Tattoos

How Do I Book an Appointment?

About The Crafty Queer

The Crafty Queer is a trans and queer licensed tattoo artist operating out of upstate New York. Currently a resident artist at Radiant Body Art—a queer-affirming, body-positive tattoo shop in Troy, NY—Alister (they/it) specializes in black and gray fine line tattooing on all skin and body types. They have extensive experience tattooing fat folks, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Their goal is to provide a safe, trauma-informed, and affirming tattoo experience for all bodies.

Tattoo Style & Pricing

Alister’s favorite subjects to tattoo include nature and queer culture, but they accept custom requests that align with their artistic style and expertise. Religious or cultural symbols are not accepted.

    • Flash – Available flash designs with pricing are listed at the bottom of each page of my Flash Book. Designs are to scale on 9 x 12 inch paper.

    • Custom Tattoos - $100 per hour

    • Sliding Scale Rates – Available for BIPOC. Quotes provided once booking form is processed.

    • Color Tests – Free for BIPOC; $75 standalone / $30 add-on for non-BIPOC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Expect for My First Tattoo?

Check out this guide for a step-by-step breakdown of the tattoo process, including aftercare recommendations.

Where Is the Studio & What Are the Accessibility Details?

Radiant Body Art is located at 469 Fulton Street, Downtown Troy with street parking available. Here is short video of Alister's station.

    • Entry: 2-inch step to access the first-floor studio.

    • Bathroom: Not wheelchair accessible.

    • Tattoo Equipment Capacity: 500–800 lbs, depending on seating preferences.

    • Masking: Alister always wears a mask. Full shop masking (KN95) is available upon request. There will be a checkbox to specify when you book your appointment.

    • Accommodations: Fidgets, snacks, water, and KN95 masks are provided.

Are there any COVID precautions in place?

    • Clients are required to be vaccinated in order to receive services.
    • Your artist, Alister, will always wear a KN95 mask during your tattoo session.
    • When booking, you will have the option to request that the entire shop, including visitors, wear masks during your appointment. 
    • KN95 masks and hand sanitizer are supplied by the studio free of cost.

Can I Have a Consultation Before Booking?

Consultations are optional and free. During your virtual or in-person consult, we’ll cover:

    • Your Tattoo Idea (Bring reference images or inspiration)

    • Artist Input (Sizing, design, and placement recommendations)

    • Pricing & Time Estimates

    • Aftercare Advice

    • Questions & Concerns

What Should I Bring to My Appointment?

    • Hydrating beverage (preferably with electrolytes).

    • Protein-rich snack, orange juice, or candy for blood sugar maintenance.

    • Headphones if you prefer to listen to music or a podcast during your session.

    • Snacks, candy, water, and masks are provided by the studio.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

    • Cash, Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, major credit cards, and tap-to-pay are all accepted.

Can I Bring a Friend for Support?

Yes! You may bring one or two emotional support friends. They can wait in the waiting area or accompany you during the session. 

What Should I Wear? Will I Have Privacy?

    • Wear black comfy clothes or anything you don’t mind getting ink on. This video might also be helpful if you're unsure about awkward placements.

    • The studio is an open workspace with curtains available for privacy.

    • Pasties provided upon request.

How Can I Manage Tattoo Pain?

    • You can break up a tattoo into multiple sessions if needed.

    • Sessions allow ample time for breaks—just ask!

    • Numbing Options:

      • Recovery Remedy Numbing Spray or Bactine: Applied after the outline to reduce stinging and swelling.

      • Numbing cream: Must be applied 1-2 hours before the session (Patch test and consult with your artist is required, if using numbing cream).

    • Pain management tips:

      • Breath control, hydration, and nutrition.

      • Distractions like using your phone, watching videos, or headphones. Alister is also happy to chat with you if it’s a helpful. 

What If I Need Additional Accommodations?

    • We provide fidgets, snacks, blankets, breaks, water, and KN95 masks—just ask!

    • If you have sensory sensitivities, need a quieter environment, or need a silent appointment, let us know.

    • Please include any accessibility needs in your Tattoo Booking Form so I can best support you.

How Can I Stay Connected?

See more of Alister’s work check out their Instagram. 

Have recommendations, questions, or feedback? Let us know!

 

     

 

              

          

*The Crafty Queer maintains their annual Bloodborne Pathogens Certification Course through the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Scan QR code below to verify certificate authenticity.  They have also completed coursework in trauma-informed tattoo practices, tattooing melanated skin, as well as first aid and CPR.

 

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