Currently, AJ books all his tattoo sessions through his website. Click the Book link in the main menu. This will then allow you to send AJ a booking inquiry. Or you can email him directly at AJPTattoos@gmail.com. Please keep in mind that AJ has a specific style, that he has honed over man years in the industry. There are some ideas, he may say no to or want to change due to their location or content. Respect the artist.

When you submit your initial inquire to AJ via email, he will reach out with additional questions. It is usually a good idea to have a general thought of what you want and where you want to have it placed. AJ can help you refine your idea or can tell you that your idea might be better with a different artist or isn't something he does. Feel free to ask AJ about best placements, what he thinks about the idea, content and sizing too. It is important to remember tattoos are not comfortable, but sizing and placement can help you to feel more comfortable.

Yes. At this time deposits are set at $100. Deposits are required for all tattoo sessions. This is so that AJ can manage his capacity and clients to ensure he can keep his books full. Your deposit is not refundable, and should you not show up to your appointment, you will loose your deposit. However, your deposit amount is applied to the total cost of your final tattoo. So: If a day session = $1200 Your deposit = $100 Your final payment the day of your session = $1100

Below are some general guidelines to help you prepare for your tattoo appointment. Keep in mind that everyone’s body and needs are different, so always follow any specific instructions your artist gives you. 1. Get Enough Rest Good night’s sleep: Aim for a full 7–8 hours of rest the night before. Being well-rested helps your body handle discomfort and aids in the healing process. 2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well Drink plenty of water: Hydrated skin is healthier and more elastic, making it easier to tattoo. Eat a balanced meal: Have a nutritious meal before your appointment to keep your energy levels up and help prevent lightheadedness or feeling faint during the session. 3. Avoid Alcohol and Blood Thinners No alcohol the night before: Alcohol can thin your blood and dehydrate you, leading to excessive bleeding and a less comfortable session. Talk to a professional about medications: If you’re taking blood-thinning medications (or even certain painkillers like aspirin), consult your doctor or your artist beforehand. 4. Moisturize (But Don’t Overdo It) Keep your skin in good shape: A few days leading up to your tattoo, gently moisturize the area with a fragrance-free lotion. Don’t apply heavy creams or lotions immediately before your appointment (that can interfere with the stencil and inking process). Avoid sunburn: Don’t schedule a tattoo over freshly sunburned or heavily tanned skin. 5. Wear Appropriate Clothing Dress comfortably: Choose clothing that allows your artist easy access to the tattoo area. Loose, breathable garments are best. Consider layers: Tattoo shops can be chilly or warm, and you may be sitting still for a while. 6. Plan for Pain Management Discuss with your artist: If you’re concerned about pain, some people opt for a topical numbing cream (but check with your tattoo artist first—they may have preferences or guidelines). Mind your caffeine intake: Too much caffeine can increase anxiety and restlessness, which might make the process more uncomfortable. 7. Bring Entertainment and Essentials Music, podcasts, or a book: Long sessions can be more comfortable if you have something to keep you occupied. Earbuds or headphones are often allowed, but confirm with your artist. Snacks and water: If you have a long session, having quick snacks on hand can help maintain your energy. 8. Communicate with Your Artist Finalize your design: Make sure you’ve discussed and confirmed the design, size, and placement ahead of time or during a consultation. Ask about aftercare products: Your artist may recommend specific aftercare ointments or lotions—ask if you should bring anything with you. Be honest about health conditions: Let your artist know if you have any skin conditions, allergies, or other medical issues that might affect the session or healing. 9. Arrive On Time and Prepared Bring necessary paperwork: Some studios require ID, consent forms, or other documentation. Tipping: It’s customary to tip your artist if you’re happy with the work, so plan your budget accordingly. 10. Relax and Trust the Process Stay calm: A relaxed body and mind can help manage discomfort better. Ask questions: Your artist is there to guide you. If you feel uncomfortable or need a break, speak up. Disclaimer: These tips are a general guide and do not replace specific advice from your tattoo artist or medical professional. If you have any health concerns or unique circumstances, consult a professional before getting inked.

Yes . . . ish. You can move your appointment up until 48 hours before your appointment. However due to AJ's schedule you may not be able to get an appointment soon after. AJ may not be able promise a specific date either, especially until his books are opened for future months. Now the -ish part. You can cancel your appointment at any time, but you will loose your deposit. It is important that move your appointment to a later date if you cannot make it. Otherwise, if you do not show for your appointment you will have to pay a new deposit for any future bookings.

It is important to arrive about 10-15 minutes before your appointment so you can get a few pieces of paper signed. These are just waivers acknowledging that you're getting your art done of your own volition, and that you are not under the influence of any substances. Additionally, these protect the artist and the studio and are not outside of the norm to any other tattoo shop in North Carolina. Once you've signed your forms, AJ will walk you through the finalized design and start setting up. It is important at this time to bring up any final adjustments or changes you'd like to make to the design. If you have major changes or shifts, AJ might need to reschedule your appointment for a later date. That being said, AJ is highly accomplished artist and has honed his style to what works best for him and will likely not make major shifts to his overall style.

