Claim Your Blue Jay Tattoo

Your new tattoo creates an entry point for pathogens into your body. After removing the bandage, let your tattoo breathe while protecting it from bacteria and environmental factors. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the tattoo to deteriorate over time. Keep your tattoo out of the sun during the healing process, and continue to use sunscreen afterward to help maintain its appearance.

Once I receive your completed consultation form, I’ll send you either a booking link or a consultation link, depending on what’s needed. This link will allow you to schedule an appointment directly into my calendar or book a consultation if required. If a deposit is needed, I’ll also provide a link for that. The system will automatically send you reminders for your appointment and offer the option to cancel or reschedule if necessary.

After you submit your form, you’ll receive either a booking link or a consultation link, as determined by Leah. With a decade of tattooing experience, Leah can create your design based on the information you provide in the form. Additionally, there will be time set aside during your appointment for you to review the design and collaborate with Leah on any changes before the tattooing begins. This approach helps streamline the process and ensures you have the chance to meet with Leah in person. If you’d prefer to meet with Leah before your appointment, you can certainly arrange that by reaching out directly to Montana Tattoo Company.

You’ll see your tattoo design when you arrive at your appointment. Similar to a consultation with a hairstylist, this is the time to discuss any stylistic details and finalize specifics. If you’ve completed the consultation form thoroughly and clearly, Leah will have a good understanding of your preferences. Please make sure to fill out the form in detail to help minimize confusion and speed up the process. If you’d like to make changes to the design once you see it, that’s the perfect time to do so. If you prefer to review the artwork before your appointment, you can request this from Leah by paying an additional art fee.

Most artists prefer not to use numbing creams, as they can affect the skin in ways that make it difficult to work with. Numbing creams, especially those that need to be applied an hour or more before the appointment, can alter the skin’s texture and impact how well it holds ink, potentially affecting the healing process. Leah uses Bactine during the tattooing process, which contains 5% lidocaine—similar to the amount found in numbing creams. If you still wish to use numbing cream, please follow the instructions carefully and inform me at the time of your appointment. Keep in mind that no numbing product will make the tattooing process completely painless.

Generally, walk-in tattoos are not an option, as I am usually booked out a few months in advance. However, when cancellations occur, I use a waitlist to fill those spots. If you’d like to be added to the ‘walk-in waitlist,’ you can do so by

The best time of year to get a tattoo depends on various factors, including your location, activities, and work. It’s important to choose a time when you can ensure proper healing for your tattoo. Review the aftercare guidelines beforehand to make sure you can clean and protect your tattoo effectively. For instance, you’ll need to avoid pools, lakes, and rivers for about two weeks, so avoid scheduling your tattoo around vacation plans that involve swimming. Additionally, if you’ll be in the sun, be cautious not to get sunburned, as tattooing sunburned skin isn’t advisable. Consider how your job might affect the healing process as well.

Yes! Fill out an appointment form and include a photo of the tattoo you need covered up.

Make sure you get a good night’s rest and eat a healthy breakfast/lunch/dinner before coming to your appointment. If you are feeling sick please consider rescheduling your appointment. Not only for everyone’s health, but it really doesn’t feel good to get tattooed while you are sick.

Days 1-2: Your tattoo will be fresh and new. Keep the bandage on for the duration advised by your artist. After removing the bandage, it’s crucial to keep your tattoo clean and protected from the elements. Wash your tattoo 3-5 times a day, and apply a light layer of coconut oil a couple of times daily.

Days 3-7: This is the first healing stage. The new skin will be growing in and as the dead skin dries out, it will start itching. Do not itch your new tattoo! Some alternatives to help with itching are slapping the tattoo or using a cool compress. The itching should subside within 1-2 weeks. It is now ok to start using a light, unscented lotion or continue with coconut oil. 

Days 7-14: This is the second stage of the healing process. Your tattoo may continue to itch and flake. You will still need plenty of cleaning and lotion, but the risk of infection has greatly decreased. After two weeks, the tattoo should have its finished appearance. You will be free to return to a normal routine such as soaking and swimming, but it is recommended that you continue to lotion it and keep sunscreen on while in the sun.