I’m Allison (she/they) ~ a licensed tattoo artist based on unceded Chinook land (Portland, Oregon). My work is an expression of my love for all things botanical.
Flowers move me most of all. Flowers connect us to memory, to celebration, to loved ones, to ourselves, and to our place in the natural world. It's an honor to learn from the plants I draw, and even more of an honor to learn from the clients who share their connections to plants with me. Together we get to make the ephemeral permanent, for as long as we are.
My hope is to provide an experience that’s as grounding and accessible as possible for both of us. Tattooing is such a special craft, and I’m so grateful to always be learning and growing through it with you.
“But all my life—so far—I have loved best how the flowers rise and open, how the pink lungs of their bodies enter the fire of the world And stand there shining and willing—”
Mary Oliver, House of Light
Flash designs are available to book at the button below! Newsletter subscribers always get the first opportunity to claim new flash. You can find placement inspiration on a highlight on Instagram if you’re looking for ideas.
Custom books are currently closed and will open again only via newsletter. Be sure to subscribe if you have a special project in mind!
Thanks so much for your interest ~ I hope to work with you soon!
Florist Tattoo is a private, appointment-only studio located in NE Portland. All bodies, skin tones, genders, orientations, and disabilities are welcome! This space is a sanctuary for me as a neurodivergent, chronically ill person ~ and I hope it will feel that way for you, too.
~ I will respect your pronouns and chosen name.
~ I won’t comment on your body or weight.
~ I will only discuss physical traits if needed for the specific tattoo (ex. working around moles or how long a scar has been healed).
~ I will only ask about accessibility needs shared in your consent form within the context of the tattooing process.
~ I will never ask about your work unless you choose to share.
You can find more specific information in the menu below. What’s accessible and safe varies for each person ~ please email me if you have any questions.
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General: There will only be one artist working at a time. I do my best to check in often throughout the process, and you’re always welcome to ask questions or take a break. If at any point you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed you can pause or stop the appointment. Your comfort and safety are the top priority! I have a heating pad available or you’re welcome to bring your own. I also have herbal sparkling water, tea, vegan blood sugar gummies, candy, and Lara bars to keep up your energy. You’re welcome to bring a snack or covered drink, too. The studio is inside shoes or socks only - feel free to bring your fav slippers!
Visual: The studio has privacy film on the front and back windows. The overhead and peripheral lighting is soft and warm, but a bright working light is required for the tattooing process. You’re welcome to wear sunglasses / eye-coverings.
Auditory: I play mostly instrumental / ambient music and am always happy to adjust the volume. My machine is on the quieter side but still makes some noise. You’re welcome to wear noise-canceling headphones during your appointment and / or ask for an appointment without chatting! If you have concerns about masks making communication difficult / impossible, please reach out so we can discuss a plan!
Scent: I ask that you don’t wear heavy fragrance. I use an essential oil diffuser and burn therapeutic smokeless incense and beeswax candles (the colored ones included). If you have any sensitivities to scents please let me know in advance. I’m happy to not diffuse / burn anything, though there will always be the smell of cleaners to eliminate blood-borne pathogens.Allergies: If you have any topical allergies or sensitivities please let me know in advance!
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The massage table is 30”x73”, on the more cushioned side, and has a max working weight of 750 lbs. Unfortunately manufacturers couldn’t provide max weight capacities for either the lounge chair in the waiting area or the side chair in the tattooing area (only occasionally used for clients) - but both seem sturdy. The lounge chair has arms and a width of 28.75” and the side chair is 21.7” without arms. There is also a sturdy 48” long wooden bench in the waiting area without arms (custom made, so unfortunately no stated weight capacity). The step stool for assistance onto the massage table has a stated weight capacity of 500lbs. If you have any concerns on furniture please let me know!
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The restrooms are located a short distance outside of the studio. They are ADA compliant, gender neutral single person restrooms.
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The studio is ground level, including the door (no steps or stairs). Everything is built in compliance with ADA standards with 36” wide doorways and a 34” height sink. The floor plan is open and should be able to accommodate mobility devices. There’s a step stool to help with maneuvering onto the massage table, and I’m also happy to assist if you need additional stability. If you need to stay in a wheelchair or remain sitting please let me know in advance - I’m happy to work with you to figure out comfortable solutions. The restroom is located outside of the studio a couple doors down and is also built to ADA standards. The doors to the studio and bathrooms may be heavy - I’m happy to assist! Unfortunately, parking is only available via street parking, and it may be necessary for you to traverse streets and sidewalks to approach the location.
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All clients are required to provide proof of vaccination and to wear well-fitting masks. I always wear a KN95 and am vaccinated - including the most recent booster (fall ‘23). The ceiling is 12-20’ providing additional air space, and an air purifier will also be running. My hands are washed repeatedly throughout the process. If either of us are showing any signs of communicable illness (not exclusively Covid) the appointment will not proceed. If you’re feeling unwell please cancel with as much notice as possible.
Please visit Instagram for the most recent work and image descriptions.
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I’m a machine tattooer, and my tattoos are made with dotwork (dot by dot), pepper-shading, or some combination of both. I aspire to make tattoos that feel in conversation with your body, flowing with you and letting your skin show through negative space and airy textures. I tattoo in black and grey only.