Below is a general overview of suggested aftercare steps for the first 7 days following a new tattoo. Keep in mind that every tattoo artist has their own preferred methods and each person’s body may heal a bit differently. Always follow your artist’s specific instructions first and consult a healthcare professional if you notice any signs of infection or unusual reactions. Day 1: Immediately After the Tattoo Keep It Covered Your tattoo artist will usually apply a protective bandage or wrap before you leave the studio. Keep the bandage on for the length of time recommended by your artist (usually between 2–4 hours, or sometimes overnight if using specialized bandages like second-skin dressings). Wash Your Hands First Before touching your new tattoo (or removing the bandage), thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water to avoid introducing bacteria to the wound. Gently Cleanse After removing the bandage, rinse your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Be gentle—do not scrub or use a washcloth; just use your fingertips to cleanse away any excess ink, blood, or plasma. Pat Dry Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or let it air-dry. Avoid using a towel or cloth that might harbor bacteria or lint. Apply a Thin Layer of Ointment Once clean and dry, apply a thin layer of your artist-recommended tattoo ointment or a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer. Avoid heavy or scented lotions, as these can irritate the tattoo. Days 2–3: Initial Healing Wash Gently, Twice a Day Continue washing your tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water in the morning and before bed. If the tattoo gets dirty or sweaty during the day, you can wash it gently in between these times as well. Apply Ointment or Moisturizer After each wash, pat dry and apply a thin layer of recommended ointment or a fragrance-free lotion. Do not over-apply—too much product can suffocate the tattoo and impede healing. Avoid Soaking and Swimming Do not soak the tattoo in water (no baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas). Brief showers are fine as long as you do not allow the tattoo to sit under running water for too long. Wear Loose Clothing Tight clothing can rub against the tattoo, causing irritation or scabbing issues. Opt for breathable, loose-fitting clothes to allow airflow and prevent friction. Days 4–5: Peeling and Itching Expect Peeling Around day 3 to 5, you might notice light peeling or flaking—this is normal. The skin often peels similarly to a sunburn. Never pick at the flakes or scabs; let them fall off naturally to avoid pulling out ink or causing scarring. Itching It’s common for the tattoo to itch during this stage. Resist the urge to scratch—scratching can introduce bacteria and disrupt healing. If the itching is bothersome, gently tap the area or apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe it. Wash, Dry, and Moisturize Maintain your routine of gently washing, patting dry, and moisturizing with your recommended product or a gentle lotion. Continue to wash it at least twice a day or anytime it feels dirty. Days 6–7: Ongoing Healing and Care Inspect the Tattoo Check for any signs of infection, such as redness that spreads, unusual swelling, warmth, or pus. If you notice any of these signs or experience severe pain, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Continue to Keep It Clean Keep up the gentle wash-and-moisturize routine. By now, the peeling should be slowing down, but you may still have small flakes or dryness. Stay Out of Direct Sunlight UV rays can interfere with healing and fade the ink. If you must be outside, keep the tattoo covered or in the shade. Do not apply sunscreen on a fresh tattoo until it’s fully healed (usually 2–4 weeks). Be Patient A tattoo typically takes at least 2–4 weeks to fully heal, sometimes longer depending on individual factors and tattoo size. Even after the first week, proper care should continue until all peeling, flaking, or scabbing is gone. General Tips and Considerations Listen to Your Body: If the area becomes excessively painful, red, or swollen, or if you notice any fluid that looks like pus, seek professional advice. Stay Hydrated: Good overall health supports healing. Drink enough water and maintain a balanced diet. Avoid Harsh Products: This includes alcohol-based products, strong exfoliants, or perfumed lotions on the area. Follow Artist’s Specific Instructions: They know their style of tattooing best and may tailor instructions for your tattoo’s size, placement, and inks used. Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes and does not replace the specific advice given by your tattoo artist or a licensed medical professional. Individual experiences vary, and if you have any concerns or signs of infection, seek medical attention promptly.

AJ will generally offer free touch up for his own artwork. Tattoos can have slight changes through the healing process and can easily be touched up with a minimal session. However, if a client has taken proper of their tattoo afterwards, and the pieces shows major issues due to improper care, AJ may charge for a session to fix these issues. It is imperative that you take care of your tattoo and follow AJ's instructions for the first 7 days after your tattoo.

Yes . . . with some caveats. Due to the nature of how AJ handles merch, he creates one off pieces every time a person orders. This limit's his need to hold stock but also limits the impact to the environment. That being said, if you receive an item that is damaged or faulty, this can receive a full refund or exchange. Please email AJ directly at AJPTattoos@gmail.com if you receive a faulty or damaged item. Additionally, you may receive a refund if you receive the wrong item, or you receive the wrong size from what you ordered. Again Please email AJ directly at AJPTattoos@gmail.com if this happens. However, if you receive the order you submitted and your order arrives correct, with no damage or issues. You are not eligible for a refund or exchange.

Please email AJ directly at AJPTattoos@gmail.com if this happens. This is usually due to either an error with the printers or shipping company and can be fixed. However, if this occurred because the wrong address was input, you will likely need to purchase a new item.

Unfortunately, due to branding laws, all merch must be designed by AJ. For example, he cannot sell T-shirts with images associated with a company that uses balls to collect 'em all. Additionally, AJ, generally does not do custom merch. However, if you have an idea or partnership that you're linking of, please email AJ directly at AJPTattoos@gmail.com and he'll reach back out if it's something he's interested in.

Generally speaking merch is sold as single pieces. However, if you have need for a bulk order and would like to discuss what this would look like, please email AJ directly at AJPTattoos@gmail.com.