed to reveal the area where you wish to be tattooed. Come well hydrated and bring a water bottle with you. Feel free to bring earbuds/headphones.
Do not come under the influence of any alcohol or other drugs. Please do not take Ibuprofen or any other NSAID pain killers as they can increase the amount you bleed during the tattoo process.
Please do not wear heavily scented body sprays, deodorants, perfumes, etc.
I’ll send you home with aftercare instructions, a wrap, and a ketchup-packet-sized ointment, but you might want to pick up some Aquaphor/A&D/your ointment of choice to have ready. Feel free to ask about this when I see you.
My apprenticeship rate is $75/hr. I’ll give you a flat rate when confirming your appointment. You keep the rate you book at (even if my rate goes up after your appointment is confirmed).
I accept credit/debit/Apple pay (via Square).
I also accept cash, but I don’t have change on hand, so please bring exact amounts.
Tips are appreciated but never expected. Average tipping is between 15-25% of the final tattoo fee. You’re able to add a tip after paying with a card.
I’m happy to consider tattooing designs that you bring in, though I reserve the right to decline any work for any reason. I will let you know in advance if I foresee any issues with the design converting to a tattoo and we can discuss it to make sure it will work the way you’re envisioning it.
You can sign up for my email newsletter to get updates about when I’m available or running a special event or promotion.
I am apprenticing in a private studio in Bloomington, MN. I currently share a room with another artist.
The studio is on the second floor.
The building has multiple single-room, unisex restrooms with enough space to change clothes if you need to change before getting tattooed.
