Health Protocols and Booking Info

UPDATED July 23, 2025

At AWP health protocols prioritizing the well-being of our clients and artist always comes first. Public Health is central to tattooing. This studio is clean, Carol Ann!

Our health guidelines are straightforward and common sense:

If you are – or have been – feeling unwell – or if you’re in contact with anyone feeling unwell – do not come to the studio. Awen wants to remain healthy in order to avoid scheduling delays. If we notice any symptoms during your time in the studio we will cancel your appointment and send you home. That would be awkward. Nobody wants awkward. Just let us know proactively, ok?

We offer remote ZOOM design consultations – to provide accessibility for clients traveling in for their new ink and to reduce traffic inside the studio. Consults can be booked online through a link provided by Awen. Submit a booking inquiry.

Clients are expected to wear clean clothes to your appointment. Whether you’re coming from home, school, fieldwork in the Northwoods or your camping trip, help us keep the studio, the client chair, and the tattoo environment clean – for yourself and everyone else.

When you arrive for your appointment, simply scan the QR code on the counter with your phone and set out your photo ID to begin the check in process.

Complimentary masks are available and Awen is more than happy to mask up for your appointment. No judgement – just ask! If your tattoo is on your chest, torso or neck, Awen will mask and may ask you to as well due to being face to face for several hours. We completely support freedom of choice and bodily autonomy. If you choose not to wear a mask when asked, no problem – we respect that and we will choose to reschedule your appointment.

Ventilation is key to interrupting the cycle of transmission for airborne illnesses. Fresh air is consistently cycled into the studio and then filtered with HEPA filtration. In cool weather we adjust heating, but the studio runs cool. Bring a zip up hoodie to keep one arm covered while the other gets tattooed, or wear it backwards to keep both arms and your front warm while getting a back tattoo – or hey, it’s makes for a nice woobie. Who doesn’t love a woobie.

While we’re on the topic of comfort – You’re welcome to bring earbuds to transport you to your happy place while getting inked. We provide complimentary internet so you can stream to your hearts content.

IMPORTANT: As we’ve all experienced, things like illness, injury and family emergencies come up at the last minute, so be sure to check your email and /or Square messages before coming in for your appointment just in case there are last minute changes to the appointment. In the event rescheduling is necessary, we’ll email you as early as possible. Obviously unexpected things are – well, unexpected. Thank you for being understanding.

REMEMBER: A fresh tattoo requires energy from your immune system to heal, and your immune system requires resilience to fight exposure to illness, so it’s necessary to be healthy when getting tattooed, to follow the aftercare instructions and to make good choices during the first few days of healing following the tattoo. If you’re camping, plan the tattoo for the end of your trip.

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH INFO:

ALL studio hours, appointments, booking timelines and protocols are subject to change. If you have an appointment, be sure to check your email and /or Square Messages for updates prior to traveling to the studio.
Awen is certified in Prevention of Disease Transmission in Tattooing through the Alliance of Professional Tattooists and is re-certified annually.
Single service disposable set ups are provided for each and every client. Each item used during your tattoo appointment – from needles to pigment to ink caps – are discarded at the end of each appointment.
Hand washing and hand sanitizer are available to clients throughout the duration of your appointment.
Awen will postpone appointments if he feels unwell. Thank you in advance for your understanding if we need to reschedule. Be sure to check your email for appointment updates prior to traveling to the studio.
Awen is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Awen is a card carrying Professional Members of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists.

Two things we’ve learned over the last several years is the only constant in life is change, and that while we each experience life uniquely, we are all also ultimately interdependent. We’re big fans of science here. If you’re uncomfortable with any of these protocols, feel free to respectfully inquire for clarification and/or to postpone/reschedule your appointment. Questions? Just ask.

Be Well, Keep the Courage and Stay Awesome!