Booking FAQ (jim tran)

 

Books are currently closed

Please read below for information regarding getting a tattoo from me. If you require additional information, I can always be reached at my email: jimtran@9element.com. However, please be patient with receiving a reply (typically takes a few days up to a week).

 

Meaning of “Books Closed”

  • My schedule is fully booked and I am not taking on any new requests/projects at this time. NOTE: this is only for my fine line floral style. Any other requests, please email me directly.
 

When will books reopen?

Fine line floral - June, 2025

For all other styles, please email to get potentially get on my waitlist.

 

Choosing Projects

Due to the limited availability I have in my schedule, I cannot take on everyone’s tattoos. Tattoos are prioritized and chosen based on what I am artistically drawn to. If you are wondering if your project would be something I am interested in, I have listed some criteria:

  • Make sure it is a style that I do. My styles include: Asian/Japanese style, fine line floral, anime/gaming.
  • Depending on what style of mine you are choosing, please read the corresponding section below:

Asian/Japanese

  • Larger projects are normally chosen over smaller ones. I most likely will only accept pieces that are at minimum, a full sleeve.
  • Colour is preferred. Black and grey also has its place, but certain things I prefer colour. Depending on what you want, I will lean a certain way and let you know what I believe is better.
  • As much creative freedom as possible. I just need a general concept with one main theme/story. I believe this will make for the best design since the flow will be more natural and therefore better. If you ask me to shove 4 subjects on a sleeve and make things face certain ways, it will really hinder the creative thinking process as it limits me to a certain framework I have to abide by.

Fine Line Floral

  • Larger projects are normally chosen over smaller ones. However there are exceptions. There may be times which I feel like doing smaller floral pieces.
  • I freehand my designs (drawn directly on your skin). I don’t draw it prior for you to see, so you would have to be comfortable with that if you want this style from me. Drawing it directly on the skin allows the design to fit the body better and more natural.
  • As much creative freedom as possible. I just need a general concept. Example: Peony with cherry blossoms (a classic). Roses and baby breathes. Snake and chrysanthemums.
  • Not too many different flowers. I generally do not like doing many different flowers in one tattoo (no bouquets). I am all about composition and flow. Certain flowers do not harmonize well with others. They can clash, make things too busy, etc. I am not saying having many different flowers cannot be done well, I just might not be the artist for it.

Anime/Gaming

  • Open to size. In this category, I do not really have restrictions for size. However, I may not take on the more simpler ideas.
  • Colour is preferred. Black and grey also has its place, but certain things I prefer colour. Depending on what you want, I will lean a certain way and let you know what I believe is better.
  • As much creative freedom as possible. I just need a general concept.
  • I rather draw my own style but for certain things, I do not mind rendering my own version of a character (it must be from the actual designer, not another artist’s rendition of it).
 

I generally do not do…

  • scripts, and smaller simple tattoos. No quotes, no hearts, no symbols, no bird silhouettes etc.

  • cover ups. This is a case by case situation. Most of the time I will say no, but if it is easily coverable with the concept and design, I would have no problems with doing it. However, I do normally recommend laser removal to make things easier.

 

Pricing

  • Since every request and everyone’s body is different, the amount of time that goes in to each varies. Depending on what you are getting (what style, area, size, etc.), it may be priced by the hour or by the piece. But this will be quoted privately after your project is potentially accepted.

  • Just some cautionary advice; if you are really wondering how much it would cost and that it is a big factor, I may not be the artist you should be asking for. I would prioritize everything else first (such as my style, work I have done that you like, etc.) and have the cost as a last factor in wanting a tattoo from me.

  • I do believe in the prices I charge, but tattoos are a luxury and not priority. As much as I myself would spend my lifesavings on a tattoo, I would not recommend that to anyone else!

  • Having said all this, I still totally understand the need/curiosity to have a ballpark estimate to plan out your financials. You can send me an email and I will do my best to give you that rough quote (would greatly help if you mention you read my FAQ).

 

Booking Process

  • When my books are open, they will be open for 24 hours.

  • There will be an application you are required to fill out and sign.

  • You only need to submit 1 application. Even if you have multiple different tattoo ideas; just write them all on the form.

  • The application will be released a day early so that you can view it, prepare and have it ready for the next day.

  • To access the form, link will be given on here and on Instagram when I release it.

  • I suggest putting on “post notifications” on one of my Instagram’s so you are notified every time I make a post/story.

  • Afterwards, it will take me a bit of time to go through all the forms. I will be responding to every single person, whether I am accepting the project or not, so please be patient (maybe about a months time, depending on the volume of applications).