Frequently Asked Questions

No. Karl works by appointment only out of Oly Anger Tattoo in Montreal. Every piece is designed from scratch, which requires a consultation, design time, and scheduled session blocks.

Start by submitting a consultation inquiry on the Contact page. Include your idea, preferred placement, approximate size, and any reference images. Karl reviews every submission personally.

Karl's calendar typically fills 4-8 weeks out. For large-scale projects like sleeves and backpieces, the timeline may be longer. Plan ahead.

Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your appointment and begin the custom design process. The deposit is applied directly toward your total session cost.

A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required for rescheduling. No-shows and last-minute cancellations forfeit the deposit.

Pricing is based on the scope: size, complexity, placement, and sessions. Smaller custom pieces start in the several-hundred-dollar range, while large-scale work represents a more significant investment across multiple sessions. Karl provides transparent quotes after consultation.

Karl uses a combination depending on the project. Smaller pieces are typically flat rates. Larger multi-session projects use a session rate. The best approach for your project is discussed during consultation.

Because they take more time, more skill, and more creative investment. A custom tattoo is designed once, for one person, factoring in anatomy, placement, style, and vision.

For large-scale, multi-session projects, the cost is naturally spread across sessions. Each session is paid individually, making major work accessible without the full investment upfront.

Eat a full meal within 2 hours, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for 24 hours, moisturize the area beforehand, wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the placement area, and bring entertainment for longer sessions.

Small to medium pieces: 2-4 hours. Large-scale traditional and Japanese work (sleeves, backpieces): 4-6 hours per session across multiple appointments.

Yes. But pain tolerance varies between individuals and body areas. Most describe it as manageable, steady discomfort. Bony areas are more intense; fleshy areas are more comfortable.

Karl provides detailed aftercare instructions after every session. General guidelines: keep bandage on as directed, wash gently with unscented soap, apply thin layer of recommended ointment, avoid soaking for 2-3 weeks, stay out of direct sunlight, don't pick peeling skin.

Surface healing: 2-3 weeks. Full recovery: 4-6 weeks. Follow aftercare instructions closely - healing quality directly affects the finished tattoo.

Yes. Karl stands behind every piece. Touch-ups are typically scheduled 6-8 weeks after the initial session, once fully healed.

Irezumi is traditional Japanese tattooing - large-scale compositions featuring dragons, koi, phoenixes, tigers, cherry blossoms, and waves. It's characterized by flow with body anatomy, balance between foreground and background, and centuries of artistic tradition.

A full sleeve (wrist to shoulder) with complete background typically requires 5-8 sessions of 4-6 hours each, spread over several months.

American Traditional - bold black outlines, saturated color palette, iconic imagery (eagles, anchors, daggers, roses, pin-ups). Founded by Sailor Jerry, Bert Grimm, Cap Coleman. Despite apparent simplicity, it demands exceptional technical skill.

Karl works within both traditions with deep respect for each. Hybrid pieces are possible in certain contexts, but he'll always be honest about whether a combination serves the work. The consultation is the right place to discuss this.

No. Karl specializes in Traditional Western and Japanese Irezumi exclusively. Specialization isn't a limitation - it's a commitment to doing two things at the highest level.