Terms of Service

A non-refundable deposit of $100 USD is required to confirm any booking and to begin the design process. The deposit is applied toward the final price of your session. If you reschedule with at least 48 hours' notice, your deposit transfers to the new date.

Cancellations made within 48 hours of the session, no-shows, and reschedules made twice or more on the same booking forfeit the deposit.

Every quote is custom and confirmed in writing before the session is locked. Sova does not provide quotes by piece-rate or square-inch — pricing is based on the time, complexity, and materials a piece will require.

The price quoted is the price you pay. We do not add hidden fees. New York State sales tax does not apply to tattoo services as of the date of this policy.

New York City law requires you to be 18 years of age or older to be tattooed. You must present a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID) at the studio before the session begins. We cannot make exceptions.

You agree to disclose any medical conditions, medications, pregnancy, recent surgeries, or skin conditions that could affect the tattoo or your ability to heal. Sova reserves the right to refuse or postpone a session at her discretion if a health concern arises.

Showing up under the influence of alcohol or drugs will result in your session being cancelled and your deposit forfeited.

You will receive a printable aftercare guide at the end of your session and access to it on this website. Following the guide protects the work, the colour, and your skin.

Sova offers one complimentary touch-up within 12 months of your original session if it is needed due to natural healing variation. Touch-ups required because aftercare was not followed are billed at standard rates.

All custom designs Sova creates remain her intellectual property. You receive a personal, non-transferable, perpetual license to wear the design as a tattoo on your body. You may photograph and share your tattoo freely, including for personal social media, but the design itself may not be reproduced for commercial purposes (merchandise, prints, other tattooists) without written permission.

Sova retains the right to photograph the finished work for her own portfolio and social media. See the Privacy Policy for details.

The studio is a quiet, intimate workspace. We ask clients to:

• Arrive on time and ready (eaten, hydrated, sober).
• Bring no more than one companion, and only if pre-arranged.
• Keep phone calls and external noise outside the studio during the session.
• Treat Sova and any studio assistants with respect.

Sova reserves the right to end a session at her discretion if conditions in the studio become unsafe or disrespectful. The deposit and any time worked will be billed.

Tattooing carries inherent risks including but not limited to allergic reactions, infection, scarring, and emotional response to pain. By booking and proceeding with a session, you acknowledge these risks and release Sova and the studio from liability for outcomes that follow proper aftercare and industry-standard practice.

You will be asked to sign a separate consent form at the studio that details these risks more fully.

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, USA. Any dispute arising from a session or this agreement will be resolved in the courts of New York County.

We may update these terms from time to time. The current version always lives at this URL with a "Last updated" date at the top. Substantive changes will not be applied retroactively to bookings already confirmed.

Questions about these terms? Email tattoo.by.sova@gmail.com before booking.