Flowers and plants are my favorite and forever inspiration. Most of my tattoos are drawn by referencing photos I’ve taken. I always feel closer to understanding a plant’s form and spirit when I’ve observed it out in the world. I look for and grow plants especially for this!
I’m also really inspired by antique textiles (embroidery, tapestries, lace), and would love to do more in this realm. I’d also love to explore fantasy book / mythology inspired projects in my style. Imagine magical tattoos for elves and fae… -
About 2+ years total as of writing this (early 2024). After getting tattooed often and dreaming of it for years, I started officially learning and got my license in 2019. 2020-2021 was a health break, and I pined for tattooing until coming back in 2022. Grateful to always be learning and growing!
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I’m not taking on cover-ups of existing tattoos as the style of my work isn’t well-suited to this.
I can tattoo over scars that have been healed for at least two years. I’m still building skill in this realm, but it’s something I’m happy to do if you’re comfortable with that. I have surgical scars and know how powerful it can be to change your relationship with the marks on your body and the stories behind them. It’s an honor to be trusted with work of this nature.
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Flash designs are shared first through my newsletter so that subscribers always have the first chance to claim and can stay up to date on new offerings and thoughts beyond social media. If I have flash available it lives here ~ and you can often find placement ideas on a highlight on Instagram.
Customs open only via newsletter. I accept limited custom appointments when I have availability and our ideas align. I’m most likely to take on projects of a botanical nature. Eager to do more sprawling, airy, large-scale work!
I typically book appointments only for the next 6-8 weeks. If you're traveling or have other time related circumstances please note it in your booking form or send me an email. I’ll accommodate if I’m able, the more notice the better!
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Flash typically ranges from around $200-600 depending on size and complexity.
Customs will also be priced by piece (just a bit higher than flash since they’re especially for you). If you’re interested in a bigger, multi-session project I’m happy to discuss your budget and set a day rate so you know what to plan for.
A nonrefundable deposit of $60 for flash or $100 for customs is required via Venmo or Paypal to secure your appointment time. This will be deducted from the total cost of your tattoo.
Payment is due at the time of your appointment. Card and cash are both acceptable but please know I can’t make change.Tipping is customary and always appreciated but not required. While I appreciate the thought of gifts please only tip with cash or card if you’re inclined, thank you!
I have a limited number of sliding scale appointments available for folks who have melanated skin, are chronically ill / disabled, and / or are trans. There’s a box to select on the booking form if this is something you’re interested in.
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Do:
Fill out your consent form in advance and include a copy of unexpired government issued ID and proof of vaccination - this is required to proceed with your appointment.
Wear a well fitting mask (KN95/N95 preferred). Masks are required.
Bring comfy socks or indoor shoes such as slippers - you'll be asked to leave your outside shoes by the door so we can keep things extra clean. :)
Wear loose-fitting clothes that allow access to the tattoo area and that you don’t mind potentially staining (just in case).
Get a good night of rest, stay hydrated, and eat a meal with protein prior to your appointment (if possible).
If you have blood sugar concerns please bring a snack. We also have vegan blood sugar gummies / candy if you need some!
Protect the area from sun prior to your appointment as I can’t tattoo sunburned skin.
Keep the area well moisturized leading up to your appointment. Don't worry about shaving - I've got that covered.
Arrive at the time of your appointment. I won't be ready prior. Your Calendly booking includes notes on some spots you can check out if you’re early. If you're running late please send me an email!
Don’t:
Don’t bring a friend unless you have a specific accessibility need we’ve discussed in advance.
Don’t wear heavy fragrance.
Don’t drink or use blood-thinning medication beginning the night before your appointment.
Don’t come to your appointment under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Don’t come to your appointment if you feel sick with any communicable illness or have had an exposure. Beyond my health, illness increases the risk of infection and poor healing with your new tattoo since the immune system is already burdened. Please cancel with as much notice as possible if you're feeling unwell.
Don’t show up more than 30 minutes late - your deposit will be lost and I may not be able to tattoo you.
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If you cancel within 48 hours, reschedule more than once, show up over 30 minutes late, or no-show your deposit will be lost and we may not be able to reschedule in the future.
Please cancel with as much notice as possible if you’re feeling sick with any communicable illness or have had an exposure. Beyond my health, illness increases the risk of infection and poor healing with your new tattoo since the immune system is already burdened.
On that note: very infrequently I may have to reschedule last minute due to chronic illness flare-ups. Rest assured I’ll feel really bummed and will do my best to reschedule you ASAP! Thanks for understanding.
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Leave the clear bandage on for 3 days. Remove in the shower with warm running water. After removing the bandage wash at least twice a day with warm water and unscented liquid soap. When the tattoo begins to feels dry (usually around 3 days) apply unscented lotion you’re familiar with (to avoid allergic reaction) with clean hands.
Having clean towels, bedding, and clothing is ideal. Wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid sleeping directly on your tattoo while in the early stages of healing. Avoid any activities that might expose your new tattoo to heavy sweat, sun, soaking in water, or potentially unsanitary conditions (like pets in the bed, as much as we love ‘em).
Your tattoo should be mostly healed around the two week mark, but refrain from soaking in water, prolonged sun exposure (wear high SPF!), or tanning for at least a month. If you have any questions during the healing process please email me!
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Touch-ups are free within 12 months after your tattoo to address any issues that might occur in the healing process. You may schedule a touch-up as soon as one month after your tattoo. Feel free to email about a touch-up even if books are closed.
