Frequently Asked Questions
How do you source your bugs?
I source my specimens from online retailers, usually on Etsy. Eventually I'd like to own a plot of land large enough to have my own bug farm, so that I know my specimens are sustainable and that they get to live their full life spans.
How do you preserve your bugs?
I don't do anything special to preserve my bugs-- because of their exoskeletons they don't rot like other animals. When it comes to very large bodied moths/butterflies I take their abdomens off and stuff them, then once everything is dried I like to soak them in acetone for 24-48 hours to degrease them. This helps their wings stay pretty and colorful for longer.
How do you ship your products?
With stickers and prints, I use either normal envelopes or padded envelopes.
I try to use a double box shipping method for extra fragile items-- basically, I have my item packaged VERY securely in the first box, then put that first box into a second box filled with packing foam or padding to absorb any shock from the handling process.
How long have you been tattooing?
I had a brief stint with tattooing from 2022-2024. I took a 6 month break during that time, so I really only had 1.5 years of experience-- but I didn't finish a proper apprenticeship. Now, I'm starting from scratch and redoing my apprenticeship starting April 2026.
Why did you stop tattooing?
Personal reasons. That, and a tattoo that I messed up on got posted in some Facebook groups and I was so deeply ashamed I needed to step away for a while. Though I still feel horrible about the quality of that past tattoo, I do think it's important to acknowledge for the sake of my own growth as an artist and a person. I refuse to let it keep holding me back.
What style do you tattoo?
I want to prioritize tattoing in a semi-realistic/illustrative style. Most of my pieces are going to focus heavily on animals and flowers, as that's what I'm most interested in right now! Life and death, overgrown scenery... Maybe some dark, gothic visuals throughout.
How long is your apprenticeship?
My mentor and I are hoping that I will be finished with my apprenticeship by the Spring of 2027. I'm hoping to be working in real skin again by October 2026.
How do I pay for your workshops?
I prefer Venmo for all payments at this time-- or cash! Though I do also offer tickets via eventbrite, they do require an extra fee for processing so I don't recommend it. I keep it as an option because I understand that sending a stranger money on venmo can seem a little sketchy if you haven't actually met me or been to one of my classes!
Do all of your events have a set lesson/guidance throughout?
Not all of them-- some of the more affordable or free events are simply art hangouts where I provide some food and try to bring people together to share their passion about art. The events that I have priced around $12 and up will have some sort of set lesson or guidance throughout!
Do you actually have teaching qualifications?
Nope! Not at this point! Teaching is still pretty new for me and is a way for me to further cement my own artistic knowledge while trying to encourage others from the community to get into the arts in an affordable way. I'd like to go to art school and see how art teachers work their classes, but at this time I just can't afford something like that.
Do you book for private events?
I haven't booked any private events yet, but I'm absolutely willing to for my guided paint nights. I can provide all the art supplies if you can provide the space-- or for an additional fee, I can figure out the space for you! Same goes with snacks and beverages-- we can keep it simple or get things a little classier for an additional price. I think this would be a super fun event for a more relaxed bachelorette party activity, birthday party activity, or just a fun family reunion activity. Please contact me and we can work out the details.
Do you sell your paintings/artworks?
Yes I do! I currently list my art on Ebay and Etsy. On Ebay, you can find original pieces I've created-- on Etsy you can find stickers and prints.
How long are your lessons?
I try to keep most of my lessons around 2-3 hours long. Some of my events are longer than that because they include other activities!
Why did you start doing lessons?
Outside of having bills to pay and being violently passionate about art... I really want to encourage others to explore the arts, especially now that we live in a world of instant gratification via AI. I think the arts bring others together and help build community, feelings of purpose, and self satisfaction. Creating something with smiling faces all around feels so good, we all deserve to experience that feeling.