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STUDIO
DARUMA
projects.
Anchor 1
about.
STUDIO DARUMA
152 8th ave SW unit 3B
Largo,FL 33770
Custom Tattoos by Matt Sandoz
.appointment only.
706.207.6287
(text preferable)
sandoztattoo@gmail.com
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First off, thank you for showing interest in working together!
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A little about myself, my name is Matt Sandoz. I've been an artist my entire life, but did not transition into tattooing until my early 30's. I have degrees from both the University of Georgia and Savannah College of Art and Design in medical illustration and sequential art.
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Following graduate school, I completed a 3 year tattoo apprenticeship in Georgia before relocating to Florida in 2017.
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The years I have developed a love for Japanese subject matter. The classic motifs and stories have always captivated me and once I started tattooing these images, it has grown exponentially.
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I consider my style a blend of both traditional and noetraditional/illustrative tattooing done with both machine and/or tebori techniques. My passion is geared towards creating larger scale pieces that tell a story for my clients. That is why I have such a strong draw towards traditional Japanese. The mythology and characters all tell a story. From what they are, to how they're positioned, what they're paired with, even down to the color choices.
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My personal goal at the end of our journey together is to tell your story through the artwork. During our initial consultation we won't just talk about "what looks cool," but we dive in to what message are you trying to convey. Not to say you can't get a tattoo just for the look of it, but I like to see if there's anything deeper. Anything that stands out we can make that connection to your story, your beliefs, your goals, etc. From there its a collaborative approach to incorporate your design and interests.
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price.
I don't quote prices online or over the phone because there are many factors that go into the price of a tattoo. The best way to get a total price estimate is to fill out a form below or email and we can book a free consultation to go over everything in person. If you're coming from out of town, we can arrange a FaceTime call.
Currently all multiple session appointments are scheduled as half day or full day flat rates
Full Day
4+hrs
$900-$1100
Half Day
2-3hrs
$650
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One shot design prices, meaning tattoos that can be done in one session, will be discussed ahead of time and a rate will be determined relatively based on size and placement.
minimum $200
DEPOSITS
A $100 deposit will be required to setup any new project. This will go towards the final cost of your tattoo. All deposits are non-refundable. If you do not show up or completely cancel your appointment, you lose your deposit. Of course life happens, so if you need to reschedule, a 24hr notice is required to keep your deposit on file.
Deposits can be transferred to another date, but not refunded. If you cancel or don't show to your appointment you lose your deposit.
TEBORI
Lets get the obvious out the way...
Many people perceive tebori to be more painful compared to modern machines, but the opposite is actually true. Admittedly it is jarring to see for the first time when done properly, BUT hand poke work in the tebori style is much less painful and less traumatic to the skin than machines, allowing for a quicker heal time with less scabbing while leaving a much smoother ,saturated look as it ages in the skin.
The process of tebori creates a very relaxed meditative traditional process, and a true sense of an authentically hand made tattoo.
The Japanese tradition of hand poke tebori (meaning 'hand carve') is associated with the Japanese craft of woodblock carving. It is thought that many woodblock printmakers and carvers from the old Edo period were also tattoo artists in their spare time as the skill sets required for both overlap. Kuniyoshi being a prime example of a famous Edo era artist thought to have been a horishi.
Craftsmen of both tattooing and carving are called ‘Horishi’, or carvers. The word "Tebori" translating to ‘hand carve.'
Recently I have been fortunate enough to start implementing tebori work in some of my projects, both black and gray and color. It has opened a new passion for me within tattooing that I am very excited to expand on. If this is something you are interested in please mention in the form below.
contact.
booking.
After this form has been submitted, I will contact you to schedule a consultation/tattoo appointment. This form does not guarantee or lock in any appointment(s). Please expect a response within a weeks time.
about.
aftercare.
CONGRATS, YOU'RE DONE! Now what...
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I will wrap your tattoo with either plastic wrap or a bandage. Leave this wrapping on for at least 2-3 hours, and for a maximum of 5 hours unless otherwise stated.
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Remove your bandage and, with clean hands, wash your tattoo ​throughly with warm water and liquid antibacterial soap (I recommend Dr.Brauner's or Orange Dial hand soap). It's ok to wash your tattoo in the shower, just don't let the water beat on it. Make sure to wash away all of the plasma and ointment that may be on your tattoo. Pat it completely dry with a clean paper towel, making sure that there is no extra moisture on the tattoo. Do not dry your fresh tattoo with a bath towel, as they harbor bacteria.
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After your tattoo is completely dry, you may apply a very small amount (chapstick thin layer) of Auquaphor, A&D ointment, or other aftercare that we may have discussed. Rule of thumb, if your tattoo looks wet after 10 minutes of applying ointment, you've put too much. Pat dry the excess ointment with a clean paper towel.
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Repeat the process of washing it, patting it dry, and putting a thin layer of ointment on it for the first 2-3 days, 2-3 times a day. ​(Only if we discussed wrapping your tattoo rather than using ointment, you will follow the same steps of washing and drying, but instead of applying ointment, when tattoo is completely dry, apply clean plastic wrap to your tattoo sealing all edges) DO NOT USE OINTMENT AND WRAP TOGETHER
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For the first 3-4 days, technically your tattoo is an open wound and should be treated like such. Avoid public gym equipment or anything excessively dirty to the area if it can be avoided. Exercise or activity is fine, just avoid any excessive rubbing or chaffing against the tattoo and be sure to clean your tattoo immediately afterwards.
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After the first 3-4 days, your tattoo is no longer an open wound. You can stop the washing/ointment process. You may apply a small amount of unscented lotion to your tattoo if you feel like it is getting too uncomfortable, but it is best to keep it relatively dry for the first week. After the first week, you may use lotion as often as you like.
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Your tattoo will flake, itch, and possibly scab while healing. This is completely normal and is not cause for concern. Do not pick, scratch, or pull any scabs. Please avoid long and steamy hot showers, and do not soak your fresh tattoo for at least 2 weeks (no ocean, pool, hot tub, jacuzzi, bath, or large fun puddles). Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo. If your tattoo is fresh, keep it covered under clothing while out in the sun. Once it is healed, you can apply high SPF sunblock on your tattoo. The sun will age your tattoo very quickly if not cared for properly.
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Your tattoo should be fully healed in about a month. If you have any questions about aftercare, please do not hesitate to contact me!
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