ABOUT
Brandon Schultheis (pronounced 'shul-tice') has been professionally tattooing since the fall of 2006. Due to the amount of clientele I've built up of over the past decade, I work in a private setting at BlackSails Studio by appointment only, and only take on new projects when time allows. Please email me with ideas for your tattoo project, and if it's a good fit for me, I maintain a waiting list for potential future clients.
I am currently accepting inquires for new clients or projects at this time. So if you're interested in discussing your project for the future and getting on my waiting list, please see the contact page. Depending on what type of project you're looking to do, the wait time could vary. Please visit the FAQ page for the appointment booking process. I'm very fortunate to have such great clients and I appreciate the desire to get work done by me. As you'll see in my portfolio, I specialize in Illustrative New School and Bio-Mechanical tattooing; projects like these are the ones that I will almost always take on. I prefer working with color, but I'm still open to black and gray work if it's more appropriate for that piece.
After playing Division 1 lacrosse for 4 years, I graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design in May 2006. It was only after graduating that I was given the chance to pursue a medium that had been a fascination of mine for years. Tattooing for over 17 years now, I've developed a personal style that I'm passionate about.
TATTOOS
A collection of my favorite work
ARTWORK
Various mediums outside of tattooing
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN CAN I GET TATTOOED?
I usually have a rolling waiting list of around 6-8 months for new clients and projects. So if you're interested in a project in the styles that you see in my portfolio (New School, Illustrative & Bio-mechanical) for the future and getting on my waiting list, please see the contact page. The wait time will vary based on what type of project you're looking for. Clients with in-progress projects will always get priority appointments. I've recently cut down on my workload in order to devote even more time to each individual project, which might mean a longer wait for new clients. Unfortunately there is no exact science to this process, sometimes these projects take longer than expected and require more sessions, so that cuts down on availability to take on new clients. I appreciate your patience- I know the level of excitement when you're looking to get a new tattoo.
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
I tattoo in my private studio by appointment only, so please email me with your ideas for your tattoo. See the contact page for info to include in your inquiry. If it's a good fit for my style and schedule, we can then move into the next phase of the process. Most consultations are handled via email these days, although for some large-scale projects I prefer to meet with the client in person if possible. Please keep in mind that I can only take on projects in my preferred styles of tattoo work- but I can happily recommend other tattooers that would specialize in the style of project you're looking for if I'm not the best fit for your tattoo.
HOW DO YOU CHARGE?
Most of what I do are large-scale, multiple session tattoo projects. I charge an hourly rate or full day rate for these tattoos, this way neither I or the client get locked into a predetermined price which is no longer accurate by the end of the tattoo process. The amount of time a tattoo can take varies on a lot of things. These factors include how large the area is, detail involved, color vs. black and gray, healing, length of sessions, pain tolerance, etc. Payment is due at the end of each session for the amount of time that is completed that day.
Large tattoos like the ones in my portfolio can take anywhere from 20-40+ hours. Getting big, quality tattoos is a tremendous commitment from both myself and the client. Please account for this when starting a large project, as it will require a lot of time, money and effort.
A cash, Venmo or Zelle deposit is required to book any appointments. This is taken when I book the initial appointment and this deposit gets carried through the entire tattoo process and is applied to the last session of the project. This ensures the client shows up to each session and any no-shows, cancellations or rescheduling within 48-hours of the appointment time forfeits your deposit. If you reschedule the same appointment more than twice a new deposit may be required. Deposits are not transferable to another person, and all deposits are non-refundable.
CAN I SEE THE DESIGN BEFORE MY APPPOINTMENT?
Unfortunately no. I prepare all my designs the night before or morning of the actual tattoo appointment. Sometimes they are partially or completely freehanded on the skin. I don't send any artwork out ahead of time. When the client comes in for their appointment we go over the artwork, size, details, color choices etc. and make any adjustments if necessary. No one is pressured into getting something they don't love. The more creative freedom I'm given with the project the better the tattoo will come out.
AFTERCARE INSTUCTIONS
Always wash your hands before cleaning/touching a fresh tattoo! Remove the bandage in one hour. Gently wash the tattoo with your hands in a circular motion using Dial anti-bacterial soap and warm water. Rinse the tattoo well. Pat the tattoo dry with a paper towel. Allow the skin to air dry for at least 30 minutes. Then re-wrap the tattoo with a new piece of plastic cling wrap. You will be doing this 3 times a day, for the first 3-4 days. Around day 3/4 is when the tattoo usually starts to flake or peel. This is normal, don't pick at the skin or peel the skin prematurely. Discontinue the cling wrap and begin using a fragrance-free hand lotion several times a day for about 10-14 days.
You want to avoid any direct exposure to the sun while your tattoo is healing for at least 14 days. Also, you should never submerge your new tattoo under water (baths, hot tubs, pools, ocean)- showers are fine to clean the area. Your tattoo is an open wound and should be treated as one, so avoid any dirty environments (gyms, dusty worksites, pet hair, etc) or unnecessary stress to the area.
After the tattoo is healed, it's a good idea to apply a high SPF sunblock to the area when exposed to sun to keep the skin healthy and prevent the tattoo from fading.
CONTACT
I work by appointment only in a private studio setting, and email is the only method of contact.
For tattoo appointment inquiries, please include the following information in your email:
• Theme/Style
• General Size & Placement
• Photos of area to be tattooed (clear & straight-on)
• Examples and references of pieces you like
• Timeframe of when you'd like to get tattooed
• Budget if applicable
BlackSails Studio
22 Main Street
Sayville, Long Island